State of Michigan AUDITOR GENERAL'S OFFICE Lansing June 18, 1864. Hon. I. P. Christiancy - Dear Sir: In 1854, I was under the oaks at Jackson, when & where the Republican Party was organized, & was one of the committee to report candidates for a State Ticket. Since then for 3/4th of the time I have been chairman an of Ingham Co. Republican Committee, & taken ^ active political part, never cutting a candidate, but working for the whole _ the maintenance of principle being since 1854, of more consequence than the Elevation of any particular man. But ^ I have taken but little part in the nomination of State officers. It has been a rule with me not to oppose the incumbent of this office for a second term, as I could not feel right in doing it while I held a clerkship in this office. But most rules have their exceptions. There were at least 8 men in this office better qualified for Auditor General than the present incumbent. to say nothing of hundreds outside. I [illegible in original] how to prevent his name being cut to pieces, & in the office, have have aided him to the could best of my ability & defended him outside where his conduct could be defended, and where it could not, I have remained silent. But I am fully satisfied that a just [illegible in original] to the best interests of the State, & the perpetuity of Republican principles & the Republican Party require me to oppose his re-nomination vigorously. 1. He has not the ability to cary on the office, without relying upon 1. He is not competent for the position. 2. Owing to his abuse & insolence, he cannot have the brains present which have given him all the success his ^ administration has achieved. The old Bookkeeper, disgusted with Anneke has found other not employment, & the able Deputy, Mr. Jones, will ^ stay another term, & but for the interposition of friends would not stay now 3. He is insolent, Egotistical, tyrannical, [aristocratic?] & dishonest. but is 4. He is not a reliable Republican; ^ a hater & abuser of Lincoln & every one of his Cabinet, & nearly all our State and National offices, both military & civil. 5. When a hyena can be thoroughly, tamed, then may Emil Anneke be thoroughly Americanized not before. 6. I have proof that Haichen & Anneke planned to remove nearly all the clerks in the office, & fill their places with has it the Mogul's minions, but ^ principally postponed ^ until a second term to save appearances. If I gave the proof, it would sacrifice a good German. 7. No reliance can be placed upon him now, his politics or his temper. He is extremely jealous as all tyrants are, & as changeable as April foe weather. His best friend of one day, is his implacable friend the next. 8. S.D. Bingham, his present [lickspittle?] informs me that Anneke says that immediately after the State Convention he will discharge every one in the office who has not aided in his than renomination. More ^ 3/4th of the clerks hate & despise him for the reasons I have given, & numerous others, but to save their bacon, will keep mum. But there will be no mistake in my case. My circum stances are limited, but manhood & Republican principles are worth more to me than a salary obtained by a knave & cringing to a knave & imbecile. Off Of the 6 German clerks in this office 2 ar were appon residents of Wisconsin when appointed, & one Lieut. Lockman of Canada. Col. Anneke his adjutant ^ were appointed last winter, having just been dishonorably discharged last from the been Union army. Since that time we have ^ obliged to listen daily to their abuse of our government in language worse than that ^ of the Copperhead Press. & the re-nomination of Anneke will fill this office with persons of like character. The Canadian is Otto [illegible in original] nephew of the Auditor a youth of 17 __ All these are men of some ability & more brass & have been determined to be our moral & political teachers. They are placed about the [illegible in original] office in such a position as to see & report Every movement of every clerk, & daily report their observation. I am daily reminded of France & Austria. Clerks are [dragoones?], & clerkships to any amount [illegible in original] to outsiders to help His Highness. [Puffs?] are written by the Auditor praising himself published in the German papers translated & then [illegible in original] the [illegible in original] & Tribune & other ^ are [hounded?] to republish them. I sent you a sample. The county press are required to notice Anneke, in many instances, before being designated for printing Tax Lists. Anneke is [2 words illegible in original] practices to gain a re-nomination & if successful, will I fear, cc so administrate this office, as to make Michigan a reproach & [illegible in original]. Since he became Auditor nearly all of the few German Republicans here hate him. If one differes from hin on a trivial matter he speaks of them as of every body else as fools, & if they [demur?] to such epithets, he calls them black hearted rascals. I think, from the best evidence I have, that the Germans who press Annekes nomination hardest are those who will vote against Lincoln. Where one poor man cannot obtain the delegates from Anneke, they should, if possible be given to some other worthy candidate, and thus when the tyrant & scamp is defeated, the best man can be nominated. Of O.N. Giddings I know but little, save that he has long been Treas- many years -sure of Kalamazoo county ^ & appears to be a good man. [illegible in original] Jones, the Dept. Aud. Gen. I have known 9 years His eminent ability, undoubted integrity, untiring industry & long experience would make him a model Auditor General. I do not suppose from your judicial position you will take an active part in this matter, but may do some good in a quiet manner. I am partially acquainted with M.D. Hamilton your [illegible in original]. Without regard to consequences to myself, you may use this letter as you deem judicious. Yours, Truly, D M Bagley..