Letters Requesting Repairs to Chambers

Portion of letter written by Judge Parker. Transcript in text.

NPS

Judge Parker's chambers were in the former commissary building, less than 100 yards from the courthouse. On April 14, 1886 Parker wrote the Attorney General requesting that needed repairs be made to the chambers. The new building that he refers to is the federal courthouse that was completed in 1890.

Parker wrote the Attorney General again, later that same month, saying that the approved funds for the improvements did not cover all that he requested.

Below are transcripts of the two letters.

Fort Smith, Ark. April 14 1886

Hon A H Garland
Attorney General

Sir

I write asking that the Marshal of my district be authorized to make the following repairs on the rooms used by me as Chamber to wit repairing the plastering, white washing ceiling, painting walls of the two rooms, furnishing 6 window shades, painting one [ ] 6 windows, three doors two double doors mantle board and base of two rooms. This all to cost not exceeding $50.00. One carpet for our room to cost not exceeding $50.00 and one desk to cost not exceeding $50.00 Total $150.00. My chambers are in an (2nd page) Stone government building and one of the rooms is in very bad condition. So bad it cannot be occupied. The carpet on the floors is one which has been in use for eleven years. I had hoped to get on with these rooms until we could have a new building but that time is probably three years in the future and some repairs will have to be made or chambers will have to be rented. But I think it much cheaper to make these repairs. You will remember the government pays no rent here. Hoping that an order for these repairs will be at once made.

I remain truly yours & c
I c Parker Judge

Fort Smith, Ark. April 26, 1886

Hon. A H Garland
Attorney General

Sir
The letter of acting Attorney General _____ _____ by instructs N.N. file no 2657-1886 only gives permission to marshal to make certain improvements in my Chamber, while in my letter to you I asked for permission to the marshal to buy one desk not to cost exceeding $50.00 and carpet for same room not to cost exceeding $50.00. The desk, carpet, and improvements not to cost exceeding $150.00. Please give him authority to buy desk and carpet out of that amount you (2nd page) have named in your letter for improvements. I think express authority to him but before he makes the purchases to ____ all trouble in his account.
Truly yours
I c Parker
Judge