From the New York Tribune, 7/2/1887, p. 2, c. 2

“REFORM” IN THE POST OFFICE DEPARTMENT.

WASHINGTON, July 1 (Special). – Postmaster General Vilas celebrated the last day of the fiscal year by directing that the salary of Miss Van Lew be reduced from $1,200 per annum to $720. It is understood that a lady not so well known will take the place and the salary of Miss Van Lew. It may be remembered that Miss Van Lew was a loyal woman who lived in Richmond through the war; that she concealed and fed Union soldiers who had escaped from Libby prison; that the information conveyed by her efforts to General Grant during the last twelve months of the war was invaluable; that when General Grant became President he gave Miss Van Lew charge of the post office at Richmond; that when she surrendered that office it was to accept a clerkship from which she is now to be degraded.

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