From the New York Tribune, 4/18/1877, p. 1, c. 4

RICHMOND AGITATED.
AND ALL ABOUT A POST-OFFICE – A DELEGATION A DAY TO SEE THE PRESIDENT.
[BY TELEGRAPH TO THE TRIBUNE.]

WASHINGTON, April 17. – Hardly a day passes during which the President does not receive a visit from a delegation from Richmond, Va. They call upon him in relation to making a change in the post-office in that city. The present incumbent is Miss Van Lew, who was twice appointed by Gen. Grant. The Republicans of Richmond seem to be much divided in regard to the wisdom of retaining her, and petitions signed with several hundreds, if not thousands, of names, some of them urging her retention and some her removal, have already been filed at the White House.

The Democrats of Richmond also favor a change in the post-office. The principal cause of complaint on their part seems to have been a letter which Miss Van Lew wrote, in which she expressed some unfavorable opinions concerning the general character of the people of Richmond. Some of the more conservative Democrats think that this should not be used against her. They say that there was nothing in the letter any more unjust or untrue than almost any politician says in his speeches on the stump during political campaigns, and that Miss Van Lew ought not to be removed for expressing sentiments in a letter which would not be considered sufficient cause for the removal of a politicians if he expressed them in a speech.

Among the names which have been suggested in case Miss Van Lew should be removed is that of a son of Gen. Wickham of Richmond. He is a Republican who enjoys the universal respect of the people of that city. His appointment would be approved by all classes except perhaps a few politicians. It is not understood that he has any political backing, nor is it known that he is a candidate for the place, but his appointment has been suggested as one that would not only be beneficial to the city but would certainly strengthen the Administration with the best class of citizens there, irrespective of party.

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