Up to this time he
had not appeared in any case of leading importance; and had,
therefore, no established reputation. Our fear was that Mrs. Dewey
might not be willing to place her case in such inexperienced hands.
In order to have the matter settled with as little delay as
possible, Constance paid an early visit to the Allen House, and
suggested Mr. Orton as counsel. Mrs. Dewey had not even heard his
name; but, after being assured that I had the fullest confidence in
him, and particularly advised his employment, she consented to
accept of his services.
Their first interview was arranged to take place at my house, and in
the presence of my wife, when the notice Mrs. Dewey had received on
the institution of proceedings, was placed in the young lawyer's
hands, and some conversation had as to the basis and tenor of an
answer. A second interview took place on the day following, at which
Mrs. Dewey gave a full statement of the affair at Saratoga, and
asserted her innocence in the most solemn and impressive manner. The
letter from her husband to the lady in New York, was produced, and
at the request of Mr.
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