Louisville (KY) Courierk-Journal, November 24, 1886, p. 2. NOTE: The item below was abbreviated from a lengthier article as note by the ellipsis. DID HE WRITE IT? The Sensation That is Dividing Opinion in the Little Village of Scottsburg, Indiana The little town of Scottsburg, Ind., is enjoying a real sensation. The letter found among the personal effects of Miss Minnie Allhands, the lady who so nearly died from asphyxiation at the Union Hotel one week ago, is said to have been written by Rev. Charles A. Manker, pastor of the Christian Church. The particulars given in the letter fitted exactly, and the day after the publication, the reverend gentleman was accused of having been the author. He, of course, vigorously denied it and insisted upon an investigation. A meeting of the church officials was held, and Deacons Keith and Irwin were appointed to come to Louisville and investigate the matter. The letter found upon the person of the young lady when she was apparently lifeless at the Union Hotel was a very lover-like one and was evidently from a badly smitten suitor. It began with "Dear sister" and ended with "Your brother." An appointment was made at Fifth and Main streets, and reference was also made to a previously arranged meeting at Fifth and Main streets in this city. The writer stated that he was unable to fulfill the engagement on account of the illness of a favorite child. When the article was read in the Courier-Journal by the people of Scottsburg, they at once grew suspicious. Rev. A. C. Manker, the pastor of the Christian Church, had been absent from home on the day specified in the letter, his family affairs also corresponded with those in the letter, and it was at once decided that he was the author. The matter was whispered among his congregation and, finally, the rumors became open accusations. As soon as rumors of these suspicions reached the ears of Mr. Manker, he insisted upon an investigation. A meeting of the officers of the church was called, and a committee was appointed to investigate the matter.On Monday night a meeting of the church officials was held, and after considering the matter they decided that the pastor was not guilty of the charges preferred against him, and he was honorably acquitted. The particulars of the offense are about as follows: Miss Minnie Allhands, a music teacher and former resident of Scottsburg, was found in room 21 in the Union Hotel about a week ago, partially asphyxiated from coal gas. The suspicious letter was found among her effects. The letter reads as follows: "Nov. 3, 1883-My Dear Sister: Yours of the 1st received and contents noted. I was not certain as to my going to Columbus on the 1st, but have written a short missive with the intention of notifying you that I had gone and would see you at L----- that evening by way of fast train. I was prevented by sickness of baby. The doctor had said on Lord's day night that he could not recover and was very sick until yesterday morning." Notwithstanding the fact that the church officially acquitted Mr. Manker of the charges, his congregation has not yet accepted the decision on the matter and are not satisfied with the result of the investigation of the committee appointed. The Rev. Mr. Manker, besides being the officiating minister of the Christian Church, is clerk of the county court and has held that position for six years. The reporter who interviewed Mr. Manker was shown a specimen of his handwriting and found that it closely resembled that of the letter found in the possession of Miss Allhands at the Union Hotel. The minister accused is one of the most prominent in the state, and the case is attracting considerable attention. Miss Allhands denies that the letter was found in her possession and says that she was not in any sense intimate with the reverend gentleman. The lady formerly resided in Scottsburg. About three years ago a scandal was published in which the names of Miss Allhands and Rev. Manker figured prominently. They were accused of having visited Cincinnati together and registering at a hotel as man and wife. After a long and sensational church trial, the minister was acquitted of the charge preferred against him. The friends who on the previous occasion stayed by him are this time arrayed against him and are using every endeavor to prove him guilty.