The evidence offered to the new york times in 1871 includes pages from the city's account books. why would they be damaging to the ring?

lee and grant, both of whom held the highest rank in their respective armies, had known each other slightly during the mexican-american war (1846-48) and began their dialogue by exchanging awkward personal inquiries. characteristically, grant had arrived in his mud-splattered field uniform while lee had turned out in full dress attire, complete with sash and sword.

explanation:

roosevelt believed that in light of the country's recent military successes, it was unnecessary to use force to achieve foreign policy goals, so long as the military could threaten force. this belief, and his strategy of “speaking softly and carrying a big stick,” shaped much of roosevelt's foreign policy.