American Notes BOSTON

The accusation was serious, especially considering its source. Frank McNamara, the U.S. Attorney in Boston, said he had seen his predecessor William Weld smoking marijuana at a Virginia wedding reception in 1982. The charge prompted a Justice Department investigation of Weld, who had become head of its criminal division, a post he resigned in March in protest against what he considered ethical lapses by then Attorney General Edwin Meese. Last week investigators concluded there was "no evidence whatsoever" to support McNamara's allegations about Weld.

Now McNamara has come under fire. He has admitted that he knew what pot smells like because he smoked it as recently as 1984 -- a concession that, made earlier, could have denied him his appointment. Though there are still three years remaining in McNamara's four-year term, he may not last that long. Concluded a top aide to President-elect Bush last week: "He's an embarrassment."