Chapter C: Eames40 to Tilden (1)

"_Thursday 10th, 1/2 past 11_,
"_May 10, '64_.

"MY DEAR TILDEN,--I want you, _as a very great favor_ to Mrs. Eames and myself, to give me your time from _1/2 past two to-morrow, sharp_, at which _moment_ I will be here to take you up to 84th St. to look at some lots and houses, and see how they can be divided in four equal or nearly equal parts and values--differences of value to be settled by payment or receipt of money--so that division of same among the co-heirs may take place by agreement without the fuss of partition suit. Your help in this will have a great weight of authority with us all and will carry the thing through. Fanny has set her heart upon it. Please do not refuse. I fix day and hour so sharp because I _must_ go back to Washington Thursday, and am told _not_ to come till this is done. The brothers will go with us to look at the property.

"Yours very truly,
"C. EAMES."

"Thursday 10th, 1/2 past 11.
"_May 10/64._"

J. VAN BUREN TO TILDEN

"39 NASSAU, N. Y., _May 20th, 1864_.

"MY DEAR TILDEN,--I have had no opportunity to inquire about the Kaska William Coal Co. stock, but have such confidence in your knowledge and judgment that I will take of you the 200 shares at $4250, and feel obliged by your letting me have them.

"Please let me know when you require the money.

"Take care of your health, and believe me,

"Truly y'rs,
"J. VAN BUREN."

"_Mr. Tilden._"

GENERAL J. S. WHITNEY TO TILDEN

"79 STATE STREET,
"BOSTON, _Sept. 27, 1864_.

"HON. S. J. TILDEN.

"DEAR SIR,--I desire to introduce to your acquaintance my son, the bearer, Mr. William C. Whitney. My son wishes to complete, in your city, his preparation for practice in the law. I have taken the liberty of advising my son to call upon you for the reason that I believe a few words of friendly advice from yourself would be of great value to him in fixing upon his selection of an office for further preparation. Any advice or act of courtesy you may please to extend to my son, I need not say, will ever be regarded as a great personal favor to

"Your obt. Servt.,
"JAMES S. WHITNEY."

General James E. Whitney was the father of the late William C. Whitney. At his behest, Governor Tilden was instrumental in securing for the son, then recently graduated from the Harvard Law School, the appointment of counsel for the corporation of the city and county of New York. The son subsequently became--through Mr. Tilden's aid, I believe--a very large proprietor of stock in the metropolitan railways, and later was a member of President Cleveland's Cabinet as Secretary of the Navy during that President's first term. He died in 1904.

TILDEN TO S. C. BALDWIN

"NEW YORK, _Nov. 17, 1864_.

"MY DEAR SIR,--There are so many topics about which I desire to write you that I must touch them rapidly.

"1. You and Wetmore are elected directors of the Iron Cliff. You will be entitled to the information, advice, and aid which Wetmore shall be able to give.

"You must represent the company and act in all cases where it is necessary.

"2. _Information._ We need direct and frequent communications with the Cliff Co.

"Mr. Curtis will have more time than the rest, and his occupations will be more regular. He should write _twice a week_, giving information as to all matters concerning the operations of the co., the no. of men, the preparations to accommodate them, the work going on, etc.

"From you I should like to hear as often as you are able.

"Communications should be addressed S. J. Tilden, 12 Wall St., New York City.

"3. Col. Foster left Mr. Ray in charge of the Tilden and Foster mines; Mr. Foote in charge of the Ogden; Mr. Curtis managing the accounts and finances, and Mr. Whitehead conducting explorations; and these gentlemen, all in the main, independent of each other.

"I shall be surprised if disorganization does not develop the want of a _head_ to enforce accountability and to govern and direct.

"For the time being you must assume and exercise whatever powers seem to be necessary in order to keep harmony between all these different authorities, and to see that all are working well.

"=> Whether we shall need a _mining_ head, independently of these gentlemen, is a question upon which, after you have studied them, and the working of the business, I should like your opinion. It may be that a general business head will be all that will be required, and that Mr. Ray and Mr. Foote will get along well in their respective departments. Or it may be that some man like Mr. Merry or Mr. Ferguson will be required.

"Between us, Mr. Merry told me, just before I left, that he wished me to bear in mind that he expected to be with us next year. Mr. Stewart, of the Jackson Co., rather complained to Col. Foster that Mr. Ogden had interfered with them in respect to Merry.

"I mention the state of things that you may be advised of the actual state of the case, and may be considering what information and advice you can give me.

"As to Mr. Curtis--he was engaged by Col. Foster as a sort of cashier when the former was about leaving without our having much knowledge or experience in respect to him. I have been to see Mr. Booth, who recommended him, and get the best accounts as to his trustworthiness.

"Whether we can hereafter enlarge his functions will depend upon how his capacities shall develop in the experience of our business.

"In the mean time he should be required to _organize_ our _accounts_, take an inventory of all materials and supplies sent up for the use of the company, keep a record of their use, and be able to account for them; open an account with each mine, and enable us to know that all the expenditures of each are proper, keeping a sort of financial supervision over their operations; corresponding with us, and keeping us advised of everything which is going on.

"Col. Foster informs me that he instructed Ray and Foote to send here a report each week of their doings.

"=> Consult with Mr. Wetmore and give me your views as to

"(1) What is necessary for the sale of ore and the management of transportation at Cleveland or elsewhere; study the organization of the other companies; see whether it is best, etc.

"(2) What will be necessary at Escanaba.

"(3) Whether anything further will be necessary at the mines.

"5. It will be quite necessary for us to have the branch to the Cliff mines and the extension to the Cleveland done, and all the road in good running order.

"6. It is very desirable that we have this winter the benefit of a telegraphic communication with the Cliff mines.

"It is equally necessary for the Peninsular railroad. And for that--but _especially for the Northwestern_--a winter road from Escanaba to Green Bay is important.

"7. For the Iron Cliff mines see that all necessary supplies are provided; see Ray and Foote on this subject, and have them closely interrogated that nothing may be overlooked; Mr. Merry would aid with all his experience in making provisions for winter work, and Mr. Wetmore will also have much information on this subject.

"8. In respect to any question requiring experience in working mines, Mr. Merry was good enough to say he would aid Mr. Ray (who is his brother-in-law) and us generally. You can have recourse to him, if necessary.

"9. It is thought that at the Ogden mine (Foote) accommodations ought to be made for at least 50 men; and at the Tilden mine for 100 men.

"This is for immediate operations, looking, of course, to enlargement as fast as possible.

"10. I intended to write to you on the subject of furnaces, but must defer that subject to a future occasion.

"=> Please advise me of the condition of the Peninsular R. R., and give me what information you can as to the mines, dock, branches, etc.

"One of the most serious inconveniences attending the construction of the Peninsular--all through--has been the want of regular information here.

"Truly Yours,
"S. J. TILDEN."

"_S. C. Baldwin, Esq._"

Charles P. Daly commenced his public career as a member of the New York State Assembly soon after his admission to the bar. From the Assembly he was appointed judge of the Court of Common Pleas, which position he continued to hold by re-election until he was retired by age. Meantime he had been prominent in founding the New York Geographical Society, of which he was the first and only president until his death.

TILDEN TO CHARLES P. DALY, CHAIRMAN OF COMMITTEE ON INVITATIONS TO THE MEETING, TO BE HELD IN UNION SQUARE, TO CELEBRATE RECENT NATIONAL VICTORIES, ON MARCH 4, 1865

"2 UNION PLACE, _March 3rd, 1865_.

"GENTLEMEN,--Your letter, inviting me to 'address the great meeting, to be held at Union Square to-morrow, to celebrate the recent national victories,' reaches me while I am confined by illness, and expect to be, at the time of the meeting, totally disabled from speaking. I shall, however, none the less, join in rendering the most grateful homage to the achievements of our gallant soldiers and sailors and their skilful commanders, and the most cordial appreciation of the value of these achievements towards preserving the unity of our Federal Republic, and the nationality of the great people which has been formed under the shelter of its rightful and beneficent sway.

"These sentiments have never been weakened, even when it has sometimes seemed to me that this great object of our efforts and sacrifices was imperilled, and those efforts and sacrifices made more costly, if not fruitless, by errors of civil policy or of military or financial administration. Nor, amid such errors, and all errors tolerated during the 'throes and convulsions' of civil war, by the people, who were in so unaccustomed a situation, and were intensely occupied by the great struggle in which they were involved, have I ever lost faith that, when the struggle should be once successfully over, they would completely re-establish the great traditions of constitutional government, founded on local self-control and on individual liberty and personal rights.

"Let me add that, in the present posture of our public affairs, it is better to look forward than to look behind--to think of battles to be fought rather than of victories already won, and in preparing that wise and liberal statesmanship by which alone a complete pacification of the country is to be attained, to remember that '_peace hath its victories, not less renowned than war_.'

"To co-operate, candidly and cordially, with the existing public agents in all measures for bringing the war to a successful close, and to remove the evils it will have engendered in our civil and social systems seems to me as plain a duty as it is at every election to promote the choice of such public agents as will, in our judgment, best attain these ends.

"With much respect, I remain,

"Truly yours,
"S. J. TILDEN."

PETER W. COOPER AND OTHERS TO TILDEN

"EIGHTEENTH WARD, "NEW YORK, _April 3rd, 1865_.

"DEAR SIR,--We appeal to your generous kindness and well-known liberality in all public concerns to aid us in the effort to avoid the necessity of having the draft enforced in this ward.

"A number of citizens have contributed to a fund for this purpose, and we venture to hope that you will not withhold your assistance to save a number of good and useful citizens from being taken from their families.

"Please enclose your contribution to either of the undersigned.

"PET. W. COOPER,
"JAMES KELLY,
"CHARLES P. KIRKLAND."

SAMUEL L. M. BARLOW TO TILDEN

"NEW YORK, _Aug. 31, 1865_.

"MY DEAR SIR,--My friend, Mr. Houston, of Ky., has returned from Washington. I am more satisfied than ever before of the position of the President, but I think you should at once go to Washington and have an interview with him. I enclose Mr. Houston's card, which will insure an early meeting after your arrival.

"I am entirely in favor of a hearty and earnest support of the Prest. by our convention, and I hope the _tone_ of the resolutions to be passed will be more moderate than in New Jersey, or Pa. or Ohio. On one subject only is it necessary to be entirely free from ambiguity--I mean on the question of the civil rights of the people, North and South, and their right to know that the first fruits of peace, to wit., freedom from the military power, are fully assured. "I will see you on your return.

"Yours truly,
SAMUEL L. M. BARLOW."

"_S. J. Tilden Esq._

"On one other question I think our convention should act explicitly. I refer to the pledge of the public faith of the govt. to its creditors, towards whom the highest order of national honor is pledged.

"S. L. M. B."

F. P. BLAIR TO TILDEN

"WASH., _19 Oct., 1865_.

"MY DEAR TILDEN,--I have a letter from Frank, written at Cincinnati previously to his speech in St. Louis, in which he refers to you and myself to judge of _the circumstances_, the _when_ and the _how_, he shall do what it seems he has declared to the country publicly he is ready to do, if necessary, to advance the cause of the party which nominated him to the Vice-Presidency. If, therefore, any change is to be made in the persons to represent our cause in the Novr. elections, please telegraph and I will come instantly to meet you.

"So much as concerns Frank's position.

"Now let me say a word about the intrigue which produces our difficulties.

"Seward and Chase, who never were identified with the Democracy, have entered into a coalition to control its destiny. They were 'unco-thick and thrang thegither' last winter, and Seward disclosed to an ardent Democrat the other night the cause for which they combined. Seward approached a brother-in-law of Voorhees and made an eloquent appeal to him to convince a company brought together for the purpose that it was necessary that Chase should supplant Seymour, and, of course, that the nominations of our convention should be surrendered. Now it is clear that the Chief Justice and the Secretary of State have undertaken to dispose of our party. Neither ever had its endorsement for any station. Why should they be allowed to dispose of the highest without having consulted the people?

"If we are to change _front_, why not take McClellan and Pendleton, who have been endorsed by national convention and the party at the polls? Why not Hancock and Hendricks, who had high votes in our late convention? Why not McClellan and Hendricks? Or Hancock and Adams? We might bring Indiana and Penna., or Indiana and Ohio by their most famous Democratic sons to increase the vote of the last election in these States. I think these or many other combinations might be made to strengthen our ticket.

"In my opinion the copulation of Seward and Chase would bring not only defeat, but eternal disgrace on the Democracy.

"This, however, all for yourself. What I have to say further about the second to Mr. Seymour will be in person and in consonance with your joint wishes.

"Your af. friend,
"F. P. BLAIR."

GENL. DANIEL BUTTERFIELD TO S. J. TILDEN AND OTHERS TESTIMONIAL TO GENERAL ULYSSES S. GRANT

"NEW YORK, _Feb. 19th, 1866_.

"DEAR SIR,--I have the pleasure to enclose you (_facsimile_) copy of Lt.-Genl. Grant's acknowledgment of the testimonial to which you were a contributor; also a list of the subscriptions and copy of the correspondence.

"In furnishing this information to contributors I am requested to ask that no copy of these documents may be allowed to be printed, as many subscriptions were made with that understanding. Please consider this my receipt for your subscription.

"I am, very resp'y,
"Yours, &c.,
"DANL. BUTTERFIELD."

"Please acknowledge."

* * * * *

"NEW YORK, _Feb. 15th, 1866_.

"LT.-GENL U. S. GRANT, &c., &c., &c.

"GENERAL,--In accordance with the request of many citizens of New York, whose names are herewith transmitted, I have the honor to ask your acceptance of the enclosed testimonial of their appreciation of your services.

"I am, very resp'y,
"Your obt. servt.,
"DANL. BUTTERFIELD."

"Enclosed find:

"Mortgage and interest $30,437.50
55,000 7.30s U. S. 1st series $54,725.00
Cash $19,837.50
-----------
"$105,000.00"

TESTIMONIAL TO LIEUT.-GENL. U. S. GRANT

LIST OF SUBSCRIPTIONS

N. Y. Stock Exchange, by
R. L. Cutting, Prest. $5,000
Aspinwall, W. H. 1,000
Astor, W. B. 1,000
Brown, Jas. 1,000
Barney, D. N. 1,000
Bonner, Robt. 1,000
Chittenden, S. B. 1,000
Claflin, H. B. & Co. 1,000
Clens, Kenny 1,000
Coming, H. K. 1,000
Culver, C. V. 1,000
Cutting, F. B. 1,000
Davis, Chas. Aug. 1,000
Dinsmore, W. B. 1,000
Drew, Daniel 1,000
Duncan, Sherman & Co. 1,000
Eno, Amos R. 1,000
Fearing, Danl. B. 1,000
Forbes, Paul S. 1,000
Gandy, Shepd. 1,000
Garrison, C. K. 1,000
Green, John C. 1,000
Grinell, Minturn & Co. 1,000
Griswold, N. L. & G. 1,000
Harbecks & Co. 1,000
Holliday, Ben 1,000
Howland & Aspinwall 1,000
Hunt, Tillinghast & Co. 1,000
Johnston, John T. 1,000
Johnston, J. Boorman 1,000
Lanier, J. F. D. 1,000
Leary, Arthur 1,000
Lenox, Jas. 1,000
Lorillard, P. 1,000
Low, A. A. & Bro. 1,000
Matthews, Ed 1,000
Morgan, E. D. & Co. 1,000
Ogden, Wm. B. 1,000
Opdyke, Geo. & Co. 1,000
Parish, Danl. 1,000
Phelps, Dodge & Co. 1,000
Roberts, M. O. 1,000
Sampson, Joseph 1,000
Spofford, Tileston & Co. 1,000
Stewart, A. T. 1,000
Stuart, R. L. & A. 1,000
Taylor, Moses 1,000
Tilden, S. J. 1,000
Wetmore, Saml. 1,000
Weston & Gray 1,000
Wheeler, Sam. G. 1,000
Wolfe, Jno. D. 1,000
Allen, D. B. 500
Andrews, Loring 500
Anthony & Hall 500
American Express Co. 500
Arnold, Constable & Co. 500
Armstrong, M. & Sons 500
Ashley, O. D. 500
BabCock Bros. & Co. 500
Ball, Black & Co. 500
Banker, Jas. H. 500
Barker, H. J. & Bro. 500
Beekman, J. W. 500
Bronson, Fredk. 500
Brooks, D. H. 500
Cary & Co. 500
Cash 500
Collins, Geo. C. 500
Connolly, C. M. 500
Cowdin, E. C. 500
Cutting, R. L. 500
Dabney, Morgan & Co. 500
Delmonico, L. 500
Dows, David 500
Detmold, C. E. 500
Easton & Compy. 500
Englis, J. & Son 500
Field, B. H. 500
Garland, Jno. R. 500
Goodridge, Fred 500
Grant, O. D. F. 500
Greenleaf, Norris & Co. 500
Griswold, A. W. 500
Groesbeck, D. & Co. 500
Haggerty, O. 500
Hanna, Saml. 500
Howe, S. C. & Co. 500
Hoyt Bros. 500
Hoyt, Edwin 500
Hurlbut, H. A. 500
Kennedy, R. Lenox 500
Lane, Fredk. A. 500
Lang, W. Bailey & Co. 500
Learned, Ed 500
Livingston, Fox & Co. 500
Lord, Rufus L. 500
Mali, H. W. T. 500
Marshall, C. H. & Co. 500
Meyer, S. H. 500
Mitchell, Saml. L. 500
Morton, L. P. & Co. 500
Phelps, I. N. 500
Phelps, J. J. 500
Place, J. K. & E. B. 500
Polhamus, T. & Co. 500
Quintard & Everett. 500
Quintard, Sawyer & Ward. 500
Randolph, F. F. 500
Robbins, G. S. & Son 500
Roosevelt & Sons 500
Russell, C. H. 500
Schuchardt, F. 500
Selover, A. A. 500
Shultz, Jackson S. 500
Skinner, F. & Co. 500
Slade & Colby. 500
Steward, John 500
Stewart, J. & J. 500
Stimson, H. C. & Co. 500
Sturgis, Jonathan 500
Thompson, Sam. C. 500
Tiffany & Co. 500
Travers, W. R. & Co. 500
Trevor & Colgate 500
Tuckerman, J. & L. 500
Ward & Co. 500
Webb, Wm. H. 500
Williams & Guion 500
Winslow, J. F. 500
Wood Brothers 500
Worth, White & Kean 500
Devlin, Danl. 250
Draper, Simeon 250
Draper, J. H. & Co. 250
Gentil & Phipps 250
Halsted, Haines & Co. 250
James, F. P. 250
Jesup, M. K. 250
Lottimer, Wm. 250
Morgan, H. F. 250
Packer, E. A. 250
Peckham, W. H. 250
Sherman, Isaac 250
Skeel & Reynolds 250
Skiddy, Francis 250
Taylor, R. L. 250
Wesley, E. B. 250
Talman, Geo. F. 200
Ward, G. Cabot 200
Bentley, N. S. 100
Chapman, T. G. 100
King, T. G. & Sons 100
Lockwood & Co. 100
Schuyler, Hartly & Graham 100
Whiteright, W. 100
--------
Total $101,000[41]

"HEAD QUARTERS ARMIES OF THE UNITED STATES.

"WASHINGTON, D. C., _Feb. 17, 1866_.

"DEAR GENERAL,--Your letter of the 15th inst., enclosing me the very handsome testimonial of the citizens of New York, with names of all the too generous contributors to it, is received. I feel at a loss to know how to express my appreciation of this substantial token of the friendship of the citizens named in your letter, and for the generosity of the citizens of New York generally, and especially towards those who they conceive have rendered service in maintaining the integrity of the whole Union. Suffice it to say that I shall always appreciate their generosity towards me and endeavor to pursue a course through life, and to make such use of the means thus unexpectedly placed in my possession, as will meet with their approval.

"Through you I wish to thank the gentlemen whose names you have enclosed to me individually and collectively.

"I have the honor to be, Your obt. Servt.,

"U. S. GRANT, _Lt. Gen._"

J. D. VAN BUREN TO TILDEN

"804 BR'WAY.

"DEAR SIR,--I am, in one sense, not a politician, and my opinion is not worth so much as those of others; but in the sense of being always interested in public affairs, I am perhaps a politician. What I mean is, that I have not a view of things from inside of the machinery.

"From the outside I have naturally thought about candidates for Governor. I have come to the conclusion that you are the best man for the place. I take it for granted you have no desire for the place, for I am willing to judge you as favorably as I would judge myself, and such a place would have no temptations for me.

"But at this time you have no right to consider only your own convenience.

"You are the best man--

"1. Because you would poll more votes than any other (Dix included); you are above the rings and cliques, and would excite no personal antagonisms.

"2. Because you could, after election, make a party of the right materials. The only set of men who can bring back our politics to purity and statesmanship are the Barnburners of this State; after carrying the election these men, whether they have voted of late years the Democratic or Republican ticket, could, under you, be brought together--could make a new Democratic party, slough off the corrupt elements, especially that malign influence with which we shall have to act this election, T. W., and dictate a reform in the Cabinet which should give the influence of the general government to the same sound principles as of old controlled this State. This, I think, is the _great_ movement to be made in politics--the reconstruction into compact force of the divided Barnburners, and for this we must carry this State election first, no matter what allies we have to take in for the present.

"I, of course, shall not mention your name for the place to any one, but, if it should be offered you, you must not decline. Stranger things have happened than that it should be offered amid the conflicting claims.

"Yours respectfully,
"JNO. D. VAN BUREN."

"_S. J. Tilden, Esq._"

TO BE DESTROYED

"MY DEAR SIR,--If you should decide on talking with our venerable father of the faithful _fully_, I thought it might be well you had an excuse for doing so in a suggestion from some one, no matter whom. To that end you may use the enclosed if worth using.

"Y'rs,
"J. D. V. B."

TILDEN TO HUGH MCCULLOCH

"_Confidential._

"NEW YORK, _Sep. 17, 1866_.

"HON. HUGH MCCULLOCH,
"_Secretary of the Treasury_,
"Washington, D. C.

"MY DEAR SIR,--There is a rumor here that some changes in the Federal appointments for this city are being projected. My object in writing you this morning, in too much haste to allow of any discussion, is to say that _before anything of this character is done_ those who represent the mass of President Johnson's supporters in this State, in an authentic and authoritative form, wish an opportunity of submitting their views to him.

"It is important, in the last degree, that in any changes which are made in the great appointments here, and, indeed, in any of them, the influence which these offices are capable of exercising should be held and exerted as a sacred trust for the success of the administration and the policy of President Johnson.

"To give them away as mere personal benefactions--to allow them to become the mere aids to ambition or interest of a selfish individual or clique, to be disposed of by him or it as mere patronage or for pecuniary gain--would be suicide on the part of the President and a betrayal of his supporters and his cause.

"In the course of a week or ten days I shall have the pleasure to see you and to discuss these matters.

"In the mean time, please do me the favor to communicate to the President the request contained in this note, and let it remain strictly confidential between you and him.

"You will notice that the _Times_ of this morning staggers a little. The real difficulty is that it _is losing subscribers_.

"Up to the time of Mr. Richmond's death the arrangement for the State nominations was that the Democrats should take the Governor and the Republicans the Lieut. Governor. The only chance that Dix had was in a movement which was originated by me. It was contingent on events which could not be controlled, and on the failure of which it was only to be persisted in under circumstances which could not be prudently defied. But enough till I see you. Let us be firm and courageous and go forward.

"Truly Yours,
"S. J. TILDEN."

S. E. CHURCH TO TILDEN

"_Private._

"ALBION, _Sept. 17, 1866_.

"HON. SAML. J. TILDEN.

"MY DEAR SIR,--I went from Albany to Chautauqua Co., and did not get your telegram until late Saturday night--not in time to answer. It is impossible for me to go to New York. I am obliged to go to Albany to-night on business, and then hurry back to the Lockport circuit. On many accounts I would be glad to go to New York, but there will be many better speakers there than I am.

"I hope the committee will make you chn., and I have said so to everybody I have seen. I regard it very important that it should be so, although some of our friends think it should not be in N. Y.; but these men don't know that you belong to the party in the State, and not in the city.

"Now for the campaign. To be successful it must be effective; not merely noisy, but a hard-working campaign, and you will excuse a few practical suggestions.

"1st. A large amount of money must be raised, which, if properly laid out, will help very much. I think every county should have $1000, in two instalments--$500 to take a thorough canvass; this can only be done by hiring men in each town to do it. We have not had a canvass worth anything in many years, and an incorrect canvass is worse than none. The only way to do it is to appoint a reliable man in each judicial district to visit each co. and put the money and canvass books in the hands of a reliable man, who will _hire and pay the men_ to take the canvass. It can be done in no other way.

"Then, during the week before the election, $500 more to be paid in getting the votes to the polls.

"2. A thorough and systematic course of meetings in every co.

"Such a campaign, carried on by the State com., with what our friends will do in each co., will carry the State. Anything short of this will result in defeat, in my judgment.

"The utmost care must be exercised to have the money properly expended. In most of the counties in the State we have no local officer to help us, and no canvass can be obtained except in the way I indicate--by paying men by the day for doing it.

"Confidentially. Cannot the pressure be made for the Collectorship before election? I suggest it only for your consideration. I shall be happy to hear from you.

"Truly Yours,
"S. E. CHURCH."

"You ought to go to Washington with Hoffman."

S. E. CHURCH TO TILDEN

"_Private._

"ROCHESTER, _Oct. 6, 1866_.

"HON. SAML. J. TILDEN.

"DEAR SIR,--It is said that S. P. Allen will be removed from the office of Revenue Collector for this district on charges. He cannot and ought not to be moved on political grounds, because he is with us, although not very efficient.

"But if he is removed we want Wm. C. Rowley, Esq., of this city, appointed without fail, and I will regard it a personal favor if you will interest yourself in his behalf. He is the most useful and efficient party man we have; is honest, and always right. He is a prominent Democrat, has been several years on the State com., and was a delegate to the Phila. convention. He is, besides, a friend of mine, and I desire to render him all the assistance in my power.

"With your aid, I have no doubt, he can get the appt. if Allen is removed, and I assure you it will be in all respects a great political point to accomplish it.

"Truly Yours,
"S. E. Church."

H. MCCULLOCH TO TILDEN

"_Private._

"TREASURY DEPARTMENT,"
"_Oct. 22, 1866_.

"MY DEAR SIR,--Your note introducing Messrs. Magone and Pierce has been presented to me.

"We are in receipt of communications from reliable friends from many sections of New York expressing the opinion that removals made so soon before the election are, as a general thing, inexpedient, and may do injury to the cause. The President feels, therefore, that, in making changes, the greatest care should be exercised. He desires to meet the wishes of his friends, but he desires, also, that his friends should be fully and thoroughly advised before they endorse applications for changes.

"It has occurred to me that a change of Collector in the St. Lawrence district at the present time would be injudicious; and while we desire to take care of Gen. Barney, we are of the opinion that it would not be advisable to appoint him Collector just now, certain as it is that his nomination will be rejected by the Senate.

"I am, very truly, Yours,
"H. MCCULLOCH,
"_Secretary_.

"_Hon. S. J. Tilden, New York._"

H. MCCULLOCH TO TILDEN

"_Private._

"TREASURY DEPARTMENT,
_Oct. 26, 1866_.

"DEAR SIR,--Your two favors of the 22nd inst. are received.

"Campbell's appointment was suspended because we were advised that the incumbent was ill and a conservative; that, while absent for the benefit of his health, the office is being administered by the deputy, who is a hearty supporter of the President. Under the circumstances of the case it was thought best by some of our judicious friends that no change should take place in the office; at all events, until after the election.

"The decision of the President to withhold from Mr. Campbell his commission was not influenced by the representation of any gentlemen unfriendly to Mr. Campbell or his brother, the candidate for Congress, but rather from a desire to do nothing which might impair the administration's strength in the district. After the election the subject will receive due consideration.

"In regard to the 12th district, I have only to say that a good deal of disapprobation has been expressed by the appointment of Mackin as assessor; and as there seemed to be a good deal of difference of opinion among our friends in the district in regard to the removal of the collector, it was thought advisable to make no change in that office for the present.

"It is pretty clear to my mind that in order that an office should be made effective in an election, it is important that the office should be fully and properly organized some time in advance.

"The President desires to make as few changes as possible, and none on political grounds unless it is clear that the interests of the service or the interests of the administration are to be certainly benefited by them. I will, however, present this case again to the President.

"I am, very truly, Yours,
"H. MCCULLOCH,
"_Secretary_.

"_Hon. S. J. Tilden, New York._
"I return Mr. Campbell's letter."

TILDEN TO MAJ.-GEN. JOHN A. DIX

"NEW YORK, _Nov. 20th, 1866_.

"MAJ.-GEN. JOHN A. DIX.

"DEAR SIR,--As you are about to leave our country for the distinguished post in the diplomatic service to which you have been assigned by the government, we avail ourselves of the occasion to express to you the respect and esteem which we entertain for your personal and public character, and invite you to partake with us a private dinner at the Union Club at such time as you may conveniently designate.

"With much respect,
"We remain, very truly,
"Your friend,
"----.

"NEW YORK, _Nov. 20th, 1866_."

S. E. CHURCH TO S. J. T.

"_Private._

"ROCHESTER, _March 8, '67_.

"HON. SAML. J. TILDEN.

"MY DEAR SIR,--Would it not be a good idea to publish a quantity of the veto message of the military bill for general circulation? There might be other things put with it and make a document and circulate it through the committees. I think it would do far more good now than during a campaign.

"This measure seems to me so momentous in every aspect of it that I cannot keep quiet. If we cannot do anything else, let us howl. Our papers do not make as much noise as they ought to about it. The _World_ is the most outspoken, and it should keep it up; but the most effective work would be the circulation of the veto message, with a brief history of reconstruction since the war closed.

"Johnson talks and writes well, but he lacks executive pluck. He shd. have forced Congress to let the South in at the start, but he failed, and it is now too late.

"He now trembles for fear of impeachment, and will in the end give the radicals all the offices in hopes thereby to propitiate them and prevent impeachment. But they will impeach him and despise him, besides, for yielding, and before another year rolls around Ben Wade will occupy his place. They know that he is cowardly and will not fight, and they will for that reason go to the extreme.

"I know that you are averse to a row. So we all are, but I tell you there is no other way. It must come sooner or later; these devils are bent on destruction, and the sooner the crisis comes the better for us, because they are strengthening themselves every day.

"There is only one chance left, and that is when the impeachment comes for the President to refuse to yield the office in the first place, and in the second place to refuse to be tried by part of a court. He ought to refuse to carry out the military bill, and let the fight commence now.

"Please write me.

"Yours truly,
"S. E. CHURCH."

"P. S.--The dist. atty. matter is not yet disposed of. It would be a disgrace to reappoint Dart, and I hope they won't do it."

TILDEN MADE AN LL.D.

"UNIVERSITY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK, _17 May, '67_.

"SAMUEL J. TILDEN, ESQ.

"DEAR SIR,--It gives me pleasure to inform you officially that at a meeting of the council, held last evening, the degree of _Doctor of Laws_ was conferred on you by their unanimous vote, and the same will be announced at the coming commencement.

"With great respect,

"I am, Yours, &c.,
"ISAAC FERRIS,
"_Chancellor_."

JOHN A. DIX TO TILDEN

ANTI-RENTERS AND THEIR LEASES

"PARIS, _19 June, 1867_.

"MY DEAR SIR,--I wrote you some two months ago, but have not heard whether you received my letter. I expressed the hope that you would be a member of the constitutional convention, and was very glad to see that you were chosen.

"I presume the anti-renters will endeavor to get some amendment of the Constitution, by which they may become owners of the fee of the lands they hold under leases without compensation. This, if done directly, would impair the obligation of contracts, and would be declared void by the Supreme Court of the U. S. It will, therefore, probably be attempted indirectly--by burdening leased lands with disabilities and exactions, which will make them of little or no value to landlords.

"In regard to leases forever, it is possible that there may be a proposition to convert them into allodial tenures by giving to lessees the right to redeem them by paying to the lessors a principal sum, which will yield the rent in the annual interest. This would be to introduce a condition not in the contract. I would not object to it on any other ground if the sum paid were sufficient to yield the rent at an interest of four per cent., which is considered a fair rate on agricultural lands. For instance, if the annual rent on a farm or lot leased forever were $70, the principal sum to be paid should be $1750. If only $1000 were paid--a principal sum, which at legal rate (7 pr. ct.) interest yields the rent--the landlord would be put to the trouble of reinvesting on less durable and safe security.

"In regard to leases for years or for lives, the convention should not interfere. It may, if it choose, declare that hereafter no leases for lives shall be given. The Constitution has already declared that there shall be no leases of agricultural lands for more than twelve years; and this is a bad restriction for tenants. But leases for lives are in the process of rapid extinction, and they are not renewed now. My father-in-law, Mr. Morgan, gave a large number of such leases sixty years ago. Some of them are still in existence, although they were only for three lives, which in England are considered equivalent to 21 years. We are selling on liberal terms to the lessees or their representatives. There should be no interference with such tenures, unless it be to prohibit them in future. Every man on Mr. Morgan's land who has used it in a farmer-like manner has grown rich. Only the idle or improvident, and now and then an unlucky fellow, have failed to make money. The lands were leased for the interest of less than $3 per acre. They have for thirty or forty years been worth treble and quadruple that price, and the tenants have reaped all the benefit of the advance. Now to interfere in any way with the reversionary interest of the lessor would be the grossest injustice to him. Of course it would be a violation of the contract, which we should resist; and it would do an incalculable injury to a commercial State like New York, whose vitality depends so much on the inviolability of its faith and the security of property of all kinds.

"Should there be any movement of the kind I have adverted to, I wish you would talk with Evarts, Pierrepont, and others of the right-thinking men of the convention; and if you please, show them this letter.

"I am very hard pressed between the exposition, the foreign sovereigns, and our own home sovereigns, of whom we have a tremendous influx, and write you '_currente calamo_,' as you see.

"We are all well, and cast longing eyes every day across the Atlantic.

"Ever Sincerely Yours,
"JOHN A. DIX."

"_Hon. Saml. J. Tilden._"

WILLIAM CASSIDY TO TILDEN

"_14 Augt., '67._

"HON. SAMUEL J. TILDEN.

"DEAR TILDEN,--Your long absence gives anxiety to your friends here. We miss you in council and on the floor. You must come up soon; for we will have to meet the financial question, and want you. I would have written you before, but have been laid up by the heels myself for a fortnight. Indeed, I would have gone down to New York to see you if I had been able. I would have asked leave of absence, but each day you were expected to be on hand, and I am opposed to placing on record the fact that you were ever ill. A majority of the convention has been on the sick list. Take 160 middle-aged men, and you will have a pretty large show of invalids in midsummer, when all classes are accustomed to vacation.

"You have lost nothing thus far. We have lost your speech on naturalization, etc. It must come in elsewhere. Write me, and tell me what I can do to aid you, and when you expect to be on board.

"Yours truly,
"WILLIAM CASSIDY."

ANDREW JOHNSON TO TILDEN

"EXECUTIVE MANSION, WASHINGTON, D. C., _Novr. 12, 1867_.

"SIR,--It having been suggested to me by political friends in New York that you have some suggestions which you desire to make to me, in relation to the public welfare, which would be of service to the country, I would be pleased to have your views at such time as may suit your own convenience.

"Very truly,
"ANDREW JOHNSON."

"_Hon. Samuel J. Tilden, New York._"

HORATIO SEYMOUR TO TILDEN

"UTICA, _Nov. 29, 1867_.

"DEAR SIR,--I send you the enclosed letter because I said I would call your attention to the subject of a paper in Kansas. I hope the harmless compliment to me will not harm the writer. Such things are usually found in letters asking favors. I do not know what can be done in such cases. I know that you as well as I have to meet such calls every day of the week. I hurried up my letter, getting my name off of the list of candidates so that I might save what little property I have. If it is so ruinous to be talked of for nomination, I do not see how any one can live through a canvass after a nomination. I expect now to be let alone.

"I wish the State Committee would do one thing--that is, send a circular to any Democratic paper in the State asking them to print John Q. Adams' speech, which is published in Friday's _World_. The National Committee should see to its publication elsewhere. To my mind it is the most effective speech made in years. This will cost nothing, but it will tell at this time.

"Please to send me back Mrs. Moore's letter.

"Truly yours, &c.,
"HORATIO SEYMOUR."

"_Hon. S. J. Tilden._"

JNO. D. VAN BUREN TO TILDEN

(ENCLOSING MR. VAN BUREN'S CHECK FOR $200)

"_Private._

"NEW YORK, _Dec. 3, 1867_.

"MY DEAR SIR,--Take a cool, philosophical view of this note, but believe every word of it.

"It is very hard for me to do an ungracious thing, and few things are more ungracious than to reject kindness. I have carried the enclosed in my pocket a good while, but could not muster courage, when I saw you repeatedly, to take away from you the pleasure of having done the kindness.

"No matter tho' none but you and I know it, I cannot go to the club while _I feel_ that I have not paid my own footing; I have given it a good thinking, and I am sure I shall never incline to go there until this is done. So that the very object you desire would not be attained. You must, therefore, of necessity, take it back.

"It is not because I am unwilling to receive kindness from _you_ that I return it; and pray do not forget that the balance of favors done is very largely to your credit as between us. _You_ would have made me Comptroller if I had not refused; and your intentions with me are just as much a cause of gratitude as the realization would have been.

"One other thing. I will continue to give you my aid in the State Committee business, and follow your orders promptly so long as I have time; but for such work I cannot take pay.

"Yours truly,
"JNO. D. VAN BUREN."

"_S. J. Tilden, Esq._"

WILLIAM CASSIDY TO TILDEN

"THE 'ARGUS,' ALBANY, _7 Decr., 1867_.

"DEAR TILDEN,--The convention is going on, after a fashion, with the judiciary; New York is absent, except Daly, who has confessed judgment for the judicial partnership in New York, upon which execution is to issue and the corrupt concern to be closed. Opdyke is ready to adjourn if there is Democratic strength enough to accomplish it. Let the New York delegates be on hand on Tuesday and Wednesday, and we can accomplish it; either adjourn till spring or to New York, for a winter month. Do you notify the city members confidentially to be on hand. I will write also.

"Schev, according to Warren's account, is not to blame for the protested draft. He spent $1000, and it was arranged in State committee that I was to go to the 8th dist. You need not come up to abolish him!

"Seymour is here, and is most anxious to commence the propaganda of Democracy, in tracts and newspapers, under the auspices of the State committee. You are unwell. Give up railroads and take to politics exclusively. The alternative will be as good as rest.

"Yours ever,
"WILLIAM CASSIDY."

WILLIAM CASSIDY TO TILDEN

"THE 'ARGUS,' ALBANY, _12 Decr., 1867_.

"DEAR TILDEN,--I received your check for $500, which was welcome, because we were hard up for money at this _Argus_ office. The convention will owe us some $10,000, but we must wait for the Legislature and the Campbells to pay us in the spring. For the same reason, if you have not placed the $3000 belonging to Mrs. C., I will take it. She can pay part of it on the house she bought, and then I want to buy in Richmond's shares in the _Argus_. I ought to have them at half price, in view of a certain indebtedness of the late chn. of a State committee.

"We will adjourn the convention till spring, in spite of you. Unless the weather is too cold I will be down to New York. I want to talk of the Presidency, the Cabinet, the Governorship, and of yourself first and last.

"Yours ever,
"WILLIAM CASSIDY."

HORATIO SEYMOUR TO TILDEN

A POLITICAL FORECAST

"UTICA, _Dec. 13, 1867_.

"MY DEAR SIR,--This is a bitter cold morning, and I have made up my mind to keep by the bright wood fire which is blazing on the hearthstone in my farm-house. I shall make use of the time to write to you a political letter. It is seven years since the Democratic party went out of power. Seven years of war or of discord, of corruption, of hate, of taxation and tyranny. In that time, how many who have enjoyed the honors and profit given to them by the Democratic party have turned against it and have proved to be its bitterest foes! How few were left to stand up against the storms of insult, scorn, and threats which beat upon any man who cared for principles of liberty, humanity, and rights! But there were those who did this, and they live to see the day dawning when right and truth will conquer.

"But all conditions have their dangers. The time-servers and spoil-hunters are seeking to come back to our party, not as penitents, but as leaders. They may in time forgive us for not joining in their treachery, but it will always be counted against us that we did not go out with them to gather spoils. There is danger that these men may divide those who stood together in the years of trial and of trouble. They hatch schemes to draw off some who have strength, and thus break up the band that held together in the dark days.

"What should we do to counteract these plans? We have in New York a great party. It is fresh, vigorous, and united. It is animated by a sense of past wrongs and of future victories. We have but a few leaders, for none but men of nerve and of truth could stand the tests of the last seven years. Those leading men are well placed in different parts of the State, so that neither their numbers nor positions make them clash. All fair and honorable ambitions can be gratified--could we be more fortunately organized. Let us in a generous spirit train up as many new men as we can and fit them for places of honor and trust, but do not suffer those who come in sunshine and leave us in storms to walk into our councils and shape our policy with a view to their own gain. We who have held to the cause of constitutional liberty have not always agreed in our views. At times there may have been irritation. But surely past trials have made a groundwork of an attachment and confidence which cannot be felt towards those who turned against us or who shrank away in our times of trouble. Those generals without troops who want to come back into leadership will bring no strength, but much discord. To my mind it is clear that policy and duty alike demand that we should stand, as to organization and counsellors, where we are. We do not want more leaders. We have the public with us. But something must be done to let all of our friends feel that we are to act together in the spirit that should be, and I think has been, nurtured in trials we have passed through. We must have the whole matter frankly talked over. In the mean while each one should keep clear of all entanglements. I have written to Sandford E. Church on this subject in the way I write to you. I wish you would let me know your views. I think eight or ten men should meet at Albany as soon as the Legislature gets under way. You should see four or five in New York--say, Sweeny, Tweed, Brennan, Hoffman, etc., etc. The rival candidates for the Presidency will all try to get men drawn into their interests. Let us keep our power by holding ourselves free.

"Truly yours, &c.,
"HORATIO SEYMOUR."

WM. A. WALLACE TO TILDEN

"CLEARFIELD, PENNA.
"_30 Decr., 1868._

"HON. S. J. TILDEN.

"DEAR SIR,--I have yours of 24th inst. I have received responses from several gentlemen to whom I addressed letters similar to that to which you reply, and I have been awaiting your reply before proceeding to name a time and place for our meeting. I am still of opinion that good will result from a meeting of the chairmen of the executive committees of the Northern and border States, by securing unanimity of sentiments or discovering the points of difference, as well as from discussing the general plan of campaign. I have thought of suggesting _Washington_ as the place of meeting, and about _Febry. 1st_ as the time. If the time and place suit you, and you will so advise me, I will proceed to notify the chairmen of all of the Democratic committees and invite their attendance.

"Very respy. yrs.,
"WM. A. WALLACE."

FOOTNOTES:

[31] Mr. Lincoln was elected President on the 7th Nov., 1860.

[32] A kind man and enjoying the confidence of Mr. Marcy who had been Secretary of War under President Pierce.

[33] Mr. O'Sullivan had been appointed, by President Buchanan, Minister to Portugal.

[34] It is presumed that the work here referred to is an account from Van Buren's pen of the administrations of President Jackson and his own. It is greatly to be regretted that Mr. Van Buren did not, to that extent, at least, become his own biographer.

[35] Mr. Gillett was a neighbor, a friend, and the authorized biographer of Silas Wright. His letter is only interesting as another illustration of the diversities of opinion among the spectators, about the first thing to do when the neighbor's house is on fire.

The letter of Mr. Tilden to Judge William Kent first appeared in the _Evening Post_ in 1860, and was republished in the New York _World_ in 1863.

[36] Mr. Taylor was appointed Harbor Master of New York, in Jan'y, 1873, by Governor Hoffman.

[37] Mr. Hogeboom was a lawyer in Hudson, Columbia County, of which county Mr. Tilden also was a native.

[38] A lawyer from Watertown, Mass., who settled in New York city, and was the author of _Several Studies of the Federal Constitution_, of _The Last Years of Daniel Webster_, and _The Law of Copyright_. In the Civil War his sympathies were with the insurgent States. He died in 1894.

[39] Martin Van Buren had died in July, 1862.