Chapter D: Magone to Tilden (2)

"MY DEAR GOV. TILDEN,--Your favor of the 8th is this instant received. I have never met the Mayor but once. I then discovered that his prime object seemed to be the removal of Green. This is the prime object of all the swindlers, whatever political banner they sail under. Our friend Marble is also hostile to him. _They_ are determined to get him out.

"I drew the impeachment of the counsel. As drawn it contained what more prudent men than myself might pronounce an injudicious paragraph against the appeals majority. In a council, consisting of Marble, Burton N. Harrison, and perhaps others, this was stricken out, and perhaps rightly. The keystone to the arch imparting favor to Tweed was the story of the substitution of Curtis and Porter for Barlow and Peckham. But I had to acquiesce in omitting that. The letters on _this_ subject are in the New York papers about 30th and 31st December.

"The Mayor sent to Barlow, Peckham, and myself for our suggestions on the council's answer. Peckham's and mine contain all that is needful on this subject. Mine, unwisely, you will say, opens fire on the judicial majority, and states with suitable words of characterization the Porter and Curtis substitution. This you will probably not disapprove.

"To understand this branch of the case precisely you should know a few facts. I had all my life greatly aided and befriended this man. But this was not strange; I always aid the needy and never strike any one willingly. He thought me very amiable, but took good care to keep out of my way from the moment he took office until he was accused. Then he could scarcely believe his senses; so, near midnight, he visited me, cried, implored, etc., etc. I gave him no hope, and to his face condemned him, observing courtesy to be sure in the choice of words. I commented in terms as apt as this duty would permit, on his Porter and Curtis affair. This will serve to account for his _subsequent_ attempt to reinstate Barlow and Peckham. No more need be stated. I have requested Peckham to send you a copy of his reply to Smith; a copy of mine will reach you as soon as it can be made.

"I am quite sure the _power_ that is bent on removing Green will not improve the Corporation Counsel's office; consequently, I cannot desire that the Mayor should be free to fill it.

"I suppose you know that the only political sentiment in which I indulge is hostility of official thieves. This, like my hostility to the negro war, places me almost alone. Some degree of circumspection in my movement is therefore necessary; and, perhaps, some little caution on the part of political men how far they permit themselves to be seen in my company, or to be suspected of being influenced by me, is desirable to _them_.

"Hence I doubt the expediency for _either of us_ of my putting up at the Governor's mansion for a day or two.

"I may say very little, and will probably do very little to testify my dissent; but I will see better reasons than have yet been exhibited before I will in any way assent to Judge Allen's standing as the law of the land.

"Were I Governor I would not assent to Smith's removal without an assurance as to the successor. But this, of course, should have no influence with you; for, as far as you have indicated a choice to me, you have not named any one who would impart to that office the needed vigor. At least such is my belief.

"I am morally certain that the majority in the 'hybrid body' will on some impalpable technicality defeat any civil suit that can now be brought against the Ring. Nothing but the clearing up bill now in your hands will draw their teeth."

MALCOLM CAMPBELL[65] TO TILDEN

"_Confidential._

"NEW YORK, _March 2d, 1875_.

"MY DEAR GOVERNOR,--The enclosed will show you how I employ a leisure hour. Although I have not been editor of _Frank Leslie's_ since I left it after the campaign of '72 I occasionally write for it, and my articles are always published. My feelings towards you have already been shown in the columns of that paper, and anything I can do in the future will be most cheerfully done.

"I hope and expect to see you our nominee for President next year; and therefore, assuming the privilege of old friendship, I give you my views on a few points, even at the risk of appearing to offer unasked-for, and perhaps unwelcome, advice. It was said, and I think truly, that a President, when in office, knew less of the true state of public opinion than any ordinary observer. Perhaps the rule may hold good in a modified degree as to a Governor. If so, I trust you may be an exception.

"I believe I reflect the opinion of a large portion of our citizens at the present moment when I say that Mayor Wickham is thought to be drifting in the direction of 'personal government,' with a very strong leaning, in the distribution of the most important places, towards his former associates in Apollo Hall. The gentleman said to have been fixed upon by him for Corporation Counsel, Mr. Whitney, is entirely unknown either by the bar or the general public, except by the fact that he ran for District Attorney on the Jimmy O'Brien ticket. His appointment would give satisfaction to no one but those immediately benefited by it, while the selection of O'Conor (if he would accept it), or Peckham, or, indeed, any well-known lawyer, would give assurance to the public that the promises of reformed Tammany really meant something.

"It is probably apparent to you that a dead set is being made for the scalp of our old friend Green. He is undoubtedly the most unpopular man in the city, and such a movement would be too popular for any one but a man of nerve to resist. As his name has been so intimately connected with your own, your position, in case this issue is presented, would be at least embarrassing, and the result, in any event, would be to your prejudice in subjecting your action to criticism. It seems to me that all this might be avoided by getting Green to resign, not as a forced measure, but as a voluntary act, and with flying colors; and he might resume his old place on the parks, or receive some other position better suited to his tastes and temperament than the thankless office of Comptroller. I say this without a particle of hostility to Mr. Green, for whose ability I have a great respect, and in whose honesty I have unbounded confidence. I have no personal ends to subserve, and my suggestions spring from a sincere desire to avoid in an honorable way the possibility of persons who are not at heart friendly to you forcing upon you an issue which might injure you with the public. If you were to approve his removal, instead of being regarded as a second Brutus, you would be accused of yielding to the pressure of those who had designs upon the treasury; if you declined it would be attributed to personal friendship against the unanimous voice of your party in this city.

"I trust that my remarks may not be considered intrusive. If they are too frank, it is the fault of my nature and of my earnest wish for your continued popularity in your present station and for your advancement to a higher one.

"I remain very faithfully and truly yours,
"MALCOLM CAMPBELL."

JOHN BIGELOW TO S. J. TILDEN

"WESTMORELAND HOTEL, _March 21, 1875_.

"MY DEAR TILDEN,--You could not desire anything more cordial than the reception given your message here. The press you see. The people are equally unanimous, and I think enthusiastic. Part of this enthusiasm springs from the expectation that you will make as thorough work of the canal ring as you did of its elder brother in N. Y. Be sure you do not disappoint these expectations. I have not heard much lately about the softening of yr. brain, but there are some inquiries for the kind of tipple you are partial to. The Tilden brand is just now rather the favorite.

"I dined with Bristow at Stoughton's last night. I am told he had third term on the brain very bad. Edwards Pierpont is talking up Bristow himself for the next Rep. candidate. This is P.'s way, I suppose, of hesitating his dislike for Grant.

"Wickham's political estate is already pretty much bankrupt. You will soon be able to buy it all in for a bagatelle. What a lucky dog you are to have your enemies here and in Albany officered by two such blunderheads as Wickham and MacGuire. They relieve you from a great deal of responsibility, and serve the important purpose of scapegoats to carry the sins of your party into the wilderness.

"Please give my compliments and regards to Mrs. Pelton.

"Very truly Yours,
JOHN BIGELOW.

"Judge Comstock likes yr. message, but thinks it not calculated to promote your political fortunes. That is not the first error in judgment he has made."

ALGERNON S. SULLIVAN TO TILDEN

"HON. S. J. TILDEN.

"29 WALL STREET,
"NEW YORK, _March 22d, 1875_.

"MY DEAR SIR,--Among our best people there is but one opinion as to your message about the canals.

"You are right; the case is urgent, the evils you point out are of the greatest importance, both in their financial and moral aspect; the remedies proposed seem practical, and the honor of your administration, of our party, and of all good citizens is involved in your movement.

"Be firm and active, and if you feel that your success would be facilitated by a public expression of opinion from our strong men, we will organize such a demonstration.

"Very Truly Yours,
"ALGERNON S. SULLIVAN."

DAVID DOWS TO CHAS. STEBBINS, PRIVATE SECRETARY OF GOVERNOR TILDEN

"55 WEST 23RD ST., NEW YORK,
"EVENING, _Mch. 22, 1875_.

"MY DEAR SIR,--I wish you would send me by mail one or two of the Gov's message of the 19th inst. I want to keep one for future ref'ce. I notice it was to be printed.

"The truth is, Gov. Tilden understands and fully appreciates the canal question better than any Gov. we have had for many, many years, and altho' this last message throws a bombshell into the Canal Ring camp, still the Gov. will be backed up by the people, who do and will approve his course. We are all well.

"Yours,
"DAVID DOWS."

"P. S.--Just as I had written you, Mr. Pelton called, with your letter, and I had a pleasant talk with him. I told him I had just written you and him, and asked you to send me the message; so he, Mr. P., gave me one.

"Mr. P. has promised to call again when in city, and I hope he will.

"You can depend upon all the strength and support, both physical and moral, that I have got to back up such sound and practical views as Gov. Tilden puts forth in his two papers.

Yrs. Sincerely,
"DAVID DOWS."

"P. S.--I wish you would send me a few of the printed messages."

WILLIAM CAMPBELL TO TILDEN

"CHERRY VALLEY, _March 23, '75_.

"DEAR GOVERNOR,--As a taxpayer I return my thanks for your canal message.

"Many years ago that sagacious politician, the late John D. Hammond, author of the _Political History of New York_, remarked that whatever political parties there might be in New York there always would be '_an Erie Canal party_.'

"And he was right. There always has been a canal party. The Constitution of 1846 _manacled_ the State. It declared the canals should never be sold. The spoils would be gone. The last constitutional convention determined also to keep the manacles on. The Legislature had provided that of the members of that convention thirty-two should be named whose election should be secured, and this, too, without reference to location. Sixteen were named by the Republican party and sixteen were named by the Democratic party.

"Of this thirty-two, _not one_ whose residence was south of the Mohawk and west of the Hudson was named by either party. There was one north of the Mohawk. With that exception, commencing at New York and following up to Albany and Troy, and thence on the Erie Canal to Buffalo, we find the location of them all, except one or two on the lateral canals in the western parts of the State. There has not been a high officer of the State in the same region for, I think, the last quarter of a century.

"Surely, my dear Governor, there must still be a canal party. But I see you are resolved that the stealing shall cease. I was in the Legislature of 1869 with your brother, and on a celebrated occasion witnessed his stern integrity. I recollect well putting my hand on his shoulder and remarking--

"'Alone among the faithless,
Faithful only he.'

"I said then the blood of _old Dr. Younglove told_. I am rejoiced to see that it has _told_ again.

"Very Respectfully, your old friend,
"WILLIAM W. CAMPBELL."

G. W. CLINTON TO TILDEN

"BUFFALO, _March 23, 1875_.

"MY DEAR SIR,--Your canal message is heroic. It commands my respect, and must attract to your support all honest citizens. If I were sure that the prevalent notion that your high and honorable course will involve you in war be true, I should be delighted to plunge into the battle, with a God save the right! I cannot now conceive a more honorable ending of the humble career of

"Yours very respectfully and truly,
"G. W. CLINTON."

W. W. NILES TO TILDEN

"8 WALL STREET, N. Y., _March 25th, 1875_.

"MY DEAR FRIEND,--Ralph Waldo Emerson says: 'When a man is in pursuit of the absolute truth every spear of grass is with him.' And an old book that is sometimes seen in families down this way (and which, if by chance there is a copy near the capitol, I commend to your respectful consideration) says, 'The stars in their courses fought against Sisera' because he was wrong.

"I am impelled to write thus much because I see your great opportunity and your great danger in the matter of the Canal Ring.

"I have no fear of their _fight_ against you, for then you would be on your mettle and on your guard; but I fear and write to warn you against their _conditional surrender_.

"If they come into your camp on any other terms than 'unconditional surrender' you will be subjected to the danger of treachery and to that other condition that brought poor, honest Tray to grief.

"Make your fight as Andy Jackson used to for unconditional conquest or hopeless defeat, and you are all right.

"I hear much talk, and what I fear is less constrained and politic than what is spoken for your ears.

"I hope you saw the Albany letter of the _Sun_ of to-day, and also the _Tribune_ editorial; they are encouraging.

"Hurrah for young Hickory forever!

"Yours Truly and forever,
"W. W. NILES."

PETER COOPER TO TILDEN

"NEW YORK, _March 25th, 1875_.

"MY DEAR SIR,--I have seen, in common with others of your fellow-citizens, the published account of your statements and messages in reference to the management of those intrusted with a great and valuable interest of the people--the canals of our State.

"Having for a long time, in fact, from the beginning of that industrial enterprise, taken a deep concern in the prosperity and improvement of the canals of New York, and having, in common with many others interested in them, been much disappointed in the vast expense that has attended the keeping of this great highway of commerce in repair, allow me, my dear sir, to congratulate and thank you for the efficient and courageous method you have taken to investigate what abuses may have existed in times past, and to put this great industrial and commercial interest into a more favorable if not a more honest administration.

"I impeach no one personally. It will be your province to investigate the facts and personal bearings of such charges as you have put forth in your excellent message in regard to the administration of the canals. But the results are obvious to every intelligent citizen, and lead to the natural inference that the large sums appropriated, and the legislation hitherto employed by the people of this State, to guard, improve, and administer economically this great public enterprise, have been intrusted to parties either ignorant or irresponsible as to their duties in this matter.

"This is the present feeling of the people. And I only express a general desire that the investigation you recommend shall be conducted at once by a committee of intelligent and honest men; that this investigation may lead to the truth is the fervent desire of all good citizens. With renewed expressions of thanks, and with great esteem,

"I remain, Yours with Great Respect,
"PETER COOPER."

ANONYMOUS TO S. J. TILDEN

"(_Mar. 18, 1875._)

"TO THE HON. SAMUEL TILDEN.

"DEAR SIR,--By referring to the records you will find half million of the city's property given by William M. Tweed and now held by one Mrs. L. G. McMullen.

"A FRIEND TO JUSTICE AND A TAXPAYER."

CHARLES O'CONOR TO TILDEN

"FORT WASHINGTON, _March 27th, 1875_.

"MY DEAR GOV.,--If 'honor's voice' has any charms for your eye and ear you ought to be satisfied, for it silences completely all other sounds. Even the swindlers themselves dare not condemn.

"Peckham was not come-at-able 'til to-day, and I could not get away from occupations here. We are to meet and set things agoing on Monday.

"My present motive in writing is to speak of public employments, but I beg you distinctly to understand that I am not a solicitor. That I am determined never to be. I only write to give you information, or more properly, to awaken your attention. I have no personal favor to gratify or personal desires to accomplish in this line.

"The committee of 4 is of course designed to make an equal division. Still, you have the initiative and possibly may have through that circumstance a valuable facility. You will have to name two Republicans. If possible you ought to name Barlow as one of them. I need say no more than give the hint and let you know that he will act. You know perfectly well that he has an ardent desire to unearth the canal thieves, and you seldom meet with one of any party so pertinacious and of such unflinching resolution.

"If you want a scholar, with great capacity to write for the public, do not overlook Wm. B. Reed, of 34 West 27th Street. I know no man who could serve better in that way. And he has very recently and very suddenly been cut off from the _Herald_ corps. If Bennett was here or could be addressed on the subject this would not have happened.

"I can only attribute it to the zeal of some in his cabinet against Green.

Yours truly,
"CH. O'CONOR."

HENRY L. FISH TO TILDEN

"OFFICE OF THE ROCHESTER TRANSPORTATION CO.

"ROCHESTER, N. Y., _March 27, 1875_.

"MY DEAR SIR,--The Committee of the Whole adopted a resolution and recommending to the House its passage, impowering you to appoint a commission to make the investigations. Of this you, of course, are aware. Subsequently a resolution was adopted directing the judiciary committee to prepare a bill for the same object. Now, what I wish to say is this: the friends of this move of both parties in both Houses should be put upon their guard to see that it is what is required. You must have the very _fullest power_ and authority. I found many warm friends of yours in both parties in both Houses; but everything hangs on your getting proper authority, and your friends must certainly be most active and vigilant and _now_. The authority must be full and broad. Each friend in both Houses ought to be fully posted as to how to act and what to do. The leaders in each House should be advised and most thoroughly posted on all points. Concert of action is imperative.

"The shaping and passing of the bill is of the very highest moment.

"It should be carefully scrutinized and drawn before its introduction, and watched with the greatest assiduity and fidelity.

"You are fighting the whole 'Prussian army'--officers, rank, and file.

"You must succeed. You must be backed; there should be now no such thing as failure.

"I dare not think of the consequences that would follow a failure. You are grappling with subtlety, ingenuity, adepts, experts, dangerous, and most unscrupulous men whose life has been spent in plundering the people, and who are most expert in controlling and handling men.

"See to it that the Secretary of State don't flood the State with ring census tokens. This will be a heavy blow to you and the cause if he does. I make these suggestions, fearing you might, in the excitement and pressure of the business of yr. office, overlook these matters, and perhaps might trust too much to yr. friends. Church is with the Ring in all their deviltry.

"Upon the proper start--the proper authority of the Legislature--hangs great events. If I can do anything, command.

"Hastily and as ever,
"Truly Yours,
"HENRY L. FISH."

JOHN KELLY TO TILDEN

"_Personal._

"NEW YORK, _March 30th, 1875_.

"MY DEAR GOVR.,--I telegraphed you yesterday requesting that you would take no steps to fill the vacancy of the 7th district until you hear from me. You may consider this presumptive, and if you do I shall not complain, or take exception thereto.

"I shall never forget the promptness with which you responded to my appeal in behalf of Mr. McLaughlin, and I am afraid that my anxiety in his behalf has subjected you to humorous criticism from your enemies and an anti-partisan press. I am, however, consoled by the fact that you would have been more than pleased with the man. His abilities are eminently superior to any person who fills these places at present. As an evidence of his talent I refer you to his description of yourself, ex-Governor, and myself at an interview which took place at your house last January. I did not even know that he intended to write anything, and was not aware of it until I saw it in Marlborough paper, M., etc. Now you will ask yourself what can be the motive. I will answer by telling you none at all, except this that I am a lover of talent; but I assure you that this gift would hardly influence me unless it was coupled with inflexible integrity. He has both characteristics. Having said this much relative to the man, I shall now speak of my impression as to what has occurred in relation to McLaughlin's intended appointment and what ought to be done to place him and yourself right before an observing and critical public.

"You appointed him, and when you did so there was no vacancy. Your motive was of the best kind. You relied entirely for your own justification on that which I represented to you. Would it not be well to appoint him again? This will enable him to appear well before the public, and at the same time vindicate yourself and show the people well-established consistency in what you originally intended for the public good. If you think well of this idea--

"Then let me suggest to you another. Mc will not accept the place, and for the reason that he could not do so. The County Clerk is an invalid, and is now in Florida seeking health. His deputy has been recently appointed to the position of 'Dept. Commissioner of Public Works.' McLaughlin has been promoted to G.'s vacancy, and could not in honor _except_ [_sic_] any position while his superior is abroad sick. The place of civil justice would be pecuniarily a godsend; his moral obligations would prevent him from _excepting_ [_sic_] the place. Though, as I said before, it is due to him that the place should be offered him in justification of you both. This would soften the asperities of the envious and silence the press, which is prone to contemptuous ridicule. When he shall have resigned the position.

"Having said this much in favor of McLaughlin, I shall now give you my opinion as to who should receive the appointment. After mature consideration I have convinced myself that it is due to Alfred T. Ackert, of your own district. He is honest, and possesses talent enough to make him a competent judge. The objection that would be offered that he is not a resident of the district ought not to have any consideration with you, and for the reason that if the bill passes the Legislature to elect the civil justices on a general ticket, as I think it will, the local politicians will not have anything to say except in a general way; and if they did object it would be but temporary.

"I hope you will consider Ackert in relation to that appointment. He has worked hard for three years in our organization, and his duties have been exceedingly laborious, and yet he has never complained, but willingly performed them with alacrity.

"I have just received Mr. Pelton's letter, in which he refers to the receipt of my despatch relative to Col. Vilner. This must be a mistake. I did not send a despatch in behalf of the above-named gentleman, and if he received one it is a forgery. I sent one in the Stemmler's case, and no other one. There is no doubt of this gentleman's demise now. Perhaps you have not been aware of it. He died on last Sunday evening.

"Your message on the canals has raised you very high in the estimation of the men of all parties. _The wonder is now that none previous to you had the courage to meet the men who instigated these frauds and to show them to public condemnation. Your predecessors were as well informed of their existence as you; but for some reason of their own, not very difficult to fathom, neglected their duty._ These exposures will have a salutary effect, and will be the means of correcting abuses which should have long since been eradicated.

"Pursue the good work you have commenced, no matter where the rod will fall, either on friend or foe. It is about time that politicians should understand that they cannot pursue their nefarious frauds under the supposition that no harm can fall upon them on account of their political adhesion to party.

"You should take some steps on the papers before you in the case of Smith. You may depend that unless you do there will be a general attack made on you by the papers of the city. It is already being whispered that your recent message was concocted to divert attention from matters connected with this city. Smith has not been idle in circulating the story that you are his friend and will not remove him, notwithstanding the onslaught which you helped to prepare against him at the beginning of the year. You have already had these papers too long without taking action. I beg of you to act immediately in this case. If you are not fully convinced in the fire commissioner's case, you can wait until you have had further time, and yet I am fully satisfied that you have had time enough to determine the course you ought to pursue.

"Yours very truly,
"JOHN KELLY."

"_His Excellency S. J. Tilden_,
"_Albany, N. Y._"

RESOLUTIONS IN RESPECT TO THE CANALS OF NEW YORK

"NEW YORK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

"At a meeting of the Chamber of Commerce, held Thursday, April 1st, 1875, Hon. William E. Dodge, president, in the chair, the following resolutions offered by Hon. George Opdyke were unanimously adopted:

"Resolved, That Governor Tilden, true to his honorable record against the fraudulent Ring officials of this city, has now placed the citizens of our whole State under lasting obligations by his bold and masterly exposure of the enormous frauds connected with the administration of the New York canals.

"Resolved, That this Chamber, as the oldest commercial organization of the State and the one expressly authorized by charter to speak in the name of the entire commercial interests, feels specially called upon to express its gratitude to the Governor for his fearless and vigorous effort to arrest the frauds, so discreditable to the character of our State and so injurious to its commercial interests.

"His effort deserves the commendation and hearty support of every citizen of the State.

"Resolved, That this special message of the Governor on 'canal frauds' is in perfect harmony with the views he expressed in his annual message. In that document he manifested broad and accurate knowledge in relation to the present condition of the canals, clearly pointed out their defects, and suggested the remedies that he deemed essential to their increased efficiency and productiveness; and also to the integrity and economy of their administration. Among the remedies he suggests are a proper disposition of the unproductive lateral canals, the securing a uniform depth of seven feet in the waterway of the Erie Canal, and modifications in the present plan of administering them.

"Resolved, That, in the judgment of the Chamber, it is absolutely essential to the efficient management of these canals that this department of the State government should be under the control of a single executive head, appointed by the Governor and Senate, and removable at the pleasure of the Governor, with power to appoint and remove his subordinates, and who alone should be held responsible for the proper management of the canals. All experience goes to prove that this is the only safe method of securing efficiency, fidelity, and economy in the administration of public affairs.

"Resolved, That this Chamber will watch with deep interest the progress of this praiseworthy effort of the Governor to secure perfect integrity in the Canal Department, and will aid that effort by all proper means within its power.

"Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions, duly authenticated by the officers of the Chamber, be forwarded to his Excellency, Governor Tilden."

G. HILTON SCRIBNER[66] TO TILDEN

"GREEN COVE SPRINGS, FLORIDA, _April 2, 1875_.

"TO HIS EXCELLENCY, SAMUEL J. TILDEN.

"MY DEAR SIR,--By the scanty and irregular news we receive from New York at this distant point I learn with a degree of satisfaction which I cannot fully express that you are making a determined effort to correct the abuses in the canal management of our State.

"Speaking with the earnestness inspired by my experience as a member of the Canal Board, I trust that you and your friends in this undertaking will not be dissuaded from the views you have taken and the course you have marked out by any political or personal influence whatever.

"I do not fear that _you_ will. Let no 'hue and cry' about 'corporations and monopolies,' or the importance of general laws under the constitutional amendments, divert attention from this subject. Everything now before the Legislature or demanding your attention should, in my judgment, be subordinated to this matter if by so doing these irregularities in canal management may be eradicated, root and branch. I have studied your analysis of the subject, and I believe you are on the right track.

"Which political party shall suffer most, or who shall go up or who down, are matters of minor importance if only right and justice be done. Pardon the frankness and emphasis with which I address you, but while I could never quite grasp the evidence, I often felt, as a member of the Canal Board, and now feel morally certain, that the field you have entered is fruitful in long-standing and frightful abuses. Accept my best wishes for your success, and trusting you may receive, as you certainly deserve, the sympathy and co-operation of all good men in this great undertaking,

"I remain as ever,
"Most truly yours,
"G. H. SCRIBNER."

On a visiting-card:

"_Personal._

"MY DEAR GOVR.,--You are at liberty to use the accompanying note in any way you may deem proper for the good of the cause."

WHEELER H. PECKHAM TO TILDEN

"NEW YORK, 18 WALL ST., _Apl. 6, 1875_.

"HON. SAML. J. TILDEN.

"DEAR SIR,--I have your telegram. Mr. O'Conor was to have been here this morning. I gave him the complt. in the suit vs. Sweeny and Smith last Friday. He sent word on Saturday that the presence of Ingersoll was a condition precedent to his going on--_i. e._, that he needed to see him before making application for an attachment, etc.

"So you see that it is impossible to attach until Ingersoll arrives. This morning, instead of coming in, as he had yesterday written me he would, he sent me word that he was suddenly called elsewhere and that he would be in to-morrow morning.

"The Tweed papers were all ready, but I had not intended to issue them until to-morrow--_i. e._, after again seeing Mr. O'Conor; but on receipt of your telegram I concluded to commence that action, and so issued processes, order of arrest, bail $3,000,000, and attachment $6,000,000.

"Will have _lis pendens_ filed forthwith here and in Westchester.

"We find some property left in Tweed--not much; a large lot in his son Dick; we find much in Sweeny and Smith. They do not seem to have transferred. The Watson compl. and sums. will be served in a day or two--to-morrow, if Mr. O'Conor agrees to the draft I have.

"Yours truly,
"WHEELER H. PECKHAM."

CHARLES O'CONOR TO TILDEN

"FORT WASHINGTON, FRIDAY, _April 6th, 1875_.

"DEAR SIR,--Going on steadily with the _proved_ narrative. It will soon be in a perfect condition. The revelations are most satisfactorily exact. The 'long train of abuses' will have an astounding look.

"You are up to your eyes in a confusing multitude of affairs, and may not have as clear a vision as I fancy I have concerning affairs here.

"There can be no doubt that, as usual in such alterations, there is a class who counted on coming into the succession and enjoying Tweed's privileges. In his day the so-called Democratic wire-pullers and the so-called Republican wire-pullers understood each other and divided the spoils.

"This was a still existing policy at the last city election. Wales, the Republican candidate for Mayor, was nominated in the interest of the regular Democratic nominee, and ran to secure the defeat of Ottendorfer, who is an independent man, probably a very honest man and, for aught I know or suspect, would have as truly supported integrity and justice in government as anybody else. Accordingly, Wales, as appeared by the papers, was a champion of Bill Costigan.

"The hungry are fierce, and hardly know what to do with themselves or where to turn. They don't get a chance to turn Green out, and you keep the Corporation Counsel on his good behavior.

"It seems to me you must stick just as you are. I have not too much confidence in the most recently elected Democratic judges. I am sure that if the Mayor gets the making of a corporation counsel that office will become as bad as it ever was. Now the incumbent stands in dread, and behaves un-obstructively. I write to advise that you beware how you alter this condition of things.

"You have gone so deeply into the hunt after scoundrelism that I do not see how you could repent, even if you wished to, and I presume you do not.

"One thing more. Special bills, etc., are being prepared and passed, too, in aid of jobs. If such things are to be helped or permitted to run through without opposition it surely will be idle to waste breath in pursuing Tweed.

"The public will sustain you in vetoing _all_ these things. See the marked part of my opinion on constitutional amendments.

"Yours truly,
"CHAS. O'CONOR."

JOHN KELLY TO TILDEN

"_Confidential._

"NEW YORK, _April 9th, 1875_.

"MY DEAR SIR,--The bill which was introduced yesterday by Miller, of Orange, has caused a great deal of bad feeling here among our people. Green's connection with it is unquestionable. It is strange that any one claiming to be a Democrat could act so unwisely. Such acts as these would destroy the best party organization in the country. I am astonished that our members could act so inconsistently. There is no apparent head in the Assembly, and in its present disorganized state its inconsiderate acts will tend to weaken us in the State and be the means of getting up an outside organization to co-operate with the Republicans next fall. Already this is being bruited about now. I had expected that matters would proceed smoothly here in the future, and there would have been no difficulty if discreet judgment had been used when this fiasco shall have subsided. I would advise that advances be made to the well-intending members so that there may be entire unison of action. Above all, there must not be any disintegration among ourselves, except so far as they relate to corrupt men, against whom we should set our faces.

"Your act in pardoning Ingersoll was severely commented on at first. When your purpose was explained the reaction was instantaneous; all now, or nearly all, commend you for it. The traitor is at all times despised, but treason is thought well of, and particularly so when the people have obtained a substantial benefit, which will be, no doubt, the result in the Ring cases through the testimony of Ingersoll.

"Your steady and persistent course in these Ring frauds will immortalize yourself, O'Conor, and those who have acted with you in the good work you have and are performing in the interest of the people. May God spare you and your assistants until you will have finished your tasks. Most of men would have become disheartened at the many repulses you have met.

"Now, my dear Governor, you must have a man in the corporation counsel's office who will act for the interest of the public. You cannot depend on the present incumbent in that office. If he were to act in good faith with you there still would be eavesdroppers about the concern who would carry the news outside; there must be an entire regeneration in that office to make it effective. Your time is now to follow up the present excitement incident to the release of Ingersoll. You will recollect how anxiously I pressed this matter on you when in Albany last week. Let me repeat to you again that you would be entirely safe in the hands of Whitney. He is an honest, high-toned gentleman, and will co-operate with you and do credit to himself. Don't let this matter pass over Saturday.

"I trust that you are enjoying good health, and that your strength will hold out to enable you to add new laurels to your achievements.

"Yours truly,
"JOHN KELLY."

"_To Samuel J. Tilden, Governor of the State of N. Y._"

CHARLES O'CONOR TO TILDEN

"FORT WASHINGTON, SATURDAY NIGHT, _April 10, 1875_.

"DEAR GOVERNOR,--Mr. McLean has just been here, and from him I gather that you are anxious for speed, and especially _in re_ Sweeney.

"The more haste the less speed is often a true phrase. Everything necessary and within the limits of our power was done at once to prevent Tweed's escape on a discharge likely to be awarded by his friends of the _Refugium Pec._ Other proceedings, it seemed to me, should be cautiously and deliberately initiated. I could not help seeing the judiciary's headway against us, and that the Scovil remedies bill, wounded and paralyzed in its birth, limps sadly. So in whatever I do I feel the necessity of caution.

"I have requested Peckham and his allies to pick up the outside biographical facts concerning Sweeney and his tribe. How and when they went off, where they are, etc., etc. Whilst this is progressing I stay home and _pump_.

"The man is very intelligent; taught by his sufferings, he is perfectly biddable and bent upon giving entire satisfaction. But men of his grade are bad at delivery, and need a midwife who has much industry and inexhaustible patience. He is in low health, constantly taking medicine, and it was not until Friday afternoon late that I got possession of him. The information comes forth very slowly, but I think in the most precise form. I got everything in the most painfully minute details; but it will not be painful reading. On the contrary, I think it will be as amusing as instructive. I throw it all into narrative form. It will read like a novel; and although it is bad policy in general to show one's hand, I am under the impression that when I get through with him it would be a good operation to publish his narrative.

"Sweeney is cunning in the extreme, and no doubt had the concealment of his tracks in view from the beginning. But it will surprise me if he can escape. I shall try to put things in such a shape that we can drop suddenly upon whatever may be here. I am told that he designed coming back to give his skilled talent to the task of defence. Between him and D. D. F. and the _Refugium Pec._ it might seem that a hopeful fight could be maintained for a little while. But there can be only one end.

"I think we will want an agent in Paris. I know one, Henry Harrisse, a lawyer there, who formerly perched in this city. Though a Frenchman by birth, he is perfectly conversant with our language, our people, and our affairs. I feel sure that he is honest and trustworthy. Had I not best write to him at once? The Sweeney tribe will probably have to be pursued to Europe. Tom Fields is there, and probably other subjects of discipline are or will be. Had I not best write to Harrisse at once and retain him?

"You must be patient, no time is being wasted.

"Yours truly,
"CHARLES O'CONOR."

WHEELER H. PECKHAM TO GOVERNOR TILDEN

"_April 12th, 1875._

"MY DEAR SIR,--_I had lis pendens_ filed on all the property Tweed has owned since 1867. Some little is still in his name. Most of it is transferred. I have complete lists of the property of the Sweeneys and Hugh Smith, and _lis pendens_ ready to file the moment Mr. O'Conor gets the suits ready to begin.

"I saw him yesterday and forwarded to you his letter, which you received this morning, I suppose. I cannot hurry him. He is making the case as thorough and complete as possible. Ingersoll turns out to be all we expected, and is perfectly ready to do what he can.

"I don't think anything can be lost by the few days' delay, as a transfer just now would be so clearly for purposes of fraud as to make it of [not?] the least benefit.

"I saw an article in the _World_ to-day, copied from a Syracuse paper, to the effect that the Court of Appeals had come to a conclusion in the Tweed case and in his favor and on the points raised by Comstock. I don't believe it at all, but if so, it is most scandalous, as Comstock was allowed to raise his points in reply, and we had no opportunity to answer. There is nothing in his point as _habeas corpus_ serving, and almost as clearly none as writ of error.

"If the court ever decided for Tweed it ought to be d--d eternally.

"It seems to me almost impossible for it to do so honestly.

"Yours truly,
"WHEELER H. PECKHAM."

W. C. BRYANT TO TILDEN

"NEW YORK, _April 16, 1875_.

"DEAR GOVERNOR,--Julia has asked me to send you a copy of the contract between myself and Mr. Henderson in regard to the rent which is to be paid by the _Evening Post_ in the new building. This is no contract, properly speaking, but only a letter from me to Henderson, in which our understanding respecting that matter is briefly stated. In the letter I simply say that I turn over the building to him, advise him to go on with it on his own account, making it convenient for the publication of a daily newspaper, and expressing my desire that a lease for twelve years of the necessary rooms shall be made to the _Evening Post_, 'the rent to be fixed by two competent and disinterested persons.' This is all, and a copy of the letter would show nothing more.

"Yours faithfully,
"W. C. BRYANT."

CHARLES O'CONOR TO TILDEN

"FORT WASHINGTON, _Apl. 28, 1875_.

"MY DEAR SIR,--Our determination here is to push the Ring suits to decision as rapidly as possible. Once we get fairly started everything will move with the utmost rapidity. But getting the fair start is attended with no slight difficulty. The field is so wide and is so full of minute details, and the sources of information are so much more _responsible_ than formerly. We must not let our deponents make any mistakes. Their knowledge being absolute and actual, their responsibility is great. If through haste or want of memory mistakes occur they may be pronounced wilful, and thus their credit be destroyed, or at least impaired. By interlocutory motions, such as demands for impracticable things, as copies of destroyed papers, etc., they will bring _their_ judges down upon us, and thus precipitate the climax.

"Probably this is well enough. If _their_ judges have resolution equal to their wishes they can defeat us, in despite of any legislation. But it is to be hoped that _fear_, like the cackling of the Roman geese, may save the State.

"It is said that one of our N. Y. judges has pledged himself to save Sweeney. Very likely. And, I guess, whenever he has a chance, the Mayor will appoint as a corporation counsel a known friend of that absent functionary.

"My precise motive in writing at this time is to warn you of the necessity of watching closely all amendments of the Code of Procedure, and any statutes concerning practice. There is great likelihood of an attempt to smuggle some baffler of that sort through the Legislature.

"Yrs., &c.,
"CH. O'CONOR."

WHEELER H. PECKHAM TO TILDEN

"_Personal._

"_May 26th, 1875._

"MY DEAR SIR,--Yours of date 24th, postmarked 25th, is recd.

"In reply I have just written you at length, and looking at the length of the document, have destroyed it, thinking that a long history is not what you want.

"I had not seen the newspaper attacks or the cartoon; did not know that Barlow had a brother-in-law.

"You say that I may ascribe delay to Mr. O'Conor. _I do._ I drew and gave him complt. vs. Sweeney. I would have prepared affidavits. He assumed the duty of so doing himself. At his request I wrote you to pardon Ingersoll.

"He alone has seen Ingersoll, he proposing that it should be so.

"You say he is not above being helped and aided. I have been completely at his service from the moment he commenced till now. He has declined all assistance, saying that the drafting of affds., etc., was work at which but one could work. If there has been anything other or further that I could do or could have done I do not know it.

"If the matter had been under my control I shd. have commenced suits and had attachments long before.

"They would have been without the perfect basis which the results of Mr. O'Conor's long labor will disclose.

"It may be that such perfect basis, when disclosed, will be well worth all the delay.

"Whether so or not was and is for you and the Atty. Genl. to determine; not for me.

"After Mr. O'Conor assumed the labor of preparing the case vs. Sweeney, etc., it certainly would have been highly improper and indecorous for me to do otherwise than acquiesce. As to my personal action, all I can say is that I have been at his service always. That I have urged haste as strongly as common courtesy to him would allow. You speak of what might have been done 'if I had been really anxious to produce results.'

"I am at a loss to understand your meaning.

"You certainly _cannot_ mean what the words apparently mean.

"I do not believe that there ever was _a doubt_ in _your_ mind, or the mind of any man, as to whether I was 'really anxious to produce results.'

"If there was you should not have employed me or suffered me to be employed. I _have_ waited for Mr. O'Conor. Could I or should I have done otherwise? You say that Mr. O'Conor is above criticism. Agreed. But so far as anxiety to produce results--so far as devoting all time or labor to the cause, so far as making this business the very first, to the exclusion of _everything else_ are concerned--I insist that I am as far above criticism as is Mr. O'Conor or any living man.

"If there is or has been any delay caused by want of zeal or attention on my part I shd. like to know it.

"You will note that I make no criticism on the delay in the preparation of the affds. I have not seen them, nor do I know what they will be. From the general description of them, given me by Mr. O'Conor, I think they will be well worth the delay, and when you come to know what he has done I think you will wonder not at the delay, but at how soon an immense work was accomplished.

"I only say in answer to your letter that the delay has been beyond my control. Mr. O'Conor yesterday expressed great confidence that he would have manuscript for me to begin printing by to-morrow or next day, and that I shd. have the affds. for the use to oppose Tweed's motion for a bill of particulars June 1st.

"From what he has said I suppose that when ready for our use they will be for all, and that we can commence the other suits next week.

"Whether the delay was wise or not is not the question.

"I only say that whether wise or unwise I am not _responsible_ for it, for I had not the _power_ to control it. _Responsibility goes with power._

"Yours truly,
"WHEELER H. PECKHAM."

"I will watch for criticisms in the papers as to pardoning, etc., and see that any error is corrected.

"I rather think that the publication of the affds. Mr. O'Conor is preparing will be the best answer that can be made to criticisms, and I now feel quite hopeful that they will be ready next week."

CHARLES O'CONOR TO TILDEN

"FORT WASHINGTON, _June 14th, 1875_.

"MY DEAR GOVERNOR,--Herewith you will receive a fair copy of the views which strike me as just in respect to the leases.

"There does not seem any need of occupying your time with a call. Your allowance for this task of passing on the bills is so near its close that every intrusion, however slight in duration, must be an evil.

"But a single thing occurs to me in your aid.

"Where you cannot approve a bill, is not a simple withholding of your signature the true course?

"Such appears very clearly to me to be the proper course. A written memorandum of the reasons which governed you might be useful, and, if time admitted, should always be made; but a formal veto does not seem to be called for or expedient. It must necessarily wear an aspect of severity. A purely negative course is less offensive.

"Yours truly,
"CHAS. O'CONOR."

DANIEL MANNING TO TILDEN

"OFFICE OF 'THE ARGUS,'
"412 BROADWAY, AND 2, 4, 6, AND 8 BEAVER ST.,
"ALBANY, _June 20, 1875_.

"DEAR GOVERNOR,--Since you, following in the wake of the Legislature, abandoned the capital, Albany has been extremely slow and stupid; but the constant and voluminous gossip that has prevailed regarding the supply bill indicates that, although absent, you are very 'numerously remembered,' and, no doubt, prayed for. Will all the prayers be continued after the thirty days have expired? I am not sure, if I were near you, that I should ask you to approve the new capitol item. As an Albanian, perhaps yes; as a citizen of the State, possibly no; and as a Democrat, no, most decidedly, without a change in the management.

"Your arguments on the canal appropriation bills are really admirable--so strong, clear, and convincing, indicating so much research and such thorough knowledge of the whole intricate subject. They will be very popular, even beyond the State; and here no voice will venture to rise in opposition.