Chapter D: B. Hill to Tilden

"MAYOR'S OFFICE, ELMIRA, N. Y., _Sept. 2, 1882_.

"HON. SAMUEL J. TILDEN.

"MY DEAR SIR,--I would very much like the Democratic nomination for Lieutenant Governor, and, if you can consistently aid me in securing it, I shall be under renewed obligations to you. I think I am as much entitled to it as either of the other gentlemen mentioned for the place. My district has been solid for 'our side' ever since you asked me to take hold of it and make it right, which was early in 1875. I have had to fight strong men--such men as Arnot, McGuire, Walker, and McGee, who have all been combined against me, and who started a newspaper to crush me out, and I have come out ahead every time. It has, however, been a hard struggle for many years.

"If I could receive this nomination, I should be greatly gratified. The party leaders on our side--such men as Messrs. Manning, Faulkner, McLaughlin, Thompson, Whitney, Weed, and others--will accept your suggestion on this subject, and be glad to adopt a course which will meet with your approval.

"If you will speak a good work for me for this nomination, it will settle the question. If there is any plan or arrangement agreed upon, which renders my candidacy embarrassing to you or our friends, or makes it inexpedient or impolitic, I should like to be advised of it.

"I trust you will see your way clear to do this for me.

"I remain, faithfully yours,
"D. B. HILL."

PARKE GODWIN TO TILDEN

"ROSLYN, _Oct. 3d, '82_.

"MY DEAR TILDEN,--I am one of the committee appointed to raise subscriptions for the Statue of Liberty to be placed on Bedloe's Island, and we propose, this fall, to go to work earnestly to raise the necessary money. I should like very much to put down your name as the first, in a good sum--and my own as the first successful applicant. Evarts, the head of our committee, has been dilatory, but there is no doubt we shall succeed. It is an important object, in which I have interested myself from the first, and am still interested. I know that applications of this kind are often made to you--and, if you have the least reluctance, just burn this up, and consider it unwritten.

"Yours truly,
"PARKE GODWIN."

PARKE GODWIN TO TILDEN

"MURRAY HILL, 19 EAST 37TH ST., _Oct. 12th, 1882_.

"MY DEAR TILDEN,--It seems to be the general opinion of our committee on the Statue of Liberty that we ought to have the name of an ex-President and ex-Governor of New York on the list of our subscribers. I concur in that opinion, and hope you will be induced to lend us a helping hand. The subscriptions range thus far from $1 to $5000, and we shall try to get $10,000 from Vanderbilt and Astor each. I should like to see one great representative of Liberty, in all the best senses of the word, at the head of the poll.

"Yours very truly,
"PARKE GODWIN."

MARY TILDEN TO S. J. TILDEN

"ST. OLAVE'S, TRINITY CRESCENT, FOLKESTONE, _Oct. 12, 1882_.

"DEAR SIR,--Some few years back I heard that you came to England to look up some of your relations. I so much regret that I did not have the pleasure of making your acquaintance, as we are the old family of Tildens of Ifield Court in the parish of Northfleet.

"I have always heard my husband say that there were three branches of the Tilden family: one lived at Milsted (Sir John Tylden), they altered the spelling of the name; one branch went to America, and the other to Ifield Court. My husband was the fourth John Tilden who had lived at the old place; we were married in 1838, and I lived there with him thirty-four years, as he died in 1872 at the age of seventy-six. He was twenty years older than me; we have three children--my eldest son John still has Ifield Court. My daughter Lucy married, in 1868, Captain Miller, of the Royal Engineers; he died of typhoid fever at Gibraltar in 1876, leaving his wife and four children--three girls and one boy; they are now living with me. William, my youngest son, is a major in the Sixtieth Rifles; he has just engaged himself to be married to a Miss Bell, a lady of good family and connections.

"If you should visit England again, I hope I may have the opportunity of meeting you. I have long wished to write to you, but did not know where to address you. This summer I was spending a few weeks at Thonne in Switzerland, and an American gentleman and his wife were staying at the hotel. They were struck with my name and asked if we were related to you. I asked if he would give me your address, which he did, and I made up my mind to write to you as soon as I returned home.

"There is a church not far from here called Lynne, where Canon Jenkins took me to see where some of our ancestors were buried, spelling their names as we do, _Tilden_. My dear husband was very proud of his family; his brothers are all dead; he has only three sisters living; there _were_ twelve in the family. I hope you will pardon my writing to you, but I feel you would like to know something of the Ifield Court, Tildens.

"My daughter unites with me in kind regards to her kinsman, and believe me,

"My dear sir, yours very truly,
"MARY TILDEN."

TILDEN TO MRS. LOWELL

"GREYSTONE, YONKERS, N. Y., _November 15, 1882_.

"DEAR MRS. LOWELL,--I received, on Saturday evening, your letter dated November 3d, and take the first time at my command to answer it.

"You do not overestimate the influx of communications which you are pleased to term 'begging letters.' They count by thousands. It is only in rare and exceptional cases that they can be answered. To comply with their requests would overmatch the journalistic exaggerations of the income and fortune which, in the mind of each applicant, is compared with a single want, presented as most meritorious, and as very inconsiderable in amount.

"I had occasion to tell the principal of a college, who tried to tempt my vanity with the offer to call an edifice by my name, that I should regard it as a calamity to be published as a philanthropist--having discovered that a dim suspicion of that character is scarcely consistent with the repose of a retired life.

"Nevertheless, I am open to consider the case to which you call my attention. Would it be convenient to you, some day when I am in New York, to call upon me, or to send some well-informed person to explain to me your scheme--what it needs and what your plans are? If so, I will make an appointment not earlier than next week.

"Very truly yours,
"S. J. TILDEN."

TILDEN TO MRS. LOWELL

"_January 2, 1883._

"DEAR MRS. LOWELL,--I have received your note containing some account of the subscriptions for the Charity Organization Society.

"Herewith is the speech which I promised to send.

"My subscription, which was to be paid after the beginning of the New Year, will be ready whenever you may come, in person, to collect it. Since almost seven years elapsed without my having the pleasure to see you, I do not like to throw away this occasion.

"Very truly yours,
"S. J. TILDEN.

"_Mrs. J. S. Lowell._"

TILDEN TO CHARLES A. DANA

"YONKERS, N. Y., _January 2, 1883_.

"DEAR MR. DANA,--I reciprocate your good wishes for the New Year for both yourself and Mrs. Dana.

"I fear there is some danger that the unsettling of the established system in regard to the canals may lead to projects for enlargements which will be of no real utility, but mere pretences for a renewal of abuses.

"I send herewith a copy of my speech on the canals in the convention of 1867, which, I think, you once expressed a wish to see; and also a copy of my first Message which contains a passage on the same subject.[27]

[27] See _Tilden's Public Writings and Speeches_, Vol. I., p. 348.

"It is sad to think of Louis Blanc and Gambetta, who have just passed away. In September and October, 1877, when Mr. Bigelow and I were in Paris, we saw something of them. Louis Blanc was an intelligent, mild man of gentle manners, and with the air of a scholar or professor. Gambetta seemed to be an impersonation of great forces. I brought back a magnificent photograph of him, which I have been examining with fresh interest to-day. Both knew enough of American politics to sympathize with the view you take of the electoral transaction of 1876-7.

"Very truly yours."

TILDEN TO PARKE GODWIN

"GREYSTONE, _January 11, 1883_.

"DEAR MR. GODWIN,--I intended to answer your first letter in respect to the foundation of the Statue of Liberty, although it expressly waived a reply. My thought then was to have a conference which should explain to me the scheme proposed; but, in the progress of time, that result came about of itself....

"My impression has been, and still remains, that other objects ought to have a preference; and those will suffice to consume all I shall at present devote to such purposes.

"With my best wishes for the health, prosperity, and happiness of yourself and family, I remain,

"Very truly yours."

HENRY ADAMS TO TILDEN

"1607 H STREET, WASHINGTON, _24 Jan., 1883_.

"DEAR SIR,--Your kind letter of the 12th, acknowledging the receipt at some past time of a copy of _New England Federalism_, reached me yesterday. I am forced to confess that I have equally forgotten sending you the book, and can recall nothing except the fact that I sent you my _Life of Gallatin_ in consequence of assistance which you rendered me in regard to it. Probably the other book was sent in the same connection. I am quite sure that while in Europe, where I went for papers after the _Gallatin_ appeared, I received a letter of acknowledgment from you for the volume.

"To do justice to Gallatin was a labor of love. After long study of the prominent figures in our history, I am more than ever convinced that for combination of ability, integrity, knowledge, unselfishness, and social fitness Mr. Gallatin has no equal. He was the most fully and perfectly equipped statesman we can show. Other men, as I take hold of them, are soft in some spots and rough in others. Gallatin never gave way in my hand or seemed unfinished. That he made mistakes I can see, but even in his blunders he was respectable.

"I cannot say as much for his friends Jefferson, Madison, and Monroe, about whom I have been for years hard at work. In regard to them I am incessantly forced to devise excuses and apologies or to admit that no excuse will avail. I am at times almost sorry that I ever undertook to write their history, for they appear like mere grasshoppers kicking and gesticulating on the middle of the Mississippi River. There is no possibility of reconciling their theories with their acts, or their extraordinary foreign policy with dignity. They were carried along on a stream which floated them, after a fashion, without much regard to themselves.

"This I take to be the result that students of history generally reach in regard to modern times. The element of individuality is the free-will dogma of the science, if it is a science. My own conclusion is that history is simply social development along the lines of weakest resistance, and that in most cases the line of weakest resistance is found as unconsciously by society as by water.

"I am very truly y'rs,
"HENRY ADAMS."

JOHN BIGELOW TO TILDEN

"THURSDAY MG., _April 19_ (_1883_).

"MY DEAR GOVERNOR,--Referring to the request of L. Smith Hobart, of New Haven, in regard to your collegiate residence at New Haven, I find myself only partially prepared to answer his questions, and though I had it on my mind when I saw you Tuesday morning to question you of other matters, I left without bethinking me of that duty.

"Your correspondence shows that you entered Yale College a third-term Freshman in the year 1834, and left at the close of that term never to return, for in December you were settled in New York. I find no evidence of your having returned to college in the fall.

"But there is nothing in your correspondence to show what _room_ you occupied. As you ate at Commons, I infer that you had a room in the college.

"If you will have the goodness to supply the information about the number of your room and the name of the college building that you occupied, I will be prepared to answer Mr. Hobart.

"If I am not right in assuming that you were a Yale third-term Freshman in 1834, and no longer, please correct me.

"Yours faithfully,
"JOHN BIGELOW.

"P. S.--If you did not room in the college, please tell me where or with whom you had lodgings."

TILDEN TO BIGELOW

"GREYSTONE, _April 20, 1883_.

"DEAR MR. BIGELOW,--I entered Yale College in the third term of the Freshman class, in June, 1834. I had no room in the college building, but I had a room in the house of a Mr. Goodman, which was situated below the Tontine, in a street at right angles with the front of the college buildings. At first I took my meals at Commons, but soon found that the diet would not answer for my delicate stomach. I left the college at the end of the Freshman year, expecting to return after the long vacation, but found myself unable.

"As Mr. Hobart seems to desire more particulars, I enclose herewith two copies of the _Courier Journal_ Biography. Would it not be well for you to open communication with Mr. Hobart, saying that his letter had been referred to you?[28]

"Very truly yours,
"S. J. TILDEN."

[28] Mr. Tilden was aware that I wrote the biography of him which
is here referred to, and which first appeared in the Louisville
_Courier-Journal_ during the campaign of 1876.

TILDEN TO MRS. MARY TILDEN

"GREYSTONE, _June 19, 1883_.

"DEAR MRS. TILDEN,--Your kind and interesting letter of October 12, 1882, has ever since awaited an opportunity for me to answer it, which, with the best intentions, has not been accomplished until now. I regret that I did not have the pleasure of making your acquaintance when I was last in England in 1877.

"My grandfather's name was John, which seems to have been a favorite name in that branch of the family. The ancestor who migrated to this country was Nathaniel; he came from Tenterden, of which he and several of his kinsmen had been Mayor.

"I am interested in the particulars which your letter contains in respect to your family.

"I send a photograph of myself. Please present to your daughter and accept for yourself my best regards.

"Very truly yours,
"(Signed) S. J. TILDEN."

MARY E. BLAIR TO TILDEN

"FALKLAND, MONTGOMERY COUNTY, MD., _June 26th_.

"MR. TILDEN.

"DEAR SIR,--Mr. Blair was much touched by your kind note of sympathy received a few days since. When I wrote Mr. Bigelow I was anxious and hurried, fearing the fatigue of the drive to the country on Mr. Blair. The change has been most beneficial, and his improvement since we came very decided, though our city papers will contrive to say that he is very ill. We are all greatly encouraged. He has less pain--is stronger and sleeps better. I follow your advice, and only present the most agreeable topics for his thoughts. The arrival of a young Holstein or Jersey calf--the Silo well filled--and a touch of the New York _Sun's_ sarcasm often diverts his attention from himself and interests him. He desires me to remember him kindly to you. I hope the papers report truly when they say your own health is so good.

"Very truly yrs.,
"MARY E. BLAIR."

TILDEN TO MRS. BLAIR

"GREYSTONE, YONKERS, N. Y., _July 28, 1883_.

"DEAR MRS. BLAIR,--I am deeply afflicted by the sad intelligence concerning Mr. Blair which comes to-day. I share with you and his children in the great bereavement, lamenting that I am so impotent to lessen your sorrow while mingling with it my own.

"Tendering you my heart-felt condolences, I am,

"Very truly yours."

WILLIAM ALLEN BUTLER TO TILDEN

"TRINITY BUILDING, 111 BROADWAY, _Sept. 10, 1883_.

"MY DEAR GOVERNOR,--I am asked to write you a line about the law school of the New York University whose work and wants have, I understand, been brought to your attention. While the early plans of my father and his associates, Judge Kent and Mr. David Graham, Jr., were not carried out according to their full intention in its foundation, the later years of the school have been full of encouragement, and it is now prospering under good management. The class of young men who avail of its instruction is largely drawn from those students who must make their way in the profession for themselves; and the training they get is, I believe, exceptionally thorough and conscientious. I have no right to make any suggestions on the subject; but you will, I am sure, appreciate my interest in the school and my motive in saying what I have said in regard to its merits.

"Yours very truly,
"WM. ALLEN BUTLER."

W. P. SCOTT TO TILDEN

"_Personal._

"NEW ORLEANS, _Sept. 16th, 1883_.

"DEAR SIR,--There come times in men's lives when, it matters not how carefully they have builded, how deep the structure strikes its foundations, or how critically material shall have been selected, all fail if the keystone be not placed skilfully, in season, and well.

"In these States, your sagacity, ability, firmness, and all that pertains to stamp the man as leader, is recognized to such an extent that it renders success impossible to any but yourself. The scheme of politicians may succeed in party conventions, but when candidates nominated by the party appear 'in the fierce light that beats around the throne,' the Democracy will soon find that the voters have discovered that a stronger element has been discarded than won, if you be not nominated.

"In 1880 success was impossible without your name for President, and the case applies with equal vigor at this moment. Since your resignation of its command, drift has been its policy, blunder its action.

"In '74, when nominated for Governor of your State, a Republican majority of 50,000 stared you in the face; your former efforts in the interests of reform nominated you; you had builded well.

"The 14th of September, '74, in this city, drew aside the full curtain and allowed the American people to view the workings of Republican reconstruction in the South; showed how hollow the Republican State government was, and committed the general government to the 'bayonet policy' more absolutely than ever. The people of Louisiana appealed to the nation, through the mouths of cannon, to free her of her oppressors, who were at the moment attempting to deny the right of citizens to keep and bear arms. The leader of that movement was Fred N. Ogden whom C. A. Burke is now vigorously opposing for the Governorship of this State, which nomination takes place in a few months and the election in April, '84. When the convention meets it will in all probability elect delegates to the national convention.

"Two years before your nomination the Democratic party was not able to place a candidate in the field for President, and in '76 elected a President. Louisiana contributed her eight votes to yourself, and maintained, through Fred N. Ogden, on the 9th of January, '77, the genuineness of her vote by destroying every opposition to the Nicholls government, and compelling Hayes to stamp his election as fraudulent without recourse.

"When your election for Governor took place the people were not disappointed, and your reforms heightened the enthusiasm engendered by the campaign of '74, and made your nomination certain for the highest office in the gift of the people. You know much better than myself the causes of its end, and suffice to say that, in my opinion, your patriotism came to me in a stronger and purer light than ever before by your action in not precipitating a civil war of unknown consequences.

"At this moment the situation of the Democratic party is this, in my opinion:

Electoral votes South 153
New Jersey 9
Connecticut 6
New York 36-- 51
----
204
----
Majority 3

"You are the only man who can carry New York and fill the void that her loss would incur.

"Now, I ask you, Mr. Tilden, to ponder well the refusal of yourself through friends for the candidacy of President.

"Have you not placed yourself so high that you cannot refuse; cannot even afford to deny the right of your friends to run you for your just vindication?

"Let your friends announce that you will accept the responsibility if nominated, however great the sacrifice, and your nomination is assured and your election certain.

"With other candidate I fear the usual result: 'defeat.' You have builded well; your ability will not allow you to cease at the moment of your triumph. You stand upon the banks of Rubicon. Empire is beyond, wilderness behind.

"Enemies delight in publishing your unalterable determination not to be a candidate; your friends cannot even say that you will accept the position if nominated.

"In the past, as in the future, I will trust in your patriotism; and in your own due season, when the fruit be ripe, I trust and know that you will not fail to gather the harvest properly, honestly, and well.

"Your obt. servant,
"W. P. SCOTT."

TILDEN TO WILLIAM ALLEN BUTLER

"_Oct. 11/83._

"DEAR MR. BUTLER,--You are right in supposing that I do not fail to appreciate the motives of your suggestion in respect to the law school, but I am not prepared to say anything on the subject.

"Very truly yours,
"S. J. TILDEN."