Part 26

"MY DEAR TILDEN,--Your Milwaukee speech has done me much good--a thing not to be thought of if it were not that this good done to one obscure individual extends to the whole country, when everybody is alike advantaged as I am. Your exposure of the terrible cost the whole nation is put to in maintaining an army to hold one portion of it in subjection makes it plain that the entire commonwealth is subjected. That section of ours which bears the tax (more than England and France both bear to enslave two empires), to keep the South under the foot of our quondam slaves, certainly gets less for its money, although laid out in producing a very thorough despotism, than the imperial dynasties abroad. You have made a capital demonstration of the enormity of the flight into tyranny which our Radicals have made in a short time, from the vantage-ground they obtained in the war over our free govt. The North sells itself into debt and slavery to enslave the South.

"But I owe you something more than the commonalty for your speech--your making my son a great man, giving him the heirship of Old Hickory's glory, although I know it is far beyond his reach, fills me with delight. You put a brilliant rainbow before my eyes, and tell me there is a pot of gold where it stands on the earth. The vision pleases, however, sensible that no effort will find its footing on the ground. Yet I hope Frank's aspirations will not all prove delusions to him or his father. He has all Old Hickory's devotion to his country, and he has the courage to attempt its redemption from the hands of the banditti that has for the time seized on all its wealth and all the defences of its liberties, and I have faith in a providence to overrule it, so that my young stripling who is put forward in the battle against the Philistines may do some execution with his sling.

"I beg you write me a line to say what promise you bring from the West. I have some influence with Bennett. If you think well of it I will write to him and urge him to open his columns to us. I think if Frank made well-considered speeches Bennett would _Herald_ them.

"Yours afft., "F. P. BLAIR."

"MY DEAR TILDEN,--My father wished me to mail this for him. I agree in what he says about your Milwaukee speech. It was unanswerable in argument as to Frank's coming East. I am glad he has declined doing so. His letter to that effect came yesterday, saying he did so because you had advised him to confine himself to the West. He has made no speeches, except some off-hand efforts at receptions, etc., etc.

"Y'rs truly, "M. BLAIR."

"WASHN., _Aug. 15, '68_."

HORATIO SEYMOUR TO TILDEN

"UTICA, _August 17, 1868_.

"MY DEAR SIR,--I send you three letters got to-day: one from Chicago about Indiana and Illinois; one from Governor Haight, of California, about the Pacific States; one from Henry D. Barto, of this State, who writes about the mining States. You know him as a gentleman of sagacity and standing. Of course, candidates always get flattering statements which prove nothing. But these letters, like all the letters I get, use the same language. Indeed, if my letters were not dated from different States I should think they were all written from one locality. This uniformity of words and facts means a great deal. It foretells a political change.

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

"_Hon. Samuel J. Tilden._"

AGREEMENT OF AUGUST BELMONT, SAMUEL J. TILDEN, AUGUSTUS SCHELL, RICHARD SCHELL, GEORGE I. MAGEE, THOMAS C. DURANT, CHARLES O'CONOR, AND C. H. MCCORMICK TO SUBSCRIBE $10,000 EACH TOWARDS ELECTION EXPENSES OF CAMPAIGN OF 1868

"We, the undersigned, each for himself, hereby agrees with Augustus Schell, Chairman of the Democratic National Executive Committee, to pay to said Schell each ten thousand dollars in such instalments as he may call, which sums shall be expended in such manner as the national Democratic committee shall determine, to defray the just and lawful expenses of circulating documents and newspapers, perfecting organizations, etc., to promote the election of Seymour and Blair.

"It is understood that if in the judgment of said committee the subscriptions for the purposes of the said election not embraced herein shall render it unnecessary to expend the whole amount hereto subscribed, then any surplus which shall remain shall be refunded to the subscribers in equal proportion.

"NEW YORK, _Aug. 15, 1868_.

"AUGUST BELMONT, "S. J. TILDEN, "AUGUSTUS SCHELL, "RICHD. SCHELL, "GEORGE I. MAGEE, "THOS. C. DURANT, "CH. O'CONOR, "C. H. MCCORMICK."

M. BLAIR TO TILDEN

"_Aug. 19, 1868._

"MY DEAR TILDEN,--Y'rs of yesterday has come to hand. Mr. Welles is now at the Kittery Yard in person, and will not be here for a week perhaps. He has probably done what Shaw and friends ask. If not, 'twill be too late to act, I fear, on his return. Welles is very earnestly with us now, and I have no doubt will do anything he can. My accounts from the West agree with yours as respects political prospects there. But Able, who is not of a sanguine temperament, writes that our friends are going to carry Missouri by 20,000 majority.

"From Maine, Mr. Clapp, former M. C. from Portland, a brother of Mrs. Woodbury, who is also a cautious man, is very confident of gains in the State.

"If my father can go on to New York I am sure he will do so, to see Bennett. The truth is, however, that Bennett looks _to position_, and there is no getting him without assurances of it. It was in this way that Lincoln got him. He could have been nominated to Paris undoubtedly if he had not himself declined accepting the mission, because he would have been rejected. Chase got his support, I am sure, by promising him this mission if he was elected. The negotiation with Lincoln was carried on through a fellow of the name of Bartlett, who was the same man who got the _Herald_ for Frémont. I had no part in either negotiation, but I knew of both and sustained Lincoln in keeping his bargain with Bennett. His inclinations are with our side, I am sure, and he told my father and myself he would have supported Frank's nomination earnestly.

"I would not hesitate myself in supporting him if he would give us the power of his press to elect our ticket. I regard him as every way a most reputable man, and one of far greater ability than Chief-Justice Chase. I said this to one of Chase's hangers-on one day when he was turning up his eyes at Lincoln's appointment of Bennett.

"If Seymour could support Chase for the Presidency for his doings about impeachment I cannot see why he could not appoint Bennett for helping to save the country.

"Seymour ought not, under any circumstances, to be approached on this matter. But I think we might legitimately hold out hopes to Bennett and keep our promise of support in good faith. I would, for myself, unhesitatingly offer to do my utmost to get the President to appoint him, though I would not offer that Seymour himself should come under any promise about it, or indeed be approached on the subject directly or indirectly.

"Of course, I would not be so explicit on this subject with any one else. But with you I talk freely, so that when the old man comes on, if he should, you will be prepared to take ground on the point in question.

"Y'rs truly, "M. BLAIR."

"WASH., _Aug. 19, '68_."

HORATIO SEYMOUR TO TILDEN

"UTICA, _Sept. 26, 1868_.

"MY DEAR SIR,--The canvass has run on for more than two months, and the questions of the day have been discussed in journals and meetings by so many different minds, and in so many different modes, that they are somewhat confused in the public understanding. Would it not [be] well if at this moment we could get a fresh presentation of our purposes in a way that will arrest public attention and in a way that will meet the points urged by our opponents, as we now have a need of their position? I have been talking the matter over with Mr. McCormick, in whose judgment I have great confidence. Now, every candidate for the Presidency must have a 'privy council.' There must be a number of men upon whom he can lean, who will help to shape out before election a line of policy which will carry the country through its difficulties. Able, influential, and thoughtful men should know now what they can rely upon in the event of our success. With clear ideas on these points they can work with more vigor, etc. Would it not be well to have a meeting of ten or twelve persons who should talk matters over clear through the coming year? Should not some definiteness be given to our future plans? Could not some position be taken now which will do good in the way of foiling the attacks of our opponents? Up to this time, with the exception of my consultations with you and two or three others, I have been almost isolated in my position. There are many advantages in this, but it should not be held too long.

"I am anxious to see you, and if it be possible for you to meet me here or elsewhere I should like to have a free talk with you. I will write to you soon about taking the field myself.

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

HORATIO SEYMOUR TO TILDEN

"UTICA, _October 1, 1868_.

"MY DEAR SIR,--Yours of the 30 ult. is received. I see nothing more to be done in Penna. beyond counteracting the effects of the soldiers' meeting. This is a movement upon which the Republicans count largely, and upon which they have spent large sums of money. Now, the _éclat_ of this will not depend upon the soldiers, but the generals who will be in attendance. Can this be done? Get Generals McClellan, Hancock, Franklin to go to Philadelphia on Thursday of next week. Give them a reception. There will be an immense turn-out of the citizens. The Republican meeting and the near approach of the election will furnish all the stimulants needed. As it will be gotten up without parade or all the notes of preparation which have gone before the Republican show, it will tell more on the public minds. The soldiers throughout the country look to see how the popular generals go. We can make the best show in that way. I learn that Hancock has not been asked by the general committee to go into Penna. He is very strong there. I fear we have neglected the soldiers too much. It seems to me that some military exhibition on our side is the only thing to be done before the Penna. elections. If it is made a 'reception' of these generals it cannot be a failure, as there will be a great turn-out to see them. General Slocum should also be there. He can give aid in getting up the movement.

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

HORATIO SEYMOUR TO TILDEN

"UTICA, _October 2, 1868_.

"MY DEAR SIR,--I send you a letter from General Franklin which is very gratifying. I have written to him, urging him to go to Penna. He is a distinguished soldier, I think from that State, and a great number of those who served under him live there. As he is unused to public speaking, some good talker, who is a man of character, should go with him.

"I have written to Genl. McClellan, asking him to go to Penna. I felt a delicacy in doing so, but the necessity is so great that I sent him the request by Mr. Mather. It will do us great harm if he declines. Our people have looked for his return with anxiety. He has more power in Penna. than any living man. This I learned when I spoke there in 1864. His visit will wipe out the effect of the soldiers' convention. As he was with me when Penna. was invaded, he can do me much good. I did not feel I could in my letter to him say as much as I felt. The soldiers are not inclined to go for Grant. He slaughtered them too ruthlessly. With many thousands of them McClellan's words will be words of command. All my letters from Penna. say that his visit is the only thing needed before their election.

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

"I hope the committee will urge Genl. Franklin to go to Penna."

S. J. TILDEN--RECEIPT

"NEW YORK, _Oct. 4th, 1868_.

"Received of Allan McLane, Esq., two hundred and fifty thousand dollars ($250,000.00), the same being one-half the purchase money for the steamer _Oregonian_, sold by W. H. Webb, Esq., to the said Allan McLane for the sum of five hundred thousand dollars, and conveyed by bill of sale to me, the undersigned Samuel J. Tilden, in trust for the said Allan McLane, and to be by me transferred to the Pacific Mail Steam Ship Co., on whose account the aforesaid purchase of the said steamer _Oregonian_ was made by the said Allan McLane, the conveyance aforesaid to be made by me, when requested by the said McLane and upon the payment of the balance of the said purchase money, to wit., the further sum of two hundred and fifty thousand dollars.

"(Signed) SAML. J. TILDEN."

WINFIELD S. HANCOCK TO TILDEN

"CARONDELET, ST. LOUIS CO., MO., _October 10, 1868_.

"HON. S. J. TILDEN, New York.

"MY DEAR SIR,--Your favor without date, enclosing me a note written to you by Governor Seymour, was received last evening.

"The Governor's letter is very delicate, kind, and considerate.

"I have been confined to my room since the 10th of September, and in that time to my bed until within the last few days. I am far from well now. My wound, which had closed after opening, threatens to reopen. It may not do so immediately, but I presume it is but a question of time, as it had been allowed to close too soon.

"It will be many days, probably weeks, before I shall be in condition for any effort.

"I am a member of the 'Dyer' court of inquiry, which has been postponed from week to week on account of my absence. So soon as I am able to endure the fatigue of travel I shall be compelled to go to Washington on that service.

"I had always believed that it was not well for officers of the army to engage actively in political campaigns, and I had concluded so long as I remained in the army not to set a contrary example to younger officers; still, the crisis is of such vital moment that I might probably have acted differently in the particular case urged by you, especially when possibly our eventual success depends upon the action of my own State in October. But neither time nor health permit me to act. It is therefore not necessary to discuss the question.

"I believe the election next Tuesday will decide the result of the Presidential election if the majorities in the States are at all positive.

"Our carrying two of the three will insure us a victory in November.

"I feel great interest in the result, I believe no person more so than myself.

"It is our only and last chance.

"I am, Truly Yours, "WINFD. S. HANCOCK."

S. J. TILDEN, AUGUSTUS SCHELL, AND AUGUST BELMONT TO W. F. STORY (TELEGRAM)

"NEW YORK, _October 17th, 1868_.

"W. F. STORY, Chicago, Illinois:

"Telegram just received. The suggestion made to change ticket was wholly unauthorized and unknown to National Democratic Executive Committee or any member thereof. The proposition is regarded as absurd, and is received by our masses with astonishment, derision, and indignation. In October elections we gained largely on much increased vote, compared with eighteen sixty-six, and nearly carried Pennsylvania and Indiana. Been overborne only by systematic frauds and rejection of votes of citizens of Irish and German birth by party that claim suffrage for negroes as national right, and practically accords him supremacy over white men. We came nearer to our expectations than Republicans to theirs. If our friends continue contest in all States with same vigor, our foes will find it impossible to spread their resources over so vast an area with equal effect. Our masses are resolved to renew contest under our chosen leaders, with our old flag flying, with organization unbroken, and with two and half million voters compact and always ready to rally for rescue of constitutional government and civil liberty.

"S. J. TILDEN, "AUGUST BELMONT, "AUGUSTUS SCHELL."

TILDEN TO FRANCIS P. BLAIR, SEN. (TELEGRAM)

"FRANCIS P. BLAIR, Sen. _Washington, D. C._

"Without contemplating any change, I should be glad to consult with you, but can't leave my post. Come here immediately if you can.

"S. J. TILDEN.

"NEW YORK, _Oct. 20, 1868_."

TILDEN TO AUGUSTUS SCHELL (TELEGRAM)

"NEW YORK, _Oct. 21, 1868_.

"HON. AUGUSTUS SCHELL, _Utica_.

"Had conference with Spencer and others, and on reflection conclude that we can't spare you possibly. You must come back to the helm with me and provide other companionship for our leader. Come to-night. Can't explain further.

"S. J. TILDEN."

SANDFORD E. CHURCH TO TILDEN

"ROCHESTER, _Dec. 2d, 1868_.

"MY DEAR SIR,--I suppose the St. Paul preferred was not purchased. I am sorry that it was not, because I see that you was right about the advance.

"I see that the Erie fight is in a great muddle and growing worse.

"I have been thinking of a project for my own benefit, and that is to have all the parties compromise upon me for receiver. I suppose that Belmont on one side, and Tweed and Sweeny on the other, might control it. I would deal fairly by all, and the Erie people might be assured of that, while Davies would be content to have the law business. It would enable me to make some money, and be a good thing all around. I thought I would suggest it to you in strict confidence, and _if you can accomplish it I feel sure it will be for your interest, and I will make it so_. If you think anything of this act accordingly; if not, burn it, and say nothing about this, attributing it to a weakness to make some money.

Truly yours, "S. E. CHURCH."

In the first volume of my _Life of Tilden_ (page 226) I had occasion to refer to some of his reasons for declining to withdraw from his candidacy for Governor in favor of Mr. Church. The statements there made gave offence to some of Mr. Church's political followers, which found expression in one of the most devoted newspaper organs of the Canal Ring in Syracuse. In the preceding letter from Mr. Church the reader will find some additional justification for the opinions above referred to, and which helped to inspire Mr. Tilden's distrust of Mr. Church as a leader of a party for reform.

TILDEN TO COMMITTEE OF ALBANY BAR

"NEW YORK, _Dec. 25th, 1868_.

"GENTLEMEN,--I regret that I shall be unable to be in Albany to-morrow at the meeting of the Bar, which you have invited me to attend, and which is to be held for the purpose of 'taking appropriate action in regard to the death of our esteemed friend and professional associate, _Peter Cagger_.'

"I should, however, do injustice to my own sentiments if I did not avail myself of the opportunity to join my expressions with yours of our common sense of the personal and public bereavement which is the occasion of your meeting, and of the esteem and affection with which we regarded our lamented associate and friend, while living, and with which we still cherish his memory.

"I hope that some one of those who best knew Mr. Cagger will make an enduring record--not merely of the frank and genial and hearty nature which beamed upon us all; not merely of his characteristics as a citizen, a friend and a man, which are known to everybody; not merely, even, of that remarkable executive ability which he manifested in his profession, in business, and in the broader relations with men in which he acted so important a part, but of his great undeveloped capacities as a lawyer and a public man, which were evident to those who saw him intimately and were only kept from the public view by his unambitious temper, which deferred to others and voluntarily limited his own sphere of action.

"With great respect, gentlemen, I remain,

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

CH. O'CONOR TO S. J. TILDEN

"N. Y., _Nov. 11, 1869_.

"MY DEAR SIR,--I am so pressed for time that I do not know that I shall be able to find a printed copy of the opinions read in the Legislature of New Jersey on the motion to rescind the assent of the 14th Amendment.

"They were three in number, I think: one by Reverdy Johnson, one by George T. Curtis, and one by me. If it should become desirable to use any of them they can readily be found in any file of a Democratic paper.

"Should mine be deemed worth using, I should like to have a correction made.

"By way of emphasis I italicized the word _when_. This is printed _where_ in all the copies I have seen; and to render the pointlessness of my expression as striking as I desired to render its point, '_where_' is sometimes italicized and sometimes put in small caps.

"If you should have any part in using or printing this paper, I am sure you will see this error corrected.

"It is understood that the 14th Amendment is past revocation now, as the requisite number of States have consented. The consent of several were _forced_, and if the Democratic party is to live in the future it will deny the efficacy of such extorted consents.

"I mention this to the end that you may consider whether the consent of N. Y. to the 14th should not even now be rescinded. Of course, that question has more in it than the inquiry as to the 15th Amt.

"Y'rs truly and in haste, "CH. O'CONOR."

JOHN SHERMAN TO S. J. TILDEN (CIRCULAR TO THE BONDHOLDERS OF PITTSBURG, FORT WAYNE & CHICAGO RAILWAY CO.)

"MANSFIELD, OHIO, _Oct. 20, '69_.

"My dear Sir,--I have just read over, in the quiet of my study, your admirable circular to the bondholders, etc., of the P., F. W. & C. R. R. Co. I cannot forego the expression of my appreciation of the clearness and ability of this statement. It exactly defines the reciprocal duties and rights of the owners of a railroad and the public at large, and states in as few words as possible the reasons for the lease. I do not believe we will soon have occasion to regret it, and sure I am you need not be ashamed of your 'statement of the case.'

I am, truly Yours, "JOHN SHERMAN."

TILDEN TO RICHARD VAUX

"_Confidential._

NEW YORK, _Oct. 7, '69_.

"MY DEAR SIR,--Returning home to-day, I find your letter of the 4th.

"It is difficult to obtain the funds necessary for the most economical conduct of our State canvass, especially as we have no candidate who is wealthy. We expect to fight the 'poor man's' battle, but expect to fight it successfully; at present the committee has no funds, and is going on credit of its expectations, which are small, but, we believe, sufficient. I do not think it probable that money could be raised in this city to send abroad. The number of contributors is small, usually, and there is now not much political excitement.

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

"_Richd. Vaux_, "_520 Walnut St., Phila., Pa._"

TILDEN TO ALBERT CARDOZO

"_Aug. 18, 1869._

"MY DEAR SIR,--At the suggestion of a friend of Mr. Russell Sage and of mine, I should attend on Tuesday next in the Oyer and Terminer if I were not obliged to leave town early to-morrow morning on business which will probably make it impracticable for me to return in season.

"Under these circumstances I beg leave to say to your hearers as if upon that occasion some part of what I should say if present.