"NEW YORK, _March 8, 1845_.
"DEAR SIR,--I have seen Secor. He says that he only contemplated
speaking to Langley, if you had no objection, but to go no further.
That he did not suppose you understood or thought or expected him to
transfer to anybody unless for a price. That he would write to you
immediately.
"You will see Purdy is going ahead for Collector. He has been
recommended by both of the Genl. Committees, various ward associations,
and a German meeting. Secor tells me he also has a strong letter
from Van Buren, and he went to Albany last night to get testimonials
from there, I suppose. If he is appointed he will fill the Custom
House with a laughable assortment--good, bad, and indifferent. I am
inclined to believe that he will be more thorough in turning out than
we expected. Of course you understand that all his recommendations are
bargained for; places are to be given to the men who get them up. If he
succeeds you may rely that the dissatisfaction which his appointment
will excite will be excessive. There is one way to [head?] him. That
is a merchants' memorial, asking that none but a commercial man be
appointed. This would do, and Havemeyer could be made Collector and
Purdy Postmaster. But nothing ought to be done unless Polk is entirely
straight.
"Henry, my brother, is just down, has been at Albany. Our friends
are very much dissatisfied. Polk's offers to Wright and Butler are
not regarded as having been made in good faith. It is supposed that
he has his eye on a second term. I incline to concur in the first
partially--that is, they were mere compliments--not in the second.
I think Polk is as weak as dish-water, but honest. If he is really
so, and could or would be wise, he should send in Havemeyer's name
forthwith. I do not believe that our friends north of this can be
induced to urge it. By the way, Purdy's movements to get this office
are, and his appointments would be, a second edition of Jesse Hoyt's.
This is by far the most important thing to be seen to now.
"I suppose if Bancroft is confirmed you will get on finely with the
Renshaw business. There will be nothing to call you home in some days.
"Yours truly,
"N. J. W.
"_S. J. Tilden, Esq._"