"ALBANY, _Apl. 2d, '52_.
"_Private._
"MY DEAR SIR,--Though I have heard of nothing calculated to excite
alarm, yet I do not feel quite easy as to what may be the result of
the delegate meeting on the 7th inst. As Lt.-Gov. Church does not
stand entirely unexposed to attacks on account of the canal lettings,
I think it would be quite agreeable to him to be selected as one of
the State delegates. Should his selection be pressed it may embarrass
the proceedings. I have information from Washington that Dickinson's
_man_, Birdsall, is here exhibiting much bitterness towards me, and
has distinctly broke ground for Dickinson as a candidate. As he cannot
carry the State it will be important for his object, as it would be
to Gen. C.'s friends, to create an impression that no one can carry
it. He will therefore endeavor to get up a scene of confusion here at
the delegate meeting. Though I have no intimation on the subject, yet
I do not doubt that he will propose a wholesale endorsement of the
compromise. If so, the blow must be skilfully parried.
"I also fear the Hunker delegates favorable to me will stiffly insist
on Hunker State delegates, but will go far to gratify the other section
of my friends as to the particular persons.
"I allude to these things to enforce the request I make to have you be
here a day or two before the delegates meet if you conveniently can.
"If we can surmount the embarrassments which may arise in this matter,
I flatter myself that our future course will be more smooth.
"I am inspired with confidence from the information I get from
Washington that things, as they appear there, are not _worsening_ for
me, and if the business at the delegate meeting is done as it ought to
be my prospects will be much improved.
"Yours truly,
"W. L. MARCY.
"_Saml. J. Tilden, Esq._"