(This letter is obviously in answer to Tilden's last preceding.)
"_Confidential._
"WASH., _Oct. 16, '53_.
"DR. SIR,--I received yesterday yr. letter of three sheets, and before
I read more than one of them the President came in and interrupted me.
The tenor of our conversation was such that I thought that yr. letter
would be good reading-matter, and I handed it to him. Now, sir, if
there is anything wrong in it--not fit for the Presidential eye, the
fault will be yours for writing and mine for not guarding agt. yr.
confidence in my discretion.
"Bronson's reply is not here, and fears begin to be entertained that it
will not come. To tell you frankly what I apprehend, I am bound to say
that it is possible there will be no decisive action before election
if he does not reply; and perhaps none if he does reply, as I fear he
will, that he has fairly divided his appts. among the sections, etc.,
etc.
"One thing I am much afraid of, and that is the course of J. V. B.[22]
He told me at Albany that if the President did not stand by himself,
he would not stand by him, and, further, would denounce him. I have
just opened a letter from him in which he intimates an intention to
carry out this policy. If he does, you may depend upon it the cause
will suffer beyond measure. I entreat you and all his friends to warn
him of the fatal consequences of such a course. I have good hopes that
things here will in the end be brought right--but I shall have none if
he carries out his mad suggestion. I beg you will interest yourself in
this matter. I see more mischief lowering in that quarter than in any
other. I shall write to him, but my warning may not be much heeded.
"Yours truly,
W. L. MARCY."
"_Hon. S. J. Tilden, N. Y._"