"EVG. POST, _Oct. 11, 1860_.
"MY DEAR TILDEN,--By the _Post_ of to-day you will see that our
printers are waiting for copy. I desired to put you in a position to be
regarded by the public as a representative of your party, and by your
party as their chief and most capable champion and defender. If you
prefer to put what you have to say in the form of a letter you need
not hesitate to do so in consequence of anything which has passed.
Artistically, I can imagine that the letter shape will have some
advantages over an undelivered speech, and I would recommend it, though
it was my purpose only to say I hoped you would unburden yourself in
just the way you find most agreeable.
"If you can let me know, a day or two in advance, when your copy will
be ready I shall be more sure to secure a place for it without delay.
"Speaking in your interest, not in our own, I would advise you to be as
brief as possible, for I want to have what you write read. If you can
get within a couple of columns, so much the better for all concerned.
"Let me suggest that whatever you have to say you will lose nothing
by conceding the errors which have brought the Dem. party to its
present condition. It becomes you to write as a statesman, and not as
a partisan, in this instance, at least, and perhaps we Republicans, as
well as those you particularly address, may profit by your teachings.
"Yours truly,
"JOHN BIGELOW."