"NEW YORK, _Feb. 26, '63_.
"MY DEAR SIR,--The truth is that the plan of the Society for the
Diffusion of Political Information is not completely matured. It had
not become a movement of much importance or definiteness of aim when
it was brought into sudden notoriety by the attacks of the extreme
Republican press.
"I send you a copy of the Constitution, with Mr. Curtis's introductory
address. Your suggestions as to the character of the publication are
good, and, I think, in accordance with the intentions of the society.
"I do, indeed, feel strengthened in the general views of public affairs
which I take by the concurrence of a thoughtful and instructed mind
like yours. The calamity of our times is that the people have outgrown
their knowledge of their own civil institutions--in some sections of
our country.
"I add a copy of the letter to Mr. Kent, which has been drawn into some
renewed notoriety by the attacks on the Delmonico meeting.
"Very truly,
"Your friend,
"S. J. TILDEN."