"_Private and confidential._
"HUDSON, _June 18, 1863_.
"S. J. TILDEN, Esq.
"MY DEAR SIR,--It has occurred to me that it would do no hurt if it
did no good to make some further suggestions on a topic which we
discussed a little in New York--to wit., the expediency of my changing
my residence to that city, or of connecting myself in a business way
with some gentleman there, continuing my present official position or
not till the expiration of my term as should be thought advisable. I
have so much confidence in your good judgment, as well as command of
large business interests, that it has occurred to me whether some sort
of professional connection could not be established between us to our
mutual advantage. You must have at times more than you can attend to,
and, besides, will find it necessary to consult your health and allow
yourself more leisure. On the other hand, my health is pretty firm,
and my disposition to labor unabated. I make the suggestion for your
consideration, and shall accept in the best feeling any suggestions
you make, whether I suppose them to tend to my interest or not. I
should be desirous if I went to New York to connect myself with large
interests, if possible, and am persuaded no one in that respect is
more advantageously situated than yourself. And I am convinced that
with the close of this unhappy war (if it ever _does_ terminate) those
interests with which your business is more directly connected will
receive a decided impulse, leading to a large and lucrative increase of
professional interests connected with them. Besides, such connections
must place one at times in a position to make profitable investments,
and in many other respects are to be desired. If such an arrangement
could be made, I would be disposed to do what was, on the whole,
thought advisable as to the time to enter into it. And if a business
connection would not strike you as favorable to the interests of either
of us or of yourself, I think you might make useful suggestions in
regard to the matters here hinted at, as you already have done. I pray
you to have no delicacy on the subject in saying what occurs to you as
proper. Nor let the pendency of the case before me, in which you are
counsel, have any influence to deter you. In such matters I profess
entire independence, and while I never suspect the slightest attempt on
the part of a friend to influence me, often disappoint my best friends
in the conclusions at which I arrive. In that matter at present I have
positively no decided opinion whatsoever. May I hear from you at your
convenience, and ask you to treat this as confidential?
Truly Yours,
"H. HOGEBOOM."[37]
---- to Tilden
"50 & 52 HOWARD ST., NEW YORK CITY,
_July, 1863_.
"DEAR SIR,--The Legislature of this State, at its last session, made
a liberal appropriation for the protection and relief of soldiers
returning from the war. Under this appropriation, the New York State
Soldiers' Depot has been established and located at Nos. 50 and 52
Howard Street, New York, and we beg to call your attention to the
objects of the institution, and to solicit your co-operation in
carrying them into effect.
"The board of managers consists of the Adjutant-General of the
State, the Inspector-General, the Surgeon-General, and the
Quartermaster-General, and their action is subject to the supervision
of the Governor.
"The depot is a spacious building, containing every convenience for the
accommodation, health, and comfort of the inmates. Food and lodgings
are furnished to them free of charge; they are washed and cleansed,
and provided with clean underclothing and with transportation to their
homes.
"The sick and wounded enter the hospital department and receive careful
medical treatment until in a condition to be forwarded to their
residences. If any die at the depot, their remains are transmitted to
their friends. The system of station agents and train couriers adopted
by the board effectually protects the returning soldiers from robbery,
imposition and vice.
"It is unnecessary to dwell upon the advantages of such an institution.
"It secures immediate relief to the suffering and needy men who return
sick, wounded, and penniless from the war. It removes those who
possess health and money out of the reach of the temptations of the
city, and protects them from the impositions so generally practised
upon returning soldiers, who are specially marked as the prey of the
dishonest. Its effect will be to induce re-enlistments, for it will
prove to the volunteer that the State will not forget or neglect those
who fight in defence of their country.
"The board of managers, being desirous of having the advice of some of
their fellow-citizens in the prosecution of their work, have concluded
to form an advisory committee. You have been selected and are invited
to act as one of that committee.
"You will always be welcome at the rooms of the depot.
"Very truly Yours,
"----."