"_Private._
"LINDENWALD, _Sept. 4th, 1863_.
"MY DEAR TILDEN,--My father left to the col's son Martin a bust of
himself by Powers; Smith and I have ordered two copies, or as they are
to be executed by Powers, they will in effect be originals. The cost
will be about $500; something under. They should arrive in October or
November. The value of a bust by Powers as a work of art exceeds the
sum named. It would be more convenient for me, I am sorry to say, not
to take this bust, and I know nobody to whom I would offer it except
yourself, or who would prize it so highly. Please drop me a line to let
me know if it would be agreeable to you to take it. I need hardly add
that this is a confidential matter between us.
"What have you been doing this summer, and why have you not looked
in upon me? Thanks to a good farmer, I am promised fair crops and,
thanks to the war, they should command fair prices; but I find I have
upon my hands an establishment very much beyond the strength of Anna
and myself, and so distant from my office as to cut me off from my
profession. I shall be obliged, therefore, to change my arrangements.
"I was glad to see you helped the Tammany Democrats to keep the 4th
of July, and trust you united in the sound war spirit that seemed to
animate their proceedings. We hope to be back in 4th Ave. by or before
the 1st. Novr., and shall be glad to see you there if you do not look
in on us here before.
"Truly y'rs,
"J. VAN BUREN."[39]
"LINDENWALD, _Sept. 4th, 1863_."