"WASH., _19 Oct., 1865_.
"MY DEAR TILDEN,--I have a letter from Frank, written at Cincinnati
previously to his speech in St. Louis, in which he refers to you and
myself to judge of _the circumstances_, the _when_ and the _how_, he
shall do what it seems he has declared to the country publicly he is
ready to do, if necessary, to advance the cause of the party which
nominated him to the Vice-Presidency. If, therefore, any change is to
be made in the persons to represent our cause in the Novr. elections,
please telegraph and I will come instantly to meet you.
"So much as concerns Frank's position.
"Now let me say a word about the intrigue which produces our
difficulties.
"Seward and Chase, who never were identified with the Democracy, have
entered into a coalition to control its destiny. They were 'unco-thick
and thrang thegither' last winter, and Seward disclosed to an ardent
Democrat the other night the cause for which they combined. Seward
approached a brother-in-law of Voorhees and made an eloquent appeal to
him to convince a company brought together for the purpose that it was
necessary that Chase should supplant Seymour, and, of course, that the
nominations of our convention should be surrendered. Now it is clear
that the Chief Justice and the Secretary of State have undertaken to
dispose of our party. Neither ever had its endorsement for any station.
Why should they be allowed to dispose of the highest without having
consulted the people?
"If we are to change _front_, why not take McClellan and Pendleton,
who have been endorsed by national convention and the party at the
polls? Why not Hancock and Hendricks, who had high votes in our late
convention? Why not McClellan and Hendricks? Or Hancock and Adams?
We might bring Indiana and Penna., or Indiana and Ohio by their most
famous Democratic sons to increase the vote of the last election in
these States. I think these or many other combinations might be made to
strengthen our ticket.
"In my opinion the copulation of Seward and Chase would bring not only
defeat, but eternal disgrace on the Democracy.
"This, however, all for yourself. What I have to say further about the
second to Mr. Seymour will be in person and in consonance with your
joint wishes.
"Your af. friend,
"F. P. BLAIR."
GENL. DANIEL BUTTERFIELD TO S. J. TILDEN AND OTHERS TESTIMONIAL TO
GENERAL ULYSSES S. GRANT
"NEW YORK, _Feb. 19th, 1866_.
"DEAR SIR,--I have the pleasure to enclose you (_facsimile_) copy
of Lt.-Genl. Grant's acknowledgment of the testimonial to which you
were a contributor; also a list of the subscriptions and copy of the
correspondence.
"In furnishing this information to contributors I am requested to ask
that no copy of these documents may be allowed to be printed, as many
subscriptions were made with that understanding. Please consider this
my receipt for your subscription.
"I am, very resp'y,
"Yours, &c.,
"DANL. BUTTERFIELD."
"Please acknowledge."
* * * * *
"NEW YORK, _Feb. 15th, 1866_.
"LT.-GENL U. S. GRANT, &c., &c., &c.
"GENERAL,--In accordance with the request of many citizens of New York,
whose names are herewith transmitted, I have the honor to ask your
acceptance of the enclosed testimonial of their appreciation of your
services.
"I am, very resp'y,
"Your obt. servt.,
"DANL. BUTTERFIELD."
"Enclosed find:
"Mortgage and interest $30,437.50
55,000 7.30s U. S. 1st series $54,725.00
Cash $19,837.50
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"$105,000.00"