"_Private._
"TREASURY DEPARTMENT,"
"_Oct. 22, 1866_.
"MY DEAR SIR,--Your note introducing Messrs. Magone and Pierce has been
presented to me.
"We are in receipt of communications from reliable friends from many
sections of New York expressing the opinion that removals made so soon
before the election are, as a general thing, inexpedient, and may do
injury to the cause. The President feels, therefore, that, in making
changes, the greatest care should be exercised. He desires to meet the
wishes of his friends, but he desires, also, that his friends should
be fully and thoroughly advised before they endorse applications for
changes.
"It has occurred to me that a change of Collector in the St. Lawrence
district at the present time would be injudicious; and while we desire
to take care of Gen. Barney, we are of the opinion that it would not be
advisable to appoint him Collector just now, certain as it is that his
nomination will be rejected by the Senate.
"I am, very truly, Yours,
"H. MCCULLOCH,
"_Secretary_.
"_Hon. S. J. Tilden, New York._"