"_Personal._
"_July, 1868._
"MY DEAR SIR,--I had no agency in getting Gov. Seymour into his present
scrape, though I would have been glad of his nomination if his consent
could have been freely given. I yielded to his wishes out of tender
regard for him. And I feel now that I am the last man who can with
delicacy bring a pressure to bear upon him; but my judgment is that
acceptance, under present circumstances, would not compromise his
reputation for sincerity or be really misunderstood by the people;
that the case is not analogous to the former instances which have made
criticism possible; that the true nature of the sacrifice would be
appreciated; while, on the other hand, the opposite course would be
more likely to incite animadversion; that, on the whole, acceptance is
the best thing. I think a decision is necessary; for it is not possible
to go thro' the canvass with a candidate declining. I am sincerely
willing to accept such action as will be most for the honor of our
friend; at the same time my personal wishes favor acceptance. You may
express for me so much in this respect as you find necessary and think
proper. In haste, but
Truly yours,
"S. J. TILDEN."