"WASHINGTON, _July 13, 1868_.
"MY DEAR SIR,--I tried to see you before leaving New York last week,
but failed to do so.
"It is vastly important for you to have the reporters of the press of
this city, who make the views and give the tone to every important
newspaper in the country. They are now in an organized state, and if
_done at once_ can be controlled for Seymour and Blair.
"The Grant men have declined to pay them any money, but offer _largely
in case of success_. This don't suit.
"It will take about 3000 to 3500 $ per month until the campaign is over
to secure these men, about 30 in number, and they are worth more than
all the stump orators in the field, and if I had the control would pay
them, _if necessary_, 10,000 $ p. month, or so much as would secure
them.
"There are no such men in this country as the reporters stationed here
for energy and smartness.
"If you can get Gov. F. P. Stanton, _upon whose title-head I_ write,
to take charge of the money and disburse it, you must succeed. Gov.
Stanton is treasurer of the Chase committee here. He is brother-in-law
of Mr. Perrin, who was secretary of your convention.
"Can't you come or send some reliable man here at once to attend to
this matter?
"Let them call on Stanton, who is posted.
"Your friend,
"R. W. LATHAM."