"N. Y., _Nov. 11, 1869_.
"MY DEAR SIR,--I am so pressed for time that I do not know that I shall
be able to find a printed copy of the opinions read in the Legislature
of New Jersey on the motion to rescind the assent of the 14th Amendment.
"They were three in number, I think: one by Reverdy Johnson, one by
George T. Curtis, and one by me. If it should become desirable to use
any of them they can readily be found in any file of a Democratic paper.
"Should mine be deemed worth using, I should like to have a correction
made.
"By way of emphasis I italicized the word _when_. This is printed
_where_ in all the copies I have seen; and to render the pointlessness
of my expression as striking as I desired to render its point,
'_where_' is sometimes italicized and sometimes put in small caps.
"If you should have any part in using or printing this paper, I am sure
you will see this error corrected.
"It is understood that the 14th Amendment is past revocation now, as
the requisite number of States have consented. The consent of several
were _forced_, and if the Democratic party is to live in the future it
will deny the efficacy of such extorted consents.
"I mention this to the end that you may consider whether the consent
of N. Y. to the 14th should not even now be rescinded. Of course, that
question has more in it than the inquiry as to the 15th Amt.
"Y'rs truly and in haste,
"CH. O'CONOR."
JOHN SHERMAN TO S. J. TILDEN (CIRCULAR TO THE BONDHOLDERS OF PITTSBURG,
FORT WAYNE & CHICAGO RAILWAY CO.)
"MANSFIELD, OHIO, _Oct. 20, '69_.
"My dear Sir,--I have just read over, in the quiet of my study,
your admirable circular to the bondholders, etc., of the P., F. W.
& C. R. R. Co. I cannot forego the expression of my appreciation of
the clearness and ability of this statement. It exactly defines the
reciprocal duties and rights of the owners of a railroad and the public
at large, and states in as few words as possible the reasons for the
lease. I do not believe we will soon have occasion to regret it, and
sure I am you need not be ashamed of your 'statement of the case.'
I am, truly Yours,
"JOHN SHERMAN."