"NEW YORK, _May 29, 1872_.
"MY DEAR SIR,--I have this moment received your card stating that you
'will take the liberty of using my name as one of the vice-presidents
of the meeting to be held at Steinway Hall to-morrow evening, unless I
inform you that I desire you not to do so.'
"My information as to the precise object of your meeting is very
limited--if it can be said to exist at all.
"As I infer that the drift of the meeting is to touch the Presidential
question, it is proper to say, that in a contest practically between
Gen. Grant and Mr. Greeley, I think that a more liberal policy--as well
in respect to the systems of revenue as in respect to the pacification
of the South, the restoration of local self-government in those States,
and the repression of the immense corruptions and wrongs which exist
there--can be better worked out through the election of the latter than
by that of the former.
"I therefore decline the proposed use of my name.
"Very truly Yours,
"S. J. TILDEN."