"UTICA, _Sept. 23, 1874_.
"MY DEAR SIR,--Can you keep the _Tribune_ from taking ground for Dix?
It ought not to go for him, as he opposed Mr. Greeley and has upheld
every act of Grant. When his whole course is laid before Mr. Reid I
think he must change his views of Dix's character. I shall hurry off
to Manlius this week, so that I can get back in time to attend public
meetings if they are held. The quiet work of organization should take
up the time for two or three weeks.
"I send Mr. Pierce to see you because I think he can put a great number
of travelling merchants and tradesmen at work. They go into any part
of the State and can learn what is going on. While the regular State
committee should do its work, you should have in your own hands and
under your own direct _private_ control agencies which will cover the
ground outside of the old political machinery. If the other side do
not hold meetings we should not, at the outset. There are many leading
Repub'c's who do not wish to go to work in the harness if they can keep
out of the canvass.
"I am, truly yours, &c.,
"HORATIO SEYMOUR."