"_Sept. 29, 1874._
"DEAR SIR,--I wrote Miller a short note [of] congratulation. The reply
recd. last evening is herewith. Can you watch the progress of things
and summon me '_to the front_' when the apprehended movement is made in
the association? I will cheerfully go to the meeting and oppose it.
"I cannot doubt but that an effort will be made to move the lawyers in
Johnson's favor. If it be done a counter-movement to stir the reformers
against him may be needful, or at least expedient.
"It will hardly be possible to keep the swindler issue out of the
campaign.
"In a note from Frank Barlow, recd. yesterday, a decided opinion is
expressed that Delafield Smith means to quash the Ring prosecutions.
"It really seems to me that things are ripe for a pounce upon him and
the offending majority.
"I have written Miller to print what he pleases, but not to use my
name. If it should become necessary to make the pounce just above
suggested my name should appear there for the first time. Or at least
it should not be worn out in previous skirmishes.
"I was in town yesterday and tried to see Jno. McKeon, but failed.
I would go again to-day but for two reasons: first, it rains, and,
secondly, the hope of controlling him in anything by friendly advice is
always so slight that little inconvenience should ever be suffered for
the sake of offering it.
"Y'rs,
"CH. O'CONOR."