CHARLES O'CONOR TO TILDEN
"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."