H. MCCULLOCH TO TILDEN
"Private.
"Treasury Department,"
"Oct. 22, 1866.
"My dear Sir,—Your note introducing Messrs. Magone and Pierce has been presented to me.
"We are in receipt of communications from reliable friends from many sections of New York expressing the opinion that removals made so soon before the election are, as a general thing, inexpedient, and may do injury to the cause. The President feels, therefore, that, in making changes, the greatest care should be exercised. He desires to meet the wishes of his friends, but he desires, also, that his friends should be fully and thoroughly advised before they endorse applications for changes.
"It has occurred to me that a change of Collector in the St. Lawrence district at the present time would be injudicious; and while we desire to take care of Gen. Barney, we are of the opinion that it would not be advisable to appoint him Collector just now, certain as it is that his nomination will be rejected by the Senate.
"I am, very truly, Yours,
"H. McCulloch,
"Secretary.
"Hon. S. J. Tilden, New York."