T. F. BAYARD TO S. J. TILDEN
"United States Senate Chamber, Washington, Dec. 21,
1871.
"My dear Sir,—The Senate committee of investigation and retrenchment have resolved to meet in New York on Wednesday, January 3rd, and take testimony in relation to the abuses alleged to exist in the Custom House in that city.
"Mr. Casserly and I are desirous the investigation should not be fruitless or superficial. To prevent its being either we must rely on the friends of honest government and reform in both political parties to place us on the track of these abuses that we may unkennel them.
"If the utterances of the Tribune, the Evening Post, the Sun and other organs are meant in earnest, they must now prove it by admitting us to their sources of information. If they rely upon their party friends in the committee, then, I fear, our hopes in the question will be blighted.
"I write you, knowing the grand service you have done and are doing, and because I believe your position and relation to the honest Republican leaders in the desired reforms will give you influence with them.
"Very truly and respectfully yours,
"T. F. Bayard."