TILDEN TO FRANCIS KERNAN
"Personal.
"July, 1868.
"My dear Sir,—I had no agency in getting Gov. Seymour into his present scrape, though I would have been glad of his nomination if his consent could have been freely given. I yielded to his wishes out of tender regard for him. And I feel now that I am the last man who can with delicacy bring a pressure to bear upon him; but my judgment is that acceptance, under present circumstances, would not compromise his reputation for sincerity or be really misunderstood by the people; that the case is not analogous to the former instances which have made criticism possible; that the true nature of the sacrifice would be appreciated; while, on the other hand, the opposite course would be more likely to incite animadversion; that, on the whole, acceptance is the best thing. I think a decision is necessary; for it is not possible to go thro' the canvass with a candidate declining. I am sincerely willing to accept such action as will be most for the honor of our friend; at the same time my personal wishes favor acceptance. You may express for me so much in this respect as you find necessary and think proper. In haste, but
Truly yours,
"S. J. Tilden."
R. W. LATHAM[51] TO TILDEN
"Washington, July 13, 1868.
"My dear Sir,—I tried to see you before leaving New York last week, but failed to do so.
"It is vastly important for you to have the reporters of the press of this city, who make the views and give the tone to every important newspaper in the country. They are now in an organized state, and if done at once can be controlled for Seymour and Blair.
"The Grant men have declined to pay them any money, but offer largely in case of success. This don't suit.
"It will take about 3000 to 3500 $ per month until the campaign is over to secure these men, about 30 in number, and they are worth more than all the stump orators in the field, and if I had the control would pay them, if necessary, 10,000 $ p. month, or so much as would secure them.
"There are no such men in this country as the reporters stationed here for energy and smartness.
"If you can get Gov. F. P. Stanton, upon whose title-head I write, to take charge of the money and disburse it, you must succeed. Gov. Stanton is treasurer of the Chase committee here. He is brother-in-law of Mr. Perrin, who was secretary of your convention.
"Can't you come or send some reliable man here at once to attend to this matter?
"Let them call on Stanton, who is posted.
"Your friend,
"R. W. Latham."