TILDEN TO S. C. BALDWIN
"New York, Nov. 17, 1864.
"My dear Sir,—There are so many topics about which I desire to write you that I must touch them rapidly.
"1. You and Wetmore are elected directors of the Iron Cliff. You will be entitled to the information, advice, and aid which Wetmore shall be able to give.
"You must represent the company and act in all cases where it is necessary.
"2. Information. We need direct and frequent communications with the Cliff Co.
"Mr. Curtis will have more time than the rest, and his occupations will be more regular. He should write twice a week, giving information as to all matters concerning the operations of the co., the no. of men, the preparations to accommodate them, the work going on, etc.
"From you I should like to hear as often as you are able.
"Communications should be addressed S. J. Tilden, 12 Wall St., New York City.
"3. Col. Foster left Mr. Ray in charge of the Tilden and Foster mines; Mr. Foote in charge of the Ogden; Mr. Curtis managing the accounts and finances, and Mr. Whitehead conducting explorations; and these gentlemen, all in the main, independent of each other.
"I shall be surprised if disorganization does not develop the want of a head to enforce accountability and to govern and direct.
"For the time being you must assume and exercise whatever powers seem to be necessary in order to keep harmony between all these different authorities, and to see that all are working well.
"☞ Whether we shall need a mining head, independently of these gentlemen, is a question upon which, after you have studied them, and the working of the business, I should like your opinion. It may be that a general business head will be all that will be required, and that Mr. Ray and Mr. Foote will get along well in their respective departments. Or it may be that some man like Mr. Merry or Mr. Ferguson will be required.
"Between us, Mr. Merry told me, just before I left, that he wished me to bear in mind that he expected to be with us next year. Mr. Stewart, of the Jackson Co., rather complained to Col. Foster that Mr. Ogden had interfered with them in respect to Merry.
"I mention the state of things that you may be advised of the actual state of the case, and may be considering what information and advice you can give me.
"As to Mr. Curtis—he was engaged by Col. Foster as a sort of cashier when the former was about leaving without our having much knowledge or experience in respect to him. I have been to see Mr. Booth, who recommended him, and get the best accounts as to his trustworthiness.
"Whether we can hereafter enlarge his functions will depend upon how his capacities shall develop in the experience of our business.
"In the mean time he should be required to organize our accounts, take an inventory of all materials and supplies sent up for the use of the company, keep a record of their use, and be able to account for them; open an account with each mine, and enable us to know that all the expenditures of each are proper, keeping a sort of financial supervision over their operations; corresponding with us, and keeping us advised of everything which is going on.
"Col. Foster informs me that he instructed Ray and Foote to send here a report each week of their doings.
"☞ Consult with Mr. Wetmore and give me your views as to
"(1) What is necessary for the sale of ore and the management of transportation at Cleveland or elsewhere; study the organization of the other companies; see whether it is best, etc.
"(2) What will be necessary at Escanaba.
"(3) Whether anything further will be necessary at the mines.
"5. It will be quite necessary for us to have the branch to the Cliff mines and the extension to the Cleveland done, and all the road in good running order.
"6. It is very desirable that we have this winter the benefit of a telegraphic communication with the Cliff mines.
"It is equally necessary for the Peninsular railroad. And for that—but especially for the Northwestern—a winter road from Escanaba to Green Bay is important.
"7. For the Iron Cliff mines see that all necessary supplies are provided; see Ray and Foote on this subject, and have them closely interrogated that nothing may be overlooked; Mr. Merry would aid with all his experience in making provisions for winter work, and Mr. Wetmore will also have much information on this subject.
"8. In respect to any question requiring experience in working mines, Mr. Merry was good enough to say he would aid Mr. Ray (who is his brother-in-law) and us generally. You can have recourse to him, if necessary.
"9. It is thought that at the Ogden mine (Foote) accommodations ought to be made for at least 50 men; and at the Tilden mine for 100 men.
"This is for immediate operations, looking, of course, to enlargement as fast as possible.
"10. I intended to write to you on the subject of furnaces, but must defer that subject to a future occasion.
"☞ Please advise me of the condition of the Peninsular R. R., and give me what information you can as to the mines, dock, branches, etc.
"One of the most serious inconveniences attending the construction of the Peninsular—all through—has been the want of regular information here.
"Truly Yours,
"S. J. Tilden."
"S. C. Baldwin, Esq."
Charles P. Daly commenced his public career as a member of the New York State Assembly soon after his admission to the bar. From the Assembly he was appointed judge of the Court of Common Pleas, which position he continued to hold by re-election until he was retired by age. Meantime he had been prominent in founding the New York Geographical Society, of which he was the first and only president until his death.