W. L. MARCY TO TILDEN
"Confidential.
"Washington, 8th Oct. (1857).
"Dr. Sir,—- The course by letter having been taken, an instant removal cannot be effected. I have pointed out the error, but there is now no help for it. Removal is the object aimed at and intended to be reached circuitously. After a long correspondence the thunder will be used, and it will be said it is used because worsted in the argument.
"I believe most of the Cabinet were for bold action. I have pointed out very clearly the equivocal position in which the administration now stands and the disrepute into which it is fast falling, and have showed the only remedy—decisive action. The Prest. sees this now as plainly as anybody, and is willing to apply the remedy. I have endeavored to convince him that he is missing the very best occasion for using it.
"Some impression has been made on the mind of the Prest. as to Grover. It is said that he was opposed to, and did vote for, the resolutions at Syracuse. I hope there is no truth in this allegation, for if there is it weakens our position very much. A bolt from a Free-soiler will be easily excused. It will be awkward to punish men for not voting for a ticket—regular though it be—if it is tainted with Free-soilism. The bolters are laboring hard on that point. Let me know if there really is anything wrong in this matter.
"Yours truly,
"W. L. Marcy."
S. J. TILDEN TO MESSRS. KNOX & MORGAN
"Gentlemen,—If your note means that your clients withdraw from the proposition to allow us 1000 tons of rails, besides the 2470 bars, you already know what my answer must be. Every negotiation has contemplated the yielding of that amt. for the purpose of finishing the road to Oskosh. Your clients must think I am disposed to trifle or be trifled with if they suppose the way to agree is to recede from all that is most essential in their own proposition and in the basis of every negotiation.
"I am not quite pleased with myself (if it is my fault) that I have spent so much time so fruitlessly.
"All that remains—if your clients adopt and persist in that purpose—is to decide what you will do in respect to the application for the remission of the forfeiture of the iron at Milwaukee; whether, thro' your counsel there, you will aid or embarrass it. That application cannot be much longer delayed. We shall make it, and do our duty fairly, knowing at the same time that you have a greater interest than we in our success. If you choose to act adversely or not to neutralize your counsel, or not to aid, you must bear in mind that every opportunity has been given you to do what is reasonable and wise. I should like some understanding on that subject soon.
"Very respectfully,
"S. J. Tilden."
"Messrs. Knox & Morgan,
"43 Wall, Dec. 18th, '57."