The reply of the Boston publishing house was a curt declination.
Subsequently the following letter was received by the author from a prominent New York City attorney:
“I have been endeavoring to purchase a copy of The History of Tammany Hall published by you, but as yet have been unable to find a copy in any of the book stores. I shall appreciate it very much if you can tell me where I can obtain a copy.
“You may be interested to know that a few months ago a number of booksellers were given instructions to purchase and retire all outstanding copies of the book. For whose account this order was given I do not know. I am told by the booksellers that an advertisement for the book resulted in their being able to purchase only a few copies.”
To the present publishers the author gives all due appreciation for their unqualified recognition of the need of the publication of this work.
Gustavus Myers.
March, 1917.