"Very truly,
"Your friend,
"S. J. Tilden."
"Hon. Henry Hogeboom."
HORATIO SEYMOUR TO TILDEN
"Albany, Aug. 6, 1863.
"My dear Sir,—I have been doing all that one overburdened man can do to adjust matters with the general government. I am satisfied it means to go on in a spirit of hostility to this State; that it is governed by a spirit of malice in all things small and great. I do not believe they will accept volunteers on account of the draft. Let it be so. I am willing to accept results. This conscription will make the administration odious and contemptible. It will fail as a measure to raise men. I do not take into account forcible resistance which will aid rather than embarrass government. It will break down because it is impossible to coerce a people. Some will commute, some will run away; many will prove disabilities, and a few will go, enough, perhaps, to demoralize the army. I have sent a communication to the President, written in calm and respectful terms, objecting:
"1. To the fairness of the movement.
"2. To the policy of conscription.
"3. Asking for a test of the constitutionality of the measure.
"It will do no good, except making up a record. I look for nothing but hostility, but I shall do my duty, and demand my rights, and let consequences take care of themselves. I feel no uneasiness.
"Truly y'rs, &c.,
"Horatio Seymour."
"Hon. S. J. Tilden."