"It is important to all interests that a conclusion be arrived at as soon as possible. When you are in a situation to negotiate definitely, with full powers, I shall be glad to discuss and also to submit suggestions, and shall be ready to conclude arrangements, if any be found practicable.
"Please excuse the rambling haste in which I write.
"I remain,
"Very truly,
"Your friend,
"S. J. Tilden."
"Joseph S. Fay, Esqr., Boston, Mass."
TILDEN TO JOS. S. FAY
"New York, April 8th, 1864.
"My dear Sir,—Your letter of the 4th was duly received.
"In reference to your conclusion that there is 'no difficulty in arranging some mode of sale but price,' I agree that it is justified by the general correspondence of our views as to the utility of uniting the two lines and as to the policy which should govern the management of the joint concern. Doubtless your mind has truly fixed the precise point at which divergence of sentiments would be natural, and where alone it is likely to exist.
"But is such divergence inevitable even there? Is there not some solution which will give us what we agree in desiring—the unity of works and interests, and will yet allow scope enough for the favorable view by each party of the relative value of its own property?
"Financial expedients are so capable of adaptation, and I have so often been fortunate in bringing into accord interests and opinions which seemed to the parties to clash, that, seeing an object desirable to us both obstructed or delayed, I am disposed at once to analyze the elements of difference, and try if there be not some solution equally advantageous and equally agreeable to the parties whom we respectively represent.
"I know I shall bring to the attempt candor in considering what I may not at first accept, and an entire freedom from the huckstering spirit which seeks to appropriate all benefits of a concord which ought to be founded upon mutual interests. I do not doubt that you will meet me in the same dispositions.