"No matter tho' none but you and I know it, I cannot go to the club while I feel that I have not paid my own footing; I have given it a good thinking, and I am sure I shall never incline to go there until this is done. So that the very object you desire would not be attained. You must, therefore, of necessity, take it back.
"It is not because I am unwilling to receive kindness from you that I return it; and pray do not forget that the balance of favors done is very largely to your credit as between us. You would have made me Comptroller if I had not refused; and your intentions with me are just as much a cause of gratitude as the realization would have been.
"One other thing. I will continue to give you my aid in the State Committee business, and follow your orders promptly so long as I have time; but for such work I cannot take pay.
"Yours truly,
"Jno. D. van Buren."
"S. J. Tilden, Esq."
WILLIAM CASSIDY TO TILDEN
"The 'Argus,' Albany, 7 Decr., 1867.
"Dear Tilden,—The convention is going on, after a fashion, with the judiciary; New York is absent, except Daly, who has confessed judgment for the judicial partnership in New York, upon which execution is to issue and the corrupt concern to be closed. Opdyke is ready to adjourn if there is Democratic strength enough to accomplish it. Let the New York delegates be on hand on Tuesday and Wednesday, and we can accomplish it; either adjourn till spring or to New York, for a winter month. Do you notify the city members confidentially to be on hand. I will write also.
"Schev, according to Warren's account, is not to blame for the protested draft. He spent $1000, and it was arranged in State committee that I was to go to the 8th dist. You need not come up to abolish him!
"Seymour is here, and is most anxious to commence the propaganda of Democracy, in tracts and newspapers, under the auspices of the State committee. You are unwell. Give up railroads and take to politics exclusively. The alternative will be as good as rest.
"Yours ever,
"William Cassidy."