"The best policy on the finances is a general attack on the prodigality and corruption of the present governing power. Our promises should be purification—reduction of the army and navy, diminution of expenses, and remission of taxes.
"I inquired into the state and prospects of the finances when in Washington, and am satisfied that the expenditures are now running at a rate much larger than the public are aware of. And the tendency is to a fall of the revenues. I do not—"(the rest wanting).
WILLIAM BIGLER TO TILDEN
"Harrisburg, Pa., March 4th, 1868.
"My dear Sir,—Your letters came to hand, but I have made but a very limited use of them. So soon as the diversity of feeling in the State was apparent I determined that it was true policy to avoid naming a candidate, and none will be named. On the Western border the Pendleton fever had some start. In the East and interior the friends of Gen. Hancock were disposed to present his name, and on the Southern tier of counties there was a disposition to compliment Judge Black.
"The only name on this list, however, seriously mentioned was that of Gen. Hancock. But at the bottom of all this, so far as civilians are concerned, is the feeling and purpose I expressed to you.
"But the Young Democracy are making some trouble on our hands about delegates at large, and may defeat some of the older men, perhaps myself. Woodward is almost certain to fail. Packer will be chosen (not the Gov., but Asa), and I think I shall be also; but whether in or out, my usefulness in arranging matters would be about the same. I shall inform you by telegraph.
"Your Obt. St.,
"Wm. Bigler."
HORATIO SEYMOUR TO TILDEN
"Utica, March 4, 1868.