S. J. TILDEN, AUGUSTUS SCHELL, AND AUGUST BELMONT TO W. F. STORY (TELEGRAM)
"New York, October 17th, 1868.
"W. F. Story, Chicago, Illinois:
"Telegram just received. The suggestion made to change ticket was wholly unauthorized and unknown to National Democratic Executive Committee or any member thereof. The proposition is regarded as absurd, and is received by our masses with astonishment, derision, and indignation. In October elections we gained largely on much increased vote, compared with eighteen sixty-six, and nearly carried Pennsylvania and Indiana. Been overborne only by systematic frauds and rejection of votes of citizens of Irish and German birth by party that claim suffrage for negroes as national right, and practically accords him supremacy over white men. We came nearer to our expectations than Republicans to theirs. If our friends continue contest in all States with same vigor, our foes will find it impossible to spread their resources over so vast an area with equal effect. Our masses are resolved to renew contest under our chosen leaders, with our old flag flying, with organization unbroken, and with two and half million voters compact and always ready to rally for rescue of constitutional government and civil liberty.
"S. J. Tilden,
"August Belmont,
"Augustus Schell."
TILDEN TO FRANCIS P. BLAIR, SEN. (TELEGRAM)
"Francis P. Blair, Sen.
Washington, D. C.
"Without contemplating any change, I should be glad to consult with you, but can't leave my post. Come here immediately if you can.
"S. J. Tilden.
"New York, Oct. 20, 1868."
TILDEN TO AUGUSTUS SCHELL (TELEGRAM)
"New York, Oct. 21, 1868.
"Hon. Augustus Schell, Utica.