"You will note that I make no criticism on the delay in the preparation of the affds. I have not seen them, nor do I know what they will be. From the general description of them, given me by Mr. O'Conor, I think they will be well worth the delay, and when you come to know what he has done I think you will wonder not at the delay, but at how soon an immense work was accomplished.
"I only say in answer to your letter that the delay has been beyond my control. Mr. O'Conor yesterday expressed great confidence that he would have manuscript for me to begin printing by to-morrow or next day, and that I shd. have the affds. for the use to oppose Tweed's motion for a bill of particulars June 1st.
"From what he has said I suppose that when ready for our use they will be for all, and that we can commence the other suits next week.
"Whether the delay was wise or not is not the question.
"I only say that whether wise or unwise I am not responsible for it, for I had not the power to control it. Responsibility goes with power.
"Yours truly,
"Wheeler H. Peckham."
"I will watch for criticisms in the papers as to pardoning, etc., and see that any error is corrected.
"I rather think that the publication of the affds. Mr. O'Conor is preparing will be the best answer that can be made to criticisms, and I now feel quite hopeful that they will be ready next week."
CHARLES O'CONOR TO TILDEN
"Fort Washington, June 14th, 1875.