Letters and Literary Memorials of Samuel J. Tilden, v. 2

by Samuel J. Tilden

GID. J. PILLOW TO TILDEN

"Confidential.

"Memphis, Tenn., Nov. 18th, 1876.

"His Excellency Samuel J. Tilden, etc.

"Enough has developed itself since my former letter to confirm the correctness of the views there expressed. I see indications of a weakness in the backbone of the Republican leaders, and if they stood without a controlling power over them they would yield. But the President has his own purposes to accomplish, and he will not let them yield.

"On and after the 5th of March next, if there be no President or Vice-President elected and inaugurated, there is no provision in the Constitution for the further existence of any government. The Constitution, which is the chart of the government, will have expired, leaving nothing but the physical skeleton of the constitutional government. Grant knows this and sees it, and will shape everything to bring about that end. He will, by his measures, defeat you and Hayes both by shaping the means to the end.

"The constitutional government, thus ended, with no power or provision anywhere for its reorganization, Grant finds himself in possession of a physical government, without the restraints of a Constitution—with the army, navy, and treasury at his command; he will be the absolute ruler of a government of force, in which his will will be the law. If Congress should prove refractory he will know how to deal with that body. There are three notable historical parallel cases for his guidance.

"His professions of a purpose to have a fair count, using his army and navy to bring it about, is one of the means by which he will delude the people and conceal his real purpose. His purpose will not be lost sight of, and he will hold to the Republican party and its confidence until his usurpation is assured.

"You are the only man who can save the government—preserve the Constitution and the liberties of the people. To accomplish these ends, you must act. In the end, three-fourths of the American people will sustain you. The time will soon pass when action will accomplish anything or will be possible. Time by action may possibly avert the great national calamity, but without action the case is hopeless.

"I do not expect you to answer my letters. I cannot write more fully. I can only make suggestions. Let your private secretary say my letters are received. If deemed necessary I would visit you.