"Mr. Casserly and I are desirous the investigation should not be fruitless or superficial. To prevent its being either we must rely on the friends of honest government and reform in _both_ political parties to place us on the track of these abuses that we may unkennel them. "If the utterances of the _Tribune_, the _Evening Post_, the _Sun_ and other organs are meant in earnest, they must now prove it by admitting us to their sources of information. If they rely upon their party friends in the committee, then, I fear, _our_ hopes in the question will be blighted. "I write you, knowing the grand service you have done and are doing, and because I believe your position and relation to the _honest_ Republican leaders in the desired reforms will give you influence with them. "Very truly and respectfully yours, "T. F. BAYARD." TILDEN TO HON. HAMILTON FISH "NEW YORK, _Dec. 29, 1871_. "MY DEAR SIR,--The rush of events, in which I have been and am, has given me no opportunity earlier to acknowledge, as I intended to do, your note of congratulation and sympathy in respect to the recent municipal controversies. I beg you to believe that, among the many which events have brought to me, none is more appreciated than yours, not only because of the many years of personal friendship which have subsisted between us, but--and more--because I think it was prompted by your feelings as a citizen of this great metropolis, closely and long identified with its interests and its renown. "Accept my thanks for the books you were kind enough to send me, and believe me, "Very truly yours, "S. J. TILDEN." CHARLES O'CONOR TO TILDEN "FORT WASHINGTON, _Dec. 22, 1871_. "DEAR SIR,--I can do nothing in Wall St. So I mean, if possible, to stay here until the 26th inst. This will afford an opportunity to put some matters in shape for the operations required after Jany. 1. "There will be such a pressure of the _outs_ to get _in_, and of the jobbers to stick a project here and a plan there that no reform charter can possibly be framed and accepted on Gov. Church's instantaneous plan. "A few very brief enactments can be framed which will meet every public necessity, and thro' a commission a really good charter may be framed. The lean corruptionists, who see a prospect of pasture, will, of course, try to control the appointment and the action of the commission, but the faces which have been set like flint against the _fat_ sharpers must also present a stern front to the lean. If the Legislature is to fail in its duty, perhaps so much the better. What his lazy Majesty the People has long needed was a sharp prick of the corruptionist's spear. It may be that he is not yet sufficiently aroused. Fainting in the legislature may be an absolute necessity.