Yours, "S. J. TILDEN." TILDEN TO MAHLON SANDS "NEW YORK, _May 29, 1872_. "MY DEAR SIR,--I have this moment received your card stating that you 'will take the liberty of using my name as one of the vice-presidents of the meeting to be held at Steinway Hall to-morrow evening, unless I inform you that I desire you not to do so.' "My information as to the precise object of your meeting is very limited--if it can be said to exist at all. "As I infer that the drift of the meeting is to touch the Presidential question, it is proper to say, that in a contest practically between Gen. Grant and Mr. Greeley, I think that a more liberal policy--as well in respect to the systems of revenue as in respect to the pacification of the South, the restoration of local self-government in those States, and the repression of the immense corruptions and wrongs which exist there--can be better worked out through the election of the latter than by that of the former. "I therefore decline the proposed use of my name. "Very truly Yours, "S. J. TILDEN." CHARLES O'CONOR TO TILDEN "FORT WASHINGTON, _June 1, 1872_. "DEAR SIR--I am sorry you did not extend your ride as far as this. "I have been thinking somewhat _intensely_ on a particular subject since I saw you. "I mean in reference to a question of our personal action in a matter which, I suppose, is to come off on Monday. "I have made up _my_ mind definitively that whatever you or others may think fit to do, I will not, under any circumstances figure in that affair. "There can be no mistake about _its being unfit_.[61] I shall be sorry to stand alone, but I am not afraid to do so. "Yours, "CH. O'CONOR." RICHARD B. CONNOLLY TO TILDEN "_June 1st, 1872._ "HON. S. J. TILDEN. "MY DEAR FRIEND,--It has been intimated to me by a mutual friend that I have expressed myself as to your acts towards me, previous to the actions of the courts and jury in reference to my case, that you had acted unkindly and in a manner that would not appear at all friendly. I assure you I have not done so, but, on the contrary, have always expressed myself to others that I was fully satisfied that the advice I received from you and Mr. Havemeyer was for my benefit, and that both were governed by pure and patriotic motives. I did confess that in my actions I was influenced by your advice, as being best for the public interest and for my advantage. Be assured, my dear sir, that while I live I shall remember with gratitude your very kind treatment to me during that eventful period in my life, and I know by my future acts I shall prove worthy of your friendship and esteem. "As ever, "Yrs. faithfully, "RICHARD B. CONNOLLY." CARL SCHURZ, JACOB D. COX, WILLIAM CULLEN BRYANT, D. A. WELLS, OSWALD OTTENDORFER, JACOB BRINKERHOFF (COMMITTEE) TO TILDEN "_Confidential._