The political
campaign is about opening, and from present appearances promises many curious
combinations. I have just returned from a meeting of our Democratic State
Committee at Albany, which called a State Convention for the nomination of
State officers to meet on September sixth.
Now to the point. I
am authorized by our leading politicians to offer you the place of Secretary of
State on our ticket; or if the duties of this are too active for you, to ask
you to accept that of Treasurer, where the duties are less active and require
but little of your time. We would, however, prefer you to head the ticket.
Mr. Robinson, the
present Comptroller, elected by the Republicans two years ago, desires a
renomination from us, and he will in all probability get it. Martin Grover,
elected by the Republicans to the Supreme Court bench, will be one of our
nominees for the Court of Appeals. I mention these facts in order that you may
get some idea of the drift affairs are taking.
There is not much
doubt in the minds of good politicians but that we shall carry the State this
fall. We intend to endorse President Johnson's administration with regard to
his treatment of the Southern States, and while we shall endorse it quite
generally, we shall avoid finding fault with it upon any question—believing
that in a very short time the President's policy will conform to what is
desired by the Democratic party. I am also warranted in saying that if you
accept our nomination for Secretary of State, the pleasantest office on the
ticket, and should be elected, you can have the nomination for Governor next
year. The present would be but a stepping stone to the other. Understand me,
this offer is not made by any particular interest or clique in the party, but
would be given to you unanimously in the Convention. Dean Richmond knows of my
writing this, and I shall expect with your permission to show him your reply.
You will notice that I have written you very frankly; my acquaintance with you
warrants me in doing so.
Regarding you more
of a soldier than politician, you will pardon me when I express my belief that
everything now indicates the speedy dissolution of the Republican party and the
return of the Democracy to power-a result which just laws, equal taxation, and
the best interests of the country imperatively demand. You will of course
consider my letter as entirely confidential, and favor me with an immediate
reply.
SOURCE: New York
(State). Monuments Commission for the Battlefields of Gettysburg and
Chattanooga, In Memoriam: Henry Warner
Slocum, 1826-1894, p. 104
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