WASHINGTON, D. C., Dec.
1, 1855.
FRIEND DANA: I think ——— worth $150 per month. He has
facilities at the west end which I have not and never can have, and living here
is horribly dear for those who have to see people. By and by he may perfect his
opportunities with Marcy & Co., and then you can stop him. For the present
better pay $200 a month than lose him. I see him and confer with him several
times a day; but it is best that the business should all go through one
channel. So I wish you would write him accepting his terms. If you can easily repeat
the hint I have given him, that we value facts more than opinions, it will be
well. Everybody we employ to gather information seems to think he has the paper
to edit, and I expect soon to have a notice from Dennis that, if we don’t
change our course on some public question, he will be obliged to relieve
himself of all responsibility in the premises by dissolving his connection with
the Tribune.
I thank you for your reply to Dr. Bailey. He is eaten up
with the idea of making Chase President.
I am doing what I can for Banks; but he won't be Speaker.
His support of the Republicans against the K. N. ticket this fall renders it
impossible. If we elect anybody it will be Pennington or Fuller. I fear the
latter. Pennington is pretty fair, considering. He will try to twist himself
into the proper shape, but I would greatly prefer one who had the natural
crook.
Phelps to-night announced in Democratic caucus that two of
the Missouri Whigs would vote their side. Glad of it.
The news from Kansas is helping us.
You ought to see the loving glances I get from Whitfield. We
know each other first-rate, but are not introduced. I think the House will organize on Monday; if
not, Tuesday will fetch it.
I hate this hole, but am glad I have come. It does me good
to see how those who hate the Tribune much, fear it yet more. There are a dozen
here who will do better for my eye being on them. Schouler is particularly
cordial.
As to old McRea, I think, we may as well let him have his
$10 a week for a few weeks yet, though I can't use him. I wouldn’t mind his
being a genius, if he was not a fool. He has no idea of keeping his mouth shut,
but tells everybody he is connected with the Tribune, but doesn’t go its isms,
etc. He annoys me to the amount of $10 per week at least; but let him wait a
little.
Yours,
H. G.
C. A. DANA, Esq.
SOURCE: Horace Greeley, Greeley
on Lincoln: With Mr. Greeley's Letters to Charles A. Dana and a Lady Friend,
p. 87-9
