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Confidential [underlined] 408 West 20th Street
Washington City Decr 7-1867[underlined]
His Excellency The President:
Since receiving the enclosed copy of a letter from my Brother, Mr. Robert Tyler, this morning, and which you will receive is marked “Private,” I have reflected much upon the propriety of making its contents known to you. I have finally concluded to do so, but must beg of you to keep it strictly [underlined] to yourself. He never speaks without thought & much good reason for what he says;[underlined] and his integrity of character is so perfect, that, combined with his sagacity, whatever he seriously states is well worthy the highest consideration. I am satisfied he is not far out of the real mark as to the present political situation, and feel convinced that Mr Seward continues your evil Genius as well as the Evil Genius of the Country. The very vote upon the Impeachment, though apparently a great triumph for you, makes the Grant game a real substantive matter as programmed by Mr Seward. It is this Game that fetters you in view of the Presidential contest in 1868 and, it seems to me clear, that to achieve success it is necessary for you to break loose from the shackles it imposes upon you. If, done [ ?] since, Sherman could have been drawn off from Grant firmly to your side, the collision between Grant & Chase could have been maintained to the destruction of both & the introduction of a Compromised Man, such as Thomas, easy to be beaten, but now, from all that I see, Sherman stands with Grant upon the anti-repudiating – Bond policy, and the radical wing of the Republican Party will be compelled to take him, thus consolidating the Party upon him. And even the War-democracy will be shaken by his Candidacy, especially if Horatio Seymour shall be offered the bribe of the Vice-Presidency. Seymours apparent movement for the Presidency may mean, and probably does mean only this, for it is hardly hassarding too much to say that he is purchasable in that direction. I fully appreciate the hassards & difficulties of the situation, but cannot restrain the conviction that the movement to win, against all combinations & surroundings, is a bold & defiant reliance upon the People, in regard to all matters South, as well as North, more particularly in respect to the Reconstruction acts of Congress.
You will find also enclosed, an article in the
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Montgomery Advertiser from by Brothers pen, and one from the Constitutional Union of this morning written by myself. As to the third, signed “Omega,” I do not know the author.
I remain Mr President with very great respect John Tyler Jr [underlined]
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To the President Washington city Decr 7 1867 [Underlined]
Enclosing copy of letter from Mr Robert Tyler dated Decr 3d 1867, together with certain newspaper Editorials
The letter on the subject of the present Presidential movements for 1868, especially in respect to the Seward-Grant-game & Horatio Seymour [underline]
Important & strictly confidential [Underline]
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We, the undersigned Prisoners of War, belonging to the Army of Northern Virginia, having been this day surrendered by General Robert E. Lee, C.S.A, Commanding said Army, to Lieut. Genl. U.S. Grant, Commanding Armies of United States, do hereby give our solemn parole of honor, that we will not hereafter serve in the armies of the Confed= erate States, or in any military capacity whatever, against the United States of America, or render aid to the enemies of the latter, until properly ex= changed, in such manner as shall be mutually approved by the respective authorities.
Done at Appomattox Court House, Va., this 9th day of April, 1865.
