into the Presidency next March, by his skill, aided perhaps by the millions made in N. York by army & navy contracts.
``Another, and I think a wiser party, look to the election of Genl. Dix. The least failure this summer, some men think, will evince [?] your defeat, by bringing forward a negative man, with a cultivated character such as Dix has acquired by avoiding all responsibility, & always obtaining with every party in power a high position.
``I am against all postponements & I presume you are, but I look upon this movement as being so formidable that I should like to have a full & free conversation with you concerning it & the campaign. There are many points which would probably enable me to do more service---& as I am in the contest, with no wish saving your success---and with little business to interfere, I desire to guard against all surprizes. You are always so much employed when I am in Washington that I have hesitated to occupy your time---but, if you will drop me a line saying when I can come to your house with a chance of an hours uninterrupted talk, I will obey it.
``I came from Ft. Monroe yesterday after spending three days there, during which time I had much pleasant conversation with Genl. Butler---part of which I would like to communicate to you.'' (DLC-RTL).