New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1875-04-07
THE CLANDESTINE LETTERS.

Mr. Beecher was next called upon to explain AZ lar
as he could the meaning of what have been caleo
the clandestine letters The first to be explained
was the one in which the word "nest-hidlng DC
Cured. Mr.. Beecher said this was in no sense MS
word. He had never used it IN conversation WIN
Mrs Tilon and understood 1t at the time he receVed
the letter to mean that the writer was hiding the
troubles of Ter household.
Mrs Tlton's letter beginning. " My dear frieno
Does your heart bound toward all as it used, was
next explained. Mr.. Beecher said that the da'e o'
this letter March g. 1871, and that this was inc
first letter that had passed between them since Feb
1t was written by Mrs. 1iton to communicate to hm
the happier condition of affairs in the Tilton family
which had resulted from the efforts Of Mr.. Beecher
Mr.. Moulton and Mr.. Titon to restore harmony 10
the family. The last clause in the letter." W men
dear Frank says 1 may nee again 60 10 oid
Plymouth I will thank the dear Father "-hr
Beecber explained by saying that he thought a. tne
time that it referred to understanding between
Mr. Moulton and Mrs. Tilton.
At this stage of the proceedings Mr.. Beach re-
Quested leave to look at the memorandum OF dates
which Mr. Beecher has had with him for reference
thus far in his examination, and which az
the beginning he offered to submit 10
the counsel After Glancing through it, MI
Beach declared that it contained other matter
than dates and that the subjects OF the witness eA
animation were classified there Mr. Evarts insisted
that it was proper for him to have it and handed 10
back to Mr. Beecher, who turned appeallngly 10 inc
Judge and held out the papers for his Honors exam
nation; but Judge Nelson waved it aside and
declared that the witness was free to use 1t.
The examination thus interrupted was then re-
newed. and Mr.. Beecher was then questioned re-
garding the letter from himself to Mrs Tilton, be-
ginning: 1.-The blessing of God rest upon you. IL
was written, he said while his sister, Mrs. Perkins,
was keeping house for him. BY the expression
true inwardnessn he meant Mrs. Tilton's re-
Ipous experiences of which be wished
her TO write to him fully. The words
it is permitted had reference to the common I'M
dersta nding between himself, Mr.. Tilton and Mr.
Moulton, that he OR. Beecher might renew his
social relations with Mrs. Titon. When he used
the words lit will be safe for you he merely meant
that he would reveal to no one the outpourings OF
her inner nature.
The letter to Mrs Titon dated Jan. co. 1872, which
was next inquired into, was written soon after the
death of Mr.. TiltOn's brother. There was some oo-
lection to Mr.. Beecher answering Dir. Evartss ques
tions as to whether or not the sentence My VIE
takes boat for Havana and Florida on Thursday
had any reference to a meeting with Mrs Hilton IN
MIS-. Beechers absence but the witness was finally
allowed 10 Oe0y any iupIOpti uicanne III '"o A"S'A'
Mr. Beecher explained his note to Mrs. Titon In
which occur the words, If do not see you to-mor-
row night will next Friday" by saying that II
dav was his lecture night and it was his custom to
make appointments with and meet his parishioners
on that evening after the lecture. Az nearly as he
could remember Mrs. Titon wished TO see him
about her mother, and he had suggested that time
as convenient. Mr.. Beecher, in O few words. here
gave vivid picture Of the scenes after lecture at
Plymouth Church, which evidently amused Ills
hearers.
Mrs. Morse's letter to Mr.. Beecher dated Oct. p,
1871 which contained the question, d" Do you know
think it strange You should ask me to call you
sou ~ and which was signed Mother" was the last
Of the letters explained yesterday. but not the last
10 be explained. These expressions. Mr.. Beecher
said referred to an occasion when, on Mrs. Morse
telling him her troubles, he had inadvertently asked
her to take counsel of him as of son.