The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1877-04-05
TWEED'S SURRENDER.
His Letter 10 Charles O,Conor.

New YORK, April The following is the
full text of Tweed's letter to Charles o.
Conor;
LUDLOW SrREEU JAIL, Dec. 6, 1876.
Charles OCOnor, Esq,
Sr-I take the liberty of addressing you this
letter, in view of the fact that your position as
the counsel designated by the state authorities
in my matters has professed solely the public
good, regardless of any factious or personal in
terest. Heretofore 1 have met my troubles
with every resource at my disposal. Possibly,
in mistaken sense of duty, have stood up
too long to shield others as well as myself
bearing such losses and punishment as were
melted out to my transgresslons and misfor-
tunes. 1t was truly more in the the interest of
others than 10 my own that litigation and re-
sistance waere prolonged.
Viewing the manner of my return to the
wards of this prison, and realizing the events in
the city, in the state and in the nation, which 1
am brought here to confront, it will not hope,
seem to be presumption or insncerity in me
to say that am indeed overwhelmed; that all
further resistance being hopeless, have none
now to make, and only seek the shortest and
most efficient manner in which 1 may make
unqualified surrender. tits not my purpose to
dis sus a %Reh f ha1s AGAINST Sssss
me in the name of the state and the people.
1 propose forthwith to place at your disposal
full surrender of all 1 have left of property or
effects, and respond at once to such examina-
ton in this connection as may assure you and
the public Of the good faith of this assignment
as we'll as show the entire amount and DISPOSE
ton of all have possessed so far as you may
wish it to be detailed I am an old man,
greatly broken in health, cast down in spirit,
and can no longer bearsmy burden. To mitigate
| the prospect of a hopeless imprisonment which
must speedily terminate my life l should, it
seems to me, make any sacrifice or effort.
During the early stages of the suits aud pro-
ceediDgs against me was ready to make
restitution and reparation as far as in my
power. ENHANCEMENT with the interest and
counses of others delayed and defeated this.
regret that my means have now become so
utterly inadequate. L would not make the
futile offer if L had not some assurance through
your published statement that the vindcation
of principle and the prospect of permanently
purifying the public service are the objects
you have in view, as being more desirable than
the recovery of money. If in any manner you
may see fit to use me in such connection, L
shall be only too glad to respond.
Trusting implicitly in your high reputation
| and character, ask to make only single res
ervation, not as regards myself, but wherever
| others may be concerned-leaving my personal
and property interests TO be put to the fullest
| test of examination and publicity. l would
hope to have my letters affecting other persons
| restricted to your knowledge and discretion.
Knowing, as you do, every material fact al
| ready, it would be unavailing for me further
| to resist or withhold any details you may de
| mand.
only ask, in qualification of the utmost
frankness, that your more reliable judgment
shall take the responsibility of the publication
and the use of such matters only as may be
necessary for the ends you wish to advance.
For the present have no legal counsel.
shall not employ any, except to act in the spirit
of this communication, and conform to the
usages of the courts. L send this by Foster
| Dewey, whom L have heretofore employed as
secretary. He is directed to receive from you
| any instructions or suggestions and answer, in
| detail, as to my circumstances"
| Iremain. very truly yours,
| (Signed,) WILLIAM M. TWEED.