Year: 1874

do not propose at this time detailed examin-
alton Of the remarkable statement OF Mr.. Theodore
Ttton. made before the committee OF investga-
ton, and which appeared in the Brooklyn Argus
OF July 81. 1874 recognize the many reasons
which make 1t OF transcendent Importance TO
myself, the Church, and the cause of public
morality, that shall give full answer to the
charges against me. But having requested the
committee Of investigation to search this matter
to the bottom, it is to them that must look for
my vindlcation.


But cannot delay for an hour to defend the
reputation Of Mrs. Elizabeth r Tilton, upon whose
name, in connection with mine, her husband has
attempted to pour shame.


One less deserving OF such disgrace I never
knew. From childhood she has been under my
eye, and since reaching womanhood she has had
my sincere admiration and affection. cherish TOR
her pure feeling, such as q gentleman might
honorably offer to a Christian woman, and which
she might receive and reciprocate without moral
scruple. reject with Indignation every imputa-
ton which reflects upon her honor or my own.


My regard for Mrs Tlton was perfectly well
known to my family. When serious difficulties
sprang up in her household it was to my wife that
She resorted for counsel; and both Of US, acting
nom sympathy and, as it subsequently appeared.
without full knowledge, gave unadvised counsel
which tended to harm.


nave no doubt that Mr.. Tlton found that his
wifes confidence and reliance upon my judgment
had greatly Increased, while his influence had
diminished, In consequence OF marked cnange in
his religious and social views which Was taking
place during those years. Her mind was greatly
exercised lest her children should be harmed by
views which she deemed vitality false and dan.
gerous.


was suddenly and rudely aroused to the reality
OF impending danger by the disclosure OF domestic
distress. OF sickness, perhaps unto death. OF the
likelihood Of separation and the scattering Of
family, every member Of which l had tenderly
loved. The effect upon me Of the discovery Of the
state Of Mr. Tiltons feelings and the condition Of
hls family surpassed in sorrow and excitement
anything that I had ever experienced in my life.
That my presence influence and counsel had
brought to beloved family sorrow and alienation
gave, in my then state Of mind, poignancy to my
suffering which hope no other man may ever feel.


Even to be suspected Of having offered, under
che privileges Of peculiarly sacred relation, an
indecorun to q wife and mother could not but
deeply wound any one VINO is sensitive to the
honor oil womanhood.


There were peculiar reasons for alarm in this
case on other grounds, inasmuch as l was then
subject to certain malignant rumors, and tls-
grant outbreak in this family would bring upon
them an added injury, derived from these shame.
less ialsehoods.


Believing at the time that my presence and
counses had tenoed, however unconsciously, TO
produce social catastrophe, represented as immi-
nent, gave expression to my feelings in an
interview with q mutual friend, not In cold
and cautious sell.deiending words but eagerly TAX
ing blame upon myself, aud pouring out my heart to
my friend in the strongest language, overburdened
with the exaggerations OF impassioned sorrow.
had been the evil man Mr.. Tilton now repre-
senls should have been calmer and more pru-
dent. 1t was my horror Of the evil imputed that
shadow oft.


Not only was my friend affected generously, but
he assured me that such expressions, II conveyed
10 Mr.. Tilton, would soolhe wounded feeling alay
anger and heal the whole trouble. He took
down sentences and fragments OF what had
been saying, to use them as mediator. lull
statement of the circumstances under which this
memorandum was made 1 shall give to the inves.
tigating committee.


That these apologies were more than ample to
meet the facts Of the case is evident in that they
were accepted, that our intercourse resumed its
friendliness that Mr.. Tilton subsequently ratified
1t in writing and that he has continued for four
years and until within two weeks to live with his
wife.


Ii IL conceivable, II the original charge had been
what Is now alleged, tnat he would have condoned
the offence not only with the mother Of his chill.
dren, but with him whom he believed to have
wronged thems The absurdisy as we'll as the
ialsity OF this story 10 apparent, when 1t
that he earned this guilty secret OF his wies inn
deity ior six months locked up IN his own
breast, and that then ne divuged 1t to me
only that there might be reconciliation with mel
Mr.. Tilton has since. in every form OF language
and TO multitude OF Witnesses orally. In written
statements and in printed documents, declared
his faith in his wife's purity.


Aiter the reconciliation OF Mr.. Tilton with me
every consideration OF proprlety ana honor de.
manded that the family trouble should be kept IN
that secluson which domestic affairs have right
to claim as a sanctuary, and to that secluslon 1t
was determined that it should be confined