With the Republican National Convention directly ahead he is bound to veto it.

It must not be allowed to get to him; and you are the man to stop it.

They will listen to you and will not listen to me." First of all, I went to the White House.
"Mr.President," I said, "I want you to authorize me to tell Curtin and Slocum not to send the Fitz-John Porter bill to you." "Why ?" he answered.
"Because," said I, "you will have to veto it; and, with the Frelinghuysens wild for it, as well as others of your nearest friends, I am sure you don't want to be obliged to do that.

With your word to me I can stop it, and have it for the present at least held up." His answer was, "Go ahead." Then I went to the Capitol.

Curtin and Slocum were in a state of mind.
It was hard to make them understand or believe what I told them.
"Now, gentlemen," I continued, "I don't mean to argue the case.