I enclose you confidentially a letter from one Sterling N. Acree of Norfield, Mississippi. I never knew before that Tumulty was such a dangerous character––that is, as regards religion. I have never seriously regarded him as a religious factor at all. I knew that you had some serious intentions along that line, but did not know that Tumulty was your “father confessor.” I enclose you a carbon copy of my letter to Mr. Acree and also the clippings which he sent me, which are direful in their prophesies with regard to many impending evils and especially with regard to the “Spanish Inquisition.” Even if you and Tumulty want to start an inquisition, I hope you will make it either French, or Dutch, or Italian, because the adjective “Spanish” in connection with an that inquisition has a pretty bad sort of meaning. Moreover, I hope, when the time comes for you to inaugurate the system that you will issue a special papal dispensation for me and have Tumulty sign it.
Since dictating the above, I have come across a letter from Mr. J. K. Whittaker, Jr., of Greenwood, Mississippi, together with an article clipped from another paper, written by a so–called “Mississippi Democrat.” I don’t know what stripe of Democrat that is. There seem to be about two hundred stripes these days.
For Heaven sake save my religion.! Get Tumulty to help you if you can.! If he can’t do it, call on Jim Martine and I know Jim won’t attend to it.
I also send you a carbon copy of my reply to Mr. Whittaker.
I have told my secretary to mark this letter at its heading, “For an idle hour.”