"We did not do as well in this county as I expected and believed we would. But our young men, especially, worked hard and deserved success. But the Republicans made a very great effort to and did hold their people pretty well; and a good deal of money, wherever it came from, was used in the county, and they, with this, got most of the purchasable vote. I hope you are well. Take care of your health.
"TEN O'CLOCK, A.M., 58 WALL STREET, "NEW YORK, _Nov. 10, 1876_.
"DEAR SIR,--A meeting of Republican chiefs was held at Washington night before last, at which it was decided to send some one by express train or special train to Florida.
"Report is that the person sent to go was Zac. Chandler himself.[14] Whoever he was, he was expected to reach Palatka about daybreak this morning. The steamboat, with returns from the outlying counties, was expected at Palatka at 3 o'clock this morning, and the messenger was to receive these returns at once.
[14] It was probably William E. Chandler, of New Hampshire, who is here referred to.
"MY DEAR GOVERNOR,--The _Herald_ and _Post_ have the following despatch from Conover on their bulletin:
"'The agony is over. Florida has gone Democratic.' Gold has at once declined from 109-3/4, 7/8 to 109-1/4, and is now 109-3/8.
"God grant that Conover's telegram may be confirmed.
"No other solution but your election can end the agony of the country and prevent the most disastrous consequences.
"DR. SIR,--I did the best I could to elect our candidate. You beat us overwhelmingly, and you have showed a level head since. We cannot elect the U. S. Senator; you ought to take that place. It gives you just enough of time before the spring of 1879[15] to make useful acquaintance, but not enough to create personal irritations and jealousies.
[15] When Mr. Pierrepont evidently expected him to be inaugurated as President.
"_No man_ can be two years Governor of New York without destroying many ambitious hopes and making many bitter enemies.
"Tho' these suggestions come from a political opponent, they are not the less genuine.
"MY DEAR SIR,--Your firmness and courage now is the only hope for the perpetuity of our institutions. The country is with you, and will sustain you in any event and at all hazards.