"To these evidences of Mr. Tilden's earnestness in the prosecution of the war, let me add one more, which is perhaps more conclusive than all the rest.
"All the members of Mr. Lincoln's Cabinet were perfectly cognizant of his position during the war, and were in the habit of soliciting his advice; and two of the three who still survive, and with whom Mr. Lincoln had the most intimate and durable relations, are now publicly advocating his election to the Presidency.
"I wish you to realize, as I do, how utterly wanton and shameless is this attempt to associate Mr. Tilden's name with the enemies of his government, and how desperate must be any cause which has to rely upon such methods for success.
"As it seemed to be my duty as a journalist to oppose and often to criticise the course pursued by Mr. Tilden, both before and during the war, I feel it but simple justice to him to bear this testimony to the honorable and patriotic motives with which I never doubted him to be animated.
"_Highland Falls, Orange County, New York._"
"NO. 152 BROADWAY, NEW YORK, _Sept. 1, 1876_.
"DEAR SIR,--I wish to direct your attention to four acts of Kelly at Saratoga hostile to our success--not for effect upon him, but that they may enter into your mind in respect to action affecting the cause:
"1. He showed disregard of success in placing himself at the head of the electoral ticket.
"2. He tried to defeat the party by his attack upon the Liberal Republicans.
"3. He made a deadly effort to foreclose success by forcing Potter.
"4. He never, during the whole convention, said a word to encourage the Presidential canvass.
"MY DEAR GOVERNOR,--I had supposed, after what was said at Saratoga, Tuesday and Wednesday, that our friends tacitly agreed with me that the idea of bringing my name forward for Governor should not be seriously entertained, and therefore I did not think it necessary or becoming to take any further steps about. But I learn, on my return from the North, from Mr. Manning and others, that the project is assuming definite shape and may, unless at once ended, be carried to a nomination.
[11] Mr. Horatio Seymour having refused to accept a nomination for Governor to succeed Governor Tilden, Mr. Hand, a leading barrister at Albany, was urged by Mr. Tilden and his friends to accept such nomination.