"Will you have the kindness to read it and give me any suggestions in regard to it which may occur to you? I intend to issue the letter before the 1st of August. "I also send for your perusal a copy of a letter which I addressed to General Sherman under date of December 25th, 1876, which will no doubt be published a week or so after my letter of acceptance. "With best wishes for yourself, and pleasant remembrances of your hospitality which I so much enjoyed last week, "I am, very truly yours, "WINF'D S. HANCOCK." [Enclosed card.] "General W. G. Mitchee, who would like to see Mr. Tilden for a few minutes to deliver a package to him. "W. S. H., Governor's Island. "If Mr. Tilden is in the country General M. will go there." DRAFT OF ADDITION FOR LETTER OF ACCEPTANCE OF GENERAL HANCOCK "_July, 1880._ "It is time we should enjoy the benefits of that reconciliation and restoration of fraternal feelings which has cost so much blood and treasure. As one people, having a common interest, the welfare and prosperity of all would be advanced, a generous rivalry would be stimulated for the growth of our merchant marine which has been destroyed by the policy of the party in power. The extension of our foreign and domestic commerce with nations naturally tributary to us, and the further development of our immense natural resources would result. A wise and economical management of our governmental expenditures should be maintained in order that labor may be lightly burdened, and that every individual may be protected in his natural right to the immediate fruits of his own industry." TILDEN TO MRS. W. C. BRYANT "NEW YORK, _Sept. 17th, 1880_. "MY DEAR MRS. BRYANT,--After I left the city two weeks ago, thinking not so much where I would go as where I would not remain, I found in my pocket a note which I supposed had been left to be sent to you. It was designed to aid an article which has doubtless appeared in your household in explaining its own advent--a friendly office, which, although too long delayed, must still be fulfilled. "I could not resist the impulse to supply what you had, one day when I last had the pleasure of visiting you, casually mentioned as your _only want_. It may never again happen to me--if I lose that opportunity--to be able to fill the measure of a housekeeper's contentment; and I am anxious, if you will permit me, to procure for myself the gratification of witnessing such a novelty, as well as the sense of having contributed to produce it. Perhaps I ought to acknowledge a still more selfish motive. If the example of so much moderation shall have the influence to which it is entitled, I shall, doubtless, at some period not yet distinctly foreseen, share its benefits; and, notwithstanding all I can now do to signalize my appreciation of it, be reminded that I am forever your debtor. In the mean time, I remain, very truly, "Your friend, "S. J. TILDEN." MRS. WILLIAM CULLEN BRYANT TO TILDEN