GEORGE HOADLEY TO TILDEN "STATE OF OHIO, EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT, "COLUMBUS, _November 22, 1884_. "MY DEAR SIR,--On the occasions of my last two visits to New York, I was unable to command the time to go to Greystone, so that I did not, during the canvass, have the pleasure of expressing my hopes and anticipations to you with reference to its progress in Ohio, or of exchanging congratulations with you upon its apparently favorable prospects. Now, however, we may rejoice over results, and you are especially to be congratulated. At last a Democratic administration takes possession of power: most fortunately, one whose chief has been trained in New York and has sat at your feet and studied his Democracy in the school of Van Buren and Silas Wright. Your judgment that Ohio was not to be trusted is vindicated. I confess I thought differently. I underrated the forces of corruption, and especially of the money that could be brought to bear. You judged more wisely, and the event proves it. Indeed, I saw this before the Chicago convention, and with my full approval my friends there labored for Governor Cleveland's nomination, and by dividing Ohio made it possible. "I was asked by telegram during that convention if I would accept the Vice-Presidency. I answered in the negative, my ambition being in the line of our profession and to be a busy man, not an idle man. As I said to you when we last met, I should like to be Attorney-General. If that cannot be, I am content to remain as I am or return to private life. "There are some other facts connected with this matter which I should be glad to lay before you in person had I the opportunity, but which cannot well be committed to writing. "I take it for granted that your wishes will have great weight with the President-elect. I should esteem it the success of my life, more valuable than the office itself, to know that you approve, or do not disapprove my ambition, and wish my appointment. I would rather be _your_ Attorney-General than hold any office in the Republic short of the highest, and as the value of that lies in being _your_ choice and having your confidence in a place wherein something may be done to give effect to your principles an equal importance attaches to your recommendation to your successor. But while I am ambitious, I am not greedy or insubordinate. Your disapproval of my ambition would be law to me. You are the honored head of our party, and I am ready as a loyal soldier to submit to my commander in this, not grudgingly, but cheerfully. "Please take this matter into consideration, and at your convenience let me know your thoughts. "With great respect, yours, &c., "GEO. HOADLEY." TILDEN TO GOVERNOR HOADLY "_Confidential._ "GREYSTONE, _December 5, 1884_. "DEAR GOVERNOR HOADLEY,--The present is the earliest opportunity I have had to acknowledge your letter. "I notice that you mention that there are some things fitter to be discussed in personal interview than by letter.