“By reason of his evenly balanced judgment and temper, his relations with the chief officers of railroad and steamship companies over and by which express service was transacted, and with bank officials--who were then our chief patrons--were always of the kindliest character, and he always enjoyed their perfect confidence and highest respect. “In fact, all of the characteristics, which have made his later life the magnificent success which the country appreciates, were developed and maintained throughout his early business experience. “There is nothing new or peculiar about the facts to which I have referred, because they are well known and appreciated by hundreds of men now in the service, who have been continuously with it since its organization. “Very respectfully and truly, “RUFUS B. BULLOCK.” [Illustration: text decoration] [Illustration: text decoration] CHAPTER IX. Mr. Plant’s Industry and Power to Endure Continuous Strain--Labor of Examining and Answering his Enormous Mail--Letter from Japan--Mail Delivered Regularly to him at Home and Abroad--His Private Car, its Style, Structure, Hospitality, and Cheering Presence--Numerous Calls--The Secret of his Endurance--The Esteem and Love of the Southern Express Company for its President--Mr. Plant Enjoys Social Life--He is a Great Lover of almost all Kinds of Music--Mr. Plant a Medical Benefactor--Some of the Progress Made in the Healing Art--Bishop of Winchester’s High Estimate of the Value of Health--Dr. Long’s Opinion of the Gulf Coast as a Health Restorer--Unrecognized Medicines in Restoring Lost Health--Nervousness among the American People--The Soothing and Strengthening Effect of Florida Climate--Mr. Plant’s Part in Facilitating Travel and Providing Comfortable Accommodations for the Invalid. Mr. Plant’s industry and power of endurance are a marvel to those around him in office work. Over five hundred letters a week received is no unusual thing. These are read to him by his private secretary, and answered under his direction or dictation. They come from the three different departments of the Plant System, which extends over many thousands of miles, by land and by sea, and in its Express department forwards goods over a mileage greater than the circumference of the globe.