C. A. DANA TO TILDEN
"'The Sun,' New York, Feb. 23, 1882.
"Dear Mr. Tilden,—I have been slow in thanking you for the box of Steinberger Cabinet, because I only wish to taste it in the most adequate society; and now, having had a suitable opportunity, I am prepared to say again that the wine is one of the very noblest products of nature, and that I am, as ever,
Sincerely yours,
"Charles A. Dana."
"This shows that two men at least knew Steinberger Cabinet of 1868, which cost $84 a case—gold—in 1870.
"G. W. S."
The following letter was in reply to a gentleman in Texas, who proposed to start a newspaper at Floresville, Wilson County, Texas, with Mr. Tilden's name at the head of its editorial columns as its candidate for the Presidency. It was dated May, 1882. The answer was written at Mr. Tilden's request by George W. Smith, then his secretary.
"Greystone, July 8, 1882.
"Dear Sir,—Mr. Tilden thanks you for the kind sentiments expressed towards him in your volume of poems, a copy of which you so kindly sent to him.
"In respect to your starting a newspaper and keeping his name 'at the masthead as the Democratic nominee for President in 1884,' I would say that Mr. Tilden started in life and passed almost through the allotted time of human existence, on the theory of performing all the duties which a citizen of the Republic owes to the State without ever entering upon an official career. His entrance into public life was a deviation from his plan, made for a temporary period and for a special purpose. He has no desire, I think, to again quit his home, his books, and his private pursuits.
"Very truly yours,
"G. W. Smith, Secretary."