HIRAM SIBLEY TO TILDEN
"Rochester, N. Y., Feb. 6", 1886.
"Hon. Samuel J. Tilden.
"My dear Friend,—This is my birthday, and, as I remember, yours. I see in the papers they say you were born on the 9th of Feb. But I dare not place much reliance on what some newspapers say of you.
"Seventy-nine is not eighty. Eighty is considered old. While it is unsafe for us at this age to make plans for the future, we may contemplate the past, and that is what I am doing to-day.
"Among those who took active part in the Free-soil movement of 1848, you were an able leader. Your associates, Wright, Gardner, Van Buren, and many others from whom I took counsel, are gone. You among the larger, myself among the less important of that band of noble patriots, are left to enjoy the consolation of doing what we could at that early day to check the growth and extension of slavery.
"The present I regard with fear and apprehension, and I have recently written to, and received an answer from, our inaugurated President, whose administration I heartily approve, and I now address the uninaugurated President to say one word of approval to him also.
"You should encourage, by word and deed, our President to hold fast to the pledges in the Democratic platform, to Civil Service especially.
"The times are trying the metal of our President. The army on whom the people rely for defence are greatly demoralized.
"The veterans are nearly all dead, the regulars are skirmishing for votes, and recruits are few.
"Pardon me for this rambling letter. Don't trouble yourself to answer me.
"The times, the time (Feb. 6"), all conspired to move me to write you.
"May you live to see many a birthday, as I hope to.
"With great respect, I am,
"Your friend and obt. svt.,
"Hiram Sibley."