[974] "Blaine, representing Garfield, came to New York and asked me to enter the contest for the purpose of securing the election of a senator who would support the Administration. That was the reason why I became a candidate."—Interview of Mr. Depew with the author, February 19, 1909.
[975] Harper's Weekly, February 5, 1881.
[976] Interview of Mr. Depew with the author, March 28, 1909. See also New York Tribune, January 9, 1882. "Among others present at the conference," added Depew, "were Webster Wagner, John Birdsall, Dennis McCarthy, and William H. Robertson of the State Senate, James W. Husted, and George Dawson of the Albany Evening Journal. Woodin remarked, 'We can trust Platt, and when he's elected senator we shall not need a step-ladder to reach his ear.'"
[977] Total vote in caucus, 105. Necessary to a choice, 53. Platt, 54; Crowley, 26; Rogers, 10; Wheeler, 10; Lapham, 4; Morton, 1.
The election, which occurred on January 18, resulted: Senate, Platt, 25; Kernan, 6; Assembly, Platt, 79, Kernan, 44.
[978] Alfred R. Conkling, Life of Conkling, p. 634.
[979] Morton declined the navy portfolio, preferring the mission to France.
[980] Stewart L. Woodford, U.S. attorney, and Louis F. Payn, U.S. marshal for the Southern District; Asa W. Tenney, U.S. attorney for the Eastern District; Clinton D. MacDougall, U.S. marshal for the Northern District; and John Tyler, collector of customs, Buffalo. These were reappointments.
[981] New York Tribune, March 24, 1881.
[982] From Conkling's letter of resignation.—New York Tribune, May 17, 1881.