"The Governor's letter is very delicate, kind, and considerate.
"I have been confined to my room since the 10th of September, and in that time to my bed until within the last few days. I am far from well now. My wound, which had closed after opening, threatens to reopen. It may not do so immediately, but I presume it is but a question of time, as it had been allowed to close too soon.
"It will be many days, probably weeks, before I shall be in condition for any effort.
"I am a member of the 'Dyer' court of inquiry, which has been postponed from week to week on account of my absence. So soon as I am able to endure the fatigue of travel I shall be compelled to go to Washington on that service.
"I had always believed that it was not well for officers of the army to engage actively in political campaigns, and I had concluded so long as I remained in the army not to set a contrary example to younger officers; still, the crisis is of such vital moment that I might probably have acted differently in the particular case urged by you, especially when possibly our eventual success depends upon the action of my own State in October. But neither time nor health permit me to act. It is therefore not necessary to discuss the question.
"I believe the election next Tuesday will decide the result of the Presidential election if the majorities in the States are at all positive.
"Our carrying two of the three will insure us a victory in November.
"I feel great interest in the result, I believe no person more so than myself.
"It is our only and last chance.
"I am, Truly Yours,
"Winfd. S. Hancock."