FRANCIS LYNDE STETSON TO TILDEN
"120 Broadway, N. Y., Nov. 22d, 1871.
"My dear Sir,—Having attended at your office a number of times for the purpose of delivering the enclosed lists, and not being able to find the time when your many and diverse engagements permit you to be at your office, I have concluded (as perhaps would have been best at first) to send to you, instead of personally delivering, the lists which you requested.
"The manuscript roll, which I enclose herewith, presents, in classes corresponding to the Assembly districts from which they are drawn, the names of young men of Democratic principles and good character, who, so far as I can learn, are willing and prepared to participate in the duties of active political life. Almost all the names submitted are those of young lawyers, though I have not hesitated to include the names of gentlemen pursuing other avocations when I have learned of their personal qualifications for the task contemplated.
"Almost, though not all, of the names are taken from the roll of the Young Men's Democratic Reform Club, of which I send you a printed copy.
"In the collection and classification of these names I have taken from my professional duties more time and attention than would seem to me justifiable, were it not that I have been acting at the request of one who has himself spared neither time nor attention in the public service, and the purity of whose motives I have from childhood been taught to respect.
"Trusting that my labors may not be entirely irresponsive to your request, I remain,
"Very truly yours,
"Francis Lynde Stetson."