"Green Cove Springs, Florida, April 2, 1875.
"To His Excellency, Samuel J. Tilden.
"My dear Sir,—By the scanty and irregular news we receive from New York at this distant point I learn with a degree of satisfaction which I cannot fully express that you are making a determined effort to correct the abuses in the canal management of our State.
"Speaking with the earnestness inspired by my experience as a member of the Canal Board, I trust that you and your friends in this undertaking will not be dissuaded from the views you have taken and the course you have marked out by any political or personal influence whatever.
"I do not fear that you will. Let no 'hue and cry' about 'corporations and monopolies,' or the importance of general laws under the constitutional amendments, divert attention from this subject. Everything now before the Legislature or demanding your attention should, in my judgment, be subordinated to this matter if by so doing these irregularities in canal management may be eradicated, root and branch. I have studied your analysis of the subject, and I believe you are on the right track.
"Which political party shall suffer most, or who shall go up or who down, are matters of minor importance if only right and justice be done. Pardon the frankness and emphasis with which I address you, but while I could never quite grasp the evidence, I often felt, as a member of the Canal Board, and now feel morally certain, that the field you have entered is fruitful in long-standing and frightful abuses. Accept my best wishes for your success, and trusting you may receive, as you certainly deserve, the sympathy and co-operation of all good men in this great undertaking,
"I remain as ever,
"Most truly yours,
"G. H. Scribner."
On a visiting-card:
"Personal.
"My dear Govr.,—You are at liberty to use the accompanying note in any way you may deem proper for the good of the cause."