TILDEN TO GEORGE W. CLINTON
"August 26, 1879.
"Dear Judge,—I thank you for your kind letter.
"The life I am leading with out-door exercise and physical activity alternated with rest has left me little time for correspondence after I get through with other calls upon my attention. But I none the less appreciate intercourse with such men as yourself. Nor do I forget that there are three generations since my ancestors were first allied to the great founder of your family, amid the trying scenes which attended our national independence, and the formation of a genuine government of the people.
"You are quite right in the impression that I would not think it fit for me to run for Governor at the coming election. The reasons against it are conclusive.
"In the first place, I don't want to add to the burdens I have had and now have connected with public affairs.
"In the second place, although I do not expect to be installed in the Presidency to which I was elected, I deem it due to the four and a quarter millions of voters who have been defrauded of the fruits of their suffrages, that I should not, during the term for which I was chosen, do anything inconsistent with their moral right.
"In the third place, I should not like to be a convenience to the dictation to the Democratic State convention that they must surrender their choice if it be Governor Robinson, whose administration has deserved so well of all good citizens.
"I have not time to dilate on these topics, but I do not doubt that you and I will think the same things concerning the Republic.
"It will give me great pleasure to hear from you whenever you find time to write me, and I hope to have the pleasure of seeing you personally.