"Dear Sir,—Mr. Blair was much touched by your kind note of sympathy received a few days since. When I wrote Mr. Bigelow I was anxious and hurried, fearing the fatigue of the drive to the country on Mr. Blair. The change has been most beneficial, and his improvement since we came very decided, though our city papers will contrive to say that he is very ill. We are all greatly encouraged. He has less pain—is stronger and sleeps better. I follow your advice, and only present the most agreeable topics for his thoughts. The arrival of a young Holstein or Jersey calf—the Silo well filled—and a touch of the New York Sun's sarcasm often diverts his attention from himself and interests him. He desires me to remember him kindly to you. I hope the papers report truly when they say your own health is so good.
"Very truly yrs.,
"Mary E. Blair."
TILDEN TO MRS. BLAIR
"Greystone, Yonkers, N. Y., July 28, 1883.
"Dear Mrs. Blair,—I am deeply afflicted by the sad intelligence concerning Mr. Blair which comes to-day. I share with you and his children in the great bereavement, lamenting that I am so impotent to lessen your sorrow while mingling with it my own.
"Tendering you my heart-felt condolences, I am,
"Very truly yours."
WILLIAM ALLEN BUTLER TO TILDEN
"Trinity Building, 111 Broadway, Sept. 10, 1883.