"I may add that Senator McDonald agreed heartily with the other gentlemen present at our dinner party that no other name could command the support of the Democrats of the country that yours would.
"Under the circumstances, I beg to ask whether it would be agreeable to your feelings or wishes that I should say anything publicly in regard to the momentous issues briefly referred to in this correspondence.
"I remain, my dear sir,
"Your friend and servant,
"Cyrus H. McCormick."
HENRY C. SEMPLE TO TILDEN
"Gilsey House, New York, April 23d, 1884.
"Dear Sir,—I regret that your business engagements make it inconvenient for you to receive me for a few minutes, as I am obliged to set out for home on Thursday evening, and came on from Washington (where I have been in attendance on the Sup. Ct.) principally to see you.
"You must be aware that the Democratic party will not even consider the question of selecting among candidates for the Presidency, unless satisfied that you will be incapable of entering on the discharge of the duties of the office when elected.
"Sensible men in the party will not ask that you consent to be a candidate, nor will they regard the fact that you decline to become a candidate.