CHARLES A. DANA TO TILDEN
(WISHES TO STUDY MR. TILDEN'S PERSONAL AND POLITICAL HISTORY)
"'The Sun,' New York, July 18, 1884.
"Dear Mr. Tilden,—In the desperate situation in which presumption and incompetence have involved the Democratic party, I feel a natural desire to study more closely and to know more thoroughly the model of genuine Democratic statesmanship.
"Could you put me in possession of the facts and records of your own personal and political history, so that I may examine them at such leisure times as I may be able to rescue from my absorbing daily occupations?
"I wish for this not alone for my own instruction and gratification, but that I may be enabled, as occasion requires, to present the truth accurately to the public, and to discuss the principles involved with knowledge and effect.
"I remain, dear Mr. Tilden,
"Faithfully yours,
"Charles A. Dana."
TILDEN TO CHARLES A. DANA
"July 22d, 1884.