"When I have thoroughly studied these papers a great deal will have been accomplished, and I shall then be ready for the next step. My ultimate purpose is to put myself in a situation to write the political history of this half-century between 1835 and 1885.
"It seems to me that in our day there have been three statesmen who have had the genius to rule men through their intellects. I mean Bismarck, Disraeli, and Tilden.
"I remain, dear Mr. Tilden,
"Faithfully yours,
"C. A. Dana."
SMITH M. WEED TO S. J. TILDEN
"Plattsburg, N. Y., July 28, 1884.
"Hon. S. J. Tilden, Greystone, Yonkers, N. Y.
"My dear Govr.,—I found, in talking with Manning yesterday, that Govr. C. [Cleveland] had offered to go down and see you about his letter, and had, through M., asked you to name a day, and was anxiously waiting for you to do so.
"I thought I would write you by the very first mail, as I thought that you did not understand it as they do. The Govr. is expecting to come into this country on the 7th or 8th and wants his letter issued before. I write in haste. I did not see Govr. Cleveland, but learned the above from Mr. Manning.
"In haste, yours truly,
"Smith M. Weed."