WILLIAM E. SMITH TO TILDEN
"Personal.
"Treasury Department,
"Washington, D. C., March 31, 1886.
"My dear Sir,—Mr. Manning's condition is apparently about the same, but he is now believed to be out of danger, although it will probably be many months before he can attend to any business whatever. His case is complicated by disease of the kidneys, but the physicians say they do not fear any serious trouble from this cause. It is very difficult to obtain any reliable information as to his actual condition.
"Yours truly,
"W. E. Smith."
C. N. JORDAN TO TILDEN
"Treasury of the United States,
"Washington, April 1st, 1886.
"Hon. Samuel J. Tilden,—Many thanks for your kind answer. My own opinion is that Mr. Manning is sorely hurt, if he ever wholly recovers. He is a shy man, who does not like to be made a spectacle of, and is fond of the water, so that my idea was and is that a boat would suit him best, as the place where he would be most secluded. How he is to be replaced I can't see; there isn't a member of the cabinet who has made the impression he has, either on Congress or the people with whom he has been brought in contact. 'The only Democrat' in the cabinet is the name he goes by, and it called forth, when his sickness became known, both from Democrats and Republicans, a general expression of regret. He is said to be better to-day. I hope so, but am afraid.
"Yours very respectfully,
"C. N. Jordan."