"My dear Governor,—Your note of the 16th inst. came to me in due course of mail, and was comforting.
"Like Dr. Simmons, Dr. Hun does not think there is any serious difficulty of the heart, but because of shortness of breath advises caution. I feel that I would like to go to the Catskill Mountains, but because Dr. Hun shows preference for the sea air, I have communicated with the Watch Hill House landlord, and hear that he will give me desirable quarters on the 29th of this month. I think we shall go there. No doubt I can get there all the exercise that I may need.
"Mrs. Manning had the pleasure of meeting, at the railroad station yesterday, Miss Ruby en route to Lebanon, and says she was looking well and happy.
"A letter from Fairchild tells me that the N. Y. collector had communicated with him concerning the proposition that I be given the use of the revenue-cutter Grant. You will conclude, of course, that this means much. I replied that if I concluded I should like to use that boat, I would communicate thereon with the President and himself. It is better so, but I have determined to give up the idea. I cannot place myself under such obligations. Nothing of the kind has been suggested or offered to me.
"I am almost constantly thinking of the 1st October letter. I suppose it must be written. I shrink from it, but I need your help and advice. What should I say?
"I am resting nicely here in Albany. There is excitement over bicentennial celebration, and I always find something of interest in what is daily occurring.
"The President and two or three of his secretaries are to be here to-morrow. Can I serve you in any way?
"I have a fierce and somewhat threatening [letter] from Thompson about the Custom-house. He says the President authorized Stetson to ask Hedden for his resignation, and he (T) consequently intimates his intention of opening a warfare on Cleveland, who, he writes, 'Tilden, you, and I nominated.' Evidently he is feeling very ugly, for he characterizes this step as 'base ingratitude,' and a 'dastardly outrage.' There is very noisy music near at hand.
"Respectfully and faithfully yours,
"Daniel Manning,
"M. F. M."