HORATIO SEYMOUR TO GOV. TILDEN
"Utica, October 25, 1876.
"My dear Sir,—I have reason to know that your opponents in and out of the party count upon the large towns to defeat you. They rely upon distress among Democrats, hard times, and the use of money. The word 'reform' is not popular with working-men. To them it means less money spent and less work. Most of these men are Catholics. You will see that the Republicans have dropped the school question. I think it important that some quiet, judicious person should visit the large towns and see the leading Irishmen and call their minds back to the hostility of Hayes and the Republicans to their nationality and religion. There is danger of a loss of vote among the class.
"I am still out of health, and I write with difficulty. I gain slowly, but I do not expect to enjoy hereafter full health and vigor.
I am truly yours, &c.,
"Horatio Seymour."
C. B. SMITH TO TILDEN
"Richmond, Ind., Oct. 27th, 1876.
"My dear old Classmate,—Permit me to thank you for your letter on the 'rebel claims.' It is worthy of you, and that is saying, in the estimation of all your old friends, all that can be said in its praise. It is indeed noble and strong, while it crushes with the force of fate. It spikes the last gun of the administration. It is indeed a triumph and a victory.
"We are all proud of you, and look forward with joyful and confident anticipations of soon seeing you the Chief Magistrate of this great nation. Your mission is a great and noble one, but you are equal to every possible condition and emergency. I firmly believe this era has raised you up to bring the nation back to its old historic thought respecting honesty and economy, and make it fit for honest men to live in.
"Pardon my familiarity and earnestness, for the feelings of boyhood are sure to control me when writing to or of a classmate.