"Yours truly,
"C. B. Smith."
R. D. RICE TO S. J. TILDEN
"Confidential.
"Portland, Oct. 27, '76.
"Hon. S. J. Tilden.
"Dear Sir,—As I was just ready to leave N. York last evening, some facts came to my knowledge of which it may be well for our friends to be appraised (in case they are not already) as to the then last line of policy of our opponents. You are aware that Z. Chandler and Tyner were both in the city and at the wheel. Your State is substantially abandoned by them; the fight is, of course, to be kept up there nominally, at least. The real fight is to be made in the Carolinas, Louisiana, Florida, etc., in the South, and some of the doubtful States in the North and N. West, including Indiana. To carry these States by the commercial element in each has been fully resolved, and the means put in requisition for that purpose to an extent, especially in Ind., exceeding the amounts used in the last election is, I think, beyond a doubt. Larger hopes are entertained from the greenback element. They must contest this battle to the last, however desperate it appear. Excuse this hasty note. Our people here are in ecstasies over your letter, and in the best of spirits.
Yours Truly,
"R. D. Rice."