"Your humble servt.,
"Charles Mason."
CHARLES A. DANA TO TILDEN
"Dec. 15, 1876.
"Dear Sir,—Here is a note from my regular Washington correspondent, which I send to you for your information.
Yours sincerely,
"C. A. Dana."
A. M. GIBSON TO DANA
"Washington, D. C., Dec. 13, 1876.
"My dear Sir,—There is undoubtedly danger of defection among Southern Democrats. The friends of Hayes are certainly bidding high in that direction, and I know that their propositions are being entertained—listened to, considered. The combination between Jay Gould, C. P. Huntington, and Tom Scott, spoke of ten days since in my despatches, is now openly admitted here. Central Pacific gets all west of Ft. Worth and one-half of T. P. east of Fort Worth. The subsidy for T. P. is part of programme, as well as counting in of Hayes. Packard and Chamberlain are to be abandoned, and a new departure in Republican party policy is to date from Hayes' inauguration. I know what I am talking about. Can't you give Tilden a hint? His managers here don't get below the surface of things.
"Very truly,
"A. M. Gibson."