Chapter D: Manning to Tilden

"WASHINGTON, D. C., _Mch. 5, 1886_.

"MY DEAR GOVERNOR,--One of the first copies from the press, of the reply to the House resolution, was duly mailed to you, from here, addressed, 'George W. Smith, Esq., Greystone, Yonkers, N. Y.' I sent you another copy to-day, addressed to you personally, which I hope won't miss fire.

"There is 'a squall on,' hereabouts, concerning financial matters, and it may grow to the size of a heavy storm, but I doubt. At any rate, I think we are in waters deep enough for safety, and the record isn't a half bad one.

"I have plenty of work and worry, and no day passes that I do not wish I were near enough to you to get the benefit of your safe judgment and advice. There is none here to whom I can go with such confidence and sure dependence.

"Faithfully yours,
"DANIEL MANNING."

TILDEN TO PRESIDENT CLEVELAND

"_Confidential._

"GREYSTONE, YONKERS, N. Y., _March 12, 1886_.

"DEAR MR. PRESIDENT,--I read in the public journals that the name of Brigadier-General Newton, Chief of Engineers in the United States army, is before you for promotion to a Major-Generalship.

"I have had occasion, in the course of his duties near the city of New York, although having no personal acquaintance with him, to form an opinion as to his character and capacities; and have otherwise acquired information concerning him.

"I believe him to be a very able and accomplished officer. I understand that his commission as lieutenant antedates that of all other officers now in active service; that he entered West Point at the same time with General Pope, and graduated higher in his class; that he graduated twelve years prior to General Howard.

"Although a Virginian by birth, he greatly distinguished himself on the Union side--commanding the First Army Corps at Gettysburg, and taking an important part in other battles.

"At his age, and to be retired more than six years sooner than General Howard, unless he is now restored to the priority to which he is entitled, he probably will be denied altogether the promotion which his services, his character, and capacity merit.

"Another consideration seems worthy of attention. The highest honors of the army ought not to be confined exclusively to Republicans, so long as Democrats not inferior, not to say superior in services and professional capacity, older soldiers if not better, remain to be chosen. General Hancock's death made a vacancy which, though well filled, was not filled by a successor of General Hancock's political faith. General Newton's selection now would for the time redress the balance.

"With assurances of cordial regard, I remain,

"Very truly yours,
"S. J. TILDEN."

S. J. TILDEN TO DANIEL MANNING

"_Confidential._

"GREYSTONE, _March 14, 1885_.

"DEAR MR. MANNING,--1. I hear a rumor that there is a movement to turn out Mr. Nimmo, who is the head of the Bureau of Statistics. I have examined his reports. They make the impression on me that he is a valuable officer and should be retained.

"2. I have received a letter from Mr. R. H. Henry, of the _State Ledger_, Jackson, Mississippi, saying that, at the suggestion of Mr. Lamar, he has become a candidate for appointment as Register of the Treasury. I infer from his letter that some other appointment would satisfy him.

"I know nothing about his qualifications, or to what appointment he would be adapted. He was chairman of the committee deputed by the Chicago convention to wait upon me with its complimentary resolutions. He is a man whose appearance makes a favorable impression. He has co-operated with us for twelve years, and went early and strongly for Mr. Cleveland. I bespeak your good-will and kindness towards him, without assuming to judge what you wish to do with the Registry of the Treasury, or what you are able to do for Mr. Henry.

Very truly yours,
"S. J. TILDEN."

MRS. MANNING TO S. J. TILDEN

"1501 18TH ST., WASHINGTON, _March 25th (1886)_.

"MY DEAR GOVERNOR,--There has not been an unfavorable symptom so far in Mr. Manning's case since he was taken ill.[37] He is a sick man, but we believe that good nursing will bring him out all right. He takes very light nourishment, is kept very quiet, and the physicians prescribe very little medicine. I could not deny myself the comfort of writing to you myself. I thank you for your helpful letter; such words and sympathy help me to behave.

[37] On withdrawing from a cabinet meeting a day or two before
the date of this letter, Mr. Manning experienced a burst of a
blood-vessel at the base of his brain, from which he never entirely
recovered.

"I will keep you informed of his condition.

"With high regards,

Sincerely yours,
"MARGARETTA F. MANNING.

"_Hon. Saml. J. Tilden._"

W. E. SMITH TO TILDEN

(THE SECRETARY OF THE TREASURY'S FATAL ILLNESS)

"TREASURY DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON.

"HON. S. J. TILDEN.

"MY DEAR SIR,--Mr. Manning was, as you know, struck down a few days ago. A small blood-vessel burst at the base of the brain. It was impossible to tell at the time how serious the attack would prove, but this morning his physicians say that the chances are that he cannot recover, although the case is not entirely hopeless. At best, they say it will be months before he can attend to any business. The worst may be expected at any moment.

Y'rs truly,
"W. E. SMITH.

"_Mch. 26/86, 11 A.M._"