"HARRISBURG, PA., _March 4th, 1868_.
"MY DEAR SIR,--Your letters came to hand, but I have made but a very
limited use of them. So soon as the diversity of feeling in the State
was apparent I determined that it was true policy to avoid naming a
candidate, and none will be named. On the Western border the Pendleton
fever had some start. In the East and interior the friends of Gen.
Hancock were disposed to present his name, and on the Southern tier of
counties there was a disposition to compliment Judge Black.
"The only name on this list, however, seriously mentioned was that of
Gen. Hancock. But at the bottom of all this, so far as civilians are
concerned, is the feeling and purpose I expressed to you.
"But the Young Democracy are making some trouble on our hands about
delegates at large, and may defeat some of the older men, perhaps
myself. Woodward is almost certain to fail. Packer will be chosen (not
the Gov., but Asa), and I think I shall be also; but whether in or out,
my usefulness in arranging matters would be about the same. I shall
inform you by telegraph.
"Your Obt. St.,
"WM. BIGLER."