"NEW YORK, _Novr. 8, 1871_.
"MY DEAR SIR,--An old personal friend, whose views on political
questions have generally differed from yours, thanks you from the
bottom of his heart for your noble work, your manly, honest exposure of
wrongs.
"On your election I do not congratulate you, but the public.
"There is light ahead!
"In haste, very truly y'r friend,
"HAMILTON FISH."