"120 BROADWAY, N. Y., _Nov. 22d, 1871_.
"MY DEAR SIR,--Having attended at your office a number of times for
the purpose of delivering the enclosed lists, and not being able to
find the time when your many and diverse engagements permit you to be
at your office, I have concluded (as perhaps would have been best at
first) to send to you, instead of personally delivering, the lists
which you requested.
"The manuscript roll, which I enclose herewith, presents, in classes
corresponding to the Assembly districts from which they are drawn, the
names of young men of Democratic principles and good character, who,
so far as I can learn, are willing and prepared to participate in the
duties of active political life. Almost all the names submitted are
those of young lawyers, though I have not hesitated to include the
names of gentlemen pursuing other avocations when I have learned of
their personal qualifications for the task contemplated.
"Almost, though not all, of the names are taken from the roll of the
Young Men's Democratic Reform Club, of which I send you a printed copy.
"In the collection and classification of these names I have taken from
my professional duties more time and attention than would seem to me
justifiable, were it not that I have been acting at the request of
one who has himself spared neither time nor attention in the public
service, and the purity of whose motives I have from childhood been
taught to respect.
"Trusting that my labors may not be entirely irresponsive to your
request, I remain,
"Very truly yours,
"FRANCIS LYNDE STETSON."