"GREEN COVE SPRINGS, FLORIDA, _April 2, 1875_.
"TO HIS EXCELLENCY, SAMUEL J. TILDEN.
"MY DEAR SIR,--By the scanty and irregular news we receive from New
York at this distant point I learn with a degree of satisfaction which
I cannot fully express that you are making a determined effort to
correct the abuses in the canal management of our State.
"Speaking with the earnestness inspired by my experience as a member of
the Canal Board, I trust that you and your friends in this undertaking
will not be dissuaded from the views you have taken and the course you
have marked out by any political or personal influence whatever.
"I do not fear that _you_ will. Let no 'hue and cry' about
'corporations and monopolies,' or the importance of general laws under
the constitutional amendments, divert attention from this subject.
Everything now before the Legislature or demanding your attention
should, in my judgment, be subordinated to this matter if by so doing
these irregularities in canal management may be eradicated, root and
branch. I have studied your analysis of the subject, and I believe you
are on the right track.
"Which political party shall suffer most, or who shall go up or who
down, are matters of minor importance if only right and justice be
done. Pardon the frankness and emphasis with which I address you, but
while I could never quite grasp the evidence, I often felt, as a member
of the Canal Board, and now feel morally certain, that the field you
have entered is fruitful in long-standing and frightful abuses. Accept
my best wishes for your success, and trusting you may receive, as you
certainly deserve, the sympathy and co-operation of all good men in
this great undertaking,
"I remain as ever,
"Most truly yours,
"G. H. SCRIBNER."
On a visiting-card:
"_Personal._
"MY DEAR GOVR.,--You are at liberty to use the accompanying note in any
way you may deem proper for the good of the cause."