(WISHES TO STUDY MR. TILDEN'S PERSONAL AND POLITICAL HISTORY)
"'THE SUN,' NEW YORK, _July 18, 1884_.
"DEAR MR. TILDEN,--In the desperate situation in which
presumption and incompetence have involved the Democratic party,
I feel a natural desire to study more closely and to know more
thoroughly the model of genuine Democratic statesmanship.
"Could you put me in possession of the facts and records of your own
personal and political history, so that I may examine them at such
leisure times as I may be able to rescue from my absorbing daily
occupations?
"I wish for this not alone for my own instruction and gratification,
but that I may be enabled, as occasion requires, to present the
truth accurately to the public, and to discuss the principles
involved with knowledge and effect.
"I remain, dear Mr. Tilden,
"Faithfully yours,
"CHARLES A. DANA."