"CREISHEIM, MOUNT AIRY, PHILADELPHIA, _April 22, 1886_.
"DEAR MR. TILDEN,--It is so long since I have had the
pleasure of seeing you that I fear you may have forgotten me, unless
the newspapers have kept you advised of the struggle I am now making
to rescue my old company, the Philadelphia & Reading Railroad
Company, from the receivership and syndicate that now environ it.
"In this attempt I should, above all things, be delighted to have
your aid and counsel, and if you would give me a half-hour of your
time whenever and wherever most convenient to yourself, it would
give me very great pleasure to bring to your attention, and ask your
aid in favor of, the scheme I have now prepared for the relief of
the company.
"Believe me, my dear sir,
"Very sincerely yours,
"FRANKLIN B. GOWEN.
"_Hon. Samuel J. Tilden._"