MY DEAR GENERAL:--This letter requires no answer. After
reading it carefully, file it away in your most secret drawer,
or give it to the flames.
At the approaching convention in Chicago it is more than
possible--it is indeed not improbable--that you may be
nominated for the Presidency. If so you must stand your hand,
accept the responsibility, and assume the duties of the place
to which you will surely be chosen if a candidate. You must
not look upon it as the work of the politicians. If it comes
to you, it will come as the ground-swell of popular demand;
and you can no more refuse than you could have refused to obey
an order when you were a lieutenant in the army. If it comes
to you at all, it will come as a call of patriotism. It would,
in such an event, injure your great fame as much to decline it
as it would for you to seek it. Your historic record, full
as it is, would be rendered still more glorious by such an
administration as you would be able to give the country. Do
not say a word in advance of the convention, no matter who may
ask you. You are with your friends, who will jealously guard
your honor.
Do not answer this.