nless the people are discouraged from voting
in the country by the belief that with Tammany to count, it matters
not what majority rolls up above the Highlands.

"Notwithstanding the grievous statements of the 'Tribune' and inspired
by the 'Tribune,' we have done nothing harsh to the anti-administration
minority, but the least and mildest thing which would prevent a
split in our organization with trouble for the future, and probably
a double delegation in the next national convention.

"Yours sincerely,
"Roscoe Conkling."

It was conceded that a decided majority of the Republican members
of the legislature were in favor of my re-election, but it was
believed that an effort would be made by five Republican members
to combine with the Democratic members and thus secure the election
of ex-Governor Jacob D. Cox.

A Republican legislative caucus was convened on the evening of
January 4th, to nominate a candidate. The first and informal ballot
gave me 61 votes to 14 scattering and the second ballot 71 votes
to 4 scattering. This settled the matter unless the few dissenting
votes could combine with the solid Democratic vote upon some other
candidate. It was soon found that this attempt would be abortive,
as several Democrats, and especially those from Richland and
Fairfield counties, would vote for me it the choice came between
Cox and myself. Every effort was made by General Ashley and the
few others who were opposed to my nomination to combine upon anyone
who could defeat me. They offered their support to Governor Hayes,
but this was promptly refused by him. The same effort was made
with Governor Dennison, General Garfield and General Schenck, and
failed.

The joint convention for the election of a Senator was held on the
second Tuesday of January. It was an open meeting. The voting
was soon over on roll call, and the result was as follows: Sherman
73; Morgan 64; Cox 1; Schenck 1; Perry 1. Thus I was elected by
six majority over all. When this result was known five Democrats
changed from Morgan to Cox, and others were preparing to do so when
Lieutenant Governor Mueller announced the result of the vote. He
was an educated German of high standing, but his English was very
imperfect. His decision that I, having received a majority of the
votes cast, was duly elected, was clearly right, and this was
conceded, but his imperfect English created great noise and merriment.
It was printed in the "Ohio Statesm