of every paper and detail. Many are impatient of the delay, and
some have gone home. We will probably be able to keep about ten
here. We have incurred some liabilities for reporting, printing,
etc., but hope the Republican national committee will make this
good. If not, we must provide for it ourselves. We are in good
hope and spirit. Not wishing the return in your favor, unless it
is clear that it ought to be so, and not willing to be cheated out
of it, or to be 'bulldozed' or intimidated, the truth is palpable
that you ought to have the vote of Louisiana, and we believe that
you will have ti, by an honest and fair return, according to the
letter and spirit of the law of Louisiana.

"Very truly yours,
"John Sherman."

To this General Hayes responded as follows:

"Columbus, O., November 27, 1876.
"My Dear Sir:--I am greatly obliged to you for your letter of the
23rd. You feel, I am sure, as I do about this whole business. A
fair election would have given us about forty electoral votes at
the south--at least that many. But we are not to allow our friends
to defeat one outrage and fraud by another. There must be nothing
crooked on our part. Let Mr. Tilden have the place by violence,
intimidation and fraud, rather than undertake to prevent it by
means that will not bear the severest scrutiny.

"I appreciate the work doing by the Republicans who have gone south,
and am especially proud of the acknowledged honorable conduct of
those from Ohio. The Democrats make a mistake in sending so many
ex-Republicans. New converts are proverbially bitter and unfair
towards those they have recently left.

"I trust you will soon reach the end of the work, and be able to
return in health and safety.

"Sincerely,
"R. B. Hayes."

I met Governor Hayes on my return and his conversation was to the
same effect, that he wished no doubtful votes and would greatly
prefer to have Mr. Tilden serve as President if there was any doubt
about his (Hayes') election. The Republican visitors did not return
until after the meeting of Congress at its regular session on the
4th of December, 1876.

President Grant, in the beginning of his annual message of that
date, said:

"In submitting my eighth and last message to Congress, it seems
proper that I should refer to, and in some degree recapitulate,
the events and official acts of the past eight years.

"It was my fortune, or misfortune, to be called to the office of
C