strong desire that I should become the Secretary
of the Treasury. I was disinclined to accept this position, as I
was content to serve my constituents in the Senate. It was not
until after his urgent request in his letter of February 19, 1877,
that I seriously considered his desire that I should accept that
office. I went to Columbus to ascertain the views of the legislature,
and whether there would be any difficulty in selecting a Republican
to my place in the Senate. Having found that there would not be,
I, with reluctance, accepted his offer. Stanley Matthews was
elected on the 21st of March to serve out my unexpired term, which
ended on the 3rd of March, 1879.

President Hayes arrived at Washington a few days before the 4th of
March and was my guest until he was inaugurated as President. The
4th day of March was on Sunday, and to avoid any questions about
an interregnum, he was sworn into office on that day, but took the
formal oath on the next day, the 5th of March, and made his inaugural
address. He nominated the members of his cabinet to the Senate
and they were promptly confirmed.

I received many letters of congratulation and encouragement in
assuming the duties of Secretary of the Treasury, two of which I
insert:

"New York, March 6, 1877.
"My Dear Mr. Secretary:--Allow me to congratulate you on having
been selected by President Hayes to administer the financial affairs
of the nation.

"I deem it a happy augury that the President's choice of members
of his cabinet has fallen upon men who have made their mark as
statesmen, and whose advent to power will, I feel convinced,
inaugurate an era of prosperity for our country.

"With yourself at the head of the treasury department, there is no
fear of public credit being shaken and commercial interests imperiled
by crude and experimental legislation.

"With great respect, I remain, my dear Mr. Sherman,

"Very truly your friend,
"Cyrus W. Field.
"Hon. John Sherman, Washington."

"Consulate General of the United States for Great Britain and
Ireland,}
"London, E. C., March 12, 1877.}
"The Hon. John Sherman, Secretary of the Treasury.

"My Dear Sir:--When I begin to write to you, I am reminded of what
General Sherman said, in my hearing, to General Grant, after the
latter was made General in Chief: 'I cannot congratulate you; the
responsibility is too great.' You have certainly succeeded to the
most difficult post in the government