ssful
in seizing political power in the south, and which it is hoped, by
the aid of the small segment of the Democratic party in the north,
may be extended to all the departments of the government. It is
in this sense that I spoke of you, the Ku-Klux Klan and the northern
Democratic party.

"Permit me, in conclusion, while frankly answering your question,
to say the most fatal policy for the south would be by such agencies
as I have mentioned to secure again political ascendency in this
country, for I assure you that the manhood and independence of the
north will certainly continue the struggle until every Republican
in the south shall have free and unrestricted enjoyment of equal
civil and political privileges, including a fair vote, a fair count,
free speech and free press, and agitation made necessary to secure
such results may greatly affect injuriously the interests of the
people of the south.

"Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
"John Sherman."

"Charlottesville, Va., October 1, 1880.
"To Hon. John Sherman.

"Sir:--Your letter has been received. As you do not disclaim the
language to which I called your attention, I have only to say that
in using it you uttered what was absolutely false, and what you
knew to be false. My address will be Columbia, S. C.

"I am your obedient servant,
"Wade Hampton."

"Treasury Department, }
"Washington, D. C., October 18, 1880.}
"To Hon. Wade Hampton, Columbia, S. C.

"I have to acknowledge the receipt of your note of the 1st inst.,
handed me unopened by Mr. C. McKinley, a few moments ago, after my
return from the west. I had this morning read what purported to
be an extract of a speech made by you, published in the Charleston
'News and Courier,' and upon your general reputation as a gentleman
had denied that you had made such a speech or written such a letter
as is attributed to you in that paper. What I stated to you in my
letter of September 21, I believe to be true, notwithstanding your
denial, and it can be shown to be true by public records and as a
matter of history. As you had, long before your letter was delivered
to me, seen proper to make a public statement of your views of the
correspondence, I will give it to the press without note or comment,
and let the public decide between us.

"Very respectfully,
"John Sherman."

This correspondence excited a good deal of attention, and broke
off all social relation