ge in the possession of Foster.
Such a contest, I see, will open up trouble enough in the politics
of Ohio, whatever may be the result. With this explicit statement
you will understand best how to proceed. I would regard the support
of Senator Perkins as of the utmost importance. After awhile I
can give you the names of a score at least of others who avow their
preference for me.

"Very truly yours,
"John Sherman.
"Hon. F. Thorpe, Geneva, O."

The letter to Dalzell referred to was hastily and carelessly written,
without any expectation of its publication. It was as follows:

"To Hon. J. M. Dalzell, Caldwell, Ohio.

"My Dear Sir:--Your kind note of the 4th is received, for which
please accept my thanks. I prefer to do precisely what you recommend,
await the judgment of the general assembly of Ohio, unbiased by
any expression of my wish in the matter referred to. I do not know
what is the desire of General Garfield, but I can see that my
election might relieve him from embarrassment and free to do as he
thinks best in the formation of his cabinet. Again thanking you
for your kind offer, I am very truly yours,

"John Sherman."

The papers, while taking sides between Foster and myself, exaggerated
the danger and importance of the contest and thus unduly excited
the public mind, for either of us would have cheerfully acquiesced
in the decision of the general assembly. Strong appeals were made
to Foster to withdraw, especially after it was known that I would
not be Secretary of the Treasury in the incoming administration.
No such appeals came to me, nor did I take any part in the controversy,
but maintained throughout the position taken in my letter to Mr.
Thorpe.

In November, 1880, I was engaged in the preparation of my annual
report sent to Congress December 6. The ordinary receipts for the
fiscal year ending June 30, 1880, were $333,526,610.98. The total
ordinary expenditures were $267,642,957.78, leaving a surplus
revenue of $65,883,653.20, which, with an amount drawn from cash
balance in treasury, of $8,084,434.21, made a surplus of $73,968,087.41,
which sum was applied to the reduction of the public debt. The
sinking fund for this year was $37,931,643.55, which, deducted from
the amount applied to the redemption of bonds, left an excess of
$35,972,973.86 over the amount actually required for the year.
Compared with the previous fiscal year, the receipts for 1880
increased $62,629,438.23. T