atorship in time to reach
the general assembly on the first day of its session.

"I hope you will not fail to visit me on your trip to Ohio. Mrs.
Garfield joins me in the hope that Mrs. Sherman will accompany you.

"Very truly yours,
"J. A. Garfield.
"Hon. John Sherman, Washington, D. C."

In response to this and former requests I visited General Garfield
at his residence at Mentor, and discussed with him a multitude of
subjects that he suggested, among them the selection of his cabinet,
and the public questions pending in Congress.

The proceedings in the Republican caucus, on the 11th of January,
1881, soon after the Ohio legislature met, as narrated in the public
press at the time, were exceedingly flattering. General Jones, of
Delaware, made the nominating speech, reciting at considerable
length, and with high praise, my previous public service. Peter
Hitchcock, a distinguished member, seconded the nomination with
another complimentary speech. It was supposed that Judge W. H.
West, a leading lawyer and citizen, would be placed in nomination,
but his spokesman, Judge Walker, no doubt with the approval of
Judge West, moved that my nomination be made unanimous, which was
done. Upon being notified of this I sent the following telegram:

"Washington, D. C., January 11, 1881.
"Hon. J. Scott, Chairman.

"Please convey to the Republican members of the two houses of the
general assembly my heartfelt thanks for their unanimous nomination
for the position of United States Senator. No words can express
my sense of grateful obligation to the people of Ohio for their
long continued partiality. I can assure you that, if elected, I
will, with diligence and fidelity, do my utmost to discharge the
duties assigned me.

"John Sherman."

On the 18th of January I was duly elected Senator as successor of
Allen G. Thurman, who received the Democratic vote.

In accordance with an old custom in Ohio I went to Columbus on the
20th of January to return my thanks to the legislature, and was
received in the senate chamber by the two houses. I was escorted
to a chair with Governor Foster on my right and Governor Dennison
on my left, Governor Foster presiding. I was introduced by Governor
Foster in a generous and eloquent speech, closing as follows:

"Now, gentlemen, a year ago at this time we were here present to
meet General Garfield, to greet him as United States Senator, and
to listen to his words of thanks for