ments; and in that the visiting
statesman of 1876 and the wrecker of 1877-78 will be forgotten.
We congratulate John upon his translation into the history of
success as heartily as if we had been his supporter in the midst
of all his tribulations. Bully for John."

George Bancroft, the eminent historian, lived in Washington for
many years during the latter part of his life. His house was always
an attractive and hospitable one. I had many interesting conversations
with him, mainly on historical subjects. Both of us carefully
eschewed politics, for to the end of his life, I think, he always
regarded himself as a Democrat. I insert an autograph letter from
him, written at the age of eighty-one.

"1623 H Street, }
"Washington, D. C., February 22, 1881.}
"My Dear Mr. Sherman:--I thank you very much for the complete
statement, you were very good to send me, of the time and amounts
of payments made to Washington as President. Congratulating you
on the high state of the credit of the United States, I remain,
ever, dear Mr. Secretary,

"Very truly yours,
"Geo. Bancroft."

Before closing my recollections of the administration of President
Hayes I ought to express my high appreciation of my colleagues in
his cabinet. It was throughout his term a happy family. I do not
recall a single incident that disturbed the sincere friendship of
its members, nor any clashing of opinions that produced discord or
contention. Neither interfered with the duties of the other. The
true rule was acted upon that the head of each department should
submit to the President his view of any important question that
arose in his department. If the President wished the opinion of
his cabinet on any question, he submitted it to the cabinet but
took the responsibility of deciding it after hearing their opinions.
It was the habit of each head of a department to present any
questions of general interest in his department, but as a rule he
decided it with the approbation of the President. Evarts was always
genial and witty, McCrary was an excellent Secretary of War. He
was sensible, industrious and prudent. Thompson was a charming
old gentleman of pleasing manners and address, a good advocate and
an eloquent orator, who had filled many positions of honor and
trust. The President regretted his resignation, to engage in the
abortive scheme of De Lesseps to construct the Panama Canal.
Attorney General Devens was a