d, or take them from the
miner and coin them at the same rate, of equal market value, in
coins, one for the other, so that they would travel, side by side,
without depreciation or discount. There is an inclination in the
eastern states, not of hostility to silver, but of hostility to
that system which would take from the miner the fruit of his labor
at its market rate and issue it at a depreciated rate; so that even
cautious people would doubt whether or not this silver money will
hereafter be as good as gold money.

"I wish you success in all your business enterprises. I know your
success will contribute to the happiness of our country. I am glad
to be able to congratulate the merchants of San Francisco upon the
enormous growth and prosperity of our country, not only of California,
not only of San Francisco, Los Angeles and the other beautiful
towns you have in your midst, but the whole country; for although
we have sometimes here and there waves of dejection, after all,
our country is moving forward in bounding prosperity. We have now
the best currency that exists on the globe. Our credit is unrivaled
in all the world, for no nation can borrow money at so low a rate
as our United States bonds now bear. Our general prosperity is
increasing and abounding, and although, as I have said, there may
be waves here and there, the progress is onward and upward and
hopeful. I trust you will be prosperous in your enterprises, that
you will share in the common prosperity of our whole country, for,
after all, the energy of your people of San Francisco and California
should not be expended entirely alone on the Pacific coast. This
whole boundless continent is ours, and only awaits the time when
we choose to assert our right to take it and hold it."

At the invitation of Senator John F. Miller I spent a day on his
ranch in Napa valley. It was a beautiful country, neither a prairie
nor a woodland, but more like a fine cultivated park, with here
and there groups of trees planted by nature. I made several
excursions around the bay, accompanied by General Pope and members
of his staff. I was delighted with my visit in and around San
Francisco, not only for the natural beauty of the country, but also
on account of the kindness of its inhabitants. I was no doubt
indebted for this to my connection with General Sherman, who seemed
to be known and greatly beloved by everyone.

I have a pleasant recollection of a reception give