papers yesterday, very full and strong papers for Mr. Nichols, whom
I do not know. He is supported, apparently, by the bankers and
many leading merchants of Chicago, and their letters give in detail
his business character and experience. Of the gentleman recommended
by you and Senator Farwell, there is absolutely nothing said in
the papers, so that Mr. Windom or I could have any information as
to whether his business experience had been such as to fit him for
this place. Now, I am sure that on reflection you will agree that
we ought to have full information, and that it should be upon
record.

"I told Mr. Taylor, in conversation, day before yesterday, that I
could not appoint Mr. Babcock marshal, as I told you when you were
here; and I remember that you said you had yourself refused to
recommend him. If things have assumed that shape that you are of
the opinion that it must be left to me as it stands, then I will
do the best I can with it. I do not conceal the fact that after
the essential of fitness is secured that I have a desire to please
our party friends in these selections. But I cannot escape the
responsibility for the appointments, and must therefore insist upon
full information about the persons presented, and upon my ultimate
right, in all kindness to everybody, to decide upon what must be
done. It would be very gratifying to me if the responsibility were
placed upon some one else.

"Please let me have any suggestions you may care to make.

"Very truly yours,
"Benj. Harrison.

"P. S. Responding to your telegram asking delay till Nov. 5, I
would say that I have no disposition to hurry a decision. Others
have been pressing me and complaining bitterly of delay. I think,
however, that the sooner some of these cases can be treated as
submitted for decision the better. If the appointments are delayed
till the middle of Nov. there is little use of making temporary
appointments, as the appointee would have to make two bonds. If
you can in writing, confidentially if you prefer, give me your
views and submit any alternative suggestions for these places I
will carefully consider them. But if you prefer to see me personally
before any decision is made as to Collector of the Port I will of
course lay that case to one side till the time you have suggested.

"Yours,
"B. H."

I never became entirely estranged from him, however, and when his
term was about to expire, and he wanted a renomination,