GENERAL SHERMAN TO MR. HALSTEAD.

    912 GARRISON AVENUE,

    ST. LOUIS, MO., November 17, 1884.

DEAR HALSTEAD:—­After my former letter, when I went to put the newspaper slip into my scrap-book, I discovered my mistake in attributing the article to the “Louisville” instead of the “London Times.”  My opinion is nevertheless not to contest the matter, as the real truth will manifest itself.[I]

I think Arthur could have carried the Republicans past the last election[J]—­but no man can tell what issues would have been made in case of his nomination.  So the wisest conclusion is to accept gracefully the actual result, and to profit by the mistakes and accidents sure to attend the new administration, handicapped as it will surely be by the hot heads of the South.  Truly yours,

    W.T.  SHERMAN.

    912 GARRISON AVENUE,

    ST. LOUIS, MO., November 21, 1884.

DEAR HALSTEAD:—­I have yours of the 19th.  The letter of Blaine to me was meant as absolutely confidential, and of course I would not allow any person to see it without his consent.  I am not sure that I would, even with his consent, because I believe the true policy is to look ahead and not behind.  Blaine’s letter without any answer would be incomplete, and surely I will not have my letter published, as it contained certain points purely personal which the public has no right to.  New questions will arise, and these will give you plenty of occupation without raking up the past.

    Wishing you always all honor and fame, I am,

    Truly yours,

    W.T.  SHERMAN.

The letters that passed between Blaine and Sherman have appeared in Gail Hamilton’s “Biography of Blaine,” but have not commanded attention according to their interest, because they have not been framed by the relation of the circumstances that gave them significance and that are supplied in this article.

MR. BLAINE TO GENERAL SHERMAN.

    (Confidential.)

    Strictly and absolutely so.

    WASHINGTON, D.C., May 25, 1884.

    MY DEAR GENERAL:—­This letter requires no answer.  After
    reading it carefully, file it away in your most secret drawer,
    or give it to the flames.

At the approaching convention in Chicago it is more than possible—­it is indeed not improbable—­that you may be nominated for the Presidency.  If so you must stand your hand, accept the responsibility, and assume the duties of the place to which you will surely be chosen if a candidate.  You must not look upon it as the work of the politicians.  If it comes to you, it will come as the ground-swell of popular demand; and you can no more refuse than you could have refused to obey an order when you were a lieutenant in the army.  If it comes