2, pp. 265, 271.]

On reaching Cincinnati Manning found that a multiplicity of candidates
made it difficult to determine Tilden's strength. The ranks of the
opposition, based on cipher disclosures and Kelly's threats, rapidly
strengthened, and although many friends of other candidates thought it
less hazardous to nominate him than to repudiate him, ominous warnings
piled up like thunder clouds on a summer day. Meantime New York's
active canvass for Henry B. Payne of Ohio seemed to conflict with
Tilden's candidacy, while Tilden's remarks, spoken in moments of
physical discouragement, added to the impression that he did not seek
the nomination. But why did he not say so? Manning, supposing he was
the sole possessor of the letter and believing the time not yet ripe
for producing it, kept his own counsels. Tilden, however, had given a
duplicate to his brother Henry, who now announced through the press
that Tilden had forwarded a communication. This reached Cincinnati on
the eve of the convention.

It was long and characteristic. He recalled his services as a private
citizen in overthrowing the Tweed ring and purifying the judiciary,
and as governor of the State in breaking up the Canal ring, reducing
the taxes, and reforming the administration. He told the familiar
story of the "count out"; maintained that he could, if he pleased,
have bought "proof of the fraud" from the Southern returning boards;
and accused Congress of "abdicating its duty" in referring the count
to the Electoral Commission. Since 1876, he said, he had been "denied
the immunities of private life without the powers conferred by public
station," but he had done all in his power to keep before the people
"the supreme issue" raised by the events of that year. Now, however,
he felt unequal to "a new engagement which involves four years of
ceaseless toil. Such a work of renovation after many years of misrule,
such a reform of systems and policies, to which I would cheerfully
have sacrificed all that remained to me of health and life, is now, I
fear, beyond my strength."[1719]

[Footnote 1719: Tilden's _Public Writings and Speeches_, Vol. 2, pp.
502-506.]

Tilden did not intend this to be a letter of withdrawal. With the hope
of stimulating loyalty he sought to impress upon the delegates his
vicarious sacrifice and the need of holding to the fraud issue. This
was the interpretation quickly given it by his enemies. Kelly declared
it a direct bid for the nom