Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1881-10-13
WASHINGTON, Dec. 10. 1880.

bl4lHt ASCtplhk the NeuGtT OF the STATE
Department, made TO him by the late Presi-
dent Garfield -
WASHINGTON, Dec. 10. 1880.
Ny Dear Garfield: Your generous IN
vitauon TO enter Your cabinet as Secretary
of State has been under consideration for
more than three weeks. The though, had
never really occurred TO nv mind until at
our last conference YOU presented il with
such cogent arguments in IFS favor and with
such warmth of personal friendship in aid
Of YOUR kind offer. know that an early
answer is desirable, and have waited only
long enough TO consider the subject in all
It's bearings ana to make up my mind definite
u and concluslvely. ] now say TO YOU in
the same cordial spirit that you have invited
me that accept the position. 1t is no at
fectauon for me TO add that make this deci-
sion not for the honor promotion it gives me
in public service, but because ] think can
be useful TO YOU the responsible leader Of
the party and great head Of the govern
ment
am influenced somewhat perhaps by the
shower OF letters have received urging me
TO accept, written TO me in consequence Of
the mere unauthorized newspaper report
that you had been pleased 10 offer me the
place. While ! have received these letters
from all parts Of the Union have been es-
pecially pleased and even surprised at the
cordially and widely extended feeling in my
favor throughout New England where had
expected TO encounter local jealousy and
perhaps rival aspiration. In our new rela-
ton shall give all that am and
all that | can hope tp be freely and joy
fully TO your service You need no pledge
Of my loyalty in heart and in act should
be false 10 my self did not prove true both
TO the great trust you confide TO me and 10
your own personal and political fortunes in
the present and the future.
Your administration must be made bril-
liantly successful and strong in the con-
sdence and pride Of the people, not a, all
directing It's energies for reelection and vet
compelling that result by the logic Of events
and by the imperious necessities Of the sit
uatlon. To that most DESTROYS consumma-
ton feel that next to yourself | can posi-
bly, contribute as much influence as any
other one man. say this not from egotism
or vain glory, but merely as a deduction
| from plain analysis Of the political forces
which have been at work in the country for
| FIVE years past and which have been signif-
cantly shown in the great national conven-
| tons. | accept as one Of the happiest cir
cumstances connected with this affair that in
allying my political fortunes with yours, or
rather for the time merging mine in yours,
my heart goes with my head and that carry
to you not only political support, but per-
sonal and devoted friendship.
| | can but regard it as somewhat remark
able that two men Of the same age entering
I Congress at the same time, influenced by
the same aims, cherishing the same ambi-
ton, shonld never for a single moment in
eighteen years of close intimacy have had a
Misunderstanding or a GOODNESS, and that our
friendship has steadily grown with our
growth, and strengthened with our strength
IL is this fact which has led me to the con-
clusion embodied in this letter, for, however
much, my dear Garfield. ! might admire you
as statesman, | would not enter your Cab.
met if did not believe in you as a man and
love you as a friend.
Always faithfully yours,
JAMES G. BLAINE.