St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1892-05-21
An Unpublished Letter From
Grant to Conkling on
Politics.
The Great Generals Wisdom
Outshines the Sagacity Of
the Politician.
He FOresaw Defeat, But Sur
rendered to the New
Workers. Ambition.
Cleveland'ss Friend Tracey
Figures His Nomination
on Second Ballot.

COLUMBUS, May 2O.-The Columbus
Evening Dispatch is in possession of
letter written by Gen. Grant to Senator
Conkling in May, 1850, just prior 10 the
Republican convention. The letter has
never been made public, and. in fact, its
existence was unknown. The letter is
an argument not only against third
term. but second. and shows that Gen.
Grants silence prior to tine convention
was against his belief and best judg
ment. 1t shows further the gratitude
ard fairness of the great general.
Gen. Grant begins by acknowledging
the receipt of a letter from Mr.. Conk-
ling, the contents Of which he gave deep
consideration. He then says. "The
tribute you pay my services to the
country appreciate, but at the same
time fear you overestimate my serv-
ices and underestimate the indulgence
of our country. There have been ext
gencieS that warranted a second term,
but do not believe TINT the best inter-
ests of the cOuntry's good ever de-
handed third term or ever will. Ihad
my doubts as to the advisability of a
second term, and you know that L have
so expressed myself to you in our conf
dental talks"
Gen. Grant. after saying that in view
of all the honOrs presented him by his
country he felt that it would be an act
of ingratitude to accept the nomination
for a third term, said that he was still
of the opinion that he should speak to
the country; that ne should break the
silence in letter declining emphatically
to accept nomination for third term.
In conclusion. he appeals to Mr.. COnk-
ling to endeavOr to effect an amicable
adjustment of the differences existing
between the latter and Mr.. Blaine.
claiming that it was not only necessary
for the good of each, but for the good
OF the party, and more for the good of
the country.
COnkling's Supreme Effort.
81 fear that the presentation of my
name at the convention would not only
assist in the defeat of Mr.. Blame. but
seriously affect your future, besides
warping my career. Even should L be
nominated, it could only come after
spirited contest in which much bitter
ness would be injected; and then
uOuUt WHcIlcI dUy Illdu Cdn ever U6
elected even for second term, unless
perchance there should arise some eX-
traordinary emergency, which now APP
pears improbable in the DIM future.
81 am aware that this matter has
gone OH to an extent where an an
nouncement from me refusing to ac-
cept would be looked upon by some as
cowardice. But would it not be far
better to be considered a coward than
ushrper?
~ also appreciate your position.as you
say, ''the final and supreme effort of
Your life for supremacy" yet in the
face of all, still believe that my name
Should not be presented. and further,
believe that your anxiety about the
effect an from me would
have on your future is an error i trust
you will consider gravely and carefully
my wishes. am. generous enough to
suffer myself rather than to have my
friends suffer. if L am convinced that
any act of mine would cause them to
suffer -