The Writings of Carl Schurz/From John B. Henderson, July 1st, 1884
FROM JOHN B. HENDERSON
My dear General: I intended to call on you personally in New York, but I had only a few hours there, and those hours were occupied in my private business.
In Augusta, I saw Mr. Blaine and had a conversation with him in which he expressed regret—much regret—that you were indisposed to support him. Indeed your rumored opposition gives him more concern than that of any and all others.
It is now quite certain that not Governor Cleveland but that old political trickster, Tilden, will be nominated at Chicago. I know you cannot support him; and in case of his nomination I hope to see you and all our German friends arrayed against his methods and in condemnation of his political courses.
You know I am no stickler for regular nominations. I have not said and shall not say one word against that independence in politics that condemns bad conduct or bad methods in political action; but I do believe that if Blaine be elected, he will give us a good Administration. He can afford to rise above the shackles of party and he will do it. If he has been a Prince Hal in days gone by, when responsibility comes, he will be a Henry V. The Falstaffs that have followed him rather that thrift might come from fawning, will not be recognized in shaping his policies nor be suffered to bring odium upon his Administration.
I expect to be in New York before the 25th inst., and I hope that you may be able to suspend all further movements on the political chessboard, till I can see you. To-morrow I will write frankly to Blaine, on several matters, and among them his feelings toward you, and also the methods of administration to be adhered to, should he be elected, and when I see you, I hope to be able to satisfy you in reference to his policy. I am so confident myself, that I am anxious to have my personal friends feel as I do.
Please write me, and, if possible, say you will take no further action till I see you.