the same time, I am so in sympathy with his desire to right
humani-
tarian wrongs , and such a true admirer of his, that I am generally
classed as one of his supporters, though I disapprove of what he
has done, and feel a little as if a baby had been left on my
door-
steps. It is instinctive with me not to desert a man when he is
down,- and one owes loyalty to a guest, even though he sets off a
bomb on your premises without warning you. On the other hand, I was
on very pleasant terms with Mr.
Taft, who I hear on the best au-
thority is much wounded and very sad over
Theodore’s defection.
Not being a man who can run with the hare and course with the hounds,
I found myself somewhat embarrassed when I shook hands with the
Presi-
dent at Col.
Harvey’s dinner for Mr.
Howells. I think he understands
that my part in the conspiracy was involuntary, but, I suppose that
a man is likely to be measured somewhat by the company he keeps,-
es-
pecially at this junction if he happens to be a judge. I seem to have
been an involuntary pawn on the chess-board of political destiny, and
my consolation must be that it was an absorbingly interesting
exper-
ience.
This letter is so long that I will not venture to add another
word except to send my – and Mrs. Grant’s – kindest regards to
Mrs.
Rhodes. Just to make sure that this reaches you safely, please
ad-
vise me of its receipt. I am sending you also a postscript by
separate enclosure.
James Ford Rhodes, Esq.