CHAPTER XXVIII.

THE HAYES-TILDEN PRESIDENTIAL CONTEST. Nomination of R. B. Hayes for President--His Fitness for the Responsible Office--Political Shrewdness of Samuel J. Tilden, His Opponent--I Enter Actively Into the Canvass in Ohio and Other States --Frauds in the South--Requested by General Grant to Go to New Orleans and Witness the Canvassing of the Vote of Louisiana-- Departure for the South--Personnel of the Republican and Democratic "Visitors"--Report of the Returning Board--My Letter to Governor Hayes from New Orleans--President Grant's Last Message to Congress --Letter from President Hayes--Request to Become his Secretary of the Treasury.