DAVID B. HILL - AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED 08/24/1874 - HFSID 3683

DAVID B. HILL
The future New York Governor and Senator offers detailed political advice to a judicial candidate.
Autograph Letter signed: "David B. Hill", 2 pages (integral), 7¾x10. Elmira, New York, 1874 August 24. On letterhead of his law office to "Hon. Theodore Miller", in full: "My absence from home has prevented an earlier reply to your letter. We are obliged to you for the information as to the General Term. Our papers have published the correction. In reference to the nomination for the Court of Appeals, I have this to say - I am doing all I can for you. I fear that Judge Grey is quietly working for Earl. I am so informed quite reliably. His position gives him some considerable influence, & more positively in reference to the selection of judges. Earl is the only candidate that you need fear. I had intended to be a delegate to the Convention myself, but have just learned that it is called for Sept. 16, & if so our circuit will prevent my attendance. I will however endeavor to have our delegate all right. I suggest that you write Mr. S. J. Arnot, who very probably be a delegate, asking his support. His address is Elmira. I have seen many prominent men in adjoining counties for you. It is quite important that Charley Walker & Sen. Magee support you. Are you sure that you have them? They should both be seen or written to. Let me know if you want anything done & I will aid. With my best wishes for your success, I remain Very Respectfully". Elected Lieutenant Governor of New York in 1882 with Grover Cleveland as Governor, Hill became Governor in 1885 when Cleveland became President, continuing in that office until 1892, when he went to the U.S. Senate as a Democrat, serving until 1897. At the 1892 Democratic National Convention, Hill finished second in the balloting for President behind Cleveland, who was re-nominated on the first ballot and elected. When he wrote this letter, Hill was already a rising political figure in New York, having served as Elmira's City Attorney and a member of the State Assembly. Creased and toned. Adhesive residue at edges and on verso. Lightly soiled. Otherwise, fine condition.