Two letters that he
wrote during this campaign have special interest for young
readers, for they show the sympathetic encouragement he gave to
young men anxious to make a place and a name for themselves in
American politics.
"Now as to the young men, he wrote. "You must not wait to be
brought forward by the older men. For instance, do you suppose
that I should ever have got into notice if I had waited to be
hunted up and pushed forward by older men? You young men get
together and form a 'Rough and Ready' club, and have regular
meetings and speeches. . . . Let every one play the part he can
play best--some speak, some sing, and all 'holler.' Your meetings
will be of evenings; the older men, and the women, will go to
hear you; so that it will not only contribute to the election of
'Old Zach,' but will be an interesting pastime, and improving to
the intellectual faculties of all engaged."
In another letter, answering a young friend who complained of
being neglected, he said:
"Nothing could afford me more satisfaction than to learn that you
and others of my young friends at home are doing battle in the
contest and taking a stand far above any I have ever been able to
reach. . . . I cannot conceive that other old men feel
differently. Of course I cannot demonstrate what I say; but I was
young once, and I am sure I was never ungenerously thrust back.
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