The notification speech was delivered by the chairman, Senator Henderson, to which Mr.Blaine briefly responded, promising to make a more lengthy reply in the form of a letter of acceptance.

At the conclusion of the ceremony he called me to one side and asked what was the outlook in Mississippi.

I informed him that he could easily carry the State by a substantial majority if we could have a fair election and an honest count; but that under the existing order of things this would not be possible, and that the State would be returned against him.
"Oh, no," he replied, "you are mistaken about that.

Mr.Lamar will see that I get a fair count in Mississippi." I confess that this remark surprised me very much.
"Mr.Blame," I replied, "you may understand the political situation in Mississippi better than I do, but I know whereof I speak when I say that Mr.Lamar would not if he could and could not if he would, secure you a fair count in Mississippi.

The State will be returned against you." "You will find," he said, "that you are mistaken.