to establish a bank; he asked me to lend him the necessary money; I said

I had no, money just then, but world try to borrow it. The day before

the election a friend said to me that my election expenses must be very

large specially my hotel bills, and offered to lend me some money.

Remembering my young, friend, I said I would like a few thousands now,

and a few more by and by; whereupon he gave me two packages of bills said

to contain $2,000 and $5,000 respectively; I did not open the packages or

count the money; I did not give any note or receipt for the same; I made

no memorandum of the transaction, and neither did my friend. That night

this evil man Noble came troubling me again: I could not rid myself of

him, though my time was very precious. He mentioned my young friend and

said he was very anxious to have the $7000 now to begin his banking

operations with, and could wait a while for the rest. Noble wished to

get the money and take it to him. I finally gave him the two packages of

bills; I took no note or receipt from him, and made no memorandum of the

matter. I no more look for duplicity and deception in another man than I

would look for it in myself. I never thought of this man again until I

was overwhelmed the next day by learning what a shameful use he had

made

of the confidence I had reposed in him and the money I had entrusted to

his care. This is all, gentlemen. To the absolute truth of every detail

of my statement I solemnly swear, and I call Him to witness who is the

Truth and the loving Father of all whose lips abhor false speaking; I

pledge my honor as a Senator, that I have spoken but the truth. May God

forgive this wicked man as I do.

636

The Gilded Age