A Sportsman 205 



with the expectancy of gaining new senators and 

 representatives, and it was put to vote in both Terri- 

 tories. Nevada voted for and accepted admission, 

 while Colorado declined. 



At the time I was in Colorado, the subject was un- 

 der consideration and there were several congres- 

 sional aspirants strongly favoring the admission of 

 the Territory, who were not particularly popular with 

 the people. I had never given any expression of my 

 political tendencies, and was much surprised to find 

 myself referred to as a probable United States senator 

 in case of Colorado's admission, and was called upon 

 by the representatives of both the Republican and 

 Democratic parties. First by old Commodore Decatur, 

 so-called, the leader in Republican circles, and some 

 of his friends, with whom I had an extended confer- 

 ence, and from whom I had a tender of the nomination 

 by the party for United States senator for election by 

 the new State representatives, which would come in 

 upon an affirmative vote of the people for admission. 

 A moderate amount of money would be required for 

 the expenses of canvassing and elections. I gave the 

 parties respectful consideration, but most positively 

 declined the proposed honor, as I had no political 

 aspirations whatever, and in no way could I accept any 

 political position. 



It was rather difficult to satisfy my visitors of the 

 sincerity of my conclusions. They left me after the 

 evening's conference with the expressed opinion that 

 I might perhaps change my views after more con- 

 sideration. The following day I was called upon by 

 the prominent Republican politician who expected, 

 in case of the admission of Colorado, to be my Sena- 



