{"value"=>"<p>Gubernatorial Correspondence falls into three categories: correspondence relating to the exposure and disbandment of the Canal Ring; Constituent letters; and letters relating to legislation proposed during Tilden's term in office. Canal ring correspondence covers appointments to the Canal Investigating Commission, and letters discussing the discovery and prosecution of fraud within the state canal system. Proposed legislation is arranged by topic, and includes correspondence regarding bills proposed in the areas of prisons and asylums, city assessments, charter reform, education, emigration, public works, and railways and transportation. Also included is a file of letters received by Tilden from prison inmates or their families requesting pardons. Constituent letters from the public at large comprise the largest portion of the Gubernatorial Correspondence, and range from requests for pictures and autographs to letters of support and encouragement during the 1876 election, with occasional offers of physical violence or civil disobedience on his behalf. Additional material relating to Tilden's time in office may be found in Series VIII.</p>"}