[1] In 1878, Goodrich left the post for a career in general literary works and public office.
[1] In 1883 the Democratic majority council elected Goodrich Boston city clerk over longtime nonpartisan incumbent Samuel F. McCleary Jr., ending the McCleary family's 60 year hold on the office.
From 1888 to 1890 he was the chief clerk to Leverett Saltonstall II, collector of customs for the port of Boston.
[1] He then rejoined the Post as an editorial writer and continued writing for the paper until his death.
[2] He also authored two biographies - one on General Winfield Scott Hancock and another on President Grover Cleveland, wrote fiction for a number of magazines under the nom de plume Frederick Tryon, and served as an arts critic for various publications.