EXCHANGE
DIARY AND LETTERS OF RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES
DIARY AND LETTERS OF
RUTHERFORD BIRGHARD HAYES
NINETEENTH PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES
EDITED BY
CHARLES RICHARD WILLIAMS
VOLUME III
1865-1881
THE OHIO STATE ARCHAEOLOGICAL
AND HISTORICAL SOCIETY 1924
COPYRIGHT 1924
Ohio State Archaeological and Historical Society tAU Rights Reserved
KJCCii^tb*1
PRE3SOF
The F. J. Heer Printing Company
Columbus, Ohio
1924
CONTENTS
XXVI. IN THIRTY-NINTH AND FORTIETH CONGRESS — RECON STRUCTION — 1865-1867 1
XXVII. GOVERNOR OF OHIO — FIRST TERM — 1868-1869 ... 47
XXVIII. GOVERNOR OF OHIO — SECOND TERM, FIRST YEAR — 1870 84
XXIX. GOVERNOR OF OHIO — TERM COMPLETED — 1871-1872 . . 126
XXX. REFUSES SENATORSHIP — NOMINATED FOR CONGRESS — NAMED AS UNITED STATES ASSISTANT TREASURER — LAND INVESTMENTS — 1872-1873 190
XXXI. RETURN TO FREMONT — DEATH OF UNCLE — VARIED AC TIVITIES — NOMINATED AND ELECTED GOVERNOR THIRD TIME — 1873-1875 242
XXXII. THIRD TERM GOVERNOR — NOMINATED FOR PRESIDENT BY NATIONAL REPUBLICAN CONVENTION — FEBRUARY- JUNE 1876 296
XXXIII. THE HAYES-TILDEN PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN — JUNE-
NOVEMBER 1876 328
XXXIV. THE DISPUTED ELECTION — ELECTORAL COMMISSION — SE
LECTION OF CABINET — 1876-1877 374
XXXV. PRESIDENT — FIRST YEAR — SOLVING THE SOUTHERN PROB LEM — CIVIL SERVICE REFORM — SOUND MONEY MAIN TAINED — UNION AND FRATERNITY 424
XXXVI. PRESIDENT — SECOND YEAR — CIVIL SERVICE REFORM — POTTER INVESTIGATION — RESUMPTION OF SPECIE PAY MENTS — VETO OF CHINESE EXCLUSION BILL ... 464
XXXVII. PRESIDENT — THIRD YEAR— THE CONTEST WITH CON GRESS — SUCCESSFUL MAINTENANCE OF THE EXECUTIVE PREROGATIVE — THE PANAMA CANAL 527
XXXVIII. PRESIDENT — FOURTH YEAR — NATIONAL AID TO EDUCA TION — TEMPERANCE — TRIP TO PACIFIC COAST — PONCA INDIAN EPISODE — VETO OF REFUNDING BILL . 590
(v)
R1E2G6
ILLUSTRATIONS.
PRESIDENT RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES — 1880 . . Frontispiece
OHIO MEMBERS OF CONGRESS WHO SERVED WITH RUTHERFORD B.
HAYES ; ALSO His SUCCESSOR 22
OHIO MEMBERS OF CONGRESS WHO SERVED WITH RUTHERFORD B.
HAYES ... .... 40
GUBERNATORIAL CANDIDATES DEFEATED BY HAYES .... 292
INAUGURATION OF PRESIDENT HAYES — MARCH 5, 1881 . . . 426
PRESIDENT HAYES AND CABINET 430
THE LOUISIANA COMMISSION 444
PRESIDENT HAYES'S DIPLOMATIC APPOINTMENTS .... 466
PRESIDENT HAYES'S SUPREME COURT APPOINTMENTS .... 614
(vii.)
DIARY AND LETTERS OF RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES
DIARY AND LETTERS OF RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES
CHAPTER XXVI
IN THIRTY-NINTH AND FORTIETH CONGRESS RECON STRUCTION — 1865-1867
HAYES resigned his commission in the army early in June, 1865, and returned to Ohio. Mrs. Hayes, who had been with him during his last few weeks of service, rejoined her mother and children at Chillicothe and continued her stay there and at Fremont until October, when the Hayes house in Cincin nati, which had been leased, could be occupied. Meanwhile Hayes was maintaining his headquarters at Cincinnati, making frequent visits to Chillicothe, Fremont, Delaware, and Colum bus. He was busy with his new duties as Congressman and in making speeches in behalf of General J. D. Cox, Republican candidate for governor. The Diary is silent during the summer, and the remaining letters are few and of slight importance.]
FREMONT, June 22, 1865.
DEAREST : — I came here Monday, and am enjoying life as well as could be expected without my darling. . . . Uncle has enlarged on Old Whitey's* merits until he is the most re markable horse since the Bucephalus of Alexander.
I shall go over to Willoughby to see Hastings before I come home. You need not look for me until the middle of next week. I am talking over the future with Uncle. I suspect we shall
* "Old Whitey" was Hayes's war horse. He lived a pensioner at Spiegel Grove for fifteen years. His grave in the grove is marked by a great boulder.
(D
2 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES
final [ly] leave "events to shape themselves/' as McClellan used
10 da Affectionately, ever,
R. MRS. HAYES.
CINCINNATI, July 6, 1865.
DEAR UNCLE : — Lucy will still remain, as heretofore, at Chilli- cothe; if she leaves at all, it will only be for a short visit. The two big boys, Birch and Webb, are both very anxious to go to Fremont, and will do so, I think, in about a couple of weeks.
I have taken a room, southeast corner of Fourth and Elm Streets, and will make headquarters for the present at the office of Stephenson and Noyes. I left Chillicothe yesterday. All very well. Our present purpose is to arrange some way to keep house next winter and have Mother Hayes with Lucy, but perhaps nothing better be said to Mother yet. Lucy will like to live with me at Spiegel Grove whenever I am ready to go there.
Sincerely,
R. B. H.
S. BIRCHARD.
CINCINNATI, July 9, 1865.
MY DEAREST : — I have got a large, airy third-story room on the southeast corner of Fourth and Walnut, and find myself re markably well camped. A little hot, and somewhat lonely of nights. Thus far I find occupation enough with correspondence, listening to all sorts of applications, and hunting up old ac quaintances. . . .
General Buckland here today, also Senator Sherman. "Poli tics a bad trade" runs in my head often. Guess we'll quit. . . .
Affectionately,
R. MRS. HAYES.
CLEVELAND, July 30, 1865.
DEAR LUCY:— -The Twenty-third goes out in fine feather. Perhaps no regiment from Ohio is so fortunate in its reception and last days. I wish you could have been here. We rode in
RECONSTRUCTION — 1865-1867 3
the procession yesterday to the dedication [of the monument to the dead of the regiment]. Hastings, Miss Hastings, and Mrs. Comly in the carriage I was in — next after the band. .
Mother [Webb] and Joe go tomorrow to Niagara. On re turn they go to see the boys [Birchard and Webb] at Fremont. Boys very happy there and very good, the cause of happiness to others.
y0ur
R. MRS. HAYES.
CINCINNATI, August 25, 1865.
MY DARLING : — I am not yet quite sure but I think we shall go into our old home about the middle of October — not sooner. You can give up your rooms when you come down, if you prefer to do so. ...
I had a fine time yesterday at the Green Township "Harvest Home" — beautiful custom, where old, young, etc., dance, sing, eat, play, and listen to speeches. Matthews made one of the set speeches. I was also exhibited as a "vet" and got off very luckily with a few successful sentences.
I shall look for you sometime next week. Have told Uncle we shall be there next week — middle to last of the week. We shall go via Toledo if you do not object. — Love to all.
Ever your
•p MRS. HAYES.
CINCINNATI, September 17, 1865.
DEAR MOTHER WEBB : — I left Lucy and the boys at Fremont — all well and very happy — last Tuesday. I did expect to go up to Ross County to see you and George this week, but I am in the hands of a political committee for the next three weeks and can't determine my own movements much better than I could when I was in the army. . .
We can get our house soon after October and may be able to get in it by the I5th or 2Oth. — Love to all.
Affectionately,
MRS. MARIA WEBB, R. B. HAYES.
Chillicothe.
4 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES
CINCINNATI, October i, 1865.
MY DARLING : — The duds are in the house and the repairing, etc., begun. It will be cramped and I fear seem gloomy to you at first, but I trust we shall find it as happy as ever.
I have made two quite successful speeches this week — one at Marysville in Union County, and the other at General Grant's meeting at his old home in Clermont County. I also spoke so-so at several meetings in this county and city. I speak at Sidney in Shelby County on the 3d and Wednesday the 4th will come in the morning train from Toledo. My voice and health are good. The night ride after speaking at Sidney will leave me a little fagged out at Frerr.ont.
I hope I shall be with you Wednesday night and Thursday night. I then come home via Wayne County and will go up to you immediately after the election. — Love to all.
Ever, your
MRS. HAYES, R.
Fremont.
CINCINNATI, October 22, 1865.
DEAR MOTHER: — I am again pretty well settled in my old home on Sixth Street. It is very pleasant to be in my own house again. The boys are not yet all here. I shall have them at home in a week.
We are ready to have you as soon as you wish to come. I had hoped to hear from you before now. I will come [to Vermont] for you, as I told you in my last, any time you want me to do so. I am afraid you did not get my letter. I shall give this the same direction, that is to Fayetteville. I shall also write to* Mr. Mead the same thing.
My love to Uncle and Aunt and Cousin Mary. Affectionately, your son,
RUTHERFORD.
P. S. — When I come I shall stop a few days at Washington on my way to Vermont.
MRS. SOPHIA HAYES,
Fayetteville, Vermont.
RECONSTRUCTION — 1865-1867 5
452 Thirteenth Street, Washington, D. C., November 30, 1865. — Came here as a member of the House of Representatives for Second District of Ohio this morning. My travelling compan ions were: Mr. [Benjamin] Eggleston, my colleague of the First District; R. W. Clark of Clermont County (Fifth District), and his wife; [and Samuel] McKee, of Kentucky, his wife and son, Frank, and wife's sister, Miss Frances Brainerd, of Oxford, Ohio. Captain McKee, now of Mount Sterling, represents six teen of the hard mountain counties of northeastern Kentucky. He doesn't travel on the Sabbath, plays no cards, neither drinks nor uses tobacco, and is an abolitionist ! The war has done the work of centuries. Five years ago the same constituency would have voted to crucify him.
Have got my first batch of stationery, and reported myself to the Clerk of the House, Mr. McPherson. This with my bachelor quarters is my first step in Congressional life.
WASHINGTON, November 30, 1865.
DEAREST : — My first writing in my own room at Washington is to you. My surroundings are so-so, viz. : This, the front room is about twenty-four by fifteen, has a new good carpet, a coal stove, coal bucket, and spittoon — stove of good pattern in front of a mantelpiece and fireplace like ours; black haircloth short sofa, one armchair and one large chair without arms, and six good chairs, all black haircloth and black walnut wood; one office armchair like ours in the parlor, a little marble-top table; the [wall-] paper of a large, old-fashioned pattern. The get-up of the house is all old-fashioned. A back room twenty by fifteen [with] cottage furniture and closets [and] one front and one back window. [My rooms are on the] first floor — left side, as you enter the house. Altogether pleasant enough.
Judge James and General Este next above me, and Colonel Rodney Mason, of unhappy military fame, in the third story (but a quiet good fellow they say). The [landlady is a well- looking and [well-] tempered Secesh widow or grass- widow.
It will do for you, I think, though not the very nicest, but still nice enough.
6 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES
My travelling companions were Mr. Clark of Batavia and his wife, — they have no family — (one daughter, married); Mr. Eggleston and Sands, and McKee, of Kentucky, with his wife, one sister, and a son. Good company. If you were here I would be all right. — Love to all.
Affectionately ever, your
T£
MRS. HAYES.
December if 1865. — Members of the House are entitled to some perquisites: All the back numbers of the Congressional Globe, a small library of some value ; seventy dollars for station ery; fifty dollars for newspapers for this session, and twenty- four copies of the Congressional Globe for the Congress of which he is a member.
A caucus of the Ohio Union delegation held at Mr. Delano's rooms tonight. Present: Ashley, Bingham, Buckland, Bundy, Clark, Delano, Eggleston, Garfield, Hayes, Hubbell, Lawrence, Plants, Schenck, Shellabarger, Spalding, and Welker. Absent, Eckley. It was our first, and a very agreeable and harmonious, meeting. Mr. Delano, chairman, stated the object to be to con sult as to candidates for the offices of the House of Represent atives, and as to matters connected with the organization of the House. It was agreed to support Mr. Colfax for Speaker and Mr. McPherson for Clerk, they being the old officers and having no opposition. Much talk about the candidates for doorkeeper. One, Mr. Hawkins Taylor, seemed to have many friends. It was, however, stated that he sold out the Chase committee. Mr. Clark made two or three zealous talks in his favor. Mr. Ashley made some sport by allusions to the Chase business. Spalding in earnest opposed him on that account. Schenck talked earnestly and well — evidently the leading man of the delegation. Spalding talked well also, but was unwilling to be bound by the action of the delegation until his candidate for postmaster was provided for. We then all agreed to support Colonel Given for postmaster.
We agreed to oppose the admission of any delegate from the Rebel States for the present. Ashley is a large, good-natured,
RECONSTRUCTION — 1865-1867 7
popular style of man — full of good humor. Shellabarger, a sober, gentlemanly, able man ; General Garfield, a smooth, ready, pleasant man, not very strong; Clark, disposed to talk rather too much; Lawrence, ditto, and not quite happy in his views; Delano, clear and correct; Hubbell, talky. Schenck, Delano, Spalding, and Shellabarger, in the order I name them, strike me, judging by tonight, as the strongest men. Bingham and Ashley said so little that I can't place them.
General Schenck gave notice that he would propose an amend ment on the first opportunity by which representation would be based on suffrage. All seemed to acquiesce. On General Schenck's suggestion I offered the resolution, with educational test or condition added. Adopted with two negatives, viz., Ash ley and Shellabarger.
My old college friend, R. E. Trowbridge [of Michigan], came bouncing into the caucus in his old jovial way to welcome me. Very little change in him.
December 2. — The Ohio members generally dined with Gen eral H. B. Banning of Mount Vernon at his headquarters at Alexandria. Visited the soldiers' cemetery with its three thou sand graves, neatly arranged, and its rustic gothic building. A fine specimen of the work. Pine with the bark on the lumber.
Fort Rogers with its two hundred-pound rifled Parrotts and its fifteen-inch columbiad attracted our attention.
The general caucus [of Republican members] tonight a pleas ant thing. Mr. Morrill of Vermont, an intelligent merchant who put the vote, "Contrary-minded will say no," presided. Thad Stevens made the important motions. A committee of seven reported resolutions to be submitted to the Senate and House, providing for the appointment of a Joint Committee of Fifteen, nine for the House, six for the Senate, to report as to the status of the Rebel States and whether they were in a condition to be represented ; and in the meantime all members from those States to be kept out.
Colfax, McPherson, and nominated by acclamation
for their present places viz., Speaker, Clerk, . Then
for doorkeeper, Goodenow of New York, and Hawkins Taylor,
8 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES
of Iowa or Kansas, stood sixty-six to fifty-seven. Bad for the West, was the feeling of our men. King, of Minnesota (nom inally, really New York), the present incumbent was named [for postmaster], also others, all having printed tickets. Here we seemed caught; we had no tickets ready. Spalding nom inated Colonel Given in a proper speech, Roscoe Conkling sus tained King in a speech delivered in a distinct, clear tone, with great deliberation and in language fitted to print. Spalding's best point was that Colonel Given was a soldier. Phelps, of Maryland, nominated a soldier — an officer of colored troops of his State, one of two who from that State led black men, who lost a leg at the mine at Petersburg. Phelps is young, did his part well. The best speech, best delivered and all, was by our Mr. Delano (in favor of Colonel Given).
[The caucus] adopted, on a test vote the Ohio idea. Stevens angry, resisted, threatened to leave the caucus. Finally carried his point as stated, viz., a Joint Committee of fifteen.
December 3, Sunday. — Little done or seen. Evening with "Old Trow," posting up about Kenyon times and boys.
December 4. — We organized the House according to pro gramme. Mr. Brooks, [Democrat,] of New York, undertook to make some opposition but the previous question settled him. Brooks is a pleasant speaker, and a gentlemanly, agreeable man, judging by appearances. Thad Stevens, grim-looking, cool, with a ready wit, perfect courage, and the sort of independence which long experience, assured position, and seventy years of age gives an able man. He seems to be leader of the House.
December 7. — Took Thanksgiving dinner with Judge James at the Metropolitan Club. Governor Boutwell, a bright, pleasant- looking man, reminding me of Waite of Toledo. Cozzens of
Yonkers, author of ["The Sparrowgrass Papers"], is a
good story-teller, has a fine memory, but is easily overreached by his wine.
WASHINGTON, D. C. December 7, 1865.
MY DARLING : — Thanksgiving morning before breakfast. So far I have no very decided feeling about the life I am leading.
RECONSTRUCTION — 1865-1867 9
With my family here, pleasantly homed, I would like it well. As it is, I find nothing very gratifying in it and nothing decidedly the contrary. My quarters are well chosen. I do not yet mess any where in particular. I eat two meals a day wherever hunger overtakes me. I shall probably soon mess with Delano, Buckland, Welker, and Hubbell — a quiet regular set.
My old college chum Trowbridge and I naturally crony to gether a good deal. We called together at Governor Dennison's the other evening. Miss Lizzie was alone. Her cordial, unaf fected manners, with some wit and a good disposition, make her a favorite here. She said the Ohio set were counting on "Aunt Lu" to be one of them with pleasant anticipations.
We called at Governor Chase's. He is more fleshy, an im provement rather, and more free and good-natured. He does not show any uneasy ambition — or rather, he seems to have made up his mind that his political career is ended ; that it is of no use to worry about it, and yet that it is not by any means his choice. His little daughter is not at all handsome, and no longer little, but she is natural and kindly, perhaps bright. I saw no other of the family, but think Governor Sprague's family are with him.
Mussey is soon to have to be mustered out with his regiment of colored troops and then ordered to report to his regiment as captain. He is under a cloud — such a cloud that one hates to meet him or be seen with him. His unlucky military career has been much ventilated since he rose so high, chiefly because he did not bear himself "meekly" in his prosperity. Fortunately he seems not to feel or know it.
Thus far the noticeable men on our side of the house are Thad Stevens, Judge Kelley, and Roscoe Conkling, and on the Dem ocratic side, James Brooks. Stevens is over seventy, sharp-faced, grim-looking, as Wilder Joy would have been if he hadn't fat tened as he grew old. The only blemish in his puritanical, severe appearance is a brown wig. He is witty, cool, full of and fond of "sarcasms," and thoroughly informed and accurate. He has a knack of saying things which turn the laugh on his opponent. When he rises everyone expects something worth hearing, and he has the attention of all. You remember his speech on con-
10 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES
fiscation. He is radical throughout, except, I am told, he don't believe in hanging. He is leader.
Judge Kelley of Philadelphia talks often ; has studied rhetoric and elocution, and, I am told, is theatrical overmuch, but so far his little short speeches have been exceedingly well delivered.
Roscoe Conkling of New York State delivers measured sen tences in a grave, deliberate way that is good.
James Brooks, former Know-nothing leader, speaks pleasantly and is the leader of the Democrats; has, of course, to talk for Buncombe.
Delano has talked a little and is a good specimen of the lively, earnest style of Western talkers.
No doubt abler men have not yet showed themselves — Banks and others. The House is a more orderly and respectable body so far than I had expected. The reading of the President's mes sage was an imposing thing. The members, all attentive, looked like the thing we imagine. Mr. Boynton [of Cincinnati] was elected chaplain. Contrary to my wish and preference, I voted for Bonte, Judge Storer's son-in-law, to keep with the other Ohio members, but changed to Boynton, thus electing him before the vote was declared.
Tell me all about the boys and Grandma. My love to all. I shall want you to come back with me if convenient to you. You will be in time for the sights.
Affectionately ever, your
R.
MRS. HAYES.
WASHINGTON, D. C., December n, 1865. DEAR UNCLE: — We get on smoothly and pleasantly. Our house committees [have been announced]. I left to chance the matter of important committees. The great number of our party left small chance for new members on important committees. I am on one of the tolerably important lawyers' committees, viz., Land Claims. I am chairman of the Library Committee. It is one of the no-account committees in a public sense, but has some private interest. It is a joint committee of which half are Sen ators; then, they are all gentlemen and scholars. It brings one
RECONSTRUCTION — 1865-1867 11
in association with the bookish. All matters of art, statuary, painting, and the like go to this committee. It gives me per sonally the control in a great measure of the fine Botonical Gar den with its greenhouses, etc., etc., an educated gardener and twelve assistants, with the whole bouquet business. A funny sort of thing for me, but very nice and no labor worth mention ing. This is for your private contemplation. The dodge is rather a lucky one as I now see it.
Sincerely, S. BIRCHARD. R. B. HAYES.
December 12. — Today the credentials of Mr. Maynard and Other claimants to seats from Tennessee were referred on mo tion of Mr. Raymond to the Joint Committee of Fifteen, pro posed by the Stevens resolutions. Several attempts were made which by implication gave them some official recognition. These the Union men with a few exceptions voted against, and [they] were all defeated. A motion was then carried by the vote of all except thirty-five Union men to admit these gentlemen under a resolution containing no allusion to their official character, mak ing it purely a courtesy on the part of the House. For this I voted. Seeing there was division among the Ohio and other Union members, I voted to lay it on the table, thinking a little delay and consultation would lead to entire unanimity. The first thing is to keep together, united and harmonious. I am glad to see that this duty is generally recognized.
December 16, 1865. — Last night a very pleasant meeting of Ohio men at Mr. James C. Wetmore's. Chief Justice Chase, both Senators, Judge Swayne, many of the Representatives, Gen eral Gilmore, Tom Corwin. A very happy time. Governor Cor- win, happy, genial, full of humor. I saw him standing at some distance from where I was comfortably seated. I went to him and conducted him to my seat. He was happy, genial, and humorous as ever. Late in the evening he was struck with paral ysis on the right side, soon became unconscious, and must die. So disappears the finest genius Ohio has ever produced ; without an equal as a popular orator in this country, . .
12 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES
December i/. — Corvvin still living ; wonderful tenacity of life. Macaulay, speaking of Sydney Smith, said to Mrs. Stowe: "Truly, wit, like chanty, covers a multitude of sins. A man who has the faculty of raising a laugh in this sad, earnest world is remembered with indulgence and complacency always."
WASHINGTON, D. C, December 17, 1865. MY DEAREST : — I hope to start home in time to be with you Friday next. The Senate has not yet acted on our adjournment, and it is not quite settled.
The death of Uncle Moses [Boggs], so unlocked for, so peculiarly sad, has impressed me singularly. I don't like to think of it. This is the reason I didn't write when I heard of it. I put off talking about it and will now.
Tom Cor win was struck down in the midst of a scene in which he was one of the happiest and the cause of great happiness to others. He still lingers in a dying condition. — Love to boys all.
Affectionately, yours ever,
R. MRS. HAYES.
January 8, 1866. — Mr. Shellabarger made a speech on recon struction that took better than anything thus far of the kind. He read it from manuscript, but with energy and unction. It was a decided success. He was much complimented. Good for Ohio!
January iof 1866. — Wilson, Chairman Judiciary [Committee], called up Kelley's bill, providing for universal suffrage (colored) in [the] District of Columbia. Several speeches [were] made. Judge Schofield, of Pennsylvania, made a shrewd and pithy speech. Judge Kelley delivered an offhand brilliant speech. Elocution and rhetoric have evidently been pet studies with him. A very effective, fine thing.
Evening. — Caucus decided against the bill of Kelley, prefer ring qualified to universal suffrage. Universal suffrage is sound in principle. The radical element is right. I was pleased, how-
RECONSTRUCTION — 1865-1867 13
ever, that the despotism of the committees and the older mem bers was rebuked. The Suffrage Bill ought not to have been pressed in advance of other and far more important business. The rights of the majority as against committees and leaders have gained. Much confusion and some feeling. Mr. Stevens quite angry ; said he would vote against qualified suffrage ; pre ferred no bill at all ! The signs of harmony are more hopeful.
WASHINGTON, D. C., January 10, 1866.
DEAREST: — Mrs. Crook was here yesterday looking after her husband's interests. She looks, acts, and appears very well in deed. You would like her, I am sure. .
The House has been quite interesting these two days past. Have been nowhere, seen nobody. President Johnson's first re ception last night. Didn't go. The truth is, this being errand boy to one hundred and fifty thousand people tires me so by night I am ready for bed instead of soirees.
Affectionately, ever,
R. MRS. HAYES.
WASHINGTON, D. C., January 10, 1866.
DEAR UNCLE: — Mrs. Grant is an unpretending, affectionate, motherly person who makes a good impression on everybody. Her naivete is genuine and very funny at times. Boston sent a fund for a library to Grant. [Senator] Sumner and [Congress man] Hooper called to see Mrs. Grant about it. They asked her how much library room or space she had. "Well," she said, "I have given no attention to that. We have an old bookcase up stairs that isn't half full. It has a few Patent Office Reports and some other books in it. I don't think any of them are interesting books. I never read much. When I was a little girl my father gave me Josephus and another history. I forget what it was. I tried to read it and couldn't." Sumner suggested "Rollins' Ancient History." "Yes, that is it. I couldn't read it and I haven't read much since. The Patent Office Reports I tried to read once, but couldn't. I put a lounge in the room where the
14 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES
bookcase is. I thought anybody who read th£ Patent Office Re ports would want to lie down."
Sumner asked her if she had read her husband's report. She said : "When he was writing it, he was sometimes a little cross if interrupted. I came into his room and looked over his shoul der. He was pretty short. I asked him how he got along. He handed me three pages and I read them, but he didn't seem to want me, and I went out. I read what the New York Herald said about the general's report. It said it was the best since Caesar's reports. So I called the general Csesar. But after [a] while he didn't seem to like it, and said I must stop it."
I think Mrs. Valette will appreciate this if she can read it.
Sincerely,
c ^ R. B. HAYES.
S. BIRCHARD.
January 12. — General Banks introduced me to Mrs. Ames, of Massachusetts (artist). She has made a bust of Lincoln (min iature) which seems to be exceedingly good. Seward, Grant, and others praise it. She talked long and well of her experience as nurse and her acquaintance with Lincoln. She wants to have a marble full-size Lincoln ordered. Cost five thousand dollars.
January /j. — Miss Anna Dickinson has a voice of great power; it is monotonous but endures full and strong to the end of a long lecture. Her forte is argumentative declamation. She put the case of the national authority to deal as it deems best with the Rebel States very strongly.
Conversation ought habitually to be frank and easy but earnest and dignified.
WASHINGTON, D. C, January 21, 1866.
DEAR MOTHER : — Lucy got here Thursday evening and is, in a quiet way, enjoying life here very much. We have been as yet to no receptions or parties, but find plenty to interest and amuse in the public buildings, courts, and Congress. The weather is bright and bracing. Lucy and I went to the preaching of Mr. Boynton at the Capitol today and heard a good sound talk to a
RECONSTRUCTION — 1865-1867 15
large fine audience. The House makes a beautiful place for worship.
Affectionately,
R. MRS. SOPHIA HAYES.
WASHINGTON, D. C, January 28, 1866.
DEAR MOTHER: — Lucy is still with me. She is very happy. We do not go to parties or receptions much. Went to one. They are all alike ; rather a bore generally. We sit at the same table with Vice-Admiral Farragut. A sociable, fine old gentleman — not old in manner, talk, or looks, but near seventy, I think, in fact. He has a kind and polite way and everybody likes him.
We mean to go to the President's and General Grant's this week. All well at home when I heard last.
Affectionately,
R.
MRS. SOPHIA HAYES. Private.
WASHINGTON, D. C, February i, 1866.
DEAR COLONEL: — Mr. Sherman called with me on Secretary Harlan of the Department of the Interior this morning. Senator Sherman will use his influence heartily, and I have no doubt successfully, in your affair. There is a possibility of three things which I submit to you : — An Indian agency in the Indian Ter ritory, Fort Smith, being, I think, headquarters; (2) Superin- tendency of Indian affairs in New Mexico; and (3) Surveyor- generalship of Dakota Territory. All of these places I regard as preferable to any clerkship or the like here. Can you muster physical strength enough for such a place as either of the three? Keep all this to yourself strictly. Neither of the places are vacant and it would be embarrassing to have them publicly spoken of.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES.
[COLONEL RUSSELL HASTINGS (?)] Private.
16 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. WASHINGTON, D. C, February 2, 1866.
DEAR H — : — I want to preach you a short doctrinal sermon. Text, "The Equalization of Representatives." — Com mercial, January 31. I voted for Schenck's form, but the debates satisfied me that the committee's plan would do as well, perhaps better. It sheds water in all directions. No objection sticks. You quote Shellabarger's six points against it. The Constitution as practically construed is equally liable to the objection indicated by numbers i, 2, 3, 4, and 6. Read them, and you'll see it. Num ber 5 is that the provision may be evaded. Let that go for what it is worth. By Schenck's amendment the foreign-born, who are not naturalized, are lost to the North and West — worth ten to fifteen members. Missouri, Maryland, and other States lose by the disfranchisement of Rebels, etc., etc., and upon the whole you will, I think, be satisfied with the amendment adopted. It gives Ohio on& more and Massachusetts one less than Schenck's amendment would do. The figures prove it.
But all this is, of course, not what worried me into worrying you. You say: "We would not make the adoption of this amendment a condition precedent to the admission of the South ern Representatives." I move a reconsideration of that opinion. The amendment never can be got except as a condition. The South will never give up its power if admitted with it. I would be disposed, I think, to let in the loyal Tennesseeans when their State adopts it. The Rebel States will always be represented (during our day, at least) by repudiators — by men willing to assume every sort of claim payable South. Twenty-two Sen ators added to the twelve or fifteen now there, and the political J power of four millions and a quarter of negroes in the House ' and the Electoral College, is a serious thing. It deserves recon sideration — that idea of yours.
Do you want any books, apple seeds, or oats? I am in that trade now.
Yours,
R. B. HAYES.
RECONSTRUCTION — 1865-1867 17
P. S. — Harmony is rather up just now. We may get through without a break.
MR. MURAT HALSTEAD, Cincinnati, Ohio,
WASHINGTON, D. C, February 4, 1866.
MY DEAR MOTHER : — We have had very beautiful winter weather these last few days. We enjoy life very much now. As to what is called gaiety, we take little part in it. It is simply tedious to me. We have been out only twice in that line. Once to Secretary Harlan's reception, and one night to General Grant's first reception, and the same night to Senator Sherman's. Gen eral Grant's was very enjoyable from the large numbers of notice able [notable ( ?) ] people to look at. I have always wanted to be the first, the very first at a big party. I never heard of anybody who was first. We did it at Grant's. There were a goodly num ber of ladies and gentlemen in the clothing-rooms all waiting for somebody to break the ice. Lucy and I hurried off our things and got down first. It was right jolly. General and Mrs. Grant, a sister, and a staff officer's wife [were] waiting anxiously for an attack. We charged and had a good merry time of it all to ourselves.
Lucy goes to the House daily. Finds it very pleasant in all respects.
I hope Uncle is in better health. He will be interested in knowing that I find my Fine Arts Committee a very interesting one. The members all attend promptly and say it is the most interesting committee they ever belonged to. We have artists of all shades, learned professors, and book men before us, explain ing their projects at every meeting, etc., etc.
Affectionately,
MRS. SOPHIA HAYES. R.
WASHINGTON, D. C., February 15, 1866. DEAR GUY : — Enclosed you will find Stephen's papers. The reason I didn't write again [was that] I discovered on another visit after writing you that you had previously been pardoned. 2
18 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES
There is really no reason to feel any uneasiness because of the delays in acting upon the cases of the different Southern States. Those which send Union men will be represented in Congress, and fully restored without any severe or degrading conditions. There is a great deal of nonsense on all sides, but no substantial interests are likely to be sacrificed. I am told that the Committee on Reconstruction will report favorably on Tennessee at an early day.
I really can't tell about land sales. We hear some hard stories about the treatment Northern people get in many parts of the South. This for a time will naturally discourage the purchase of lands.
I am in much haste. Love to yours.
As ever, your friend,
R. B. HAYES.
GUY M. BRYAN, Texas.
WASHINGTON, D. C., February 28, 1866.
DEAR UNCLE : — I don't know whether I have written to you since the veto* or not. Many of our good men still hope that we may retain the President, but it is a very faint hope, scarcely more than a wish that he may return "to the bosom of his fam ily," as Lucy says. The general impression is, however, that Rebel influences are now ruling the White House and that the sooner Johnson is clear over, the better for us. Almost all are for going forward with business and measures in the usual and proper way without excitement or abuse.
We had a pleasant excursion on Saturday to the Naval Acad emy at Annapolis, which was in every way enjoyable. At the old capitol of Maryland and the academy, there was an abundance to see and the company was good. — Lucy expects to leave this week.
Yours,
R. B. HAYES.
S. BIRCHARD.
* Of "An Act to establish a Bureau for the Relief of Freedmen, Refugees, and Abandoned Lands."
RECONSTRUCTION — 1865-1867 19
WASHINGTON, February 28, 1866.
DEAREST : — You left me last evening, and I am already half homesick about it. Possibly I would not have thought of it so feelingly, but the sight of these gloves put me in mind of it. What a happy time we have had! Six weeks of real, genuine, old-fashioned love. — Love to Grandma and the boys all.
Affectionately,
R. MRS. HAYES.
WASHINGTON, March 2, 1866.
DEAR UNCLE: — With a party, Generals Schenck, Crook, Smith, and their ladies, I went to see the picture of "The Storm in the Rocky Mountains" by [Albert] Bierstadt. It is very beautiful and wonderful. By gaslight the effect is incompre hensible, such brilliancy and light and shade ! Mr. Bierstadt says it is better by daylight. I shall see.
We are not quite sure yet whether Andy is with us or against us — in a party sense, I mean. Doctrinally, he is against us on many things and with us on a few.
Love to Mother. Lucy is at home.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES.
S. BlRCHARD.
WASHINGTON, D. C. March 4, 1866.
MY DEAR UNCLE : — We are still not clear as to the chances of harmony with the President. He no doubt differs and has all along avowedly and openly differed with us on some important matters. At the time of his unfortunate talk on the 22nd he seemed to be surrounded and possessed by all manner of evil influences. He now seems to feel that he was misled and is really anxious to conciliate. If he signs [the] Civil Rights Bill and the Tennessee Resolution which will both pass soon, the chances are that a complete rupture will be avoided. Otherwise, otherwise. It is an interesting time to be here and I enjoy it very much now, — the last three weeks more than ever before.
20 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES
My ever hopeful temper is a good thing in these perplexing and exciting times.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES. S. BIRCHARD.
WASHINGTON, D. C, March 17, 1866.
DEAR FORCE: — Thanks for the items from Mississippi. I had heard before of the intention to try to make you a candidate for judge. I trust it will be done. If the chances are fair, no doubt it will.
I could argue with you on the wisdom and justice of what Congress is doing with our erring sisters if I knew exactly your points. The truth is, Congress has done next to nothing yet on that subject, and can give good reasons for not having yet done anything. The position held by the majority is this: The Rebel States having gone into insurrection and lost their law ful State Governments, it is for the law-making power of the Nation to say when (or whether) such new State Governments have been set up as ought to be recognized. Is not this sound? Granting this, ought we to recognize any State Government which does not undertake, at least, to afford adequate protection to Union people and freedmen? And further, is there evidence showing such State Governments except in Tennessee and pos sibly Arkansas?
The practice will come to you, no fear of that
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES.
GENERAL M. F. FORCE, Cincinnati.
WASHINGTON, D. C., March 22, 1866.
MY DARLING: — I am happy in getting yours of the i8th this morning. . . . Mr. Blow of St. Louis had a small fuss with Green Clay Smith. Smith found Blow kissing Mrs. Smith! Bad again. Queen Esther still pretty, talks louder than ever and too much and too fast for a public dining-hall.
A. J. [the President] is now being tried by another test — the
RECONSTRUCTION — 1865-1867 21
Civil Rights Bill. If he signs it he gets into the bosom of the family again. If not, more worry. . . .
Affectionately, ever your
R. MRS. HAYES.
WASHINGTON, [March] 29, 1866.
DARLING: — . . . A. J. [the President] getting into a bad row of stumps; not in the bosom of his family any longer, I suspect.*
Yes, it is lonely and bad. I begin to think that I ought to quit a "biz" which separates me from you so much. . . . Love to all.
Yours,
H. MRS. HAYES.
WASHINGTON, D. C, March 30, 1866.
MY DARLING: — I send you the sermon on Senator Foot's death.* Grandma Webb and Mrs. Davis will read it with great satisfaction, I am sure. You remember the Senator. He was the handsome man you heard me speak of. The most senatorial- looking of anybody and a genuine good man. His deathbed commission, or rather confession of faith, and triumphant end is really a very beautiful death. The Senators and Cabinet Min isters and all were much affected by the story.
Affectionately,
R-
MRS. HAYES.
WASHINGTON, D. C., April 4, 1866.
MY DARLING : — . . . I hope the election of General Haw- ley in Connecticut has sustained your drooping spirits. A. J. is about as he was, neither worse nor better. .
* The President vetoed the Civil Rights Bill March 27.
* Solomon Foot, of Vermont. He died March 28, and was succeeded by George F. Edmunds.
22 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES
Hassaurek is, I think, about right. Halstead is so decided against Radicals that he is in more danger of getting off the track. — Love to boys.
Affectionately,
R. MRS. HAYES.
WASHINGTON, April 8, 1866.
MY DEAR DARLING : — The last week is the only one since you left that you would have enjoyed here particularly. The Con necticut election early in the week was an enjoyable thing. The passage of the Civil Rights Bill in the Senate over the veto was a most exciting and delightful thing — such enthusiasm was mani fested. Things have improved here. The general feeling is hopeful, loyal, and patriotic. A great change from that [of February] 22nd, when treason crept out and triumphed. The next thing was the great party at Grant's the night of the passage of the Civil Rights Bill. All our side was there in great spirits, Trumbull, Stevens, and all. The President stood between Gen eral and Mrs. Grant. Vice-President (Rebel) Stephens stood near. Montgomery Blair, etc., etc. Old Thad shook hands cordially with Andy. Andy presented him to Mrs. Grant. It was the happiest gathering I have seen. Andy looked and be haved very well indeed.
Judge Kelley introduced me to his daughter, telling her if she ever saw my wife she would see the image of her mother. (Her mother was a first wife.) He said she looked like the daughter except as she departed from her mother in some resemblance to him — all an injury. The daughter is a good-looking young person. . . . Love to the bairns.
Affectionately ever, your
R.
MRS. HAYES.
WASHINGTON, D. C, April 12, 1866.
DEAR MOTHER : — The appearance of things here has improved decidedly since the passage of the Civil Rights Bill over the veto. Both President and Congress feel better. After growling at
RUFUS P. SPALDING SAMUEL F. GARY GEORGE W. MORGAN
JAMES M. ASHLEY JAMES A. GARFIELD
JOHN A. BINGHAM EPHRAIM R. ECKLEY WILLIAM LAWRENCE
15.
OHIO MEMBERS OF CONGRESS WHO SERVED WITH RUTHERFORD
HAYES; ALSO HIS SUCCESSOR
Mr. Cary filled Mr. Hayes's unexpired term in the Fortieth Congress. Mr. Mor gan served in the Fortieth; all the others in Thirty-ninth and Fortieth.
RECONSTRUCTION — 1865-1867 23
each other a long time, they have come to blows and that being over they are nearer being friends again. . . .
Affectionately,
R. B. HAYES. MRS. SOPHIA HAYES.
WASHINGTON, D. C., April 15, 1866.
DEAR UNCLE : — I was at Mount Vernon yesterday for the first time. Washington was a capital judge of fine sites for towns and mansions. His own seat was fitly chosen. The views of the Potomac are beautiful. His farming was on a royal scale. The sentiment merely from "the genius of the place," the tomb, and the like, did not strike me. The truth is, if it were not sacrilege, I should say Lincoln is overshadowing Washington. Washington is formal, statue-like, a figure for exhibition; but both were necessary to complete our history. Neither could have done the other's work.
I bought you a cane which may get to you sometime — a common hickory stick, genuine.
I think some of coming home on a ten days' leave, one of these days. If so will call at Fremont and talk things up with you. I have no plans.
The country will go through all safe. Some dangers ahead, serious dangers, just enough to give interest to what would otherwise be a very dull life.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES.
S. BlRCHARD.
WASHINGTON, D. C., April 15, 1866.
MY DARLING : — I went to Mount Vernon yesterday. . . It is a beautiful spot. The extensive views of the Potomac are the great feature. The mere "genius of the place," I hardly thought of. The spot was happily chosen for our great man's home. It was the anniversary of Lincoln's death. It seems to me Lincoln is rather eclipsing Washington. I feel more than ever that, taking him all in all, he was the highest character. But it is like sacrilege to make these comparisons. It is probably
24 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES
true that neither could have done the other's work, and without the work of both we should have had a different history. . . . Love to all Affectionately ever,
R. MRS. HAYES.
WASHINGTON, D. C, April 19, 1866.
DEAREST : — The colored procession celebrating their freedom just passed. It was a curious and pretty sight — many bands, flags, etc., etc. Their cheering for the House and Senate as they passed the east front was peculiarly enthusiastic. Their bands were good — the weather very fine.
I see General and Mrs. Crook almost daily. — Love to all the
Affectionately, ever your
R. MRS. HAYES.
WASHINGTON, D. C., May 10, 1866.
DEAREST: — We had good speaking in the House yesterday and the day before. The look of things is very favorable.
I sat this morning at breakfast opposite an agreeable ladylike- looking young woman with a rather unmanageable, troublesome four-year-old. I was interested in her and it set me to thinking. The result was an impression that I am really more in love with my wife than I ever was before! Object? . . . Love to
the bairns all. An: ,. , <
Affectionately ever, your
R.
MRS. HAYES.
WASHINGTON, D. C., May 13, 1866.
MY DARLING: — Looking around at dinner today, the changes are chiefly in the ladies. . . . The Members of Congress • — all now wifeless — are the same you knew and a few added.
We (the Schenck Military Committee), Crook, etc., visited Arlington. It is all right. Lee — his is the severest punishment of any Rebel. Expelled from such a paradise, and it made a graveyard for twelve thousand Rebel and loyal dead !
RECONSTRUCTION — 1865-1867 25
Last week's work on Reconstruction was very interesting and things are looking well. Some doubts as to the Senate. But if, as I think they will, they merely amend a little by striking out a part, all will come out right. — Love to all.
Affectionately,
R. MRS. HAYES.
May 15. — The [Republican] policy is to leave to the States the question of suffrage. But in the District and the Territories it is for Congress to lay down the rule. Now, colored people are citizens of the United States. In some States they are al lowed to vote, in some they are not. And in the places where all the States are interested, it is right to treat all citizens alike. When they [the people of the Territories] come to form State Governments, I leave it to the people to say, as in Colorado.
Besides, in the District [of Columbia] and in Territories they [the citizens] have no political power.
My decided preference : Suffrage for all in the South, colored and white, to depend on education ; sooner or later in the North also — say, all new voters to be able to write and read.
WASHINGTON, D. C. May 16, 1866.
MY DARLING : — . . . I send you a paper marked about Fullerton. I am inclined to think my party friends are more than half wrong, and that Fullerton is more than half right. The class of men who are in charge of the freedmen is not very likely to be correct in conduct. They are weak men of small experience, or corrupt men in too many instances.
We are getting on finely here now. Andy is less violent and we are more harmonious.
Affectionately,
R. MRS. HAYES.
Cincinnati, May 24, 1866. — Our darling little George died today at half-past one P. M. He was attacked with scarlet fever
26 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES
three or four weeks ago. After a week or two we thought him out of immediate danger, and I returned to Washington. A week ago he seemed so much worse that I was dispatched that he was sinking. I came home a week ago tomorrow. I found him low and was prepared for the worst. He was a very hand some child ; abundant waving light hair ; very large blue eyes and a broad, full forehead. He looked like my sister Fanny. His corpse reminds us of hers.
He was born in Chillicothe. I heard of his birth at Harrison- burg, Virginia, about the 5th of October, 1864, while with Sheridan in his Valley campaign. I named him George Crook after our favorite corps commander, General Crook. His cousins in Chillicothe were very fond of him. They called him "the little general" or "the little soldier." The brothers called him "the king," because he had his own way. He was a large child, weighing ten pounds when he was born. Born September 29, he was nineteen months, twenty-five days old.
WASHINGTON, D. C, June 6, 1866.
MY DARLING: — I knew you would feel more keenly the loss of the dear boy when you got home, and in the quiet hours were reminded of his loss. My chief consolation is found in thinking of the good ones we have left. .
Andy is thought to be more conciliatory in his feelings, but nothing is very certain in that quarter. There are certainly some good indications.
Affectionately, ever yours,
R. MRS. HAYES.
WASHINGTON, June 6, 1866.
DEAR UNCLE : — Back at the usual work. The President is believed to be in better feeling. Everybody wants to get home and we hope to adjourn at the usual time.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES. S. BIRCHARD.
RECONSTRUCTION — 1865-1867 27
Thursday, June 14. — Ohio caucus seven to two for Concur rent Resolutions and for admitting States as they ratify; eight to one against negro suffrage as a condition of restoration. Goodish time of it; adjourned at n 130 P. M.
WASHINGTON, D. C, June 14, 1866.
MY SWEET WIFE : — I read with genuine sympathy for you the beautiful talk you send me about the dear one who is gone. I wish you were here to talk with me and let me fondle you, as you talk about him. But I suppose you are right. Well, I hope it will not be long.
We passed the plan of Reconstruction as it came from the Senate. No man elected, or claiming to be, Union, voted against it. Raymond, Green Clay Smith, and all were right. Rousseau was absent, perhaps purposely.
General Crook and wife are still here. I shall not room here next session, as I mean to have you with me as much [as] possible. I consult you as to the rooms I shall engage before I go home. I am inclined to go to the Avenue House. Other Ohio men talk of it. What say you?
Yours ever,
MRS. HAYES. H.
WASHINGTON, D. C., June 17, 1866.
MY DARLING : — I don't believe I told you my feelings when I got your letter that you were not coming to be with me the rest of this session. I feel more and more the desire to be with you all the time. Oh, an occasional absence of a week or two is a good thing to give one the happiness of meeting again, but this living apart is in all ways bad. We have had our share of separate life during the four years of war. There is nothing in the small ambition of Congressional life, or in the gratified vanity which it sometimes affords, to compensate for separation from you. We must manage to live together hereafter. I can't stand this, and will not. Don't you want to be with me? — Love
to all the boys. A ~ .
Affectionately ever,
MRS. HAYES. R.
28 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES
WASHINGTON, D. C, June 17, 1866.
DEAR UNCLE : — All things looking well here. Do not be aston ished if you get in a few days a box by express. It contains nothing more explosive than what is said to be pretty fair Bourbon.
We can't yet predict the end of the session. From the I5th to the last of July is probably the time.
Sincerely, S. BIRCHARD. R. B. HAYES.
WASHINGTON, D. C., [July i, 1866].
MY DEAR ONE : — We missed you so much at Gettysburg [June 28-30]. It was cool, fine weather. The company good. "All things lovely." The battle-field must be one of the finest in the world. \Ve had for guide and chaperon a gentleman who has made it a study for a long while, and I now feel that I know the battle as if I had seen it. There was nothing more in the generalship than I had supposed, but the stubbornness and good conduct of the army, of men and officers generally, was worthy of the cause. The Rebel attack was a very brilliant but rash thing.
Pick a cool day to go to Fremont. Every week or two, even in this weather, there is a little cool spell.
I shall not come home until the end of the session, now sup posed to be on the i6th. — Love to all.
Affectionately, your
MRS. HAYES. R.
WASHINGTON, D. C., July 7, 1866.
DEAR UNCLE : — Have you melted away ? Not heard from you for a good many hot days.
We have the inevitable tariff before us noon and night. I hope we shall get off in a fortnight. A little cholera wouldn't be bad now. Anything to get up a scatterment. — Write a word.
Yours,
R. B. HAYES. S. BIRCHARD.
RECONSTRUCTION — 1865-1867 29
WASHINGTON, D. C, July 12, 1866.
MY DARLING: — We are in a very exciting caucus. Hot as blazes. Senator Wilson is speaking in an excited, earnest way. Dennison has resigned — others are going. We may be in ses sion a month or more longer. It is likely I will have to come to see you. It is perhaps too hot for you to come here. . . . Affectionately, yours ever,
H. MRS. HAYES.
CINCINNATI, August 6, 1866.
DEAR UNCLE : — Our convention* went off just to my taste. There seems to be no doubt as to the result in my district.
Lucy is at Chillicothe, or rather is at her Aunt Boggs'.
A good deal of cholera here and increasing. I shall go to Lucy the latter part of the week. Will not come to Fremont for ten days or a fortnight. — Love to the boys [Birchard and Webb].
HAYES.
S. BIRCHARD.
KINGSTON, Ross COUNTY, OHIO, August 15, 1866. DEAR UNCLE : — I came here Saturday, and am having a mild attack of fever.
Mother Webb is in a very critical condition. I fear she will not get well. I write chiefly to let you know it for the sake of the boys, especially Birtie. I do not want him to be struck too suddenly, as I fear might be the case.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES. S. BIRCHARD.
CINCINNATI, August 27, 1866.
DEAR UNCLE : — I came down from Kingston Friday. Mother Webb improved slowly during the whole of last week. We now have some hope of her ultimate recovery. Her case is still, how-
*The Republican Congressional convention, at which Hayes was re- nominated for Congress without opposition.
30 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES
ever, very critical. She was much comforted by the appearance of the boys. If she continues to improve I can send Birch and Webb or bring them myself to Fremont about the last of this or the first of next week, if you want them again. We begin our active campaign the last of next week.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES. S. BIRCHARD.
CINCINNATI, Monday, August 27, 1866.
MY DARLING : — There is to be a convocation of the Union faithful at Columbus on Wednesday, the 29th, and I shall at tend. If you can send the boys by the stage to Columbus Wednesday or Thursday, it will save time and expense for me to go on with them from there Friday morning. Of course you will not send them if Grandmother is not improving. Friends here all well. Cholera pretty much gone.
Politics funny — very — and decidedly agreeable. We think favorable.
I may go to Philadelphia from Fremont to the Southern Con vention on the third. We open up here September 8, and keep it up then until after election. .
Affectionately,
R.
MRS. HAYES.
CINCINNATI, September 9, 1866.
MY DARLING: — Dr. James' [Webb's] letter to Dr. Davis makes me again anxious about Mother Webb. Dr. Davis will go up if nothing unforeseen occurs in a few days. I hope her case will turn out more favorably than Dr. James seems to ap prehend.
I sleep at Dr. Davis* and feed where hunger overtakes me. I speak every night. The canvass has opened in a way that is most encouraging and exceedingly pleasant to me. I have been in five country precincts including the most distant one and in three wards and at the great city meeting. My written speech has gone off well, and the offhand speech reported in the Com-
RECONSTRUCTION — 1865-1867 31
mercial of today, which I send you, delivered at the big meeting in Court Street took better than any speech I ever delivered. The report is a good one but omits "laughter and cheers" of which there was a superabundance.
Many things please me. I always felt as you did that it was a sort of degradation to have Gaslobs about assuming to be my rival in the party. He has now gone, as you see, clear over and is speaking for the Rebs.
A lot of old Kanawha soldiers, chiefly Thirty-fourth men, after I was done speaking last night, came onto the stand and carried on in a style that would have delighted you. If it keeps going as it begins, you would enjoy being here.
Love to all, particularly Grandmother. Affectionately ever,
R.
MRS. HAYES.
CINCINNATI, September, 16, 1866.
DEAR UNCLE : — While speaking in Sixth Street market space last Wednesday evening, I got a dispatch that Mother Webb was sinking. I went up and at daylight found her conscious and able to talk a little, but in a dying condition. She had no suffer ing the last twenty-four hours; was cheerful, calm, and affec tionate. Died Friday morning before daylight, without a struggle.
The boys reached here safely last night. . . . Funeral this afternoon. — Will write you in a few days about the boys.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES.
S. BlRCIIARD.
CINCINNATI, September 23, 1866.
DEAR UNCLE : — I send the boys to go to school or not at Fremont as you prefer. It is probable that they will stay with you, if you wish it, all winter, but I do not want that considered as absolutely settled until I see you after the election.
The canvass is an exceedingly pleasant one. The meetings are large and attentive and the prospect good. The Democrats
32 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES
are now working pretty well, especially in Eggleston's district, but they can't, I think, get anything in this county.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES. S. BIRCHARD.
CINCINNATI, October i, 1866.
MY DEAR GUY: — Your letter of the i8th came duly to hand. It finds me in the midst of an unusually exciting political strug gle. The election is next week. I am a candidate for re-election and expect to succeed by a large majority. I will bore you with only a few words on politics.
I think the election will show that the people are resolved to adopt the Congressional plan of Reconstruction. It does not "disfranchise" anybody in the South. It disqualifies for holding office those who have been leaders — the old office-holders. All young men are qualified although implicated in the Rebellion. The disqualification probably applies to no man in your State who is now under twenty-seven or eight years of age. Recol lect too that the disqualification can be removed in any case by a two-thirds vote of the Senate and House. That vote will be obtained in all cases in a few years, if peace and loyalty are restored in the South. You have, of course, seen our plan. I send you one of my electioneering speeches which contains the different sections, and let me frankly say that if we carry these elections, this plan contains the best terms you will ever get — and they should be promptly accepted. The young men are with us almost universally. The life and energy of the North is with us. If the elections are against us, we shall submit. If they are for us, the Democracy will submit. We shall be united in any event. Do not be again deceived with the hope of Democratic help in a further struggle. I hope you will give the Congressional plan a fair hearing. If we succeed you must adopt it, if you regard your own welfare.
I am very much obliged by the photographs. They are in our album of particular friends and near relatives. My wife is in love with the fine faces of your children. I can readily believe all you say of your boy.
RECONSTRUCTION — 1865-1867 33
I have three boys living — my three eldest. We lost two boys — both under two years. Birchie, aged thirteen is in all respects a noble and promising boy. Webb aged ten and Rud aged eight are good boys also. They are all absent from home now. The two big boys with their uncle at Fremont and Ruddy at Chilli- cothe. My mother now aged seventy-five is at Columbus in good health. Uncle often talks of you and would give a good deal to see you. If you come North, do try to visit him as well as myself. My brother-in-law (whom you know), Dr. Webb, is travelling in Europe. My wife's mother died a few weeks ago. With no small children and no old person about the house, my family seems small. I hope I shall see you soon.
I am sure you did all that friendship required to meet General Fullerton. I count upon the constancy and sincerity of your feelings by what I know of my own towards you. The only things he could have said to you was to give you my views of the future duty of the South. If we succeed in the elections now pending, don't be deceived by Andy Johnson. The North will be far better united during the next struggle, if unhappily there is one, than during the last. Johnson and his office-holders will be "a mere snap — a flash in the pan." Ten thousand majority in Ohio is as good for practical purposes as a unani mous vote. We shall be united in action. We shall submit, if the majority is clearly against us. Our adversaries will submit, if it is otherwise. My last word is, don't let Andy Johnson deceive you. He don't know the Northern people.
As ever,
R.
GUY M. BRYAN, Texas.
CINCINNATI, October 6, 1866.
DEAR UNCLE : — We are talking of putting a notice in the papers about two boys we lost a fortnight ago. They left their homes in good health and spirits one morning and have not since been heard from ! Can you give any information to their anxious parents ?
Dr. Joe arrived in New York Friday. He started home on 3
34 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES
hearing of his mother's serious illness. The news of her death reached him at New York. We expect him tomorrow.
The labors of the campaign closed with me yesterday after noon. It has been an exceedingly pleasant time. The Democrats are spending a great deal of money obtained from New York. They have also made great use of the prejudice against negroes. The struggle is to elect Pendleton. I think they will fail. The negro prejudice is rapidly wearing away, but is still very strong among the Irish, and people of Irish parentage, and the ignorant and unthinking generally. But I think we shall beat it all around.
After election, say about next Friday or Saturday, I shall probably come up. — Love to all.
Sincerely,
S. BIRCHARD. R' R HAYES'
FORT WAYNE, INDIANA, October 15, 1866.
MY DARLING: — I got here this evening en route for the Pacific Railroad. Buckland joins me at Chicago. We go from Chicago to [by] the Hannibal and Saint Joseph Railroad, and from Saint Joseph by steamboat to Omaha and so out west. We expect to return in about ten days, and hope to meet you at Fre mont about the 25th or 26th.
The boys are very happy and well. You will be so proud of them — two great boys they are. I told them you would come with Rud and Dr. Joe. They will expect you. — Love to all.
Affectionately,
MRS. HAYES.
OMAHA, NEBRASKA, October 22, 1866.
MY DEAR : — I am well and doing well and hope that these
few lines will find you enjoying the same blessing. We have
had a good time — will not be back to Fremont so soon as we
expected — not perhaps for a week or ten days from today.
. I wish you were here, oh, so much.
Yours ever, MRS. HAYES. R.
RECONSTRUCTION — 1865-1867 35
CINCINNATI, November 5, 1866.
DEAR GUY : — I would have sent the enclosed letter as to Stephen's affair before, but I have been absent attending in the last sickness and at the funeral of my mother at Columbus and Delaware. She died without pain in the possession of her faculties to the last, and confident of the future. She was al most seventy-five years of age. Uncle Birchard was with her and the most of her grandchildren.
My regards to your wife and little folks.
As ever,
R. B. HAYES. GUY M. BRYAN, Texas.
FREMONT, November 20, 1866.
MY DARLING : — The boys are healthy and happy. They en joy their schools and appear to be improving. The pet pigeons delight them, of course. Webb will sit and watch them in their house — one end of the corn-house — by the hour. The morn ing after I reached here we managed to put the new saddle and bridle on Rock when Webb was attending to the pigeon-house. When he saw Rock hitched to the big oak with the new trappings, he comprehended the situation instantly, mounted and was off to show them.
I told Birch the secret. He was silent a moment, and then with emphasis said, "Mercy, mercy on us, Uncle Joe married." It almost took his breath away, and yet he seemed to be pleased.
I shall probably come home Thursday, perhaps not until Fri day. I wish you were here.
Affectionately,
R. B. HAYES. MRS. HAYES.
WASHINGTON, D. C, [December i, 1866.] DEAR UNCLE : — We reached here this morning. Ruddy thinks better of Washington since he got acquainted with the boys of Mr. Eggleston and Colonel McKee. We are settling down rapidly
36 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES
and shall be at home as much as ever in a day or two. The meeting of members after their separation is like old college days.
December 2. — Our caucus last night was good-tempered and sensible. The only matter decided was that the members of the House don't want the appointments made for political reasons to be confirmed. Committees were appointed to report as to business hereafter. — I room and board at the old place.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES.
S. BIRCHARD.
WASHINGTON, D. C, December 13, 1866.
DEAR UNCLE : — I saw the pictures of the Pacific Railroad last night. I fear you may think it a poor purchase. Under a good glass some of them are very fine, and the series give a very correct notion of the country and the looks of everything, espe cially of the Pawnees.
I bought secondhand this morning four of Ruskin's lectures entitled "Unto This Last." They look goodish.
We are just passing a resolution to adjourn on the 2Oth to the 3d [of January]. If the Senate concur, as I think they will, we may perhaps take a Christmas dinner with you.
Ruddy goes to school to his mother and seems to be doing well. He learns easily and rapidly. In his taste for books he is about half-way between Birch and Webb. — Love to the boys.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES.
S. BIRCHARD.
WASHINGTON, December 19, 1866.
DEAR UNCLE: — We have decided to accept an invitation to spend Christmas in New Orleans. It is probable we shall return by way of Fremont and be there about New Year's day. [Sen ator] Wade and wife are going with others ; probably, also Buckland and wife. We shall probably send Rud to Fremont by Ashley or Trowbridge or somebody. I will be more specific perhaps before I close this. The excursion will go via Lynch-
RECONSTRUCTION — 1865-1867 37
burg, Knoxville, Chattanooga, Nashville, and Memphis, [and] spend two days at New Orleans.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES.
S. BlRCHARD.
NASHVILLE, December 24, 1866.
DEAR UNCLE : — Good times, banquets, etc., etc., at Knoxville, Chattanooga, and here. We visit the battle-fields and mix with the leading Rebels in a friendly and sensible way. We go to Memphis tonight. Stay all day Christmas and go to New Orleans.
Lucy is doing her best and enjoying it hugely. — Love to boys.
R.
S. BlRCHARD.
MEMPHIS, December 26, 1866.
DEAR UNCLE : — We are thus far on our way to New Orleans, with everything thus far the very pleasantest possible.
I last night experienced a new sensation. I went with General Howard to a meeting of colored people and made them a short talk. Their eager, earnest faces were very stimulating.
Sorry Buckland and his wife are not here. We meet the lead ing Rebels everywhere. The Rebel officers are particularly interesting. I get on with them famously. I talk negro suffrage and our extremest radicalism to all of them. They dissent but are polite and cordial.
Love to boys. Lucy very happy.
Yours,
R. B. HAYES.
S. BlRCHARD.
NEW ORLEANS. December 28, 1866.
DEAR UNCLE : — On the opposite page is General Beauregard's autograph which please save. He wrote it this minute.
One of the pleasant points in this trip is making the acquaint ance of the leading Rebel officers.
38 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES
We are doing finely, shall probably return to Washington and Lucy will go to Fremont soon after. — Love to boys.
Yours,
R. B. HAYES. S. BIRCHARD. Private.
WASHINGTON, January 19, 1867.
DEAR JUDGE : — I will hand your letter about Shields' confirma tion to our Senators with favorable talk. As to the other, I get more letters on the other side, but have done nothing more than to refer them to our Senators. Do you watch the movements here ? What do you think of them ? Being myself on the radical side of all of them, I may have lost my sense and would like to hear a cool outsider talk.
Yours,
R. B. HAYES. HON. W. M. DICKSON, Cincinnati.
WASHINGTON, D. C, January 27, 1867.
DEAR UNCLE: — Buck [land] and I are both a little shaky on the Randall Bill. I will bear watching quite as much as he will. I think we shall both light on your side of the question but our state of mind is, as you used to say, "between souse and sug- gerly."* I am confident, however, that the bill will not pass at this session. ,
I hear the boys are at home. I suppose they will (the two big ones) return to your house after this week's doings and that Lucy and Rud will return here soon. I leave it all to her.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES. S. BIRCHARD.
* Undoubtedly colloquial for "between south and southerly." Lexi cographers have failed to record these forms.
RECONSTRUCTION — 1865-1867 39
Private and Confidential.
WASHINGTON, D. C, January 29, 1867.
MY DEAR SIR : — I am this morning in receipt of yours of the 26th as to the next Union nomination for governor. Since Gen eral Cox's declination one or two persons, in a merely casual way, have spoken to me on the subject. Your letter contains the first and only serious suggestion of the sort I have received from Ohio. I therefore do not wish to speak now decisively, or for the public. I will mention a few things which strike me at first blush, one or the other of which will perhaps end the matter.
Having been elected by the Union people of the Second Dis trict to an office which they knew I wanted, it would not be right to resign it without their approval. Again, I would not go into the State Convention unless it was quite certain that I would be supported by the delegates of Hamilton County. And, finally, I would not go into a contest with any other Union man of Hamilton County for the support of the delegation of that county. In short, nothing but the general desire and approval of the party and its public men in the county would justify me in consenting to leave the office to which I have just been elected.
I prefer you would for the present keep this to yourself, with the understanding that I will write you fully, frankly, and definitely when I am a little better informed in the premises.
Sincerely,
WILLIAM HENRY SMITH, R' R HAYES'
Columbus.
WASHINGTON, D. C., January 30, 1867. DEAR UNCLE : — . . . The Randall Bill stands no chance at all. Hooper's Bill not much.
No change, is the present feeling in finance. Nothing will be done on impeachment, or Reconstruction at this session.
Sincerely,
S. BIRCHARD. R' B' HAYES-
WASHINGTON, D. C., February 2, 1867. DEAR UNCLE: — I get letters about the governorship. It doesn't worry me any, but I am really puzzled what to say,
40 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES
This is the truth as I now see it : I don't particularly enjoy Con gressional life. I have no ambition for Congressional reputation or influence — not a particle. I would like to be out of it creditably. If this nomination is pretty likely, it would get me out of the scrape, and after that I am out of political life decently. On the other hand, I ought not and will not resign my seat in Congress to be governor unless the people of my district approve it. You see the case.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES. S. BIRCHARD. Private.
WASHINGTON, D. C, February — , 1867.
MY DEAR SIR : — Since writing you early last week I have received a good many letters from Cincinnati and the drift of them all is to confirm me in the correctness of my offhand im pressions. I wish, therefore, to have it known that I decline to allow my name to go before the Union State Convention. Of course I feel flattered by the favorable way in which I have been named, and greatly obliged to my friends for their partiality. I would very much enjoy, I arn sure, to make the canvass, and I do not pretend to be indifferent to the honor. If I had no place such as the one I now occupy I should quite willingly take the chances of getting a nomination. But under the circum stances, as I said in my former letter, I ought not to resign with out the approval of the people who sent me here ; and there is, judging by my correspondence, no general desire that I should do so. I shall write no letter for publication and of course want my decision made known without any "flourish of trumpets" or the assignment of reasons.
This letter is marked "private" merely to indicate that I don't want it to be published.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES.
WILLIAM HENRY SMITH, Columbus.
ROBERT C. SCHENCK BENJAMIN EGGLESTON RALPH P. BUCKLAND
HEZEKIAH S. BUNDY SAMUEL SHELLABARGER COLUMBUS DELANO
WILLIAM E. FINCK FRANCIS C. LE BLOND
OHIO MEMBERS OF CONGRESS WHO SERVED WITH RUTHERFORD B.
HAYES All served in the Thirty-ninth Congress; all but Mr. Finck in the Fortieth.
RECONSTRUCTION— 1865-1867 41
WASHINGTON, D. C, February 7, 1867. Friday. DEAR UNCLE : — Lucy reached here this morning safe and well. It is a most interesting period in Congress. She will enjoy it very much. Our new plans suit me exactly. Grant, Thomas, and Sheridan are now known to be all right.
Your letter on the governorship came one day too late. I decided not to run. The principal reason is I do not like in these times to leave a place to which I have just been chosen on my own request. But it's all right, I am sure. It is something to have declined an office of the sort.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES.
S. BlRCHARD.
WASHINGTON, February 22, 1867.
DEAR UNCLE : — Enclosed is the account of Carpenter's Lin coln. I have the picture and will also have Marshall's, and will one of these days express them both to you. As one is framed, be careful in opening them.
I send you a rather curious phrenological estimate of the Con gressmen on the Pacific Railroad excursion (Buck [land] and my self included) with portraits. It is curious as showing that Mr. [Samuel R.] Wells, who is a respectable person, and who pro fesses to judge people on the principles of what he calls the sciences of phrenology and physiology, really gets his impressions just as you and I do, from their manners, conduct, and con versation. He is evidently not influenced a particle by tempera ment or head and features. He is singularly and laughably , wrong in Buck's case. The only interest in the whole thing is that it shows the impression that a tolerably good observer gets on a short acquaintance with us.
We are getting on just right in politics here. The Commercial regrets my course one day, but the next day proved I was right.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES.
S. BlRCHARD.
42 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES
WASHINGTON, February 23, 1867.
DEAR GENERAL : — You will be pleased to hear that the ap propriation of one hundred thousand dollars to buy your father's library passed the Committee of the whole today without objec tion or opposition. It will no doubt pass the House in the same way, and we consider it safe in the Senate. It is in the regular Civil Appropriation Bill.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES. M. F. FORCE, Cincinnati.
WASHINGTON, D. C, April 6, 1867.
DEAR UNCLE : — The post-office and collectorship at home have kept me here this week, and may keep me several days yet. It looked as if I could do a good service to the city, to the party, and to some friends, and I would not leave as long as there was a chance of doing it.
All well. Love to the boys.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES. S. BIRCHARD.
CINCINNATI, May 21, 1867.
DEAR UNCLE : — . . . It now looks as if I would not con sent to run for governor. It is not, however, quite settled yet. Those who are friendly here all think I can still succeed if I wish to try it.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES. S. BIRCHARD. Private.
CINCINNATI, May 23, 1867.
DEAR SIR: — Yours of 2ist came to hand this morning. My chief personal objection to being a candidate for governor was removed when the Legislature squarely stood up to the suffrage issue. My supporters in the Second District are not as willing as I would wish to let me off. I am therefore waiting. Will
RECONSTRUCTION — 1865-1867 43
General Schenck be a candidate? I do not wish to run against him.
Keep this letter to yourself and write me what you know of General Schenck's intentions.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES. WILLIAM HENRY SMITH, SECRETARY OF STATE.
[In answer to the foregoing letter, Mr. Smith wrote im mediately : —
"For several weeks prior to the adjournment of the General Assembly, the question of a candidate for governor was generally discussed, and it was the opinion of all of the best men that you were the only one who could carry us safely and triumphantly through the campaign. It was unanimously conceded that if you would consent to be a candidate you would be nominated with out opposition, and so anxious were our Western Reserve friends to bring this about, they announced in nearly all their papers that you would receive their support. A few of your friends, and among them myself, deprecated this movement because we could not think of sparing you from Congress, and so through this influence, the thing was checked. However, these men have waited on us to produce the candidate, and they are becoming quite uneasy, especially as Washington schemers are involving the gubernatorial question with that of a candidate for Presi dent. Only in this way, on account of the uncertainty about yourself, has General Schenck's name been mentioned. There fore I feel justified in stating that, if it is known that you will consent to be a candidate, General Schenck will not be. ...
"I shall go down to Cincinnati Monday night or Tuesday morning. This question must be settled by the middle of next week, or we shall be inevitably lost." . . .]
44 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES
Confidential.
CINCINNATI, May 25, 1867.
DEAR SIR : — I intended to be out of town the first three days of next week, but will remain to meet you and talk over the afore said.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES. WILLIAM HENRY SMITH, Columbus, Ohio.
FREMONT, June 2, 1867.
MY DARLING: — I reached the depot here about six P. M. yes terday, the boys with Rock met me and had me up to the house in a "jiffy," as Mother used to say. Both the boys laughing and talking — as tanned as Indians and jolly as porpoises. Birch chops and hauls dirt for the road and Webb rows boat and fishes on the river. School of course but secondary. Their talk was of chickens. .
The flower garden has more plants in it, and will some day amount to something. Your verbenas (is that right?) will go into a star-shaped bed tomorrow. The rains have brought up the grass everywhere. It is a beautiful place. . . . Birch calls me "Dad" with great complacency and lays his hand on my shoulder familiarly. Have had a pleasant day with the boys. Very happy little (or big) fellows they are, and very happy it is to be with them. — Good night. Love to all.
Sincerely, your
R.
MRS. HAYES,
CINCINNATI, June 12, 1867.
DEAR UNCLE : — ... The papers in the different coun ties, and the delegate elections are regarded here as settling my nomination. Cox is not getting much support and will, I pre sume, adhere to his withdrawal.
Sincerely,
j R. B. HAYES.
S. BIRCHARD.
RECONSTRUCTION — 1865-1867 45
CINCINNATI, June 20, 1867.
DEAR UNCLE : — I shall probably go to Columbus about the middle of next week and get around to Fremont from there Fri day or Saturday, and will leave with Buckland for Washington Sunday night or Monday morning. I want to suggest the pro priety of taking Birch and Webb with me to Washington. I shall stay but a short time. The expense will be a hundred dollars or so, but as this is probably my last of public life, I would parti cularly like to take the boys. Do not speak of it to them unless you approve.
I do not regret the new step [candidacy for governor]. It gets me out of worries that I shall be glad to be rid of.
All agreeable here. Love to the boys.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES.
S. BlRCHARD.
WASHINGTON, July 2, 1867.
MY DARLING : — We got here at five this afternoon ; had a good trip. The boys looked and behaved well. At first both a little subdued, but before we got here Webb recovered and was on good terms with the Members of Congress on board ; in fact, I am afraid that in another day he would have pulled Senator Chand ler's nose and punched Senator Howard in the stomach ! Birch took to the guidebook and is up on geography, distances, places, etc., etc.
Affectionately,
R. B. HAYES. MRS. HAYES.
WASHINGTON, D. C, July n, 1867.
DARLING : — The boys very happy and very good. Webb and Birch both crowd up to Mr. Stevens when he speaks. They had a chance to hear Bingham's best piece of declamation the other day. Birch, however, likes Stevens the most. Webb is very modest in the House. Birch is bolder. Birch learns everything. Webb is delighted with books he gets from the library.
46 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES
I have some notion of returning by New York. The only objection is, it will add another week to absence from you. And you know how affectionately
I am ever your
R. MRS. HAYES.
WASHINGTON, D. C, July 14, 1867,
MY DARLING : — Nothing but good things to say about the boys. I asked Birch whether he wouldn't prefer going to New York and Niagara to going direct to Cincinnati. "No," says he, "you see I haven't seen Mama for a long time, not since April, and I want to see where she is living." It looks as if we could start home the last of this or the first of next week. Much love to you, dearest.
Affectionately ever,
R. MRS. HAYES.
WALNUT HILLS, July 25, 1867.
DEAR UNCLE: — We got home safely yesterday. Find Lucy and all well. I think I will return the two boys about the middle of next week, or last, not certain yet. If I come up, as I think I will, I can stay only a couple of days. Politics will be my busi ness the rest of the time until election. I feel well about it, and expect to enjoy it.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES. S. BIRCHARD.
CHAPTER XXVII
GOVERNOR OF OHIO FIRST TERM 1868-1869
HAYES was nominated for governor in June, 1867. He resigned from Congress on the adjournment of Congress late in July and immediately entered upon his canvass.]
SPRINGFIELD, OHIO, August 17, 1867.
DEAR UNCLE: — I write from here not knowing if I shall have time to do so at home. I go home to spend Sunday today.
Thus far all goes pleasantly. Luckily my best speech was to my best audience, and where I would have preferred it, at Day ton. Nobody with me yet. I expect Buck [land] next week.
• • •
Yours,
R. B. HAYES.
S. BlRCHARD.
PORTSMOUTH, August 25, 1867, Sunday.
MY DARLING : — I could not get to Chillicothe today. Had a great crowd yesterday. In the middle of my speech a terrific rain-storm broke us up. At night we had a fine meeting. "Old Ben" [Wade] made a glorious negro suffrage [speech], fre quently rough, but great.
Mrs. Buckland is with Buck. We all enjoy it. Spoke at night three times the last week as well as daily. Am quite hoarse but it [the hoarseness] wears off entirely as I warm up. Love to Rud. Oceans to yourself.
Affectionately,
R. MRS. HAYES.
COLUMBUS, September 29, 1867.
MY DARLING : — I am writing from Laura's pleasant home — the next place to my wife's in homelikeness and comfort.
(47)
48 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES
I did lope to see you at 383 this morning but to do so would give me two night rides, one to go and another to get back to the Reserve. So, tired as I was, I gave it up.
A pleasant week, this last. I enjoyed Delaware particularly. I made only a so-so speech there — not a failure, but not one of the good ones. Sorry for that, but couldn't help it. At Tiffin and Bucyrus, three hours each had used me up a trifle. I am better than ever.
Affectionately,
R.
MRS. HAYES.
CINCINNATI, October 6, 1867.
DEAR UNCLE: — We are all very well at our old home on Sixth Street. My last speech of any consequence was made Fri day night. One of the best I have made, and particularly with the best voice. It was rather queer. Governor Morton made a noble speech but [he] could not be heard by half his audience. I reached them all more easily than ever before.
It looks well here. We shall elect our county ticket and do well for the amendment. But the Gary affair* is very much mixed. I shall not be surprised at any result. It has been badly managed — very.
I hope to be with you next Sunday.
I sent my card to Judge Thurman [the opposing candidate] when he was here. He was not in his room. He afterwards sent me a note which I prize. He says : "Whatever the result, it is a great satisfaction to know that you and I have behaved like gentlemen and friends."
Love to the boys and Sarah.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES.
S. BIRCHARD.
*Samuel F. Gary was the Democratic candidate for Congress in the Second District to fill Mr. Hayes's unexpired term, opposing Richard Smith, editor of the Gazette, As Mr. Hayes apprehended, Gary was elected.
GOVERNOR OF OHIO — 1868-1869 49
CINCINNATI, October 9, 1867.
MY DEAR UNCLE : — You need not be told how much the re sult of the election disappoints me. You know I will bear it cheerfully and with philosophy. It is however a puzzling thing to decide now what is next to be done. Assuming that I am beaten, which I do not doubt, I must choose my path anew. I will see you and talk it all over soon. No man in my place would probably have done differently, but the thing is over, and now for a sensible future. I feel sorry for the boys — especially Birch.
I hope your health is good, and that you will borrow no trou ble on account of this.
Sincerely,
S. BIRCHARD. R. B. HAYES.
CINCINNATI, October n, 1867.
DEAR SMITH : — I am obliged for your letter of yesterday. It
is to be hoped that the corrections will not upset the apple-cart.
I am going to Fremont tomorrow. Please send a dispatch
about noon Saturday, stating the majority for me as it then
stands, addressed to S. Birchard, Fremont, Ohio.
Sincerely, R. B. HAYES.
P. S. — If it holds out I shall be at Columbus next week.
WILLIAM HENRY SMITH, SECRETARY OF STATE.
CINCINNATI, November 17, 1867.
DEAR S — : — I went to Columbus to get quarters and for noth ing else. I did hear General Cox's whole mind, as I suppose, and I agree with him throughout. That does not include your ideas as to General D — . I do not hear that he is a candidate for the adjutant-generalship. The pressure idea is foolish enough.
Be serene! I'll talk it all up before jumping in.
Sincerely, WILLIAM HENRY SMITH, R. B. HAYES.
Columbus, Ohio. 4
50 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES
COLUMBUS, December 27, 1867.
MY DARLING : — Am here waiting for my traps and calami ties — I should say our — which will be here this afternoon and I hope to get them all in the house tomorrow. The carpets and other things I wish to get ready to put down and put in; but really very little in that way can be done without you. I have an impression we shall feel very homelike here when we do settle.
Love to all. I shall come up [to Fremont] in time for din ner New Year's day, if not before.
Affectionately,
R.
MRS. HAYES.
COLUMBUS, OHIO, January n, 1868.
DEAR UNCLE : — I suppose you are entitled to an advance copy of my inaugural. Here it is. It contains but three days [ideas]. First, a compliment to Governor Cox; second, advice against too much legislation ; and third, it shows that I still stand by equal suffrage. It is the shortest ever delivered in Ohio.
Our new home is most agreeable. I can give you a pleasant room with an air-tight wood-stove and a bedroom opening into it, so much like your own that I am sure you would be safe in health and feel at home.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES.
S. BIRCHARD.
COLUMBUS, OHIO, January 13, 1868.
DEAR UNCLE : — I now send you another copy of the inau gural containing a fourth idea. I found our Democrats foolish enough to be repealing Ohio's assent to the Fourteenth Amend ment. So I put in some words on that head. — All well.
Yours,
R. B. HAYES. S. BIRCHARD.
GOVERNOR OF OHIO — 1868-1869 51
COLUMBUS, January 17, 1868.
DEAR UNCLE: — I am enjoying the new office. It strikes me at a guess as the pleasantest I have ever had. Not too much hard work, plenty of time to read, good society, etc., etc. . . .
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES.
S. BlRCHARD.
COLUMBUS, OHIO, February 3, 1868.
DEAR UNCLE: — Tell the boys that if nothing occurs to pre vent I hope to reach Fremont on the evening train that will ar rive Friday evening.
I send you T. D. Jones* design for a Soldier and Lincoln Mon ument. We hadn't money enough to accept this design. It is in three parts : — ( I ) At the bottom, the uprising of the people when Sumter was taken; (2) The surrender of Vicksburg to Grant; and (3) The bust of Lincoln. I am not sure but pre sume you will think it worth express charges and houseroom. We adopted Jones' bust from this design.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES.
S. BlRCHARD.
COLUMBUS, OHIO, February 17, 1868.
DEAR S — : — I have thought of writing to the friends of some of the early governors for portraits. Some I am sure I can get by simply asking — as McArthur, Trimble, etc., etc. I merely write for suggestions supposing you may know or may have done something which would change my idea.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES. WILLIAM HENRY SMITH.
STATE OF OHIO, EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT.
COLUMBUS, April 15, 1868.
SIR : — I am requested to write you in relation to the va cancy in the consular office at Cincinnati, Ohio, occasioned by the death of Mr. C. F. Adae.
52 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES
Honorable John B. Stallo has been named as a suitable person to fill the vacancy. I am personally well acquainted with Judge Stallo. He is an able lawyer and an influential and upright citi zen whose reputation, experience, and capacity fit him in an eminent degree for the position of consular representative for any European Power desiring such representative in one of the important cities of the United States. I have the honor to be,
Very respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
R. B. HAYES, GOVERNOR OF OHIO. COUNT BISMARCK,
CHANCELLOR NORTH GERMAN CONFEDERATION, Berlin.
( Telegrams. )
WASHINGTON, D. C, May 5, 1868. To GOVERNOR R. B. HAYES,
Columbus, Ohio.
What do Ohio Republicans desire as to impeachment? Answer fully.
J. C. LEE, Care Judge Welker.
COLUMBUS, May 6, 1868. To GENERAL J. C. LEE,
Care of Judge Welker, M. C.,
Washington. Conviction.
R. B. HAYES.
FREMONT, OHIO, May 23, Saturday, 1868.
MY DARLING : — Came from Chicago this morning. Had a fine time. . . . All well here. Young Mrs. Wade came over with me — vexed of course with the doings of a few Ohio anti- Waders, but took it well. The Convention [National Re-
GOVERNOR OF OHIO — 1868-1869 53
publican] with that exception was a great success. Mrs. Lane sends her regards. She was full of praises of you ; the old Sen ator, ditto. Affectionately,
R. B. H. MRS. HAYES.
COLUMBUS, June 27, 1868.
DEAR SMITH : — In reply to yours of yesterday : The Youngs- town address is now half written — a dull affair, nothing fresh, original, or even passably good in it. I rely upon a rapid, spir ited delivery to get it off on the audience and prefer not to let it get into any daily. But if it must be, your wishes will be com plied with, but with the distinctly expressed wish that you don't call attention to it by praise or otherwise. It will be platitu- dinarily-tion stupid. Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES. WILLIAM HENRY SMITH,
Chronicle Office, Cincinnati.
COLUMBUS, July 2, 1868.
MY DEAR S — : — I hope I have not got myself in a scrape with you. I did not dream that your paper would not appear Saturday P. M. Your letter spoke of ''selling it by the time I had comfortably concluded, etc., etc.," and so I gave it to all the other Cincinnati papers and I now have slips this morning from the Commercial, etc. But how will it do to print in your last edition Friday? There was no understanding with other papers. Their correspondents asked for it, and they copied it. Do just what you please with it. Mahoning is a great way off.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES. WILLIAM HENRY SMITH, EDITOR, Chronicle.
July 9, 1868. — Horatio Seymour nominated because : — i. He was more distinctly and decidedly committed against the Greenback theory of Mr. Pendleton and the Western De mocracy than any other man before that convention.
54 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES
2. He was by his record more completely identified with the peace party than any man except Mr. Pen.dleton.
3. He is for a reconstruction of the South which will be agreeable to the Rebels, and opposes the reconstruction which gives safety and power to the loyal.
COLUMBUS, July 14, 1868.
DEAR UNCLE: — . . . Joel Bryan's wife, son, and daughter were here this morning. Had a pleasant time with them. The son, Guy, is a fine, excellent young man of twenty- six years — sensible, intelligent, etc. The old friends are all prosperous. Negro business in that county works well — no fuss or trouble. The young man is a Democrat and was at New York [National Democratic Convention], but is free from bigot ry and nonsense ; takes cheerful and sensible views of things.
I go to Cincinnati tomorrow to stay a few days. Yes, hurrah for Seymour and Blair ! The thing is a wet blanket here to our Democrats. The prospect has certainly improved for us.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES.
S. BIRCHARD.
COLUMBUS, July 25, 1868.
DEAR GENERAL : — You make me feel "wuss and wuss" but I can't make the trip. Her beauty and "incomparable" charms of all sorts I am sure are of the lasting kind. I can't say as to how she will "keep" in other respects. There is one thing (to the shame of our society be it spoken) which makes it probable that she will stay. She has no fortune to attract the flies.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES. GENERAL M. F. FORCE, Cincinnati.
GOVERNOR OF OHIO — 1868-1869 55
Private and Confidential.
COLUMBUS, October 27, 1868.
MY DEAR S — : — The Chronicle contains an unlucky little sentence. Of course it is not to be corrected or alluded to, but the governor neither can nor ought "to prevent breaches of the peace." Yet there are people who expect it, and that makes the sentence unlucky. If there was an insurrection or mob which the civil authorities could not control, I could call out the military (if there zvas any?) but it is the business of the civil authorities to take care of "breaches of the peace." The governor has no civil authority. I write merely out of abundant caution.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES. WILLIAM HENRY SMITH, Cincinnati.
COLUMBUS, November 3, 1868.
DEAR UNCLE : — Platt heard my talk about the taxes for ditches and roads on your Wood County lands with the great est good humor. He laughed about it; said he rather thought the lands might about as well be given up, but would leave all that to you and Doctor Rawson. He seemed to regard the big figures I gave him as a good joke. There will be no trouble or feeling with him.
Judge Matthews staid with us during the session of the Electoral College. His daughter Bella, the eldest and favorite, aged seventeen, died suddenly while he was here.
Lucy has gone down to Glendale. We got home in five hours from Fremont by way of Monroeville and Clyde. The quickest time I ever made. All well.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES.
S. BlRCHARD.
WASHINGTON, November 9, 1868.
DEAR GUY : — I came here last night chiefly to attend to your cause. The President has just given me an order for the par' don of yourself and brothers. I congratulate you all.
56 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES
I concur fully with the sentiments of your letter. I hope you will all agree to one further amendment of the Constitution, viz., the basis of representation to be voters. This I deem very essential. Don't commit yourself against it until I can write you fully.
I return home tomorrow. All Cincinnati friends are well. Regards to your wife.
As ever,
R. B. HAYES. GUY M. BRYAN, Texas.
COLUMBUS, November n, 1868.
DEAR UNCLE: — We are jogging along as usual — a little more to do than heretofore. The Legislature meeting soon and various matters overlooked claiming attention.
I spent the election day [at Cincinnati] looking at Mr. Pro- basco's fine pictures, statuary, library, and house. The house is much the finest I ever was in. He has a few pictures of all peoples — English, German, French, Italian, Asiatic, etc. He prefers French art to any other.
We hope to spend Thanksgiving with you and shall do so if not prevented by something I don't now foresee. Grant's election was a happy thing. He seems to behave admirably. The effect South and everywhere seems good.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES.
S. BIRCHARD.
COLUMBUS, December 19, 1868.
DEAR UNCLE : — Got home safe this morning. Had a good time. The most satisfactory part of the trip was several hours' quiet talk with General Grant. It was a most delightful talk. After he warms up he is just about such a man as Charley Boalt used to be — quite as cheerful, chatty, and good-natured, and so sensible, clear-headed, and well-informed. I feel just as much at ease with him as I do with intimate friends like Hastings or Force — more so than with Bushnell or even Buckland! This
GOVERNOR OF OHIO — 1868-1869 57
sounds strange, but I mention it because it will give you an idea how completely and wonderfully he remains unspoiled by his elevation. I think I will come up soon and give you some of his talk.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES.
S. BlRCHARD.
COLUMBUS, January 18, 1869.
DEAR UNCLE: — I received yours enclosing draft for $551.68, proceeds of bond for which I am obliged.
We are all very well. The Legislature comes together in good feeling, and the past week has been an animated time, meeting friends, acquaintances, and strangers. Mr. Emmitt has placed two more statues in the rotunda which I suppose are really by Mead. They are about one-third life-size and very pretty.
The best book of the sort I have seen is "Personal Sketches of Grant" by Richardson, author of "Field, Dungeon, and Escape," which you have. I will bring it up when I come two or three weeks hence.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES.
S. BlRCHARD.
COLUMBUS, January 21, 1869.
MY DEAR GUY : — Your New Year's letter made me happy. Time is rapidly getting our political differences out of the way. We shall hardly be as wide apart again as we were ten years ago. Personally, we never were divided. Hereafter I hope we shall meet in as complete accord as need be for close friendship. I was at Gambier Monday to see the inauguration of a new president. The enclosed gives you a report of it. Altogether a good time. I spoke of you to numbers of old friends who have friendly recollections of auld lang syne. Kurd, Buttles, Jones, etc., always ask about you.
Excuse this. I am writing in the office with too many inter-
58 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES
ruptions to write consecutively. My regards to your wife and children. I hope to see you again soon.
As ever,
R. GUY M. BRYAN,
Texas. Private.
COLUMBUS, February 15, 1869.
MY DEAR SIR: — I am in receipt of yours of the I3th. I have taken some pains to keep posted on the state of things at Washington and from different sources, as well informed, perhaps, as anybody, I get advices which lead me to think "pressure" a bad thing. I have so far kept away designedly, and think it would have been better if others had done so. If anything turns up changing the looks I'll act at once. You evidently think as I do about it. Grant's little speech has different versions and the words you quote are not probably "verbatim copy." However, I have no misgivings. There will be dissatisfactions, of course, but I think nothing serious.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES.
[Unidentified.]
COLUMBUS, February 18, 1869.
MY DEAR SIR : — I received today the Globe containing the debate on the Butler resolution of censure.* I have felt like thanking you for your part in that debate ever since I read it, and I congratulate you very heartily upon it. It is absolutely necessary that on such occasions somebody should have the pluck to talk truth and sense, and it is a fortunate circumstance to have a man of position and ability to do it.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES.
JAMES A. GARFIELD.
*A resolution censuring the Vice-President pro tempore, Benjamin Wade, for ordering the electoral vote of Georgia to be counted in the joint convention of the two houses of Congress for counting the vote for President.
GOVERNOR OF OHIO — 1868-1869 59
COLUMBUS, March 7, 1869.
DEAR UNCLE: — We are all well. Political talk is just now all the talk. Grant's inaugural strikes me as capital. His Cabinet looks like a revolution, an experiment. If it succeeds, as I hope it will, all will applaud him for his courage and wis dom. Otherwise, otherwise. It is a Cabinet for work, for honesty, and for economy. It contains three radicals, Wash- burne, Creswell, and Howe; three conservative Republicans, Cox, Stewart, and Borie. It is outside of political circles — no man of political strength in the list, and is therefore un trammelled, owes nobody anything. It contains no Presidential aspirants, and may therefore be regarded as organized for harmony. No man being conspicuous, Grant's leadership and rule is beyond question. It seems to mean business and not political scheming. It is an attempt to put fitness and qualifi cations before what is called "claims" and "political services." If anybody could overthrow the spoils doctrine and practice, Grant is the man. It has been thought impossible hitherto, but I hope with some confidence that he will win.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES.
S. BlRCHARD.
COLUMBUS, March 10, 1869.
MY DEAR SIR : — I sent two letters to Mr. Barrett this morn ing, one to General Cox, and one to General Grant.
Your letter indicates that you are in doubt of the future. I suppose there is some reason for it, but I confess I don't feel it. There is just now a wild hubbub at Washington and to some extent in the country, but I think I see the main points are all right and think that before a great while the present doubting will disappear. "Wait for the facts."
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES. WILLIAM HENRY SMITH, Cincinnati, Ohio.
60 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES
COLUMBUS, March 24, 1869.
DEAR UNCLE : — I spent four days in Washington most pleasantly. There is still a lack of harmony on the Tenure of Office Law, but generally the prospect is good of a strong, suc cessful, and popular Administration. On all essentials, Grant is more perfectly in accord with Republican ideas than was gen erally supposed was the case. The Cabinet is personally likely to be very popular. Economy and good sense seem to be in power.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES.
S. BIRCHARD.
COLUMBUS, April 3, 1869.
DEAR UNCLE : — . . . The best thing of my administra tion, I suspect, will be the beginning of the geological survey. It carried very handsomely in both branches. Now comes the important point. Who is to be chief geologist? My preposses sions are for Professor Newberry. Please ask Mr. Bushnell about it and get him to write me, showing him or telling him what I say.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES.
S, BIRCHARD.
COLUMBUS, April 15, 1869.
DEAR GENERAL : — The Fifth Virginia was commanded by Colonel Zigler until about 1863, then by Colonel Tomlinson until the end of its first term of enlistment, and in 1864 re- enlisted and became the First West Virginia Veteran Volunteers under Colonel Wm. H. Enochs. Its men would naturally claim the veteran regiment to be the same as the former Fifth, as it was principally composed of the officers and men of the Fifth, consolidated with the Ninth however.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES. [Unidentified.]
GOVERNOR OF OHIO — 1868-1869 6J
COLUMBUS, April 19, 1869.
MY DEAR BOY : — I am sending Uncle a box containing oats and barley and also a small box inside of it with fossil shell fish, a fossil shark's tooth, and a bud, I suppose it is, of a lily fossilized. I visited a small but valuable collection of such things this morning. They were found near here and at Dela ware. At Delaware they find bones of enormous fishes of species long since extinct. There are septaria, or large round stones like Uncle's, formed around large fish bones — particu larly the bones of the head and the jaws, six and eight feet in diameter! That story will make Uncle open his eyes. Mr. Herzer, the German who gave me the fossils, has a micro- jscope which magnifies three hundred times. A small-sized louse looks as big as a full grown rat, and [a] much more ter rible beast than a rat he is with his claws and pinching appara tus. . . .
Affectionately,
WEBB C. HAYES, R. B. HAYES.
Fremont. Private.
COLUMBUS, April 26, 1869.
DEAR S — : — Enclosed I send you a letter for Nixon to Delano. What are your ideas on school commissioner? Cow- dery, White, Harvey, and Henkle seem ahead. As Lincoln would say, I have very little influence with the governor, but would suggest names in about the above order.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES. WILLIAM HENRY SMITH,
Chronicle Office, Cincinnati.
COLUMBUS, April 29, 1869.
DEAR S — : — I rather like your ticket. But Mr. Henkle is not a candidate. No recommendations are on file for him, (a circumstance which perhaps ought to be decisive in his favor!), and having said I would try to give the school men their choice, I propose to do it if they can make one.
62 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES
You don't say White once. Warner is strong for him, and a good crowd of first-class school men. I am in no hurry.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES. WILLIAM HENRY SMITH.
COLUMBUS, May i, 1869.
DEAR S — : — I am obliged for your frank letter. It conies nearer the core of the matter than any word I have yet had. I may not act on it, but the chances are that I shall. I have a sort of pledge out to appoint the choice of the school men. If they by their letters, etc., etc., do decidedly make a choice, I shall act on it even of it takes the man you dislike. But it looks now as if I should be left free.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES. WILLIAM HENRY SMITH.
COLUMBUS, May 6, 1869.
DEAR S — : — The use of the phrase, "the man you dislike," in my note to you, was unfortunate. I am sorry for it. No meaning containing an imputation on your motives was in my mind — none whatever. Your letter shows a dislike for one of the gentlemen named, as I thought, but it did not, and does not occur to me that therefore you opposed him. You named another and a solid reason — a reason which deserves to be con sidered. The part of your letter enclosed in brackets contains what I refer to as showing "dislike." The last sentence in your letter of the 5th will, I trust, on reflection be reconsidered.*
Sincejely,
R. B. HAYES. WILLIAM HENRY SMITH.
* Mr. Smith had written : — "I am not in the habit of letting my personal dislikes enter into the consideration of public matters, and I am not aware of having indicated to you any dislike for any one among the candidates for school commissioner. ... I endeavored to answer your inquiry as a friend who is not afraid to speak the truth at all times, and to give you the inside view among the best of the teachers. As this effort has been construed as an expression of my 'likes and dislikes,' I would suggest that hereafter you apply elsewhere for information."
GOVERNOR OF OHIO — 1868-1869 63
May 7, 1869. — The Legislature adjourns today. Now for the result. Prepare accurate and full tables showing the ex penditures authorized by this Legislature. Divide them into ordinary and extraordinary. Show then in some detail how they compare with former years, with ten, twenty years ago, and with last year
Apply this to state and local affairs. Show amount of taxes authorized and amount that goes upon the future. Give a list of all unusual appropriations, all unusual burdens.
When the white flag was raised at [the] Chicago [Democratic National Convention in 1864] by recommending "immediate efforts for the cessation of hostilities," Judge R — was a state delegate for Ohio.
COLUMBUS, May 17, 1869.
DEAR UNCLE: — . . . Colonel Whittlesey is very angry and very vindictive because he is not State Geologist. He threat ens terribly to defeat my nomination and the like!
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES.
S. BlRCHARD.
COLUMBUS, June 4, 1869.
DEAR UNCLE : — I returned from the East Tuesday night, and found all at home as usual. My trip was in all respects very interesting. Nothing was pleasanter than a look through the Art Gallery, Stewart's new store, and the view from Nordhoff's cottage on the Palisades of the Hudson. The best talks I heard were those of Mr. Kennedy, the superintendent of the metropolitan police, the successor of old Hayes. I was with him the most of two days. — All well.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES.
S. BlRCHARD.
64 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES
COLUMBUS, June 26, 1869.
DEAR GENERAL : — Looking over the letters opened and read hastily on the day of the convention,* I find the enclosed which is no doubt the lost letter to you.
Your capital speech the other day, the night of the 23rd, I have read with great satisfaction, and I hope you will make your arrangements to speak for the committee during the can vass and at a long list of meetings.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES. J. A. GARFIELD.
COLUMBUS, July 13, 1869.
DEAR S — : — I am sorry not to be here to meet you.
I think of nothing in particular to say. There is a whispering which leads me to suspect that they [the Democratic leaders] are hoping, and perhaps trying, to get Rosecrans to decline. If he declines it will change the programme essentially. Until that matter is decided I suspect we had better show up their talk about him, and his talk about them as our principal topic, so far as merely personal issues go.
I am ready to begin [the canvass] whenever it is deemed best, and would advise going first and chiefly into doubtful or Union counties.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES
WILLIAM HENRY SMITH.
COLUMBUS, August 9, 1869.
DEAR UNCLE:—. . . I begin campaigning Wednesday. Rosecrans' declination does not affect it much. He would have been beaten. So I think will whoever they run.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES. S. BIRCHARD.
* The State Republican Convention, June 23, at Columbus, which re- nominated Mr. Hayes by acclamation.
GOVERNOR OF OHIO — 1868-1869 65
COLUMBUS, August 16, 1869.
DEAR UNCLE : — The business of the office and the canvass keep me busy. I go to Chillicothe at noon and will be absent "on the circuit" two weeks before I return. Things look well. Pendleton's nomination makes the race more interesting and more doubtful. But I guess it will be all right. My health, voice, and spirits are of the best.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES.
S. BlRCHARD.
Private.
COLUMBUS, August 27, 1869.
MY DEAR SIR: — I wrote the enclosed [following] letter to the editor of the Democrat, but noticing that he refers to you, it seems more proper to write you on the subject, and as I am pressed for time I send you the letter to show you that I take it all in good part.
I add two things : First, I regret you did not write me after the state convention your views; and, secondly, I did tell all our Republican friends who conversed with me on such topics to oppose debts except in the extremest cases.
I hope it will do us no injury, and trust you will agree with me that the long sessions and excessive legislation of the last Legislature ought to be avoided.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES. D. W. CANFIELD, ESQ., Chardon, Ohio.
Confidential.
COLUMBUS, August 27, 1869.
MY DEAR SIR: — 1 have read the article you send me. The spirit of it is so just and fair that I cannot complain of it. At the same time I must think as to the Commisisoners' Bill that it violates the spirit of the constitution in not placing limits or conditions upon the power of the board. You do not allude to the most objectionable bill — the Road Bill. 5
66 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES
But I write merely to say that I think we can't differ on my main objection, viz., the long sessions — the overlegislation. To that I did object in my inaugural message and this is what 'led to the greatest abuses. I shall listen to all such friendly suggestions as yours, and so far as I can do it, without for saking principle, will accommodate my discussions to the views of the friends. It is perhaps a hobby with me, but I do hate debt, and I am opposed to authorizing it except as a dernier ressort.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES. P. S. — The canvass looks well so far. — H.
JULIUS O. CONVERSE, ESQ., Char don t Ohio.
COLUMBUS, August 30, 1869.
DEAR UNCLE : — . . . I am over my hardest week's work and find myself still in good condition in all respects. I shall drift up into your vicinity next week. I can form no very definite notion as to prospects. There are some clouds at Cin cinnati and Cleveland growing out of local troubles, but with these exceptions the coast is clear and appearances encouraging.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES. S. BIRCHARD.
COLUMBUS, OHIO, September 27, 1869.
DEAR UNCLE : — I am getting on very well. Came home last Saturday. ... I start out again this afternoon to be gone until the last of the week.
As I have told you all along, the result of an apathetic election is always in doubt and this election is badly apathetic. But it looks better to me and I now think our chance is decidedly the best.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES.
S. BIRCHARD.
GOVERNOR OF OHIO — 1868-1869 67
COLUMBUS, October 8, 1869.
DEAR UNCLE : — I have no new opinion about the election. The vote will probably be light — so light that an adverse re sult would not surprise me, and yet I think we shall get through. • • •
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES.
S. BlRCHARD.
COLUMBUS, OHIO, October 13, 1869.
DEAR UNCLE : — . . . We are in the midst of the doubt as to results. I am laughing and serene as usual. But there are anxious faces over the figures. It looks as if I was carried through again by a close vote. I saw the moon over my right shoulder and I think that will win.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES.
S. BlRCHARD.
COLUMBUS, November 4, 1869.
Honorable Richard M. Corwine, of Cincinnati, Ohio, is a lawyer of large experience, whose practice in the higher courts of the State and of the United States for many years has given him wide reputation. He has devoted himself to his profes sion almost without interruption more than twenty-five years. Whatever qualifications for the discharge of important judicial duties can be acquired by a gentleman of intellect, of excellent temper and manners, and of great industry, may be justly claimed for Mr. Corwine.
R. B. HAYES.
COLUMBUS, OHIO, November 8, 1869.
DEAR CORWINE : — You have the joke on me if I have not on you. The word to my eye is plainly judicial not political. Either my writing or your reading is greatly at fault.
I can say nothing further as yet. Indeed, I feel some em barrassment may arise in doing so much as I have. I trust my letter will not be used or mentioned, if it does not seem neces-
68 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES
sary to do it. It is strictly within my rule and perfectly proper, but others might not so see it.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES. RICHARD M. CORWINE.
COLUMBUS, OHIO, November 6, 1869.
„• DEAR GENERAL : — My wife and I both wish to say thank
you for the beautiful pictures [reproductions of paintings in European galleries]. They are so fine that I want to be able to talk about them — how they are done; where are the originals; whose? etc., etc. I am told that a negative is ob tained from the painting by the ordinary process, that the negative is retouched, and these pictures printed from the im proved negative.
The next time I meet you I propose to hear you on your trip. So try not [to] forget it altogether.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES.
M. F. FORCE.
COLUMBUS, OHIO, November 7, 1869.
MY DEAR WEBB : — . . . Yesterday one of the teachers in the public schools tried an interesting experiment in the rotunda of the State House. He suspended an iron ball weigh ing twenty pounds by a fine wire from the top of the dome and by letting it swing as a pendulum demonstrated very satisfac torily that the earth moves from the west to the east. The wire had to be one hundred and twenty feet long to reach from the dome to the floor. A line was drawn on the floor due north and south and the ball set to swinging directly over the line. In an hour the line of the ball's motion was nine degrees variant from the north and south line, showing that in forty hours the variation would go clear around the circle. It was a curious demonstration, but while everybody saw the result, only a few seemed to fully comprehend it.
. I have a large number of the coats of arms of the States cut from the letters I get. If you want them I'll send
GOVERNOR OF OHIO — 1868-1869 69
them to you. . . . You must always write with ink. You forgot to give the year in dating your last letter. Your letter as a whole was very well written. — • Ruddy and your mother send love to you and Birch.
Affectionately, your father,
R. B. HAYES. WEBB C. HAYES, Fremont.
COLUMBUS, OHIO, November 7, 1869.
DEAR COLONEL : — Thanks for your call and pencil note at Cincinnati. I was sorry not to see you. I wanted to hear your talk — not more than I always do, — and as I am not likely to meet you often, I now want to know where you are to settle, if you do settle, that I can have the next best thing to your talk — your writings.
Judging by our last conversation, for pecuniary and other reasons you prefer a position to being merely a disturbing ele ment ; but as I see it, the latter is your vocation — a vocation in which you can do great things in the present political, religious, social, etc., etc.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES.
COLONEL DONN PIATT.
COLUMBUS, OHIO, November 8, 1869.
DEAR GENERAL : — I congratulate you back again [ — on your election to the state Senate]. Some enemy of yours reported that you would be badly beaten in any event. But I didn't believe it. I agree with you. Our lines didn't fall in the right years. The "off years," as Greeley calls them, are bad years to run for office.
The missionary story is out of whole cloth. I went to church like a good Christian on the Sunday I was reported to be ploughing with the Hamilton County Reform Members and didn't see one of them. Bishop Thompson preached a capital discourse on the text, "Be ye faithful to the end and I will give you a crown of life," or words to that effect. If you had
70 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES
heard it you wouldn't have thought of that infamous suspicion that I was imitating Sam Gary because I quoted scripture in my Thanksgiving proclamation. Hassaurek says the Reformers will be with us on the Fifteenth Amendment. I think so too. Lew Campbell, it is said, boasts that he will prevent the ratifi cation in the Senate, but as both of the Reformers are perfectly sound I suppose it is safe. . . .
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES. Kind regards to Mrs. Potts.
GENERAL B. F. POTTS, Carrollton, Ohio.
COLUMBUS, OHIO, November 9, 1869.
DEAR SIR : — I am in receipt of your favor of the 6th inst. in relation to the appointment of State Librarian, and in reply I must frankly say that, as at present advised, the incumbent will at the end of his term be reappointed. If I had an oppor tunity to talk with you face to face I would go into the reasons for this course. I recognize the validity of your claims and under other circumstances would be glad to give them a favor able hearing.
Supposing your letters may be of value to you, I respectfully return them.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES. GENERAL H. K. MCDONNELL,
Yellow Springs, Ohio.
COLUMBUS, OHIO, November 10, 1869.
DEAR NORDHOFF: — You are not the only "wretch" (I have adopted that good word from you) who harrows up the feelings of my wife by sending the Harper's picture of me. It has driven me into the photograph business and I am now jawing back in this way.
I want to send Walter "The President's Words" — the book of Lincoln's wisdom, I named to you. How — by express or mail, and direction?
GOVERNOR OF OHIO — 1868-1869 71
I have not seen Aunty Davis since your article on the Bible question. I fear she will think you have gone back on her hopes of you. I take the Bible side, largely because this war on the Good Book is in disguise a war on all free schools.
Sincerely, R R ^^
CHARLES NORDHOFF.
COLUMBUS, OHIO, November 10, 1869.
DEAR SIR : — I am in receipt of your note of the 8th. I agree with you as to the importance of securing a fire-proof building for the library. It seems to me so important that I would not wait until the society can build or purchase such rooms. Can't a room that would answer the purpose be rented? I, however, ought not to make suggestions. My income does not permit me to do more than pay the ten dollars assessment in aid of the society's object. I would be glad to do more if I could.
Sincerely, R R HAY£S
JULIUS DEXTER,
RECORDING SECRETARY, HISTORICAL AND PHILOSOPHICAL SOCIETY.
COLUMBUS, OHIO, November n, 1869.
MY DEAR SIR : — I am in receipt of your favor of the 9th in relation to the claims of Mr. Forster and Dr. Morton. I had some knowledge of the merits of Mr. Forster's applica tion and have written two letters in his behalf. In reply to one I was told that consulates are all gobbled up long ago — that his only chance is the resignation or death of the present incumbents; and you know "few die and none resign."
As to Dr. Morton, I know him well, but I suppose Mr. Har- bough, who is a faithful good officer, ought not to be turned out. If more letters or good words in behalf of Mr. Forster are wanted, I am ready to furnish them. But as Mr. Lincoln said when he was President : "I have very little influence with this Administration."
Sincerely, R. B. HAYES.
HONORABLE O. FOLLETT, Sandusky, Ohio.
72 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES
COLUMBUS, OHIO, November 13, 1869.
DEAR SAGE : — I am in receipt of yours of yesterday. I will send you reports of [the] Ohio Penitentiary and Reform Farm. No report of Girls' Reformatory yet made. But the rules adopted may answer your purpose and I will try to get them for you. They were approved by me as the law required and were in the handwriting of Judge M — [Matthews (?)].
I have the Thanksgiving proclamations of twenty-seven States — all recognizing religion, nearly all the religion of the Bible, and several the Divinity of Christ. More are coming, doubtless. Our Legislature for many years has passed a joint resolution annually authorizing a thanksgiving and frequently in terms which recognized the religion of the Bible. The last Legislature omitted to do so by a mere accident this year, but in [the] Sixty-fifth volume Ohio Laws, page 306, passed one last year. If you wish to borrow my bundle of Thanksgiving proclamations I will send them to you. All state institutions have religious exercises, some of them chaplains paid under state laws. The meetings of the two houses of the General As sembly are always opened with prayer in accordance, some times, with resolutions (passed unanimously usually), and sometimes by common consent. The inaugurations of governors are prefaced by religious exercises.
The general proposition on which you stand is undoubtedly sound. Whether your particular relief can be granted by a court is perhaps doubtful ; and if you are beaten I am not sure but the question will go before the committee in a better form for a final and correct decision by the people without the intervention of the courts in opposition to the late action of the School Board than it will with such intervention. But if I can aid you, call on me.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES.
[Unidentified.]
COLUMBUS, November 23, 1869.
MY DEAR SIR : — I am in receipt of your favor of the 2Oth as to a recommendation for an office in the revenue service. I
GOVERNOR OF OHIO — 1868-1869 73
am called upon to sign so many recommendations that I have acted upon a rule which practically destroys in a great measure the value of the testimonials I give, viz., to give only general recommendations, and to give those to all who desire it with this qualification, that I state what I know or believe to be true in each case. In this matter I have already given a general testi monial to a gentleman who applied to me before your letter came to hand. If a general letter of the sort indicated will be of service to you I will be glad to furnish it. Should you wish a letter, please send me a specimen of the testimonials you are furnished with.
My kind regards to Mrs. Pittenger.
R. B. HAYES.
MR. J. H. PITTENGER, Tiffin, Ohio*
COLUMBUS, November 23, 1869.
DEAR H — : — I have been absent or busy moving these last days or I would have said a word in reply to yours of the loth. I published the article* in the Journal. No reflection was of course intended on you in particular. The general practice you evidently regard just as I do, and I am sure there is no mis understanding on your part of my motives. I regard you as a man whose soundness of judgment and integrity of purpose in
*The article read : — "An illustration of the thoughtlessness with which good men sign important petitions occurred at the governor's office a few days ago. A petition for the pardon of a convict n'umerously signed was presented to Governor Hayes. Among the signers was a gentleman known to the governor to be a man of integrity and good sense. The gentleman was written to and asked what he knew or could learn as to the merits of the case. A few days afterwards the governor received a reply, marked 'private', in which the writer said : 'I signed the petition for his pardon presented to me by his wife. My tenderness of heart in the case overcame my judgment. As no good would be accomplished by his pardon, I fully investigated the case. I could obtain no redeeming quality in the convict from those familiar with him. He is represented by all as a very dangerous person to run at large, and from reports he is a natural thief and would, no doubt, continue his former career if par doned.' "
74 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES
such a case may be implicitly relied on ; and the point was made clearer to my mind than it can be to the public.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES. JOHN J. HOOKER, ESQ.,
Cincinnati. Private.
COLUMBUS, November 23, 1869.
DEAR GOVERNOR: — I thank you for your efforts in the Le- roy matter. I have no doubt he is deliberately trying to levy blackmail on me. The pretext is a deposit claimed to have been made by his son when a soldier in my command. I find abundant evidence that the claim is a fabrication of Leroy. At first I did not know but he was acting in good faith, and that the fraud was in the informants.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES.
GENERAL Lucius FAIRCHILD, Governor of Wisconsin.
Columbus, Ohio, November 28, 1869. — On the i7th we be gan to move from our late residence, 51 East State Street, to Judge Swayne's residence on Seventh Street, facing west and opposite the centre of East State Street. We are to pay eight hundred dollars per year and to have the use of some articles of furniture. It is a fine, large house with ample grounds. The rent is cheap.
I was re-elected by 7501 majority over Mr. Pendleton, and shall remain in office two years from next January, if nothing occurs to prevent.
December 2, 1869. — I now begin to collect materials and set down a few items for my annual message : —
I. Fifteenth Amendment — a few words of emphatic recom mendation and approval. 2. Soldiers' Orphans' Homes. 3. Reform, improvement, or progress in prison discipline. 4. The Reappraisement. 5. The Geological Survey. 6. Inebriate Asylum. 7. Incurable Insane. 8. Agricultural fund; college
GOVERNOR OF OHIO — 1868-1869 75
to be located, (See 1859, P- 51)- — (Mem.: — In my brief in augural why not suggest topics, improvements, or amendments of the Constitution?)
Take up the benevolent and reformatory institutions ; give their condition, number of inmates, cost, etc., etc. (See Gov ernor Chase's message 1860.)
To recommend clearly and briefly the things deemed best without argument or illustration.
COLUMBUS, OHIO, December 2, 1869.
DEAR HASTINGS: — I am in receipt of your note of the 3Oth ult. It is of course flattering and pleasant to be thought of in that connection, and I appreciate the value of the support sug gested, but I do not feel like scheming to that end. Perhaps I may be ready sometime to do what is commonly done, but so long in advance, I am indisposed to make figures, or even to decide the question of giving my own consent to a continuance in public life. I feel now like quitting. I hope for your pocket's sake that the business will be in your hands.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES. GENERAL RUSSELL HASTINGS.
COLUMBUS, OHIO, December 4, 1869.
MY DEAR SIR : — Yours of yesterday received. I think there will be small opposition in the committee to keeping the Lincoln out of sight until the inauguration of the complete work. But we do insist upon getting it here away from your tinder-box. I expect to hear you have been burnt out by next mail, and shall continue in that agreeable state of mind until relieved by the happening of that event ! It is only the special providence which watches over you and the sparrows which has saved you so long!
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES. T. D. JONES, ESQ.,
76 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES
COLUMBUS, OHIO, December 6, 1869.
DEAR GENERAL : — I am just in receipt of your note of the third with an article from the Statesman annexed. The article had not attracted my attention, but of course I should not have publicly noticed it. There is not a word of truth in it so far as I am concerned. I have spent but two days in Washington since Grant's inauguration — yes, it was four or five days — and took no part against you then or at any time. No assur ance was needed that neither you nor your friends are respon sible for this sort of insinuation ; but I am glad to feel safe that such things can't sow tares between us.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES.
GENERAL HICKENLOOPER,
Cincinnati, Ohio. Private.
COLUMBUS, December 7, 1869.
DEAR SIR : — I concur with your views of prison discipline so far as I know them. In my next message I wish to say a few words recommending the creation of a prison for young offenders to be conducted on the principles of your report of December, 1868, (Twenty-fourth Annual Report), and to call attention in a general way to the Irish convict system. The present Board of Directors and the Warden of the Ohio Peni tentiary are prepared to take enlightened and humane action. But I do not anticipate the immediate adoption of your theory. My desire is to say enough to open the subject to the considera tion of the people of the State. If you have issued, or can refer me to any new publications on the subject, I will be glad to send you their cost.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES.
E. C. WINES,
Prison Association of New York.
GOVERNOR OF OHIO — 1868-1869 77
COLUMBUS, December n, 1869.
DEAR SIR : — I am today in receipt of your letter of the 8th inst., expressing the opinion that Mr. James Leroy is honest in making a claim against me for money left with me by his son. There is no foundation for the claims and to enable me to discover who is the guilty party in getting up the claim, I will be obliged to you if you will give me the names and address of the parties whose statements you refer to, "oral and written," which you have heard and seen.
Respectfully,
R. B. HAYES.
HONORABLE D. W. C. WILSON, Sparta, Wisconsin.
COLUMBUS, December n, 1869.
DEAR SIR : — I am today in receipt of your letter of the 8th inst., inclosing letters from gentlemen of your acquaintance, showing their opinion that you are acting in good faith in mak ing a claim on me for money deposited with me by your son. Assuming that they are innocent, somebody is guilty of an at tempt to impose on you. There is no truth whatever in the story about Leroy leaving money with me. Your friends can have no objection to giving me the names in full and post- office addresses of your informants that I may investigate the whole matter.
Yours, etc.,
R. B. HAYES. JAMES LEROY,
Sparta, Wisconsin.
COLUMBUS, December 19, 1869.
DEAR SIR: — I am exceedingly obliged by your prompt reply ' to my letter as to prison reform and for the volumes of valuable documents on the subject which you forwarded. No sudden or sweeping reform will be attempted here. But we desire to en courage the formation of correct opinions and hope that a gradual but steady advance may be made towards a reformatory system. The principles of the Irish system can I believe be
78 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES
introduced in practice without undertaking to copy in detail a scheme which may in some of its features be unsuited to our conditions.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES. E. C. WINES.
COLUMBUS, December 20, 1869.
DEAR GENERAL : — A scoundrel in Wisconsin is trying to blackmail me. He claims that on the morning of Sheridan's victory of Winchester, October 19, 1864, his son deposited with me from eight hundred to one thousand dollars, money lately received for pay and veteran bounty. The boy was killed in the battle. It is all false, and I now desire to get the amounts paid to the boy between January i, 1864, and October 19, 1864. I will pay any clerk you may set at the job of digging it up for his trouble and be greatly obliged for a statement or certificate that I can show if necessary. The boy's name was Nelson J. Leroy, private Company I, Twenty-third Regiment O. V. I.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES.
GENERAL B. W. BRICE, Washington, D. C.
COLUMBUS, December 21, 1869.
DEAR GENERAL : — I have your letter of the 2oth and am glad to know, what I believed before, that you would stand by the flag notwithstanding the attractions of Montana until the crisis of organization and the Fifteenth Amendment is passed. I am advised, I think authentically, that the Hamilton members have settled to give the pro tempore Speaker of the Senate to the Democrats, Clerk to the Republicans, and so alternate through the offices and committees. In the House, Speaker, Republican, Clerk, Democrat, etc., on down. [The prospect for the ratification of the] Fifteenth Amendment [is] hopeful. Russell's vacancy will be filled in time. There may be an effort to claim that no vacancy existed authorizing a special election,
GOVERNOR OF OHIO — 1868-1869 79
Russell not being a Senator until admitted and sworn. But West says it is all bosh. There was a vacancy, etc., etc. Congratulations and regards to Mrs. Governor Potts.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES. GENERAL B. F. POTTS.
COLUMBUS, OHIO, December 23, 1869.
MY DEAR SIR : — I received your dispatch about the Chase portrait. I think it altogether probable that Mr. Cook would like to do the graceful thing in that behalf. But the main ques tion which I now put is, who shall bell the cat? Who shall name the matter to Mr. Cook? In scriptural phrase may I not say: "Thou art the man"?
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES.
S. C. L'HOMMEDIEU,
Cincinnati, Ohio.
COLUMBUS, December 29, 1869.
DEAR SIR : — I am asked to write you in behalf of young Hosea, now in the State Prison of your State. I have no knowledge of him or of his crime. There is no doubt that his widowed mother is a most estimable woman, and that the gentlemen who take an interest in the case are worthy in all respects. Dr. Wadsworth, who will visit you, is, I know, an upright, conscientious, and truthful gentleman. I bespeak for him and his statements the utmost confidence and consideration.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES. GENERAL J. W. GEARY,
GOVERNOR OF PENNSYLVANIA.
COLUMBUS, December 29, 1869.
DEAR SIR: — I thank you for your kind favor of the I7th inst. I will now give you a few of the facts which I have ascer tained bearing upon the merits of Leroy's claim.
80 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES
1. N. J. Leroy re-enlisted as a veteran January i, 1864, and was at Cleveland and at home on a veteran furlough in Feb- uary, 1864, and at the end of his furlough borrowed money of a comrade to enable him to return to his regiment.
2. After his return to his regiment he was paid only once prior to his death, and the amount paid was $169.75.
3. The rest of his pay and bounty due from the Govern ment was paid to his "legal representatives" after his death, amounting to $365.
4. His local bounty due from the town of Youngstown was paid after his death to his mother, amounting to .
These facts I have from three sources, viz., the first from his comrades in Cleveland; the second, third, and fourth from cer tificates of the proper officers of which I enclose you copies.
I think you will now agree with me that the only remaining question in this matter is, whether your townsman, James Leroy, has been himself deceived, or whether he is guilty of an attempt to defraud?
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES.
HONORABLE D. W. C. WILSON, Sparta, Wisconsin.
COLUMBUS, December 31, 1869.
DEAR LAWRENCE : — You are perfectly right in your view. We must have a genuine retrenchment and economy. The monthly reduction of the debt is of far more consequence than the reduction of taxation in any form. I hope too you will abolish the franking privilege, and adopt the general principles of Trumbull's bill and Jenckes' bill. It would please the people, , and [is] right and wise. I will act on your suggestions. / Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES.
HONORABLE WILLIAM LAWRENCE, Washington.
January 2, 1870. — We have enjoyed the holidays better than ever before. All the boys at home, happy, well-behaved, and
GOVERNOR OF OHIO — 1868-1869 81
promising; litle Fan a sunbeam; Lucy improved and appreciated. Our large, fine house, belonging to Judge Swayne, our re-elec tion, and many circumstances combine to make this a time of great satisfaction and enjoyment. My inaugural, I thought of at church. To be very short ; a sentence or two of acknowledg ment and then, as the Constitution is to [be] amendable in my time — in my new term — suggest for consideration changes as to subscription to railroads, as to temperance, as to courts, as to suffrage, as to minority representation, as to local debts — all debts.
COLUMBUS, OHIO, January 5, 1870.
DEAR SIR : — My attention has been called to the claim of the State of Ohio against the United States for two per cent of the net proceeds arising from the sales of public lands within the State to be expended by Congress in constructing roads. It is believed that the State has a valid claim and Mr. William A. Adams visits Washington to investigate the facts. I trust you will afford him such facilities, and assistance for his work as you may deem proper.
Respectfully,
R. B. HAYES. HONORABLE JACOB D. Cox, Washington, D. C.
COLUMBUS, January 6, 1870.
MY DEAR SIR : — In reply to your favor of the 4th : I do not regard the organization of the [Ohio] House as an indica tion of any new difficulty. The House contains one hundred and twelve members as at present organized. One Republican member represents a county which Democrats claim is not en titled to representation. Mr. Blakeslee, of Williams County, feels confident that he can't be ousted. One Republican seat is contested, viz., Mr. Glover, of Scioto. I am confident he is also safe. The House therefore stands, and I think will stand to the end, Republicans, straight, 53; Democrats, straight, 49; Republican Reformers 5 ; Democratic Reformers 5. The Demo-
6
82 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES
cratic Reformers will probably all vote against the Fifteenth Amendment making 54 negative votes.
We regard it as certain beyond contingency that three Re publican Reformers will vote for the Amendment making 56 affirmative votes, or exactly one-half of the House. The other two Republican Reformers we think will vote for the Amend ment, or at the worst will refuse to vote either way. In either event the Amendment is ratified. I say probably the Democratic Reformers will vote no. Many of our friends are confident that two of them will either vote aye or refuse to vote. They and others in the Democratic party want the Amendment rati fied. But I do not reckon on their help.
In short, I regard the chances as good. If you can help us in any way, do not fail to do it. The Amendment will probably not be ratified in the Senate until a week from today, January 13. It then goes to the House, and the final struggle is there. I am quite confident of success.
Sincerely,
HONORABLE O. P. MORTON, R. B. HAYES.
Washington, D. C.
COLUMBUS, OHIO, January 12, 1870.
DEAR AUNTY DAVIS : — It pleased me to know that you ap proved of the message. It is a matter of no consequence who wrote it. The rule as to public documents is that the signature determines the authorship. I will send you the inaugural also.
You will like the enclosed slips written by Nordhoff and which he desired me to send to you. I would like to keep them and will thank you to return them. The ground is the true one. We must not let them push religion out of the schools, but we must avoid forcing it on anybody. You may ask, How are the two things to be accomplished? Well, it is easier to do the thing than to tell how to do it.
Regards to Dr. Davis and the young people.
Sincerely,
MRS. DR. JOHN DAVIS, R. B. HAYES.
Cincinnati, Ohio.
GOVERNOR OF OHIO — 1868-1869 83
Confidential.
COLUMBUS, OHIO, January 13, 1870.
MY DEAR SIR : — I think we can now give the result of the struggle on the Fifteenth Amendment. The subject is under debate in the Senate and ratification will carry when the vote is reached — probably tomorrow. In the House of one hun dred and twelve members we reckon certain fifty-seven votes, fifty-three straight Republicans and the Speaker (Mr. Cunning ham), Mr. Bates, Mr. Hill, and Mr. Kleinschmidt, Republican Reformers. These are all openly and decidedly now with us on the main question, and on all questions likely to affect our strength on the main question. Besides, we have the best chance for the vote of Mr. Hambleton, Republican Reformer, and some chance of getting two or three Democrats to dodge the vote.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES.
HONORABLE O. P. MORTON, Washington, D. C.
COLUMBUS, January 15, 1870.
MY DEAR SIR: — I congratulate you very heartily on the re sult of the election in your State. Having some knowledge by reputation and otherwise of General Hamilton, Governor Pease, and Judge Bell, I felt some doubt when I last saw you as to the true condition of affairs in Texas. I was unwilling to think that those gentlemen intended to abandon the Republican Party. I regret their course. Your opinions and conduct have been fully vindicated by the issue, and I trust your services will secure you the honorable recognition which I am told your friends propose to give you.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES. MR. JOHN W. GLENN, Washington, D. C.
CHAPTER XXVIII
GOVERNOR OF OHIO SECOND TERM, FIRST YEAR 1870
COLUMBUS, January 20, 1870. .EAR SIR : — I am collecting in the Executive Office portraits
D
of the governors of the State. The portraits of sixteen are already on the walls of the office. Those obtained are mainly the pioneer governors — Tiffin, Meigs, Worthington, Morrow, Trimble, McArthur, and others. Some have been presented by relatives and others bought by me with my contingent fund. I am desirous to obtain your portrait. If you have one taken about the time you were governor, a copy of that would be preferred. In some cases originals have been sent by express and copied here and then returned. But, of course, your wishes will control.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES.
HONORABLE WILSON SHANNON, Topeka, Kansas.
COLUMBUS, January 31, 1870.
DEAR UNCLE: — I have been in correspondence with Jay Cooke about his new town of Duluth at the head of Lake Su perior. It will be the great town of that region. The Northern Pacific Railroad will begin work there next spring, and finish about three hundred miles as fast as work can do it. A railroad to St. Paul will be completed by the Fourth of July. It will then be the lake port of two-thirds of Minnesota. I want to put in five or six thousand dollars if I can raise it in the next sixty or ninety days. It will double by next fall, and may do a great deal better than that. I can buy on the most favorable terms allowed to anybody, and have my own separate property without mixing up with the company. I don't want you to bother about it at all,
(84)
GOVERNOR OF OHIO — 1870 85
but if you see where notes secured by mortgage can raise the money, let me know.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES.
S. BlRCHARD.
COLUMBUS, January 31, 1870.
MY DEAR SIR : — The present incumbent of the librarianship is a faithful, painstaking old gentleman with a family of invalid girls dependent on him. His courtesy and evident anxiety to accommodate all who visit the library have secured him the en dorsement of almost all who are in the habit of using the books J and under the circumstances I cannot remove him. Old asso ciations, your fitness, and claims draw me the other way; but you see, etc., etc.
Very sincerely,
R. B. HAYES. DR. GEORGE R. MORTON, North Bass, Ohio.
COLUMBUS, January 31, 1870.
DEAR SIR : — I am in receipt of your note of the 29th enclos ing a memorial from the Historical Society of Ohio in relation to the purchase by the State of the St. Ciair papers. I will transmit the memorial to the Legislature with a favorable rec ommendation. There is a fair prospect of the success of the measure.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES.
P. S. — Personal communications to each of your senators and members of the House will be of service.
MR. JULIUS DEXTER, Cincinnati, Ohio.
COLUMBUS, OHIO, January 31, 1870.
MY DEAR SIR : — Having secured portraits of almost all of the early governors, I began a few weeks ago a correspondence with a view to obtaining the portraits of those who are now
86 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES
living. I found there would be no trouble in getting yours. Mr. L'Hommedieu undertook it, and with your friends Jay Cooke, Carson, Yeatman, Hoadly, and Spooner, proposed to present the State as fine a one as they could get. Last Friday I received by express from Chicago a capital picture, three-fourths length — the work of W. Cogswell, — which is perfectly satisfactory to all of your friends who have seen it. It is given to the State by Jay Cooke, and is the finest of the seventeen portraits in the office.
I write this note with a double object : First, to let you know what your friends intended to do, and what one of them has done; second, to learn from you where the original picture was taken — assuming this to be a copy — and by whom.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES.
HONORABLE S. P. CHASE,
CHIEF JUSTICE, Washington.
COLUMBUS, OHIO, February 3, 1870.
MY DEAR SIR: — Your favor of the 3ist ult. came duly to hand. I have no information as to the chances of an Insurance Act beyond what the general public possesses. If the appoint ment you refer to is to be made by me the considerations you suggest will have, as you suppose, due weight. When such qualifications are found, I need hardly say, it will be no objection if the person having them is also a personal friend. Of course, it would be premature to venture on a committal until all sides are heard.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES. MR. A. M. SEARLE, Cleveland, Ohio.
COLUMBUS, OHIO, February 4, 1870.
MY DEAR SIR : — The Soldiers' Orphans' Bill has been under consideration one day in the Senate. No serious opposition has been developed and decided support was given in quarters not heretofore relied on. I entertain no doubt of its passage within
GOVERNOR OF OHIO — 1870 87
a week or ten days through the Senate, and in the House its passage is only a question of time. I anticipate the necessity of naming a board about the last of this month.
Your views of General Keifer and General Barnett are also mine. I think I gave you my notions also of Generals Buckland and Coates. Think over the good loyal Democrats for one name. A well known party man, loyal during the war but in the Democratic party, if he can be found, is preferred if friendly to the institution.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES.
[Unidentified.]
COLUMBUS, OHIO, February 4, 1870.
DEAR JUDGE : — I am in receipt of your letter of yesterday in relation to the appointment of members of the board of trustees of the Ohio Medical College. Unless there is some rea son for delay, the nominations to fill vacancies occurring January i, 1871, should be sent to the Senate at the present session. In the absence of reason for a change, the present members should be reappointed, and the vacancy filled by a person those actively interested in the institution will name, or at least approve. I take it all this is what you wish. If you have other views as to any member, I will thank you to let me know. You need have no hesitation on account of your own name being in the list. You will be reappointed in any event, so that the only open question is as to your associates. I agree fully with your views about Drs. Wright and Dodge, and Messrs. Ball and Dutton.
Your address is good reading. The short paragraph about the waste of talent and genius in politics is of more account than perhaps you thought. Why not make it the theme of an address ? The idea is often seen in sermons or the talk of non-politicians, but with your knowledge of the inside of politics, and with your ability justly to estimate a politician's value, you could make
much of it.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES.
HONORABLE WILLIAM DICKSON, Cincinnati, Ohio.
88 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES
COLUMBUS, OHIO, February 5, 1870.
MY DEAR SIR : — I am in receipt of your favor of the 4th as to the St. Clair papers. I hope there is a fair prospect of the passage of an act authorizing their purchase, but I am not san guine. Of course, nobody would think of the State buying them for the Cincinnati or any other local society. If bought they will be deposited in the State Library. I agree with you that your title by discovery, if they are to be given away, would give you a
claim to be considered.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES.
A. T. GOODMAN, ESQ., Cleveland, Ohio.
COLUMBUS, February 5, 1870.
DEAR SIR: — I am in receipt of your favor of the 3d in re lation [to] codifying the laws of Ohio. It is undoubtedly a great inconvenience and a serious evil that our laws are so voluminous. I quite agree with you that a revision as often as once in ten years is necessary. But I fear we shall never see our statutes again in a single volume of proper size for common use. If we can have them in two or three volumes with one index, it perhaps is doing as much as can be expected.
Very respectfully,
R. B. HAYES. JESSE HAWLEY, ESQ., Salem, Ohio.
COLUMBUS, OHIO, February 16, 1870.
DEAR LEE : — Your note came during my absence north. A note to Delano from me, if my friends at Cincinnati are well informed, would do you more harm than good. But I send you a note, not addressed, in general but strong terms. I . do not feel like interfering with Colonel Powell, and do not wish the note used to procure his removal. But I doubt the wisdom of your using it at all with Mr. Delano.
Sincerely,
CAPTAIN A. E. LEE, R. B. HAYES.
Delaware, Ohio.
GOVERNOR OF OHIO — 1870 89
COLUMBUS, OHIO, February 16, 1870.
Captain A. E. Lee, of Delaware, Ohio, is a gentleman whose ability, integrity, and business experience fit him to fill with acceptance and creditably to the Administration any revenue office he is likely to desire. He has a capital record as a soldier, is a Republican whose soundness and effective work are beyond commendation. No worthier appointment could be made.
R. B. HAYES.
CINCINNATI, February 20, 1870.
DEAR UNCLE : — I came here to meet the Kentucky Legislature and spoke to them from the same platform with Mr. Pendleton. All satisfactory.
Just before coming Jay Cooke advised me to take my choice immediately of certain Duluth property which he could get me. I dispatched him that I would take one hundred and sixty acres for eight thousand dollars. I know nothing of terms of payment, but am satisfied that it is a great bargain. No doubt the terms of payment can be complied with somehow. It is one and one- fourth miles from the dock and depot and next to the town property.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES.
S. BlRCHARD.
COLUMBUS, February 22, 1870.
DEAR SIR : — I am in receipt of your "History of the Guilf ord Branch of the Dickeman Family," and am greatly obliged to you for it. My father came to Ohio in 1817, thus separating from all his New England relatives, and died before my birth, so that I have not had an opportunity to learn much of his family. A Hayes record was published by George W. Noyes, of the Oneida Community in the State of New York, but the fullest account of my grandmother's family I have ever seen is in your pamphlet. There is an impression in the family that Grandmother Chloe Smith Hayes was a very superior woman — possessing real genius. The Mead family, all having talent as artists, trace this quality to grandmother. The most distinguished
90 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES
member of the family is Larkin G. Mead, a sculptor of wide reputation. You may have heard of him as the boy who made the snow statue in Brattleboro twelve or fifteen years ago. He is the sculptor and architect of the great Lincoln Monument at Springfield, Illinois, and his studio in Florence probably receives as many orders as that of any artist.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES. [Unidentified.]
COLUMBUS, March i, 1870.
DEAR UNCLE : — I handed your note to John Deshler this morning with your old question, "Can you read fine hand?" He said, "Oh yes, I can read this, and I shall be very happy to do it both for your sake and Mr. Birchard's. My father always said Sardis Birchard is one of my best friends and one of the best men in Ohio. I always told him he would get married if it wasn't for that fine breastpin." So that matter is settled. All well. Nothing new.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES. S. BIRCHARD.
COLUMBUS, OHIO, March i, 1870.
MY DEAR SIR : — I think as you do on the librarian question, and unless something not anticipated turns up before the appoint ment is made, my action will be as you advise. I also agree with you perfectly on the spoils doctrine. This you would know if you had read my last inaugural. I am glad you do not bore yourself with such reading generally, but you are in for it now, as I shall send you a copy. I too mean to be out of politics. The ratifica tion of the Fifteenth Amendment gives me the boon of equality before the law, terminates my enlistment, and discharges me cured.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES.
HONORABLE J. IRVING BROOKS, Salem, Ohio.
GOVERNOR OF OHIO — 1870 91
March 6, 1870. — I have borrowed of Uncle, and on his name, of John G. Deshler eight thousand dollars and invested it in one hundred and sixty acres of land one and one-fourth miles from the dock at Duluth, Minnesota. I expect Duluth to grow rapidly and that this property will increase in value about one hundred per cent for the next three or five years. The cash and deeds pass this week. General George B. Sargent, care J. Cooke and Co., New York, is my correspondent's address.
I have been digging into Savage and other books on genealogy during the last week. I trace my lineage up almost to the May flower but not yet into it. I have only run back on the line of my father's side of the house, and the important family of the Smiths is left out!! Almost one-half of the stock! To be exact, it leaves out exactly one-fourth of the stock, as I find nearly one-half of the Smiths. Now, the new idea I get by this study is, how futile it is to trace one's descent from a distinguished name in the past. Two hundred and thirty or forty years ago my ancestors were from thirty to a hundred different persons. The Hayes or the Rutherford of 1625 was only one out of forty or more who are equally my ancestors. What does it signify that John Russell was able and pious in 1640? I am but one part in forty to sixty of his blood. We attach more importance to the deeds of ancestors of our own names. But this is a mere figment of the imagination. I am just as much a Trowbridge, referring now to the Thomas Trowbridge who founded the family in New Haven in 1640, as any of those now living there who bear his name. The blood, the physical, mental, or moral qualities which distinguished an early "father/' do not follow the name ; do not accompany it.
I have always thought of myself as Scotch, but of the fathers of my family who came to America about thirty were English and two only, Hayes and Rutherford, were of Scotch descent. This, on my father's side. On my mother's side, the whole thirty-two were probably all of other peoples beside the Scotch. Again, I have been proud of my descent (not very of course, only a trifle so,) from the famous Rutherf ords ; but it is plain that the brains, energy, and character possessed by my grand father's children and grandchildren — by the children and grand-
92 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES
children of Rutherford Hayes — are mainly derived from our plain ancestor, whom [who] Uncle Sardis says was the homeliest woman he ever saw ( !), Grandmother Chloe Smith.
COLUMBUS, OHIO, March na 1870.
MY DEAR BOY: — You ask me about the college at Hudson [Western Reserve]. It has a good history — has turned out many able and successful men. I hope it will grow into a great institution. I have no doubt you can get there all that is essential which any college can give. You will hear no objection from me if it is finally thought best by you and Uncle to go to that college. But I prefer you would not finally decide about it until I have a talk with both of you. You can, if you wish, go 011 and study as if that would be your college. In a few weeks I will see you and Uncle and consider all sides. The main thing is the student — his industry, his habits, character, and talents. The college affords him merely the tools.
Affectionately,
R. B. HAYES.
BIRCHARD HAYES.
COLUMBUS, March 12, 1870.
MY DEAR SIR : — My wife is a granddaughter of Isaac Cook, bjn of Colonel Isaac Cook of Wallingford, Connecticut. I have just learned that James Carrington married a sister of Colonel Cook, and that he (Carrington) compiled a pedigree of the Cooks which passed into the hands of his son, James Carring ton, formerly of Astoria, Long Island. I write to ascertain if you have any information of that pedigree, or of the names or residences of the earlier Cooks. I will be particularly obliged if you can set me on the right track.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES. GENERAL H. B. CARRINGTON.
COLUMBUS, March 17, 1870.
MY DEAR GENERAL : — I enclose you a letter and newspaper slip just received from Rogers which will enlighten you on
GOVERNOR OF OHIO — 1870 93
Duluth prospects. Please return them. I am particularly anxious to have Rogers interested in this property, as he is the discoverer. Can you give him a third interest in your lots, he to pay his share and interest at next payment ? I propose to get a joint interest with him on some such terms. He can be very useful in protecting us from loss by sales, etc., etc., at proper times.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES. GENERAL M. F. FORCE, Cincinnati, Ohio.
COLUMBUS, OHIO, March 20, 1870.
DEAR UNCLE : — . . . I am rather busy now. The ap pointment of Agricultural College Trustees excites some interest. I think I shall get a good board. In your district I must appoint a Democrat, and have pretty much determined to appoint War ren P. Nobles, of Seneca. I have offered Pendleton a place, and if he accepts will give the other to A. P. Perry.
I am rather gratified by the turn things are taking. I regard the Orphans' Bill as safe in some form.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES.
S. BlRCHARD.
Private and Confidential.
COLUMBUS, March 29, 1870.
DEAR HOLLISTER : — I am in receipt of yours of the 28th. I like General B — ever so much and have expected, and still expect, to reappoint him. But why does he not act — investigate
— publish the result, etc., etc.? All sorts of ill rumors are afloat
— intemperance, etc., etc. The trustees are bound to do or say something. Silence longer is confession. What does B — think and say? What will he do?
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES.
P. S. — Return this letter to me with your reply. — H. HONORABLE GEORGE B. HOLLISTER.
94 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES
April 4, 1870. — Went to Cincinnati to the election. The colored people vote for the first time under the Fifteenth Amend ment. They are very happy and the people generally approve. They vote Republican almost solid.
Joe Root and Judge Tilden both say that after Governor Vance supported the nomination of General Taylor in the Whig National Convention, 1848, Clay sent Vance a bill for a calf presented to Vance some years before ! Vance paid it and took a receipt.
COLUMBUS, April 5, 1870.
DEAR NORDHOFF : — I have your letter of first instant. It is impossible now to say whether I can meet you in Washington or not. I shall be glad to do so if I can.
I read the near future this way: The two old parties will be the parties until after the next Presidential election. What ever shortcomings belong to the record of the Republican party, it is greatly to be preferred at the next election to any party led and ruled, as the Democratic party is, by New York City plunderers. All sorts of reforms are desirable in our tax and revenue laws. A Republican will prefer to fight for them in side of the Republican party. I therefore would advise against attempting to organize a new party. In tariff issues I would seek to gain my ends in congressional districts.
Our elections in Cincinnati and elsewhere are good indorse-
o
ments of the Fifteenth Amendment.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES. CHARLES NORDHOFF. Private.
COLUMBUS, April 6, 1870.
DEAR GENERAL: — I was so engrossed in affairs connected with our Legislature when I received the papers you sent me relative to the case of Fitz-John Porter that I am in doubt whether I wrote to you about that affair or not. I find no copy of a letter to you in my letter-book, and suppose it merely ran
GOVERNOR OF OHIO — 1870 95
through my head. But at the risk of duplicating what is of no importance, I write to thank you for the papers and heartily to congratulate you on the posture of this matter.
If Porter had kept silent there was danger that the received notion of your masterly campaign would be that you attempted to take Richmond; that you were furnished with what you deemed sufficient force to do it ; that with high-sounding procla mations you entered upon the job, and by incapacity failed. This is putting it perhaps rather strongly, but there was danger that this would be the commonly received opinion of your cam paign. Now Porter comes in [and] demands a rehearing, the whole matter, with the new light now shed upon it, is spread before the public and is made an interesting topic of discussion for some months ; and the truth is made clear and unquestionable, vindicating your whole conduct and character in a way that is exceedingly gratifying to all of your friends. It is good — very good.
I did think of writing to General Grant on the subject, but I suppose it is not necessary now. I know nothing that would be legal testimony in the case except what is known by everybody, but in the subordinate position I held at Alexandria and Upton's Hill on those dreadful August days, I saw and heard things which settle my own opinions against Porter and his confederates in the most decided way. But I am boring you. Please send me another copy of the papers.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES. MAJOR-GENERAL JOHN POPE.
COLUMBUS, OHIO, April 6, 1870.
MY DEAR SIR : — I am in receipt of your favor of the 2nd, and shall be glad to meet you on the igth if my engagements will permit me to do so. I agree with your views, generally, as I find them in your reports. They are winning their way. I judge that Winans will be sustained in this district, Stevenson in his, and so on. I wrote Nordhoff that I wanted no new party and would have nothing to do with organizing a new one.
96 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES
It is probable that I can't be in Washington so soon as the 1 9th but I shall hope to see you there in May.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES. DAVID A. WELLS,
Washington, D. C.
COLUMBUS, OHIO, April 6, 1870.
, DEAR ROGERS : — I have your letter from Duluth. It looks
'• well. That "bluff" that I am back of, I didn't know about it.
How high, steep, etc., is it? How much of an obstacle to town
/ growth? My friend Dr. Davis can pay down one thousand to
fifteen hundred dollars on lots, with you or otherwise. I am
not asked for cash on your one-third yet. It can be arranged
somehow as you wish. Bring maps, etc., etc. Why not settle
in Duluth and go into the real estate agency?
[The] Fifteenth Amendment well sustained all over Ohio. Negroes behaved well ; the Democrats unexpectedly well.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES. WILLIAM K. ROGERS, St. Paul
COLUMBUS, April 6, 1870.
MY DEAR SIR: — In reply to a letter from Mr. Jones I send you that part of one of my campaign speeches in 1867 which contains Judge Thurman's famous resolution of 1866 (?). That part of my speech was not denied. His position on the Green back issue was not defined until six weeks after the campaign began. I still think he at first opposed the Pendleton plan and I banked ( ?) on his differing from the party until he was forced to give his adhesion to it at Marietta, September 1867. But he did it cautiously and in a few words. His first full speech on that question was early in 1868 in the canvass in the Eighth Congressional District to fill a vacancy caused by the death of Mr. Hamilton. I send you that speech as reported in
GOVERNOR OF OHIO — 1870 97
the Commercial. It is in substance what he said during the latter part of the canvass of 1867.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES.
HONORABLE O. P. MORTON, Washington.
COLUMBUS, OHIO, April 7, 1870.
DEAR UNCLE: — . . . Rogers writes me very encouraging accounts of Duluth. He is now there. Building has gone on all winter and the place looks like the beginning of a great city. There are many hundreds of mechanics and laborers at work on the breakwater, the elevators, the railroads, and private build ings. On the main streets the lots sell for one hundred dollars per foot and are advancing so that he thinks they will reach three hundred dollars before the summer is out. — All well.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES.
S. BlRCHARD.
COLUMBUS, OHIO, April 9, 1870.
DEAR GENERAL : — I am in receipt of your favor of the 8th, and thank you for the documents inclosed. I return you General McDowell's paper. It is "short, sharp, and decisive." One thing, I think I omitted to mention: The universal sentiment I hear among those whose judgment you would regard, that your silence under the great wrong until the war closed was ad mirable and noble.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES. GENERAL JOHN POPE, Detroit, Michigan.
COLUMBUS, OHIO, April 9, 1870.
MY DEAR SIR : — I fear that the "docs" I sent yesterday may leave the impression that Judge Thurman was the author of the famous Fifth Resolution, or chairman of the committee which
7
98 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES
reported it. He was neither. He licked it into its present shape and by his speech put it through. I send you extracts from the Democratic state organ, the Statesman, of the day after the convention, which show the speech and the transaction as the Democracy then considered it. In our canvass his reply was that Chase, Wade, Greeley and others were at that time equally opposed to coercion. He also twisted an old speech of Lincoln's into the same heresy.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES.
HONORABLE O. P. MORTON, Washington.
April ii, 1870. — The Cincinnati Gazette criticizes the com mutation of the sentence of Steinmitz, for the murder of Heck at Toledo, from death to imprisonment for life. I felt it was the most doubtful of any official act of importance which I have done. The court decided the case finally only a few days before the day of execution. When the application reached me I had but two or three days to consider it. It was shown to me that the convict had borne the character of a peaceful, industrious, quiet man ; that he had been on a debauch, a spree, for a day or two; was wild and foolish and incapable of deliberate and pre meditated malice; that the people generally wished his sentence commuted. The member of the House, Mr. Griffith, the member of last year, Mr. St. Clair, General Norton, Mr. Collier, and others assured me in person that it was the almost universal feeling that the man ought not to be executed. Mr. McLaren urged me on general principles to commute ; and, giving the ac cused the benefit of the doubt I felt as to my duty, I yielded — perhaps improperly. I must not allow myself to decide another case on such short notice; not talk to parties urging mercy; simply hear them and reserve my decision.
There were petitions from many good men, and nothing of importance of that sort against it. Mr. Griffith said there were on the jury two or three old men who were opposed to con viction, but who finally yielded under the compulsion of weari ness, weakness, and sickness.
GOVERNOR OF OHIO — 1870 99
I have commuted three or four sentences of death and have refused to interfere in four cases. The four cases were of two classes: — i. Convicts whose previous characters was [were] desperately bad. 2. The homicides were perpetrated in the commission of robbery.
The comutations were on the ground of youth and doubt as to the deliberation and premeditation of the act. A commu tation is of course not a pardon. A short imprisonment after a commutation is not probable. Many men have served out their life sentences by dying in prison. Many are there who have been there a great while — from ten to thirty-five years.
COLUMBUS, April 12, 1870.
DEAR GENERAL : — I am in receipt of your favor of the Qth in relation to my neglect of your part of the State in making the appointments for the escort of the remains of General Thomas. I am glad you wrote it, as it gives me an opportunity to remove an impression which it is altogether natural you should have. As you see the facts, your feelings are natural and the complaint just. But I trust to your candid judgment to relieve me wholly from blame. The authority to appoint seven committeemen was given about ten or eleven o'clock A. M. of the day before Gen eral Thomas' remains were to reach Toledo at 6 A. M. There was, therefore, no time for anyone to join the escort who was southeast of Columbus. For this reason, and this reason alone, no one was dispatched who resided south or east of here. I assure you there was neither oversight nor slight of the claims of your section, and am confident that on reflection you • will so see it.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES.
[Unidentified.]
COLUMBUS, April 13, 1870.
MY DEAR SIR : — I am engaged in the work of making up the Board of Trustees of the Soldiers' Orphans' Homes. Under any circumstances it would be difficult to do this satisfactorily. It is made more embarrassing by the shape given to the law. I
100 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES
write to assure you that the omission of your name from the list is due to no question as to your services or conduct in con nection with the Home of Xenia. On the contrary, your effi ciency, generosity, and heartiness in that work command my ad miration and entitle you to the gratitude of every friend of the soldier and his orphans. I trust you will appreciate my motives and believe me that I am
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES. MAJOR M. S. GUNCKEL, Dayton, Ohio.
COLUMBUS, April 13, 1870.
MY DEAR SIR : — Your generous and efficient labors in behalf of the Orphans' Home at Xenia entitle you to a few words from me. In the shape in which the law finally passed I am con strained to make up the list of the state board without your name. I need not refer to this further than to say that I fully appreciate your services and character and regret the condition of things which seems to require this course. If Xenia had remained the first State Home I should have named you as the
resident trustee.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES. MR. ELI MILLER, Xenia, Ohio.
COLUMBUS, April 17, 1870.
GENTLEMEN : — I need hardly say that the information con tained in your dispatch received last night in relation to Colonel Burns' opposition to the Home for Soldiers' Orphans took me completely [by] surprise. You will readily accept my assurance that I would not knowingly appoint an enemy of the cause. The explanation of my action is briefly this : It was generally agreed among the friends of the Home that it was desirable that the Democrats should have a representation on the Board of Man agers. The name of Colonel Burns was suggested by a number of friends of the measure, and for two or three weeks I have been in the habit of naming him as a probable nominee for the
GOVERNOR OF OHIO — 1870 101
board to ail who conferred with me on the subject. Without exception the expression was favorable; in effect, that if a Democrat was to be selected, no man could be better. It is to be hoped that in his action he will prove to be worthy of the trust. If not, it is a satisfaction to know that there are six men on the board whose ability and disposition to do good work are beyond all question.
Your dispatch reached me after the Senate was in secret ses sion, and I had no opportunity to change the nomination until after its confirmation made it too late. But I did the next best thing — to make known your views. I sent the dispatch by a senator to our political friends in the Senate, and their action was with a full knowledge of your statements. I regret exceed ingly to disappoint you, and here leave it, hoping you will dis cover no intentional fault in what has been done.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES.
H. C. HEDGES, Esq.,
R. C. SMITH, and others.
April 19, 1870. — The Legislature adjourned yesterday. On the whole, its work has been well done. A longer session than was required, longer than I had hoped, but so much shorter than the last two sessions that the people will be pleased.
The most remarkable event of the session was the attempt of the Democratic senators Saturday night to defeat the organ ization of a Soldiers5 Orphans' Home under the act lately passed for that purpose. Seven gentlemen were nominated to con stitute the Board of Managers. The Senate was a tie, seventeen to seventeen, between the parties. The hour of adjournment was fixed, and if they could prevent confirmation a few hours the Orphans' Home was defeated for this year. No objection could be made to the competency and fitness of the gentlemen nomi nated. The objections were: I. They were all soldiers ; 2. Too many of them belonged to the Grand Army of the Republic ; 3. There were not enough Democrats on the board. Accord ingly, when the arrival of Mr. Gotch gave the friends of [the] Orphans' Home one majority, they resolved to prevent its
102 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES
organization by a lawless, revolutionary, and unprecedented re sort to "absquatulation." They fled from the chamber. Camp bell and Hunt ran to the water-closet — the privy. Others bolted out of the Capitol into the street. Hubbell, of Delaware, did not remain out of sight, and the assistant sergeant-at-arms, Gus- weiler, a Democrat, saw him, gave chase, captured, and brought him back. This made a quorum in the hall. The nominations were confirmed and the conspiracy was defeated.
This is the salient fact which should be charged home on the Democratic party.
The Fifteenth Amendment is the great act of the session. The history of its passage; the protest signed by only thirty- nine out of the fifty-five who opposed it; the subprotest of McVay and Devore in today's Journal, etc., etc., make also a good topic.
The Democrats of the Senate were very indignant that Hub- bell allowed himself to be captured. One Democrat said he would like to be a committee of one to cut his head off.
The Democratic senators say that "if Hubbell had not been drunk he would not have gone back into the Senate, and their scheme would have succeeded." Hubbell replies that "if the other Democrats hadn't been drunk they would never have run away."
"A very pretty quarrel as it stands."
The repeal of the Visible Admixture Laws by the aid of Democratic votes (see the vote) was a noteworthy triumph.
The repeal of the Soldiers' Voting Law Repeal and the re- enactment of the old law is of the same sort.
The Students' Voting Law passed the Senate; did not pass the House by reason of absence of members.
The law Requiring the approval of taxpayers before the County Commissioners can make expensive works.
The repeal of the Boiler Law.
No attempt by absquatulation to defeat the will of the majority ever attempted under the present constitution before.
GOVERNOR OF OHIO — 1870 103
COLUMBUS, OHIO, April 19, 1870.
MY DEAR SIR : — I am in receipt of yours of the i8th. You are totally mistaken in my character when you say that you pre sume what you have written will not disturb me in the least! I assure you I feel keenly the disappointment and censures of my Republican friends in Mansfield, and feel deeply that you can so write. I would not be just to myself not to say this.
I wrote the facts to Mr. Hedges and others. They are simply : i. All friends of the Home agreed that there should be a Demo cratic representative on the board. 2. For three weeks I named Colonel Burns to all who conversed with me (his name having been suggested to me by a friend of the Home) on the subject of the appointments, and all spoke of him as a proper man, if a Democrat was to go on the board. You are in error in saying I set aside anybody. No other Mansfield man was named.
Six good men are on the board and I hope Colonel Burns will turn out less objectionable than you anticipate. If I have made a mistake, it has been done with the best of motives and in accordance with the views of many of our best men. I hope you and my Mansfield friends will see in the facts room for a charitable construction of my acts. If not, one thing is sure, when you come to dispense patronage, you will agree with me that it is no easy job to do satisfactorily.
All this is confidential.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES.
C. H. BOOTH, ESQ., Mansfield, Ohio.
COLUMBUS, April 20, 1870.
DEAR W — : — I thank you heartily for the article on the Steinmitz case. I think you are right in every particular as to my action. I did think and still think the case a doubtful one — the most doubtful of any case of life upon which I have acted. But I do not regret the action. He was shown to be a man of low grade, but heretofore peaceful and law-abiding in the main
104 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES
— in no sense a desperate or dangerous man ; that he was for a day or two on a drunken debauch, so excited that his ability to form that deliberate purpose to kill which alone makes murder in the first degree is at least doubtful. I gave the benefit of that doubt in favor of life.
Perhaps I was wrong. I admit the case is one of extreme doubt, but one fact you do not know. There were here from Toledo a number of your best citizens lobbying for the Griffith Railroad Bill — gentlemen in no way interested in behalf of Steinmitz. They personally assured me that the judgment and wish of the great body of the people of Toledo were against an execution. This turned the scale. But I prefer no contro versy about it. This is private.
Again thanking you, I am,
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES. [CLARK WAGGONER (?)]
April 22. — Generals Force and Keif er dined with us yester day. They are here at the first meeting of the Ohio Soldiers' and Sailors' Orphans' Home. Keifer was in the battle of Cedar Creek. Says the absence of Sheridan left the command of the army in the hands, not so much of General Wright, as of Sheri dan's staff; that Wright's name was used for the current busi ness but practically his command was merely nominal. On the morning of the battle he had no staff — that to him [Keifer"| he appeared confused and stupefied. But he says he [Wright] had decided to attack the enemy before Sheridan's return.
General Buckland was chosen President of the Board of Managers of the State Home. They decided to adopt the orphans at Xenia as in the State care from today.
We had a fine reception at General Wright's. Lucy is gain ing flesh and color again, and never looked more charmingly in my eyes than last evening.
GOVERNOR OF OHIO — 1870 105
Private.
COLUMBUS, OHIO, April 22, 1870.
DEAR SIR: — I am obliged for the friendly tone of your letter. You do me no more than justice. A full statement of the facts so far as my action is concerned would leave the matter about as you put it, so I need not detail them. I thank you for a chanty not always exhibited, and close by saying that few men have spent as much time, money, and labor to make successful the cause of Orphans' Homes in Ohio as I have; and that not withstanding all mistakes, I am glad to be able to say that the prospect is very encouraging, and that as a whole the board is an excellent one.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES.
[Unidentified.]
COLUMBUS, OHIO, April 22, 1870.
MY DEAR SIR: — The public documents for your Historical Society will be sent as soon as practicable.
The St. Clair papers will be purchased as soon as the court's order will permit their transfer to the State. They will be placed in the Library, and under such proper regulations as may be established every facility will be afforded you with reference to them.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES. A. T. GOODMAN, ESQ., Cleveland, Ohio.
April 27, iSjo. — Returned last night from a pleasant trip to Fremont. Lucy, little Fanny, and her nurse, Eliza Jane, gone on a visit to Cincinnati. Aunt Margaret and Miss Sharpe are here on their way to a Woman's Rights Convention at Dayton. My point on this subject is that the proper discharge of the functions of mateniity is inconsistent with the like discharge of the duties of (the political duties of) citizenship.
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COLUMBUS, May 3, 1870.
DEAR UNCLE: — ... We have been busy selling the [Insane] Asylum grounds and buying Sullivant's fine place in its stead. We got one hundred thousand five hundred dollars to boot. A world of selfish scrambling about it. But all is well.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES. S. BIRCHARD.
May 12, 1870. — Today C. T. Webber, of Cincinnati, began to paint my portrait. I had a miniature painted by an English man, named Freeman, in 1847. Witt, of Columbus, painted my portrait two years ago, 1868.
COLUMBUS, May 16, 1870.
DEAR GENERAL: — My wife compels me to say, and says I must do it voluntarily and spontaneously, that the first phrase in your letter is very objectionable. You say, "I suppose you take enough interest in the Chio Soldiers' and Sailors', etc." "He ought to know (I now quote from the indignant female) that nothing is so near your heart," etc. She is glad the Xenia matron is to go — will visit Xenia as soon as she has gone. We both like the prospect. I hope you will keep up hope and put it through. I think well of Dr. G — but do not know him in that capacity well enough to be sure.
Good luck to all concerned.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES.
GENERAL M. F. FORCE.
May jo, Decoration Day. — Left Columbus Saturday night (28th) 9 or 10 P. M., sleepmg car to Steubenville. Got there at 3 130 to 4 A. M. No hackman at depot. Wandered over town hunting United States Hotel. Found it after a long hunt. No body awake. Tried to stir out of his bunk a colored servant. After a long delay got him aroused. Said there was no empty
GOVERNOR OF OHIO — 1870 107
bed in the house ! Scouted over town until daylight. Went back to hotel ; nobody up. Stretched out on chairs in ladies' parlor, got a good nap ; disturbed by woman cleaning up. Told her my afflictions. She gave me a poor little room. Slept well.
At breakfast met General Anson McCook. All right now; church with him. Dined ever so pleasantly at the artist Andrews'. A pleasant set. Joseph Means, General A. McCook, Andrews and his fine wife, and Colonel Baird.
Andrews has a studio with a good collection of curiosities, gathered in Europe, — armor, weapons, and "sich." Called on Mrs. Webster, widow of Colonel George P. ; Mrs. McCook, mother of the gallant family which lost so many of its members ; [and] Colonel James A. Collier, on his eighty-first birthday.
Spoke ex tempore in the sun about thirty minutes at the monu ment in the cemetery. A great crowd; a so-so speech.
June J. — Wednesday evening, June i, we gave a reception to General Sherman who was in Columbus to attend the wedding of his nephew McComb to Miss Clara Baldwin. The general is a ready — more than that — a rapid, impulsive, jovial talker, who puts all at ease by his hearty, cordial manner.
Our beautiful little Fanny, now two and three-fourths years old, came into the crowded parlor, looking her prettiest. She is ordinarily very lively and active, but she was slightly subdued by the numbers and noise. General Sherman picked her up and kissed her heartily, saying, as he felt her plump arms and legs: "Ah, there is plenty of bread and milk in this house; there's no cotton here!"
COLUMBUS, June 3, 1870.
MY DEAR BOY : — I see by the Journal you are playing base ball and that you play well. I am pleased with this. I like to have my boys enjoy and practice all athletic sports and games, especially riding, rowing, hunting, and ball playing. But I am a little afraid, from [what] Uncle says, that overexertion and excitement in playing baseball will injure your hearing. Now, you are old enough to judge of this and to regulate your conduct accordingly. If you find there is any injury you ought
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to resolve to play only for a limited time — say an hour or an hour and a half on the same day.
Uncle and Sarah [Jane Grant, visiting Columbus] with our whole family are well. We had General Sherman at our house Wednesday evening with a pleasant party.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES. BIRCHARD HAYES, Fremont.
COLUMBUS, June 3, 1870.
DEAR BROTHER JAMES : — We are very glad to get your good letter from Berlin. Wre began to think you had dropped us all, and felt a little as if we deserved it. I will try in future to keep you posted with Commercials. We did not know your address.
Birch and Webb are at school at Fremont. . . . Ruddy is at home — treated like an orphan or like a stepchild because he is named after his father! . . . Little Fan is the bird of the house — very healthy and lively and pretty. She talks rapidly and recklessly, pronouncing all hard words wrong of course, but going it. ...
I visited Dayton, at Dick Anderson's, with Lucy a short time ago. The Soldiers' National Asylum was the excuse. A most beautiful, noble affair it has grown to be.
Lucy fattens a little which improves her good looks. She employs herself about soldiers' orphans, — we now have a Home in the worry of starting at Xenia, — about the decoration of soldiers' graves which is a success, and about the deaf and dumb pupils at the Reform Farm for boys. These matters with home affairs keep her busy and happy.
I am ready to go out of politics now. The cause I enlisted for is completely master, and the new questions do not interest me. There is no feeling or interest in political matters. The Administration does well — reduces the debt, keeps out of dif ficulty, and lets things float.
I go to Cincinnati occasionally. It grows steadily but not very
GOVERNOR OF OHIO — 1870 109
lapidly. Is as pleasant as any Western city, or Eastern for that matter, but perhaps a little "slow." - - All send regards.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES. DR. JAMES D. WEBB, Berlin.
COLUMBUS, June 13, 1870.
MY DEAR GENERAL : — You will be astonished as I was by this decision as to the right of the soldiers to vote at the Dayton National Asylum. But there it is. How can we get rid of it? Can you pass an Act of Congress that will avoid it? I feel like saying that the soldiers must vote as usual, and test the case again.
I merely call your attention to it with a view to congressional action. You recollect the act ordering jurisdiction expressly provided that residents of Ohio retained the right to vote.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES.
HONORABLE R. C. SCHENCK. Washington.
Jwne 14-18, 1870. — To Cincinnati to make the welcoming speech at the National Ssengerfest Wednesday evening, i5th. A great audience. [Gave] Webber four or five sittings on por trait. His portrait of Governor Anderson (Charles) is very spirited; fine, eagle-like eyes; a little too much red in the com plexion. Mine is rather coarse — a red, bloated look. Had been in the sun in an open carriage about five hours the day before. My skin burns red easily and so this ill feature is perhaps too etc., etc.
COLUMBUS, June 30, 1870.
DEAR COUSIN EDWARD : — I today received your very welcome letter, and the enclosed copy of Grandmother's diary. It is ex ceedingly interesting and I am much obliged to you for it. I have a copy of her diary from 1840 to her death. In that she speaks of having given her previous diary to Uncle William.
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But the fragment you send is the first part of it I have been able to find. I have for some years been interested in George Noyes' compilation of facts, notes, and pedigree, etc., etc., of the Hayes family, and have from him and other sources got together a pile of papers pertaining to the matter. I would like to have you send me a list of ^your family, embracing the names, dates of birth, marriages, deaths, present place of residence, etc., etc. ; the list to include your father and mother and all of their de scendants. This is something of a job, but as you are in that line now, William being census-taker, I hope you will find time to gratify me. Who is the person to do the same thing for
Aunt Fanny's family? I wrote to Cook, but I suppose I
did not get his address correctly.
I have four children living, three boys and a girl. I send you photographs of the oldest (Birtie, for short) Sardis Birch- ard Hayes, now sixteen, and the youngest Fanny, now two and a half, also of wife and my own. We are living temporarily here. We mean to quit public life in a couple of years and go back to Cincinnati or possibly to Toledo.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES.
EDWARD BANCROFT,
Chesterfield, Massachusetts.
July i, 1870. — Returned from a four [days'] trip to Wash ington on the 28th. Stopped there at the Arlington, a new hotel and the best ever in Washington. Board five dollars a day ! The great statesman at Washington now is Governor Morton. He is a strong, logical debater, who has the faculty of putting an argument in a way that is satisfactory to the best minds, and at the same [time