Brigadier-General Rutherford B. Hayes to Lucy Webb Hayes, May 9, 1865

WASHINGTON, May 9, 1865.

DEAREST:— I am here looking on at the closing scenes. I wish you were here with me. I shall know in a few days how long I shall stay. If I am to remain long you must come here.

I now think it probable I shall stay in service just a month longer. If so, I will send for you. Otherwise, you will see me at home within a fortnight.

I could talk to you a great deal about things, but I don't care to write them.

I am a very little bored by having my name mentioned for governor. The answer is simply, I have accepted another place, and that is reason enough for not looking further.

I send you Bishop Simpson's excellent address on Lincoln. The foolish talk about your husband was not paid for I assure you.

Affectionately ever,

R.

MRS. HAYES.

SOURCE: Charles Richard Williams, editor, Diary and Letters of Rutherford Birchard Hayes, Volume 2, p. 582