Congressman Rutherford B. Hayes to Sardis Birchard, October 6, 1866

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 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 afternoon. 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,

R. B. HAYES.

S. BIRCHARD.

SOURCE: Charles Richard Williams, editor, Diary and Letters of Rutherford Birchard Hayes, Volume 3, p. 33-4