Congressman Rutherford B. Hayes to Sardis Birchard, February 2, 1867

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. This is the truth as I now see it: I don't particularly enjoy Congressional 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.

SOURCE: Charles Richard Williams, editor, Diary and Letters of Rutherford Birchard Hayes, Volume 3, p. 39-40