Thursday, September 24, 2026

Governor Rutherford B. Hayes to Birchard Hayes, March 11, 1870

COLUMBUS, OHIO, March 11, 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 on 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.

SOURCE: Charles Richard Williams, editor, Diary and Letters of Rutherford Birchard Hayes, Volume 3, p. 92

No comments: