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 wisdom. Otherwise, otherwise. It is a Cabinet for work, for honesty, and for economy. It contains three radicals, Washburne, 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 untrammelled, 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 qualifications 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.
SOURCE: Charles Richard Williams, editor, Diary and Letters of Rutherford Birchard Hayes, Volume 3, p. 59
