Congressman Rutherford B. Hayes to Sophia Birchard Hayes, February 4, 1866

WASHINGTON, D. C., February 4, 1866.

MY DEAR MOTHER:—  We have had very beautiful winter weather these last few days. We enjoy life very much now. As to what is called gaiety, we take little part in it. It is simply tedious to me. We have been out only twice in that line. Once to Secretary Harlan's reception, and one night to General Grant's first reception, and the same night to Senator Sherman's. General Grant's was very enjoyable from the large numbers of noticeable [notable (?)] people to look at. I have always wanted to be the first, the very first at a big party. I never heard of anybody who was first. We did it at Grant's. There were a goodly number of ladies and gentlemen in the clothing-rooms all waiting for somebody to break the ice. Lucy and I hurried off our things and got down first. It was right jolly. General and Mrs. Grant, a sister, and a staff officer's wife [were] waiting anxiously for an attack. We charged and had a good merry time of it all to ourselves.

Lucy goes to the House daily. Finds it very pleasant in all respects.

I hope Uncle is in better health. He will be interested in knowing that I find my Fine Arts Committee a very interesting one. The members all attend promptly and say it is the most interesting committee they ever belonged to. We have artists of all shades, learned professors, and book men before us, explaining their projects at every meeting, etc., etc.

Affectionately,

R.

MRS. SOPHIA HAYES.

SOURCE: Charles Richard Williams, editor, Diary and Letters of Rutherford Birchard Hayes, Volume 3, p. 17

Congressman Rutherford B. Hayes to Lucy Webb Hayes: December 7, 1865

WASHINGTON, D. C. December 7, 1865.

MY DARLING: Thanksgiving morning before breakfast. So far I have no very decided feeling about the life I am leading.

With my family here, pleasantly homed, I would like it well. As it is, I find nothing very gratifying in it and nothing decidedly the contrary. My quarters are well chosen. I do not yet mess anywhere in particular. I eat two meals a day wherever hunger overtakes me. I shall probably soon mess with Delano, Buckland, Welker, and Hubbell—a quiet regular set.

My old college chum Trowbridge and I naturally crony together a good deal. We called together at Governor Dennison's the other evening. Miss Lizzie was alone. Her cordial, unaffected manners, with some wit and a good disposition, make her a favorite here. She said the Ohio set were counting on "Aunt Lu" to be one of them with pleasant anticipations.

We called at Governor Chase's. He is more fleshy, an improvement rather, and more free and good-natured. He does not show any uneasy ambition—or rather, he seems to have made up his mind that his political career is ended; that it is of no use to worry about it, and yet that it is not by any means his choice. His little daughter is not at all handsome, and no longer little, but she is natural and kindly, perhaps bright. I saw no other of the family, but think Governor Sprague's family are with him.

Mussey is soon to have to be mustered out with his regiment of colored troops and then ordered to report to his regiment as captain. He is under a cloud—such a cloud that one hates to meet him or be seen with him. His unlucky military career has been much ventilated since he rose so high, chiefly because he did not bear himself "meekly" in his prosperity. Fortunately he seems not to feel or know it.

Thus far the noticeable men on our side of the house are Thad Stevens, Judge Kelley, and Roscoe Conkling, and on the Democratic side, James Brooks. Stevens is over seventy, sharp-faced, grim-looking, as Wilder Joy would have been if he hadn't fattened as he grew old. The only blemish in his puritanical, severe appearance is a brown wig. He is witty, cool, full of and fond of "sarcasms," and thoroughly informed and accurate. He has a knack of saying things which turn the laugh on his opponent. When he rises everyone expects something worth hearing, and he has the attention of all. You remember his speech on confiscation. He is radical throughout, except, I am told, he don't believe in hanging. He is leader.

Judge Kelley of Philadelphia talks often; has studied rhetoric and elocution, and, I am told, is theatrical overmuch, but so far his little short speeches have been exceedingly well delivered.

Roscoe Conkling of New York State delivers measured sentences in a grave, deliberate way that is good.

James Brooks, former Know-nothing leader, speaks pleasantly and is the leader of the Democrats; has, of course, to talk for Buncombe.

Delano has talked a little and is a good specimen of the lively, earnest style of Western talkers.

No doubt abler men have not yet showed themselves Banks and others. The House is a more orderly and respectable body so far than I had expected. The reading of the President's message was an imposing thing. The members, all attentive, looked like the thing we imagine. Mr. Boynton [of Cincinnati] was elected chaplain. Contrary to my wish and preference, I voted for Bonte, Judge Storer's son-in-law, to keep with the other Ohio members, but changed to Boynton, thus electing him before the vote was declared.

Tell me all about the boys and Grandma. My love to all. I shall want you to come back with me if convenient to you. You will be in time for the sights.

Affectionately ever, your

R.

MRS. HAYES.

SOURCE: Charles Richard Williams, editor, Diary and Letters of Rutherford Birchard Hayes, Volume 3, p. 8-10

Congressman Rutherford B. Hayes to Lucy Webb Hayes: December 17, 1865

WASHINGTON, D. C., December 17, 1865.

MY DEAREST:—  I hope to start home in time to be with you Friday next. The Senate has not yet acted on our adjournment, and it is not quite settled.

The death of Uncle Moses [Boggs], so unlooked for, so peculiarly sad, has impressed me singularly. I don't like to think of it. This is the reason I didn't write when I heard of it. I put off talking about it and will now.

Tom Corwin was struck down in the midst of a scene in which he was one of the happiest and the cause of great happiness to others. He still lingers in a dying condition. — Love to boys all. Affectionately, yours ever,

R.

MRS. HAYES.

SOURCE: Charles Richard Williams, editor, Diary and Letters of Rutherford Birchard Hayes, Volume 3, p. 12

Rutherford B. Hayes to Lucy Webb Hayes, July 30, 1865

CLEVELAND, July 30, 1865.

DEAR LUCY:— The Twenty-third goes out in fine feather. Perhaps no regiment from Ohio is so fortunate in its reception and last days. I wish you could have been here. We rode in the procession yesterday to the dedication [of the monument to the dead of the regiment]. Hastings, Miss Hastings, and Mrs. Comly in the carriage I was in-next after the band.

Mother [Webb] and Joe go tomorrow to Niagara. On return they go to see the boys [Birchard and Webb] at Fremont. Boys very happy there and very good, the cause of happiness to others.

As ever, darling, your

R.

MRS. HAYES.

SOURCE: Charles Richard Williams, editor, Diary and Letters of Rutherford Birchard Hayes, Volume 3, p. 2-3

Rutherford B. Hayes to Lucy Webb Hayes, August 25, 1865

CINCINNATI, August 25, 1865.

MY DARLING: I am not yet quite sure but I think we shall go into our old home about the middle of October — not sooner. You can give up your rooms when you come down, if you prefer to do so. . . .

I had a fine time yesterday at the Green Township “Harvest Home” – beautiful custom, where old, young, etc., dance, sing, eat, play, and listen to speeches. Matthews made one of the set speeches. I was also exhibited as a "vet" and got off very luckily with a few successful sentences.

I shall look for you sometime next week. Have told Uncle we shall be there next week – middle to last of the week. We shall go via Toledo if you do not object.

Love to all. Ever your

R.

MRS. HAYES.

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

Rutherford B. Hayes to Maria Cook Webb, September 17, 1865

CINCINNATI, September 17, 1865.

DEAR MOTHER WEBB:— I left Lucy and the boys at Fremont—all well and very happy—last Tuesday. I did expect to go up to Ross County to see you and George this week, but I am in the hands of a political committee for the next three weeks and can't determine my own movements much better than I could when I was in the army. . . .

We can get our house soon after October and may be able to get in it by the 15th or 20th.—Love to all.

Affectionately,

R. B. HAYES.

MRS. MARIA WEBB,
        Chillicothe.

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

Rutherford B. Hayes to Lucy Webb Hayes, October 1, 1865

CINCINNATI, October 1, 1865.

MY DARLING:— The duds are in the house and the repairing, etc., begun. It will be cramped and I fear seem gloomy to you at first, but I trust we shall find it as happy as ever.

I have made two quite successful speeches this week-one at Marysville in Union County, and the other at General Grant's meeting at his old home in Clermont County. I also spoke so-so at several meetings in this county and city. I speak at Sidney in Shelby County on the 3d and Wednesday the 4th will come in the morning train from Toledo. My voice and health are good. The night ride after speaking at Sidney will leave me a little fagged out at Fremont.

I hope I shall be with you Wednesday night and Thursday night. I then come home via Wayne County and will go up to you immediately after the election. Love to all.

Ever, your

R.

MRS. HAYES,
        Fremont.

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

Congressman Rutherford B. Hayes to Lucy Webb Hayes, November 30, 1865

WASHINGTON, November 30, 1865.

DEAREST:— My first writing in my own room at Washington is to you. My surroundings are so-so, viz.: This, the front room is about twenty-four by fifteen, has a new good carpet, a coal stove, coal bucket, and spittoon — stove of good pattern in front of a mantelpiece and fireplace like ours; black haircloth short sofa, one armchair and one large chair without arms, and six good chairs, all black haircloth and black walnut wood; one office armchair like ours in the parlor, a little marble-top table; the [wall-]paper of a large, old-fashioned pattern. The get-up of the house is all old-fashioned. A back room twenty by fifteen [with] cottage furniture and closets [and] one front and one back window. [My rooms are on the] first floor-left side, as you enter the house. Altogether pleasant enough.

Judge James and General Este next above me, and Colonel Rodney Mason, of unhappy military fame, in the third story (but a quiet good fellow they say). The [land] lady is a well-looking and [well-] tempered Secesh widow or grass-widow.

It will do for you, I think, though not the very nicest, but still nice enough.

My travelling companions were Mr. Clark of Batavia and his wife, — they have no family — (one daughter, married); Mr. Eggleston and Sands, and McKee, of Kentucky, with his wife, one sister, and a son. Good company. If you were here I would be all right. Love to all.

Affectionately ever, your

R.

MRS. HAYES.

SOURCE: Charles Richard Williams, editor, Diary and Letters of Rutherford Birchard Hayes, Volume 3, p. 5-6

Brigadier-General Rutherford B. Hayes to Sophia Birchard Hayes, May 12, 1865

New CREEK, May 12, 1865.

DEAR MOTHER:— I have returned from Washington, and shall start this afternoon for Chillicothe. I do not leave the army for a few days until I know what is to be done with my favorite troops. As soon as that is known I quit. I shall bring Lucy here to await events.

Affectionately, your son,

R.

MRS. SOPHIA HAYES.

SOURCE: Charles Richard Williams, editor, Diary and Letters of Rutherford Birchard Hayes, Volume 2, p. 583

Brigadier-General Rutherford B. Hayes to Sophia Birchard Hayes, May 14, 1865

MARIETTA, Ohio, May 14, 1865.

DEAR MOTHER:— Having business on this end of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, I came on this far to meet Lucy. She will go back to New Creek with me, and remain as long as I stay in the army that is about two weeks.

The weather is very fine, and I never saw the Ohio River and its hills and bottoms looking so well. We shall probably go up the Ohio to Wheeling, and thence by railroad back. I now intend to leave the army so as to get settled up and ready for home by the 10th to 15th of June. I shall go to Delaware and Fremont before Cincinnati.

Affectionately, your son,

R.

SOURCE: Charles Richard Williams, editor, Diary and Letters of Rutherford Birchard Hayes, Volume 2, p. 583

Rutherford B. Hayes to Sophia Birchard Hayes, May 20, 1865

NEW CREEK, WEST VIRGINIA, May 20, 1865.

DEAR MOTHER:— I got here safely with Lucy last night. I have resigned to take effect the week after next, and will probably be at Delaware within three weeks to see you. We shall travel about a few days before starting West.

The soldiers are leaving for home very rapidly. They are all in excellent spirits and glad to go. I have no idea that many of them will ever see as happy times again as they have had in the army. — I shall perhaps return by way of Fremont.

Affectionately, your son,

R.

SOURCE: Charles Richard Williams, editor, Diary and Letters of Rutherford Birchard Hayes, Volume 2, p. 583-4

Rutherford B. Hayes to Sardis Birchard, May 20, 1865

NEW CREEK, WEST VIRGINIA, May 20, 1865.

DEAR UNCLE:— Lucy arrived here last night with me from Chillicothe. We expect to go to Washington in a few days, and after a little run about, home probably by way of Fremont about the 5th to 10th of June. I have sent my resignation, and shall be out of service just four years after entering it. My chest will go to Fremont by express; my horse and equipments, flag, sword, etc., etc., start tomorrow with my orderlies. If they need cash, please let them have it

Sincerely,

R. B. HAYES.

S. BIRCHARD.

SOURCE: Charles Richard Williams, editor, Diary and Letters of Rutherford Birchard Hayes, Volume 2, p. 584

Rutherford B. Hayes to Sophia Birchard Hayes, May 28, 1865

WASHINGTON, D. C., May 28, 1865.

DEAR MOTHER:— Mr. and Mrs. Phelps of Fremont joined us here this morning. We expect to finish our trip together. I suppose that week after next I shall start home, done with the war. Laura and Lucy are enjoying themselves very much. General Mitchell and myself have been busy a large part of the time, leaving our wives to follow their own plans. We shall probably leave here tomorrow to visit Richmond, and will come West soon after. Mitchell will perhaps stay in service a few weeks or months longer. — Love to friends.

Affectionately, your son,

R.

MRS. SOPHIA HAYES.

SOURCE: Charles Richard Williams, editor, Diary and Letters of Rutherford Birchard Hayes, Volume 2, p. 584-5

Rutherford B. Hayes to Lucy Webb Hayes, June 22, 1865

FREMONT, June 22, 1865.

DEAREST:— I came here Monday, and am enjoying life as well as could be expected without my darling. Uncle has enlarged on Old Whitey's* merits until he is the most remarkable horse since the Bucephalus of Alexander.

I shall go over to Willoughby to see Hastings before I come home. You need not look for me until the middle of next week. I am talking over the future with Uncle. I suspect we shall final[ly] leave "events to shape themselves," as McClellan used to do.

Affectionately, ever,

R.  

MRS. HAYES.

_______________

* "Old Whitey" was Hayes's war horse. He lived a pensioner at Spiegel Grove for fifteen years. His grave in the grove is marked by a great boulder.

SOURCE: Charles Richard Williams, editor, Diary and Letters of Rutherford Birchard Hayes, Volume 3, p. 1-2

Rutherford B. Hayes to Sardis Birchard, July 6, 1865

CINCINNATI, July 6, 1865.

DEAR UNCLE:— Lucy will still remain, as heretofore, at Chillicothe; if she leaves at all, it will only be for a short visit. The two big boys, Birch and Webb, are both very anxious to go to Fremont, and will do so, I think, in about a couple of weeks.

I have taken a room, southeast corner of Fourth and Elm Streets, and will make headquarters for the present at the office of Stephenson and Noyes. I left Chillicothe yesterday. All very well. Our present purpose is to arrange some way to keep house next winter and have Mother Hayes with Lucy, but perhaps nothing better be said to Mother yet. Lucy will like to live with me at Spiegel Grove whenever I am ready to go there.

Sincerely,

R. B. H.

S. BIRCHARD.

SOURCE: Charles Richard Williams, editor, Diary and Letters of Rutherford Birchard Hayes, Volume 3, p. 2

Rutherford B. Hayes to Lucy Webb Hayes, July 9, 1865

CINCINNATI, July 9, 1865.

MY DEAREST:— I have got a large, airy third-story room on the southeast corner of Fourth and Walnut, and find myself remarkably well camped. A little hot, and somewhat lonely of nights. Thus far I find occupation enough with correspondence, listening to all sorts of applications, and hunting up old acquaintances. . . .

General Buckland here today, also Senator Sherman. "Politics a bad trade" runs in my head often. Guess we'll quit. . . .

Affectionately,

R.

MRS. HAYES.

SOURCE: Charles Richard Williams, editor, Diary and Letters of Rutherford Birchard Hayes, Volume 3, p. 2

Brigadier-General Rutherford B. Hayes to Lucy Webb Hayes, April 19, 1865

NEW CREEK, WEST VIRGINIA, April 19, 1865.

MY DARLING:— I have just returned from Cumberland to meet Dr. Joe from Winchester and to see the funeral ceremonies, etc., at department headquarters.

Had a good time. I feel the national loss, but even that is nothing compared to the joy I feel that this awful war is ended in our favor. Joe and I moralized over it, and agreed that no one man, not even so great a one as Lincoln, was anything by the side of the grand events of the month.* We are to leave the service hereafter when things take shape a little, if possible at the same time.

I asked you in a late letter to be ready to come to me on short notice. I, or somebody, will meet you at Parkersburg or somewhere. Come without much baggage ready to travel. We will perhaps take a journey of three weeks or so when I quit. Joe will go along and possibly two of my staff. Can we take Birch without Webb? Can you leave George?

I am so anxious to be with you. Your letter of the 5th, which I find here, is the first I have from you in a great while. I am so happy in the prospect of being with you for good soon. Reply at once.

Affectionately, ever,

R.

MRS. HAYES.

_______________

* See Dr. Joseph T. Webb to Maria Cook Webb, April 20, 1865

SOURCE: Charles Richard Williams, editor, Diary and Letters of Rutherford Birchard Hayes, Volume 2, p. 578

Brigadier-General Rutherford B. Hayes to Lucy Webb Hayes, April 28, 1865

NEW CREEK, April 28, 1865.

MY DARLING:—Yours came yesterday. I can't yet decide anything, either as to your coming here, or as to my quitting service. As soon as the Government, in any official way, says officers of my grade, or generally, are no longer needed in their present numbers, I am ready to go.

I am a little bored, at the same time that I am pleased, by the doings of the Ohio soldiers of my old division.* I tried to stop the proceedings getting into print, but am now told that I was too late. I have letters from all the colonels of a very pleasant sort, as to their feelings, etc., etc.

I have a leave to go to Washington, and shall go there early next week, to spend the week. I shall then probably decide all matters as to your coming out or my going home. I think three weeks will be long enough for your absence if you come.

I have a long letter from Crook written soon after Lee's surrender. He thanks the guerrillas for his capture, as it got him into active service. — Sheridan by his personal efforts secured the victory of Five Forks, which decided the fate of Richmond, Lee, and all. — Love to all.

Affectionately ever,

R.

MRS. HAYES.

_______________

* A meeting, April 20, which adopted resolutions urging the Union party to nominate Hayes for Governor of Ohio. See “Life," Vol. I, p. 290

SOURCE: Charles Richard Williams, editor, Diary and Letters of Rutherford Birchard Hayes, Volume 2, p. 580

Brigadier-General Rutherford B. Hayes to Lucy Webb Hayes, May 5, 1865

WASHINGTON, May 5, 1865.

DEAREST:— I am here in Judge Johnston's pleasant quarters, established in a homelike way. Dined with Charley Anderson at Governor Dennison's yesterday. All talk of you..

I am yet undecided as to when I go out, etc., etc., but soon. My trip with you is not any more probable, but keep ready a little while longer. We shall be together very soon somewhere. If at Chillicothe, you must get an extra room for a short time.

I am meditating this, to quietly determine, for my own and your knowledge, to quit public life as soon as my term in Congress ends. That fixed, then at once either open a law office in Cincinnati as soon as I resign, or prepare a home at Fremont. Don't worry over it, but think of it and when we meet we will confer. Love to the dear ones.

Ever affectionately,

R.

MRS. HAYES.

SOURCE: Charles Richard Williams, editor, Diary and Letters of Rutherford Birchard Hayes, Volume 2, p. 581

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