General William T. Sherman to Senator John Sherman, February 23, 1886

ST. LOUIS, Feb. 23, 1886.

Dear Brother: I owe you a personal explanation as to why I did not come to Washington during my last visit East. After positively refusing to attend the banquet to the Loyal Legion at Cincinnati (President Hayes the Commander), I was persuaded at the last minute that I ought to go. After I had packed my valise, I heard of General Hancock's death, made one or two despatches to General Whipple as Adjutant-General, my former Aide, asking him to communicate with me at the Burnet House.¹ On arrival, I was met by President Hayes and General Cox and others, who explained that [by] the death of General Hancock, the president of the Order of the Loyal Legion, they had been forced to modify their programme, and that I must respond to the memory of General Hancock. I was kept busy all that day by a stream of visitors, and when the company had assembled for the banquet, full four hundred in the room, without notes or memoranda, I spoke for about ten minutes. My words were taken down and sent off without a chance of revision, but I afterwards learned that Mrs. Hancock was especially pleased. At the Burnet House I got all the notices of the funeral, which compelled me to travel to New York. En route was delayed a couple of hours by the flood in Delaware. It was two o'clock at night before I could lie down, and I had to be up at six to go down to the Battery, where the funeral was to commence. We were kept busy till night, when Miles and I went to Elly's² for dinner, and it was midnight when we got to the Fifth Avenue Hotel....

Affectionately yours,

W. T. SHERMAN.

_______________

¹ Cincinnati.

² His daughter’s.

SOURCE: Rachel Sherman Thorndike, Editor, The Sherman Letters: Correspondence Between General and Senator Sherman from 1837 to 1891, p. 369-70

Governor Rutherford B. Hayes, November 4, 1869

COLUMBUS, November 4, 1869.

Honorable Richard M. Corwine, of Cincinnati, Ohio, is a lawyer of large experience, whose practice in the higher courts of the State and of the United States for many years has given him wide reputation. He has devoted himself to his profession almost without interruption more than twenty-five years. Whatever qualifications for the discharge of important judicial duties can be acquired by a gentleman of intellect, of excellent temper and manners, and of great industry, may be justly claimed for Mr. Corwine.

R. B. HAYES.

SOURCE: Charles Richard Williams, editor, Diary and Letters of Rutherford Birchard Hayes, Volume 3, p. 67

Governor Rutherford B. Hayes to Richard M. Corwine, November 8, 1869

COLUMBUS, OHIO, November 8, 1869.

DEAR CORWINE: You have the joke on me if I have not on you. The word to my eye is plainly judicial not political. Either my writing or your reading is greatly at fault.

I can say nothing further as yet. Indeed, I feel some embarrassment may arise in doing so much as I have. I trust my letter will not be used or mentioned, if it does not seem necessary to do it. It is strictly within my rule and perfectly proper, but others might not so see it.

Sincerely,

R. B. HAYES.

RICHARD M. CORWINE.

SOURCE: Charles Richard Williams, editor, Diary and Letters of Rutherford Birchard Hayes, Volume 3, p. 67-8

Governor Rutherford B. Hayes to Manning F. Force, November 6, 1869

COLUMBUS, OHIO, November 6, 1869.

DEAR GENERAL: My wife and I both wish to say thank you for the beautiful pictures [reproductions of paintings in European galleries]. They are so fine that I want to be able to talk about them—how they are done; where are the originals; whose? etc., etc. I am told that a negative is obtained from the painting by the ordinary process, that the negative is retouched, and these pictures printed from the improved negative.

The next time I meet you I propose to hear you on your trip. So try not [to] forget it altogether.

Sincerely,

R. B. HAYES.

M. F. FORCE.

SOURCE: Charles Richard Williams, editor, Diary and Letters of Rutherford Birchard Hayes, Volume 3, p. 68

Governor Rutherford B. Hayes to Webb C. Hayes, November 7, 1869

COLUMBUS, OHIO, November 7, 1869.

MY DEAR WEBB: Yesterday one of the teachers in the public schools tried an interesting experiment in the rotunda of the State House. He suspended an iron ball weighing twenty pounds by a fine wire from the top of the dome and by letting it swing as a pendulum demonstrated very satisfactorily that the earth moves from the west to the east. The wire had to be one hundred and twenty feet long to reach from the dome to the floor. A line was drawn on the floor due north and south and the ball set to swinging directly over the line. In an hour the line of the ball's motion was nine degrees variant from the north and south line, showing that in forty hours the variation would go clear around the circle. It was a curious demonstration, but while everybody saw the result, only a few seemed to fully comprehend it.

I have a large number of the coats of arms of the States cut from the letters I get. If you want them I'll send them to you. You must always write with ink. You forgot to give the year in dating your last letter. Your letter as a whole was very well written. - Ruddy and your mother send love to you and Birch.

Affectionately, your father,

R. B. HAYES.

WEBB C. HAYES,
        Fremont.

SOURCE: Charles Richard Williams, editor, Diary and Letters of Rutherford Birchard Hayes, Volume 3, p. 68-9

Governor Rutherford B. Hayes to Donn Piatt, November 7, 1869

COLUMBUS, OHIO, November 7, 1869.

DEAR COLONEL:—Thanks for your call and pencil note at Cincinnati. I was sorry not to see you. I wanted to hear your talk—not more than I always do,—and as I am not likely to meet you often, I now want to know where you are to settle, if you do settle, that I can have the next best thing to your talk—your writings.

Judging by our last conversation, for pecuniary and other reasons you prefer a position to being merely a disturbing element; but as I see it, the latter is your vocation a vocation in which you can do great things in the present political, religious, social, etc., etc.

Sincerely,

R. B. HAYES.

COLONEL DONN PIATT.

SOURCE: Charles Richard Williams, editor, Diary and Letters of Rutherford Birchard Hayes, Volume 3, p. 69

Governor Rutherford B. Hayes to Benjamin F. Potts, November 8, 1869

COLUMBUS, OHIO, November 8, 1869.

DEAR GENERAL:—I congratulate you back again [—on your election to the state Senate]. Some enemy of yours reported that you would be badly beaten in any event. But I didn't believe it. I agree with you. Our lines didn't fall in the right years. The "off years," as Greeley calls them, are bad years to run for office.

The missionary story is out of whole cloth. I went to church like a good Christian on the Sunday I was reported to be ploughing with the Hamilton County Reform Members and didn't see one of them. Bishop Thompson preached a capital discourse on the text, "Be ye faithful to the end and I will give you a crown of life," or words to that effect. If you had heard it you wouldn't have thought of that infamous suspicion that I was imitating Sam Cary because I quoted scripture in my Thanksgiving proclamation. Hassaurek says the Reformers will be with us on the Fifteenth Amendment. I think so too. Lew Campbell, it is said, boasts that he will prevent the ratification in the Senate, but as both of the Reformers are perfectly sound I suppose it is safe.

Kind regards to Mrs. Potts.

Sincerely,

R. B. HAYES.

GENERAL B. F. POTTS,
        Carrollton, Ohio.

SOURCE: Charles Richard Williams, editor, Diary and Letters of Rutherford Birchard Hayes, Volume 3, p. 69-70

Governor Rutherford B. Hayes to General H. K. McConnell, November 9, 1869

COLUMBUS, OHIO, November 9, 1869.

DEAR SIR: I am in receipt of your favor of the 6th inst. in relation to the appointment of State Librarian, and in reply I must frankly say that, as at present advised, the incumbent will at the end of his term be reappointed. If I had an opportunity to talk with you face to face I would go into the reasons for this course. I recognize the validity of your claims and under other circumstances would be glad to give them a favorable hearing.

Supposing your letters may be of value to you, I respectfully return them.

Sincerely,

R. B. HAYES.

GENERAL H. K. MCCONNELL,
        Yellow Springs, Ohio.

SOURCE: Charles Richard Williams, editor, Diary and Letters of Rutherford Birchard Hayes, Volume 3, p. 70

Governor Rutherford B. Hayes to Charles Nordhoff, November 10, 1869

COLUMBUS, OHIO, November 10, 1869.

DEAR NORDHOFF: You are not the only "wretch" (I have adopted that good word from you) who harrows up the feelings of my wife by sending the Harper's picture of me. It has driven me into the photograph business and I am now jawing back in this way.

I want to send Walter "The President's Words" the book of Lincoln's wisdom, I named to you. How—by express or mail, and direction?

I have not seen Aunty Davis since your article on the Bible question. I fear she will think you have gone back on her hopes of you. I take the Bible side, largely because this war on the Good Book is in disguise a war on all free schools.

Sincerely,

R. B. HAYES.

CHARLES NORDHOFF.

SOURCE: Charles Richard Williams, editor, Diary and Letters of Rutherford Birchard Hayes, Volume 3, p. 70-1

Governor Rutherford B. Hayes to Julius Dexter, November 10, 1869

COLUMBUS, OHIO, November 10, 1869.

DEAR SIR: I am in receipt of your note of the 8th. I agree with you as to the importance of securing a fire-proof building for the library. It seems to me so important that I would not wait until the society can build or purchase such rooms. Can't a room that would answer the purpose be rented? I, however, ought not to make suggestions. My income does not permit me to do more than pay the ten dollars assessment in aid of the society's object. I would be glad to do more if I could.

Sincerely,

R. B. HAYES.

JULIUS DEXTER,
        RECORDING SECRETARY, HISTORICAL AND PHILOSOPHICAL SOCIETY.

SOURCE: Charles Richard Williams, editor, Diary and Letters of Rutherford Birchard Hayes, Volume 3, p. 71

Governor Rutherford B. Hayes to Oran Follett, November 11, 1869

COLUMBUS, OHIO, November 11, 1869.

MY DEAR SIR:—I am in receipt of your favor of the 9th in relation to the claims of Mr. Forster and Dr. Morton. I had some knowledge of the merits of Mr. Forster's application and have written two letters in his behalf. In reply to one I was told that consulates are all gobbled up long ago— that his only chance is the resignation or death of the present incumbents; and you know "few die and none resign.”

As to Dr. Morton, I know him well, but I suppose Mr. Harbough, who is a faithful good officer, ought not to be turned out. If more letters or good words in behalf of Mr. Forster are wanted, I am ready to furnish them. But as Mr. Lincoln said, when he was President: "I have very little influence with this Administration."

Sincerely,

R. B. HAYES.

HONORABLE O. FOLLETT,
        Sandusky, Ohio.

SOURCE: Charles Richard Williams, editor, Diary and Letters of Rutherford Birchard Hayes, Volume 3, p. 71

Governor Rutherford B. Hayes to Unidentified, November 13, 1869

COLUMBUS, OHIO, November 13, 1869.

DEAR SAGE: I am in receipt of yours of yesterday. I will send you reports of [the] Ohio Penitentiary and Reform Farm. No report of Girls' Reformatory yet made. But the rules adopted may answer your purpose and I will try to get them for you. They were approved by me as the law required and were in the handwriting of Judge M—— [Matthews (?)].

I have the Thanksgiving proclamations of twenty-seven States all recognizing religion, nearly all the religion of the Bible, and several the Divinity of Christ. More are coming, doubtless. Our Legislature for many years has passed a joint resolution annually authorizing a thanksgiving and frequently in terms which recognized the religion of the Bible. The last Legislature omitted to do so by a mere accident this year, but in [the] Sixty-fifth volume Ohio Laws, page 306, passed one last year. If you wish to borrow my bundle of Thanksgiving proclamations I will send them to you. All state institutions have religious exercises, some of them chaplains paid under state laws. The meetings of the two houses of the General Assembly are always opened with prayer in accordance, sometimes, with resolutions (passed unanimously usually), and sometimes by common consent. The inaugurations of governors are prefaced by religious exercises.

The general proposition on which you stand is undoubtedly sound. Whether your particular relief can be granted by a court is perhaps doubtful; and if you are beaten I am not sure but the question will go before the committee in a better form for a final and correct decision by the people without the intervention of the courts in opposition to the late action of the School Board than it will with such intervention. But if I can aid you, call on me.

Sincerely,

R. B. HAYES.

[Unidentified.]

SOURCE: Charles Richard Williams, editor, Diary and Letters of Rutherford Birchard Hayes, Volume 3, p. 72

Governor Rutherford B. Hayes to Congressman James A. Garfield, June 26, 1869

COLUMBUS, June 26, 1869.

DEAR GENERAL:—Looking over the letters opened and read hastily on the day of the convention,* I find the enclosed which is no doubt the lost letter to you.

Your capital speech the other day, the night of the 23rd, I have read with great satisfaction, and I hope you will make your arrangements to speak for the committee during the canvass and at a long list of meetings.

Sincerely,

R. B. HAYES.

J. A. GARFIELD.

_______________

*The State Republican Convention, June 23, at Columbus, which renominated Mr. Hayes by acclamation.

SOURCE: Charles Richard Williams, editor, Diary and Letters of Rutherford Birchard Hayes, Volume 3, p. 64

Governor Rutherford B. Hayes to William Henry Smith, July 13, 1869

COLUMBUS, July 13, 1869.

DEAR S——:—I am sorry not to be here to meet you.

I think of nothing in particular to say. There is a whispering which leads me to suspect that they [the Democratic leaders] are hoping, and perhaps trying, to get Rosecrans to decline. If he declines it will change the programme essentially. Until that matter is decided I suspect we had better show up their talk about him, and his talk about them as our principal topic, so far as merely personal issues go.

I am ready to begin [the canvass] whenever it is deemed best, and would advise going first and chiefly into doubtful or Union counties.

Sincerely,

R. B. HAYES

WILLIAM HENRY SMITH.

SOURCE: Charles Richard Williams, editor, Diary and Letters of Rutherford Birchard Hayes, Volume 3, p. 64

Governor Rutherford B. Hayes to Sardis Birchard, August 9, 1869

COLUMBUS, August 9, 1869.

DEAR UNCLE:— . . . I begin campaigning Wednesday. Rosecrans' declination does not affect it much. He would have been beaten. So I think will whoever they run.

Sincerely,

R. B. HAYES.

S. BIRCHARD.

SOURCE: Charles Richard Williams, editor, Diary and Letters of Rutherford Birchard Hayes, Volume 3, p. 65

Governor Rutherford B. Hayes to Sardis Birchard, August 16, 1869

COLUMBUS, August 16, 1869.

DEAR UNCLE:—The business of the office and the canvass keep me busy. I go to Chillicothe at noon and will be absent "on the circuit" two weeks before I return. Things look well. Pendleton's nomination makes the race more interesting and more doubtful. But I guess it will be all right. My health, voice, and spirits are of the best.

Sincerely,

R. B. HAYES.

S. BIRCHARD.

Private.

SOURCE: Charles Richard Williams, editor, Diary and Letters of Rutherford Birchard Hayes, Volume 3, p. 65

Governor Rutherford B. Hayes to D. W. Canfield, August 27, 1869

COLUMBUS, August 27, 1869.

MY DEAR SIR:—I wrote the enclosed [following] letter to the editor of the Democrat, but noticing that he refers to you, it seems more proper to write you on the subject, and as I am pressed for time I send you the letter to show you that I take it all in good part.

I add two things: First, I regret you did not write me after the state convention your views; and, secondly, I did tell all our Republican friends who conversed with me on such topics to oppose debts except in the extremest cases.

I hope it will do us no injury, and trust you will agree with me that the long sessions and excessive legislation of the last Legislature ought to be avoided.

Sincerely,

R. B. HAYES.

D. W. CANFIELD, ESQ.,
        Chardon, Ohio.

Confidential.

SOURCE: Charles Richard Williams, editor, Diary and Letters of Rutherford Birchard Hayes, Volume 3, p. 65

Governor Rutherford B. Hayes to Julius O. Converse, August 27, 1869

COLUMBUS, August 27, 1869.

MY DEAR SIR:—I have read the article you send me. The spirit of it is so just and fair that I cannot complain of it. At the same time I must think as to the Commisisoners' Bill that it violates the spirit of the constitution in not placing limits or conditions upon the power of the board. You do not allude to the most objectionable bill—the Road Bill.

But I write merely to say that I think we can't differ on my main objection, viz., the long sessions— the overlegislation. To that I did object in my inaugural message and this is what led to the greatest abuses. I shall listen to all such friendly suggestions as yours, and so far as I can do it, without forsaking principle, will accommodate my discussions to the views of the friends. It is perhaps a hobby with me, but I do hate debt, and I am opposed to authorizing it except as a dernier ressort.

Sincerely,

R. B. HAYES.

P. S.—The canvass looks well so far.—H.

JULIUS O. CONVERSE, ESQ.,
Chardon, Ohio.

SOURCE: Charles Richard Williams, editor, Diary and Letters of Rutherford Birchard Hayes, Volume 3, p. 65-6

Governor Rutherford B. Hayes to Sardis Birchard, August 30, 1869

COLUMBUS, August 30, 1869.

DEAR UNCLE:— . . . I am over my hardest week's work and find myself still in good condition in all respects. I shall drift up into your vicinity next week. I can form no very definite notion as to prospects. There are some clouds at Cincinnati and Cleveland growing out of local troubles, but with these exceptions the coast is clear and appearances encouraging.

Sincerely,

S. BIRCHARD.

R. B. HAYES.

SOURCE: Charles Richard Williams, editor, Diary and Letters of Rutherford Birchard Hayes, Volume 3, p. 66

Governor Rutherford B. Hayes to Sardis Birchard, September 27, 1869

COLUMBUS, OHIO, September 27, 1869.

DEAR UNCLE:—I am getting on very well. Came home last Saturday. . . . I start out again this afternoon to be gone until the last of the week.

As I have told you all along, the result of an apathetic election is always in doubt and this election is badly apathetic. But it looks better to me and I now think our chance is decidedly the best.

Sincerely,

R. B. HAYES.

S. BIRCHARD.

SOURCE: Charles Richard Williams, editor, Diary and Letters of Rutherford Birchard Hayes, Volume 3, p. 66