Congressman Rutherford B. Hayes to Lucy Webb Hayes, July 2, 1867

WASHINGTON, July 2, 1867.

MY DARLING:—We got here at five this afternoon; had a good trip. The boys looked and behaved well. At first both a little subdued, but before we got here Webb recovered and was on good terms with the Members of Congress on board; in fact, I am afraid that in another day he would have pulled Senator Chandler's nose and punched Senator Howard in the stomach! Birch took to the guidebook and is up on geography, distances, places, etc., etc.

Affectionately,

R. B. HAYES.

MRS. HAYES.

SOURCE: Charles Richard Williams, editor, Diary and Letters of Rutherford Birchard Hayes, Volume 3, p. 45

Congressman Rutherford B. Hayes to Lucy Webb Hayes, July 11, 1867

WASHINGTON, D. C., July 11, 1867.

DARLING:—The boys very happy and very good. Webb and Birch both crowd up to Mr. Stevens when he speaks. They had a chance to hear Bingham's best piece of declamation the other day. Birch, however, likes Stevens the most. Webb is very modest in the House. Birch is bolder. Birch learns everything. Webb is delighted with books he gets from the library.

I have some notion of returning by New York. The only objection is, it will add another week to absence from you. And you know how affectionately

I am ever your

R.

MRS. HAYES.

SOURCE: Charles Richard Williams, editor, Diary and Letters of Rutherford Birchard Hayes, Volume 3, p. 45-6

Congressman Rutherford B. Hayes to Lucy Webb Hayes, July 14, 1867

WASHINGTON, D. C., July 14, 1867.

MY DARLING:—Nothing but good things to say about the boys. I asked Birch whether he wouldn't prefer going to New York and Niagara to going direct to Cincinnati. "No," says he, "you see I haven't seen Mama for a long time, not since April, and I want to see where she is living." It looks as if we could start home the last of this or the first of next week. Much love to you, dearest.

Affectionately ever,

R.

MRS. HAYES.

SOURCE: Charles Richard Williams, editor, Diary and Letters of Rutherford Birchard Hayes, Volume 3, p. 46

Congressman Rutherford B. Hayes to Sardis Birchard, July 25, 1867

WALNUT HILLS, July 25, 1867.

DEAR UNCLE:—We got home safely yesterday. Find Lucy and all well. I think I will return the two boys about the middle of next week, or last, not certain yet. If I come up, as I think I will, I can stay only a couple of days. Politics will be my business the rest of the time until election. I feel well about it, and expect to enjoy it.

Sincerely,

R. B. HAYES.

S. BIRCHARD.

SOURCE: Charles Richard Williams, editor, Diary and Letters of Rutherford Birchard Hayes, Volume 3, p. 46

Congressman Rutherford B. Hayes to William M. Dickson, January 19 , 1867

WASHINGTON, January 19, 1867.

DEAR JUDGE:—I will hand your letter about Shields' confirmation to our Senators with favorable talk. As to the other, I get more letters on the other side, but have done nothing more than to refer them to our Senators. Do you watch the movements here? What do you think of them? Being myself on the radical side of all of them, I may have lost my sense and would like to hear a cool outsider talk.

Yours,

R. B. HAYES.

HON. W. M. DICKSON,
        Cincinnati.

SOURCE: Charles Richard Williams, editor, Diary and Letters of Rutherford Birchard Hayes, Volume 3, p. 38

Congressman Rutherford B. Hayes to Sardis Birchard, January 27 , 1867

WASHINGTON, D. C., January 27, 1867.

DEAR UNCLE:—Buck[land] and I are both a little shaky on the Randall Bill. I will bear watching quite as much as he will. I think we shall both light on your side of the question but our state of mind is, as you used to say, "between souse and suggerly."* I am confident, however, that the bill will not pass at this session.

I hear the boys are at home. I suppose they will (the two big ones) return to your house after this week's doings and that Lucy and Rud will return here soon. I leave it all to her.

Sincerely,

R. B. HAYES.

S. BIRCHARD.

_______________

* Undoubtedly colloquial for "between south and southerly." Lexicographers have failed to record these forms.

SOURCE: Charles Richard Williams, editor, Diary and Letters of Rutherford Birchard Hayes, Volume 3, p. 38

Congressman Rutherford B. Hayes to William Henry Smith, January 29 , 1867

Private and Confidential.

WASHINGTON, D. C., January 29, 1867.

MY DEAR SIR:—I am this morning in receipt of yours of the 26th as to the next Union nomination for governor. Since General Cox's declination one or two persons, in a merely casual way, have spoken to me on the subject. Your letter contains the first and only serious suggestion of the sort I have received from Ohio. I therefore do not wish to speak now decisively, or for the public. I will mention a few things which strike me at first blush, one or the other of which will perhaps end the matter.

Having been elected by the Union people of the Second District to an office which they knew I wanted, it would not be right to resign it without their approval. Again, I would not go into the State Convention unless it was quite certain that I would be supported by the delegates of Hamilton County. And, finally, I would not go into a contest with any other Union man of Hamilton County for the support of the delegation of that county. In short, nothing but the general desire and approval of the party and its public men in the county would justify me in consenting to leave the office to which I have just been elected.

I prefer you would for the present keep this to yourself, with the understanding that I will write you fully, frankly, and definitely when I am a little better informed in the premises.

Sincerely,

R. B. HAYES.

WILLIAM HENRY SMITH,
        Columbus.

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

Congressman Rutherford B. Hayes to Sardis Birchard, January 30 , 1867

WASHINGTON, D. C., January 30, 1867.

DEAR UNCLE:—The Randall Bill stands no chance at all. Hooper's Bill not much.

No change, is the present feeling in finance. Nothing will be done on impeachment, or Reconstruction at this session.

Sincerely,

R. B. HAYES.

S. BIRCHARD.

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

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

Congressman Rutherford B. Hayes to William Henry Smith, February —, 1867

Private and Confidential.

WASHINGTON, D. C., February —1867.

MY DEAR SIR:—Since writing you early last week I have received a good many letters from Cincinnati and the drift of them all is to confirm me in the correctness of my offhand impressions. I wish, therefore, to have it known that I decline to allow my name to go before the Union State Convention. Of course I feel flattered by the favorable way in which I have been named, and greatly obliged to my friends for their partiality. I would very much enjoy, I am sure, to make the canvass, and I do not pretend to be indifferent to the honor. If I had no place such as the one I now occupy I should quite willingly take the chances of getting a nomination. But under the circumstances, as I said in my former letter, I ought not to resign without the approval of the people who sent me here; and there is, judging by my correspondence, no general desire that I should do so. I shall write no letter for publication and of course want my decision made known without any "flourish of trumpets" or the assignment of reasons.

This letter is marked "private" merely to indicate that I don't want it to be published.

Sincerely,

R. B. HAYES.

WILLIAM HENRY SMITH,
        Columbus.

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

Congressman Rutherford B. Hayes to Sardis Birchard, Friday, February 7, 1867

WASHINGTON, D. C., February 7, 1867. Friday.

DEAR UNCLE:—Lucy reached here this morning safe and well. It is a most interesting period in Congress. She will enjoy it very much. Our new plans suit me exactly. Grant, Thomas, and Sheridan are now known to be all right.

Your letter on the governorship came one day too late. I decided not to run. The principal reason is I do not like in these times to leave a place to which I have just been chosen on my own request. But it's all right, I am sure. It is something to have declined an office of the sort.

Sincerely,

R. B. HAYES.

S. BIRCHARD.

SOURCE: Charles Richard Williams, editor, Diary and Letters of Rutherford Birchard Hayes, Volume 3, p. 41

Congressman Rutherford B. Hayes to Sardis Birchard, February 22, 1867

WASHINGTON, February 22, 1867.

DEAR UNCLE:—Enclosed is the account of Carpenter's Lincoln. I have the picture and will also have Marshall's, and will one of these days express them both to you. As one is framed, be careful in opening them.

I send you a rather curious phrenological estimate of the Congressmen on the Pacific Railroad excursion (Buck[land] and myself included) with portraits. It is curious as showing that Mr. [Samuel R.] Wells, who is a respectable person, and who professes to judge people on the principles of what he calls the sciences of phrenology and physiology, really gets his impressions just as you and I do, from their manners, conduct, and conversation. He is evidently not influenced a particle by temperament or head and features. He is singularly and laughably wrong in Buck's case. The only interest in the whole thing is that it shows the impression that a tolerably good observer gets on a short acquaintance with us.

We are getting on just right in politics here. The Commercial regrets my course one day, but the next day proved I was right.

Sincerely,

R. B. HAYES.

S. BIRCHARD.

_______________

Francis Bicknell Carpenter's First Reading of the
Emancipation Proclamation of President Lincoln

SOURCE: Charles Richard Williams, editor, Diary and Letters of Rutherford Birchard Hayes, Volume 3, p. 41

Congressman Rutherford B. Hayes to Manning F. Force, February 23, 1867

WASHINGTON, February 23, 1867.

DEAR GENERAL:—You will be pleased to hear that the appropriation of one hundred thousand dollars to buy your father's library passed the Committee of the whole today without objection or opposition. It will no doubt pass the House in the same way, and we consider it safe in the Senate. It is in the regular Civil Appropriation Bill.

Sincerely,

R. B. HAYES.

M. F. FORCE,
        Cincinnati.

SOURCE: Charles Richard Williams, editor, Diary and Letters of Rutherford Birchard Hayes, Volume 3, p. 42

Congressman Rutherford B. Hayes to Sardis Birchard, April 6, 1867

WASHINGTON, D. C., April 6, 1867.

DEAR UNCLE: —The post-office and collectorship at home have kept me here this week, and may keep me several days yet. It looked as if I could do a good service to the city, to the party, and to some friends, and I would not leave as long as there was a chance of doing it.

All well. Love to the boys.

Sincerely,

R. B. HAYES.

S. BIRCHARD.

SOURCE: Charles Richard Williams, editor, Diary and Letters of Rutherford Birchard Hayes, Volume 3, p. 42

Congressman Rutherford B. Hayes to Sardis Birchard, May 21, 1867

CINCINNATI, May 21, 1867.

DEAR UNCLE:

It now looks as if I would not consent to run for governor. It is not, however, quite settled yet. Those who are friendly here all think I can still succeed if I wish to try it.

Sincerely,

R. B. HAYES.

S. BIRCHARD.
        Private.

SOURCE: Charles Richard Williams, editor, Diary and Letters of Rutherford Birchard Hayes, Volume 3, p. 42

Congressman Rutherford B. Hayes to Sardis Birchard, December 1, 1866

WASHINGTON, D. C., [December 1, 1866.]

DEAR UNCLE:— We reached here this morning. Ruddy thinks better of Washington since he got acquainted with the boys of Mr. Eggleston and Colonel McKee. We are settling down rapidly

and shall be at home as much as ever in a day or two. The meeting of members after their separation is like old college days.

SOURCE: Charles Richard Williams, editor, Diary and Letters of Rutherford Birchard Hayes, Volume 3, p. 35-6

Congressman Rutherford B. Hayes to Sardis Birchard, December 2, 1866

December 2.  Our caucus last night was good-tempered and sensible. The only matter decided was that the members of the House don't want the appointments made for political reasons to be confirmed. Committees were appointed to report as to business hereafter.—I room and board at the old place.

Sincerely,

R. B. HAYES.

S. BIRCHARD.

SOURCE: Charles Richard Williams, editor, Diary and Letters of Rutherford Birchard Hayes, Volume 3, p. 35-6

Congressman Rutherford B. Hayes to Sardis Birchard, December 13, 1866

WASHINGTON, D. C., December 13, 1866.

DEAR UNCLE:— I saw the pictures of the Pacific Railroad last night. I fear you may think it a poor purchase. Under a good glass some of them are very fine, and the series give a very correct notion of the country and the looks of everything, especially of the Pawnees.

I bought second-hand this morning four of Ruskin's lectures entitled "Unto This Last." They look goodish.

We are just passing a resolution to adjourn on the 20th to the 3d [of January]. If the Senate concur, as I think they will, we may perhaps take a Christmas dinner with you.

Ruddy goes to school to his mother and seems to be doing well. He learns easily and rapidly. In his taste for books he is about half-way between Birch and Webb.—Love to the boys.

Sincerely,

R. B. HAYES.

S. BIRCHARD.

SOURCE: Charles Richard Williams, editor, Diary and Letters of Rutherford Birchard Hayes, Volume 3, p. 36

Congressman Rutherford B. Hayes to Sardis Birchard, December 19, 1866

WASHINGTON, December 19, 1866.

DEAR UNCLE:— We have decided to accept an invitation to spend Christmas in New Orleans. It is probable we shall return by way of Fremont and be there about New Year's day. [Senator] Wade and wife are going with others; probably, also Buckland and wife. We shall probably send Rud to Fremont by Ashley or Trowbridge or somebody. I will be more specific perhaps before I close this. The excursion will go via Lynchburg, Knoxville, Chattanooga, Nashville, and Memphis, [and] spend two days at New Orleans.

Sincerely,

R. B. HAYES.

S. BIRCHARD.

SOURCE: Charles Richard Williams, editor, Diary and Letters of Rutherford Birchard Hayes, Volume 3, p. 36-7

Congressman Rutherford B. Hayes to Sardis Birchard, December 24, 1866

NASHVILLE, December 24, 1866.

DEAR UNCLE:— Good times, banquets, etc., etc., at Knoxville, Chattanooga, and here. We visit the battle-fields and mix with the leading Rebels in a friendly and sensible way. We go to Memphis tonight. Stay all day Christmas and go to New Orleans.

Lucy is doing her best and enjoying it hugely.—Love to boys.

R.

S. BIRCHARD.

SOURCE: Charles Richard Williams, editor, Diary and Letters of Rutherford Birchard Hayes, Volume 3, p. 37