Governor Rutherford B. Hayes to Sardis Birchard, November 3, 1868

COLUMBUS, November 3, 1868.

DEAR UNCLE: Platt heard my talk about the taxes for ditches and roads on your Wood County lands with the greatest good humor. He laughed about it; said he rather thought the lands might about as well be given up, but would leave all that to you and Doctor Rawson. He seemed to regard the big figures I gave him as a good joke. There will be no trouble or feeling with him.

Judge Matthews staid with us during the session of the Electoral College. His daughter Bella, the eldest and favorite, aged seventeen, died suddenly while he was here.

Lucy has gone down to Glendale. We got home in five hours from Fremont by way of Monroeville and Clyde. The quickest time I ever made. All well.

Sincerely,

R. B. HAYES.

S. BIRCHARD.

SOURCE: Charles Richard Williams, editor, Diary and Letters of Rutherford Birchard Hayes, Volume 3, p. 55

Governor Rutherford B. Hayes to Sardis Birchard, January 17, 1868

COLUMBUS, January 17, 1868.

DEAR UNCLE:—I am enjoying the new office. It strikes me at a guess as the pleasantest I have ever had. Not too much hard work, plenty of time to read, good society, etc., etc.

Sincerely,

R. B. HAYES.

S. BIRCHARD.

SOURCE: Charles Richard Williams, editor, Diary and Letters of Rutherford Birchard Hayes, Volume 3, p. 51

Governor Rutherford B. Hayes to Sardis Birchard, February 3, 1868

COLUMBUS, OHIO, February 3, 1868.

DEAR UNCLE:—Tell the boys that if nothing occurs to prevent I hope to reach Fremont on the evening train that will arrive Friday evening.

I send you T. D. Jones' design for a Soldier and Lincoln Monument. We hadn't money enough to accept this design. It is in three parts: — (1) At the bottom, the uprising of the people when Sumter was taken; (2) The surrender of Vicksburg to Grant; and (3) The bust of Lincoln. I am not sure but presume you will think it worth express charges and houseroom. We adopted Jones' bust from this design.

Sincerely,

R. B. HAYES.

S. BIRCHARD.

SOURCE: Charles Richard Williams, editor, Diary and Letters of Rutherford Birchard Hayes, Volume 3, p. 51

Governor Rutherford B. Hayes to William Henry Smith, February 17, 1868

COLUMBUS, OHIO, February 17, 1868.

DEAR S—I have thought of writing to the friends of some of the early governors for portraits. Some I am sure I can get by simply asking—as McArthur, Trimble, etc., etc. I merely write for suggestions supposing you may know or may have done something which would change my idea.

Sincerely,

R. B. HAYES.

WILLIAM HENRY SMITH.

SOURCE: Charles Richard Williams, editor, Diary and Letters of Rutherford Birchard Hayes, Volume 3, p. 51

Rutherford B. Hayes to Sardis Birchard, August 17, 1867

SPRINGFIELD, OHIO, August 17, 1867.

DEAR UNCLE:—I write from here not knowing if I shall have time to do so at home. I go home to spend Sunday today. Thus far all goes pleasantly. Luckily my best speech was to my best audience, and where I would have preferred it, at Dayton. Nobody with me yet. I expect Buck [land] next week.

Yours,

R. B. HAYES.

S. BIRCHARD.

SOURCE: Charles Richard Williams, editor, Diary and Letters of Rutherford Birchard Hayes, Volume 3, p. 47

Rutherford B. Hayes to Lucy Webb Hayes, Sunday, August 25, 1867

PORTSMOUTH, August 25, 1867, Sunday.

MY DARLING:—I could not get to Chillicothe today. Had a great crowd yesterday. In the middle of my speech a terrific rain-storm broke us up. At night we had a fine meeting. "Old Ben" [Wade] made a glorious negro suffrage [speech], frequently rough, but great.

Mrs. Buckland is with Buck. We all enjoy it. Spoke at night three times the last week as well as daily. Am quite hoarse but it [the hoarseness] wears off entirely as I warm up. Love to Rud. Oceans to yourself.

Affectionately,

R.

MRS. HAYES.

SOURCE: Charles Richard Williams, editor, Diary and Letters of Rutherford Birchard Hayes, Volume 3, p. 47

Rutherford B. Hayes to Lucy Webb Hayes, September 29, 1867

COLUMBUS, September 29, 1867.

MY DARLING:—I am writing from Laura's pleasant home—the next place to my wife's in homelikeness and comfort.

I did hope to see you at 383 this morning but to do so would give me two night rides, one to go and another to get back to the Reserve. So, tired as I was, I gave it up.

A pleasant week, this last. I enjoyed Delaware particularly. I made only a so-so speech there not a failure, but not one of the good ones. Sorry for that, but couldn't help it. At Tiffin and Bucyrus, three hours each had used me up a trifle. I am better than ever.

Affectionately,

R.

MRS. HAYES.

SOURCE: Charles Richard Williams, editor, Diary and Letters of Rutherford Birchard Hayes, Volume 3, p. 47-8

Rutherford B. Hayes to Sardis Birchard, October 6, 1867

CINCINNATI, October 6, 1867.

DEAR UNCLE:—We are all very well at our old home on Sixth Street. My last speech of any consequence was made Friday night. One of the best I have made, and particularly with the best voice. It was rather queer. Governor Morton made a noble speech but [he] could not be heard by half his audience. I reached them all more easily than ever before.

It looks well here. We shall elect our county ticket and do well for the amendment. But the Cary affair* is very much mixed. I shall not be surprised at any result. It has been badly managed very.

I hope to be with you next Sunday.

I sent my card to Judge Thurman [the opposing candidate] when he was here. He was not in his room. He afterwards sent me a note which I prize. He says: "Whatever the result, it is a great satisfaction to know that you and I have behaved like gentlemen and friends."

Love to the boys and Sarah.

Sincerely,

R. B. HAYES.

S. BIRCHARD.

_______________

*Samuel F. Cary was the Democratic candidate for Congress in the Second District to fill Mr. Hayes's unexpired term, opposing Richard Smith, editor of the Gazette. As Mr. Hayes apprehended, Cary was elected.

SOURCE: Charles Richard Williams, editor, Diary and Letters of Rutherford Birchard Hayes, Volume 3, p. 48

Rutherford B. Hayes to Sardis Birchard, October 9, 1867

CINCINNATI, October 9, 1867.

MY DEAR UNCLE:—You need not be told how much the result of the election disappoints me. You know I will bear it cheerfully and with philosophy. It is however a puzzling thing to decide now what is next to be done. Assuming that I am beaten, which I do not doubt, I must choose my path anew. I will see you and talk it all over soon. No man in my place would probably have done differently, but the thing is over, and now for a sensible future. I feel sorry for the boys — especially Birch.

I hope your health is good, and that you will borrow no trouble on account of this.

Sincerely,

R. B. HAYES.

S. BIRCHARD.

SOURCE: Charles Richard Williams, editor, Diary and Letters of Rutherford Birchard Hayes, Volume 3, p. 49

Rutherford B. Hayes to William Henry Smith, October 11, 1867

CINCINNATI, October 11, 1867.

DEAR SMITH:—I am obliged for your letter of yesterday. It is to be hoped that the corrections will not upset the apple-cart. I am going to Fremont tomorrow. Please send a dispatch about noon Saturday, stating the majority for me as it then stands, addressed to S. Birchard, Fremont, Ohio.

Sincerely,

R. B. HAYES.

P. S.—If it holds out I shall be at Columbus next week.

WILLIAM HENRY SMITH,
        SECRETARY OF STATE.

SOURCE: Charles Richard Williams, editor, Diary and Letters of Rutherford Birchard Hayes, Volume 3, p. 49

Rutherford B. Hayes to William Henry Smith, November 17, 1867

CINCINNATI, November 17, 1867.

DEAR S—:—I went to Columbus to get quarters and for nothing else. I did hear General Cox's whole mind, as I suppose, and I agree with him throughout. That does not include your ideas as to General D——. I do not hear that he is a candidate for the adjutant-generalship. The pressure idea is foolish enough.

Be serene! I'll talk it all up before jumping in.

Sincerely,

R. B. HAYES.

WILLIAM HENRY SMITH,
        Columbus, Ohio.

SOURCE: Charles Richard Williams, editor, Diary and Letters of Rutherford Birchard Hayes, Volume 3, p. 49

Rutherford B. Hayes to Lucy Webb Hayes, December 27, 1867

COLUMBUS, December 27, 1867.

MY DARLING:—Am here waiting for my traps and calamities—I should say our—which will be here this afternoon and I hope to get them all in the house tomorrow. The carpets and other things I wish to get ready to put down and put in; but really very little in that way can be done without you. I have an impression we shall feel very homelike here when we do settle.

Love to all. I shall come up [to Fremont] in time for dinner New Year's day, if not before.

Affectionately,

R.

MRS. HAYES.

SOURCE: Charles Richard Williams, editor, Diary and Letters of Rutherford Birchard Hayes, Volume 3, p. 50

Rutherford B. Hayes to Sardis Birchard, January 11, 1868

COLUMBUS, OHIO, January 11, 1868.

DEAR UNCLE:—I suppose you are entitled to an advance copy of my inaugural. Here it is. It contains but three days [ideas]. First, a compliment to Governor Cox; second, advice against too much legislation; and third, it shows that I still stand by equal suffrage. It is the shortest ever delivered in Ohio.

Our new home is most agreeable. I can give you a pleasant room with an air-tight wood-stove and a bedroom opening into it, so much like your own that I am sure you would be safe in health and feel at home.

Sincerely,

R. B. HAYES.

S. BIRCHARD.

SOURCE: Charles Richard Williams, editor, Diary and Letters of Rutherford Birchard Hayes, Volume 3, p. 50

Governor Rutherford B. Hayes to Sardis Birchard, January 13, 1868

COLUMBUS, OHIO, January 13, 1868.

I now send you another copy of the inaugural containing a fourth idea. I found our Democrats foolish. enough to be repealing Ohio's assent to the Fourteenth Amendment. So I put in some words on that head. — All well.

Yours,

R. B. HAYES.

S. BIRCHARD.

SOURCE: Charles Richard Williams, editor, Diary and Letters of Rutherford Birchard Hayes, Volume 3, p. 50

Congressman Rutherford B. Hayes to William Henry Smith, May 23, 1867

CINCINNATI, May 23, 1867.

DEAR SIR: Yours of 21st came to hand this morning. My chief personal objection to being a candidate for governor was removed when the Legislature squarely stood up to the suffrage issue. My supporters in the Second District are not as willing as I would wish to let me off. I am therefore waiting. Will General Schenck be a candidate? I do not wish to run against him.

Keep this letter to yourself and write me what you know of General Schenck's intentions.

Sincerely,

R. B. HAYES.

WILLIAM HENRY SMITH,
        Secretary Of State.

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

William Henry Smith to Congressman Rutherford B. Hayes, between May 23 & 5, 1867

For several weeks prior to the adjournment of the General Assembly, the question of a candidate for governor was generally discussed, and it was the opinion of all of the best men that you were the only one who could carry us safely and triumphantly through the campaign. It was unanimously conceded that if you would consent to be a candidate you would be nominated without opposition, and so anxious were our Western Reserve friends to bring this about, they announced in nearly all their papers that you would receive their support. A few of your friends, and among them myself, deprecated this movement because we could not think of sparing you from Congress, and so through this influence, the thing was checked. However, these men have waited on us to produce the candidate, and they are becoming quite uneasy, especially as Washington schemers are involving the gubernatorial question with that of a candidate for President. Only in this way, on account of the uncertainty about yourself, has General Schenck's name been mentioned. Therefore I feel justified in stating that, if it is known that you will consent to be a candidate, General Schenck will not be.

I shall go down to Cincinnati Monday night or Tuesday morning. This question must be settled by the middle of next week, or we shall be inevitably lost.

SOURCE: Charles Richard Williams, editor, Diary and Letters of Rutherford Birchard Hayes, Volume 3, p. 43

Congressman Rutherford B. Hayes to William Henry Smith, May 25, 1867

Confidential.

CINCINNATI, May 25, 1867.

DEAR SIR:—I intended to be out of town the first three days of next week, but will remain to meet you and talk over the aforesaid.

Sincerely,

R. B. HAYES.

WILLIAM HENRY SMITH,
        Columbus, Ohio.

SOURCE: Charles Richard Williams, editor, Diary and Letters of Rutherford Birchard Hayes, Volume 3, p. 44

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

FREMONT, June 2, 1867.

MY DARLING:—I reached the depot here about six P. M. yesterday, the boys with Rock met me and had me up to the house in a "jiffy," as Mother used to say. Both the boys laughing and talking as tanned as Indians and jolly as porpoises. Birch chops and hauls dirt for the road and Webb rows boat and fishes on the river. School of course but secondary. Their talk was of chickens.

The flower garden has more plants in it, and will some day amount to something. Your verbenas (is that right?) will go into a star-shaped bed tomorrow. The rains have brought up the grass everywhere. It is a beautiful place. Birch calls me "Dad" with great complacency and lays his hand on my shoulder familiarly. Have had a pleasant day with the boys. Very happy little (or big) fellows they are, and very happy it is to be with them. Good night. Love to all.

Sincerely your

R.

MRS. HAYES.

SOURCE: Charles Richard Williams, editor, Diary and Letters of Rutherford Birchard Hayes, Volume 3, p. 44

Congressman Rutherford B. Hayes to Sardis Birchard, June 12, 1867

CINCINNATI, June 12, 1867.

DEAR UNCLE:—The papers in the different counties, ties, and the delegate elections are regarded here as settling my nomination. Cox is not getting much support and will, I presume, adhere to his withdrawal.

Sincerely,

R. B. HAYES.

S. BIRCHARD.

SOURCE: Charles Richard Williams, editor, Diary and Letters of Rutherford Birchard Hayes, Volume 3, p. 44

Congressman Rutherford B. Hayes to Sardis Birchard, June 20, 1867

CINCINNATTI, June 20, 1867.

DEAR UNCLE:—I shall probably go to Columbus about the middle of next week and get around to Fremont from there Friday or Saturday, and will leave with Buckland for Washington Sunday night or Monday morning. I want to suggest the propriety of taking Birch and Webb with me to Washington. I shall stay but a short time. The expense will be a hundred dollars or so, but as this is probably my last of public life, I would particularly like to take the boys. Do not speak of it to them unless you approve.

I do not regret the new step [candidacy for governor]. It gets me out of worries that I shall be glad to be rid of. All agreeable here. 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. 45