COLUMBUS, December 31, 1869.
DEAR LAWRENCE:—You are perfectly right in your view. We must have a genuine retrenchment and economy. The monthly reduction of the debt is of far more consequence than the reduction of taxation in any form. I hope too you will abolish the franking privilege, and adopt the general principles of Trumbull's bill and Jenckes' bill. It would please the people, and [is] right and wise. I will act on your suggestions.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES.
HONORABLE WILLIAM LAWRENCE, Washington.
SOURCE: Charles Richard Williams, editor, Diary and Letters of Rutherford Birchard Hayes, Volume 3, p. 80
