CHAPTER XXXIRETURN TO FREMONT -- DEATH OF UNCLE -- VARIED AC-TIVITIES -- NOMINATED AND ELECTED GOVERNORTHIRD TIME -- 1873-1875
MAY 4, 1873.--I went to Lima yesterday by the Lake Erie
and Louisville Railroad and there met Lucy and Scott
Russell. . . . We now are here for good. My return to
Fremont after an absence of over twenty-four years is exceed-
ingly pleasant. I can now be useful to my town, neighbors, and
friends. There is a general feeling of pleasure at my return.
FREMONT, OHIO, May 11, 1873.
MY DEAR WEBB:--. . . Our plunder all came from Colum-
bus yesterday. It filled a car and a half. We loaded it into our
storehouse -- my future library and office, -- and there it is for
you and Birch to revel in when you come home. We shall be
obliged to unpack some boxes now but we shall try to leave some
for your skill to be exerted on.
I have put out about the garden-house apple, pear, and cherry
trees--one dozen of each. We have put evergreens in the triangle
park, and lengthened the line of elms largely; willows around
the spring, and I hope to have sycamores around the pond in the
corner of the grove.
Enclosed is one-third for the "freshy" and two-thirds for the
afflicted-in-the-head junior.
Affectionately,
H.
WEBB C. HAYES,
Ithaca.
May 18, 1873. -- My friend, John W. Herron, speaks of the
fine meeting the bar of Cincinnati had on the occasion of Chase's
death, and of his disgust with the State Bar meeting at Columbus.
(242)RETURN TO FREMONT--MAY, 1873 243
I reply that the coldness of the state meeting had honesty in it,
and that the eulogy of the Cincinnati meeting was hardly sincere.
[I said further]:--
"Chase possessed noble gifts of intellect, great culture, and a
commanding presence. When this is said, about all that is favor-
able has been said. He was cold, selfish, and unscrupulous. His
conduct to Lincoln and Stanton, his willingness to sacrifice party
and friends to gain place, his disregard of principle on many oc-
casions, and his contempt for the great office he held and his
willingness to degrade it, should have made lawyers, at least,
chary of praise. I have heard him speak of himself and associates
on the bench as like old women, and he always preferred the
title of Governor to that of Chief Justice. He often expressed
preference for the place of Senator to that of Chief Justice.
Political intrigue, love of power, and a selfish and boundless am-
bition were the striking features of his life and character."
June 2. -- I have now got my library building in a sort of order.
My books have suffered some by transportation, but it is pleasant
to have them again in sight.
FREMONT, OHIO, June 6, 1873.
MY DEAR WEBB: -- Your description and diagram of the town
library [of Ithaca], building, shelving, etc., etc., is very good --
easily understood and could, I think, be followed by a carpenter
here without trouble.
Now as to books: Number? What are most read? Say, the
best six authors? How many copies of the most popular books
do they keep? Have they a published catalogue?
One other thing about the shelves: How deep are they through
from front to back, or front to front, for both sides are fronts,
and what sort of stuff are they made of?
Sincerely,
H.
WEBB C. HAYES.
244 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES
FREMONT, OHIO, June 12, 1873.
DEAR WEBB: -- We have just heard of the death of your Uncle,
Dr. James D. Webb, at Carthage, in the asylum. He has been
gradually growing worse for several weeks. We shall go with
Ruddy down to the funeral tomorrow. It is a sad termination
of his life, but after we knew that there was organic disease of
the brain, it has been the only possible result. No time to write
further.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES.
WEBB C. HAYES.
Fremont, June 21.--I was a little startled this morning by
finding that a cough brought up blood, . . . but enough to
set me to thinking. I have had a hacking cough, sometimes for
several minutes in the night, during the last five or six weeks.
If I sit with my hat off in the wind I find I am taking cold. It
may be I will [shall] go like Pease. Practical suggestions:
Read up Hall and get ready for the worst. Hall and travel to
the dry regions to prevent; and get out of debt and settle affairs
for the other event.
July 2. -- Lucy reads in the new office daily aloud Mrs. Stowe's
"Old Town Folks" with great unction to the boys, who rest from
their labors and laugh and listen in a comfortable way. It is
very jolly. As good as a play. She says the good grandmother
is like her grandmother Lucy Ware Webb. She (Lucy Ware
Webb) was a generous, warm-hearted woman. Grandfather
Webb was small, rather testy, not mean, but disposed to criticize
his wife's liberality. "On one occasion Mother Webb heard a
scene between the old people. Grandmother Webb had filled a
basket with good things for the preacher-she was very liberal, to
preachers in particular--and then called to a servant to run
and get a basket of peaches from the best tree. Mr. Webb was
saving these fine peaches for preserves. (So he called out:
'Now, Lucy, the other peaches are good enough, I am saving that
tree.' When Grandmother says: 'I am glad, Mr. Webb, that I
am not like you.' When Grandfather replied: 'Well, Lucy, it
BIRCHARD LIBRARY FOUNDED--1873 245
is well I am not, or you would never have anything to give if I
were.' My mother has often said if I would only have her
[Grandmother's] good kind heart, it would be all she would ask
for me."
The boys are all at home and we have delightful times together.
Birch with his methodical habit has gone to work putting the
library in order and Rud works under him with great industry;
and Webb, he is engaged in the scrapbook, putting in his father's
accumulated scraps, while Papa and I sit in the easy chairs and
watch the bairns--with occasional invasions by Scott and Fanny
which enliven and make us all happy in their sweet presence.)*
FREMONT, OHIO, July 12, 1873.
MY DEAR GENERAL:--I am hungry to see you. It seemed a
week or two ago that I should be able to come down and bring
you up for a good stay about three days. But Uncle's health,
with my wife's prospective confinement by the time Uncle is up
again, will postpone it until fall.
Your paper on the Mound-builders is better even than I an-
ticipated. It will be the authority on the subject. Before I saw it,
I wrote to Robert Clarke that I hoped he would put it in con-
venient form. It would be a good thing to have for distribution
in payment of debts I owe in many quarters, besides being the
fit thing.
I saw an old gentleman of intelligence and truthfulness yester-
day -- Reuben Rice, of Ottawa County -- who told me that while
he was learning his trade as a printer in Columbus in 1815, the
old State House was building. He says the brick were made of
clay taken from the mound on Mound Street in the southern part
of the town. The big mound was a natural (probably) elevation
overlooking the Scioto composed of gravel and sand, such as
is usually found on the banks of large streams, and the artificial
mound on its summit he supposes to have been made of unburnt
clay.
I send you a newspaper showing the effort we are making to
secure the purchase of Fort Stephenson for a park. It would
* The part enclosed in parentheses written by Mrs. Hayes.
246 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES
carry easily but for the feeling that the proprietor is putting it at
an exorbitant price. This with "economy" may defeat us for a
while. But we will worry at it until we win.
Our library we mean to start next winter in a hall owned by
Uncle Birchard which will be temporarily fitted up for it.
My boys are all at home now and a happy time we are having.
-- Your plans for the summer?
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES.
GENERAL M. F. FORCE.
July 23. -- In an address on the locality now called Fremont,
formerly Lower Sandusky, at an earlier day known about equally
as Sandusky or the Lower Sandusky, at a still earlier period to the
French traders as Junqueinandeh (Junandat), and in traditions
as the Neutral Villages, I propose to give what I can gather re-
lating to it prior to a period of authentic history in the Indian
traditions which have been preserved; and some sketches of
events and scenes since the period of authentic history and prior
to its permanent settlement by the Americans. Since its settle-
ment by the Americans in 1811, its history, thanks to the heroism
of Colonel Croghan and the little band which made the brilliant
defense of Fort Stephenson in 1813,--its general history and its
local ditto, has been tolerably well cared for by Dr. Brainard,
Homer Everett, and Morris E. Tyler. Speaking of traditions and
historical events before 1812, I can promise almost nothing from
original sources. My humble task is merely that of the compiler.
Uncle is fond of repeating the reply made by some one to the
question, "My friend, why do you talk so much to yourself?"
"Well," replied the questionee, "I will tell you. I talk to myself
because I like to talk to a sensible man, and because I like to hear
a sensible man talk."
August 2.--Yesterday morning at 3 A. M. our eighth child
was born. The seventh boy. Weight nine pounds. Eyes called
black, fat and healthy. Lucy has had misgivings about this con-
finement. She [suffered much and we were most anxious, al-
most despairing for hours, but] she gradually came to her usual
health.
BIRCHARD LIBRARY FOUNDED--1873 247
FREMONT, OHIO, August 11, 1873.
MY DEAR RUTHERFORD: -- Your mother and the new boy are
both doing well. Young hopeful is the best of infants. He sleeps
and eats, and eats and sleeps -- "only this and nothing more" --
from morning to night. Your mother sits up, and in her cap and
wraps makes a grand appearance.
Uncle Birchard has not been quite so well for a few days. He
did not feel able to go to church yesterday. Birch and Webb
occupied the pew. . . .
You remember I sometimes make observations on the long
tongue of one of my fine boys. Do you? Well, I fear I must
repeat. What is put on a postal card is quite public. Other
members of the family, at least, are likely to read it. Nobody
here knew I had real estate at Columbus until the postal card
came. Keep your wits about you, my boy. You must try to
know a great deal. It is not so necessary to tell it all.
"Aye free offhand your story tell
When wi' a bosom crony,
But still keep something to yoursel'
Ye hardly tell to ony."
. . . Write immediately and often.
Affectionately, your father,
H.
R. P. HAYES,
Kingston, Ohio.
Fremont, Ohio, September 13, 1873. -- I begin a new book this
cold Saturday. The work I have been engaged in for several
weeks seems now complete or near to completion. When Uncle
Birchard decided to adopt my suggestion to establish a free library
in Fremont, it seemed to me fit that it should occupy a part of
the site of old Fort Stephenson, and that, by appropriating part
of the library fund towards the purchase money, the town would
be willing to furnish enough to buy the whole for a park. The
owner, Mr. Leppelman, asked eighteen thousand dollars for the
248 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES
property. This was a great price. The people generally approved
of the purchase, but in a quiet way there was strong opposition.
Some oposed it because they didn't want Leppelman to make a
speculation. The exorbitant price was the ostensible reason for
opposition. Some opposed it on the general ground of dislike to
all advance. It is said the Catholics opposed because they hate
libraries. One secretly opposed because it would be an honor to
Uncle. Finally the council refused to pay eighteen thousand
dollars and offered fifteen thousand dollars. Leppelman refused
the offer.
The proposition was likely to fail. The majority of council
wanted it to fail. I consulted all of the trustees; told them I did
not mean to fail, and proposed to offer Leppelman three thousand
dollars if he would accept the fifteen thousand dollars offered by
the city council. It was agreed that I might do so on my in-
dividual responsibility, with the understanding that the trusteees
would hold me harmless out of the library fund. I made the
offer to Leppelman. He agreed to it. The council were taken by
surprise by his acceptance, and after some trouble the bonds of the
town were authorized, and I now think the fort is safe in the
hands of the public. Mayor Dickinson told me that it had to be
done promptly, or it would have failed. It is conjectured that
the enemy to be feared is the Catholic influence.
James K. Glenn [of New York] and I hold the legal title to
about three thousand two hundred and fifty acres of land in
Wayne County, West Virginia, and to coal and other mineral
rights in eleven hundred acres more. One-fifth of it belongs to
me, two-fifths to Glenn, and two-fifths to the heirs of Gregory,
E. M. or Henry Sheldon, [and] others unknown.
I am now chiefly interested in providing a good estate for my-
self and family. I have secured real estate in Toledo and one
piece in Columbus worth now about two hundred and fifty
thousand dollars and likely to increase rapidly in value. If I
can hold it ten years it will, I believe, be worth one half a million
of dollars. My debts do not equal by a large sum my other
property. But my indebtedness is large, and how to carry it is
an important question. But first what is it?
BIRCHARD LIBRARY FOUNDED--1873 249
Franklin National Bank, Columbus .......................... $2,500.00
Austin Birchard, Fayetteville, Vermont .................... 12,000.00
Mitchell and Watson, Columbus.............................. 11,500.00
First National Bank, Fremont .............................. 7,822.85
For real estate in Toledo, sundry parties ................. 11,443.00
_____________
$45,265.85
Sundry obligations not to exceed .......................... 1,000.00
_____________
Total ................................................. $46,265.85
This looks much more formidable than it is. The last and
third items about twenty-three thousand dollars, I could today
sell out at a profit of ten thousand dollars. But it needs attention
so as not to be caught.
September 19.--Returned last evening from an enjoyable re-
union of the Twenty-third at Wellington. I was well entertained
by my friend S. S. Warner. . . . I was elected President
of the Twenty-third Association.
October 4, 1873. -- I am fifty-one years old today. Gray hairs
are getting into my brow; hair grows preceptibly thinner, but
no baldness yet. I read without glasses but my eyes inflame if
I read or write many hours by lamplight; more fleshy and full-
stomached, with shorter breath; a few twinges of rheumatism;
a fondness for a nap after dinner; teeth pretty good, but several
plugged and a few gone; whiskers rapidly whitening. These are
the symptoms of old age. On the other hand, a youthful and
elastic spirit: fondness for all young people and their employ-
ments and amusements. A fresh, ruddy complexion and con-
siderable physical strength and activity almost persuade me that
I am still in my youth.
October 10.--I today formed the purpose to study the Spanish
language enough to read Don Quixote. Yesterday I bought of
Mr. Curtis one hundred and sixty volumes for Birchard Library.
He threw in a few Spanish books of small value. It occurs to
me I can easily learn to translate. For a catalogue of Birchard
Library books, I purpose to mark with letter "B" the books we
have in the Cincinnati Mercantile Library catalogue.
250 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES
October 21.--The reunion of the Army of the Tennessee at
Toledo on the 15th and 16th passed off well. General Grant
named me as one of the gentlemen he wished to occupy the stand
with him to review the two military companies and receive the
ladies. He is more fleshy, his face red; no other indication of
the use of liquor; and generous living and good health are prob-
ably chargeable with his rosy complexion. He is quiet and self-
possessed as usual. Generals Sheridan and Custer both invited
me to a tour on the plains with them next season at any time.
General Sherman returned here with Buckland. We dined with
him at General Buckland's Friday. Today I went over to Toledo
and General Howard returned with me--the snow falling rap-
idly, wet and heavy, as we entered the grove in the dark.
October 22. -- Snow three or four inches deep. It clings to the
leaves which are still abundant on the trees, and many trees, fruit
and forest, are broken down. General Howard returned this
evening. He strikes one as a sincere man. Rather too much
profession, perhaps. He feels annoyed by the attacks on his
integrity. But likes to talk of it.
January 29, 1874.--The twenty-first of January, 1874, was a
dismal day. The fog in Fremont was the heaviest ever known.
Uncle had passed a comfortable night and was able to get up as
usual and go around the house. He shaved himself and was quite
comfortable until about eleven o'clock A. M. He had lain down
after looking at the work going on finishing the new house be-
longing to Miss Grant [where he had been living for some time].
Mrs. Grant sang to him "When I can read my title clear."
About eleven, Mrs. Grant, seeing he was in great pain from
pressure and coldness in his breast and arms, called Sarah Jane,
who was upstairs. As she came down I entered the house. It was
evident that the attack was serious and dangerous. Uncle prayed
that his sufferings might be short and that he might soon be at
rest. . . . Miss Grant got the remedies which usually re-
lieved him. They gradually relieved the pain but his head and
face remained as cold as death. He had no more pain. His voice
continued natural and strong and his head clear until he died
about an hour after the attack began.
DEATH OF SARDIS BIRCHARD--1874 251
He was cheerful, kind, and friendly and affectionate. He said
he was glad I could be with him. I held his right hand. He
said, "John Rogers probably suffered more than I have, but he
didn't make so much fuss as I do." "You, as a soldier wounded,
were worse off than I, but you were a hero and could bear it."
"I shall soon see Fanny and Mrs. Valette; that is, if I go to the
right place (this with a playful smile) and I think I shall." And
so with pleasant talk until the moment when a single spasm
brought the end. A beautiful close to a beautiful life.
FREMONT, OHIO, January 29, 1874.
MY DEAR GENERAL: -- Cup number one is safely with its com-
panion. Mrs. Hayes regards as a favorable omen for the young-
ster, Manning Force Hayes, that he gets a double gift. He is
growing well, and is a great favorite. No better baby, no merrier;
and few prettier are to be found. My uncle regarded him with
unusual interest. Only four days before his death he came up
in a sleigh to see him, and often said he was very proud of him.
He is the first and only child born in Spiegel Grove. We thank
you for the good omen.
Uncle's death was a happy one. He suffered very little--
none at all the last half-hour of his life. He talked in a cheerful,
pleasant way and with a distinct and natural voice up to the
moment of death. He had been weak, but comfortable, for a
long time. I did not dare to be away from him. His attack
lasted about an hour, if it could be called an attack, and all of
those he wished to see were with him throughout except the
doctor. I was near being absent, but happily was with him
throughout. He was gifted with many unusual and beautiful
traits, and had almost nothing but good in his character. We yet
feel lonely and sad without him. At the same time it is a happi-
ness to think of his release in so pleasant a way. He could joke
and be serious by turns to the close. He felt confident of meet-
ing his friends again beyond.
Do come and see us if you can and when you can.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES.
GENERAL M. F. FORCE.
252 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES
FREMONT, OHIO, February 8, 1874.
MY DEAR GENERAL:--I am very glad, we are very glad, you
are coming. Can't you squeeze out a day or two more than your
plan? Do, if you can. We may not count on good weather at
this season. If fair, we can go mound digging; if foul, we can
talk and have house times together.
We are getting ready to make a start in a temporary way with
our free library. Everything is yet to do. Try to post yourself
as to getting books. The Tauchnitz collection, Leipsic--are the
books in the paper covers fit to use? How to get them? I have
written Mr. Poole at Chicago the same questions, but am not
confident that I have his address.
In the "Transactions and Collections of the American An-
tiquarian Society," volume 2, 273, Colonel John Johnston says:
"The Shawanoese have been established in Ohio about sixty-five
years. They came from west Florida." This in 1819. He
quotes from Black Hoof and traces them back to the Suwanee
River. This seems to be "original source." But you have no
doubt seen it. See also McKenny and Hall, volume 3, 110.
Mrs. Waite was considerably broken down by the Cincinnati
doings. She does not now leave her room. She does not enjoy
the prospect. It comes too late for her. -- All well with us.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES.
GENERAL M. F. FORCE,
Cincinnati, Ohio.
FREMONT, OHIO, February 24, 1874.
DEAR SIR:--I am in receipt of your favor of the 20th inst.
with the Commission, and Act of the General Assembly relating
to the Centennial [Exposition at Philadelphia] which you inclose.
Please present my compliments to Governor Allen and say to him
that it affords me great pleasure to accept the appointment which
he has done me the honor to confer. I will be prepared to at-
SETTLING BIRCHARD ESTATE--1874 253
tend a meeting of the board at Columbus whenever it is deemed
advisable to call one.
Very respectfully,
R. B. HAYES.
SECRETARY OF GOVERNOR ALLEN,
Columbus.
Fremont, March 1, 1874.--A lovely springlike day. We have
been very busy since Uncle's death. Correspondence, his estate,
the preparations for the changed condition of things have oc-
cupied our time. We are now engaged in getting ready to open
temporarily the Birchard Library in a room we are making in
Birchard Hall. The principal work is for me to do. The other
members of the board are prompt and willing to do what is
needed, but they naturally expect me to take the lead. I am
also clearing two or three acres in the rear of the house for a
garden, chiefly for fruit. I am also building--or rather adding
to our home in Spiegel Grove.
March 8, 1874.--A cold, blustering winter morning pushes
aside the lovely spring that was opening. This morning Lucy at
breakfast was reminding us of the transparencies in which I had
figured, when a candidate, ten years ago, for Congress. In one
they represented my competitor, Theodore Cook, in the act of
broiling (cooking) me on a gridiron. In another, when I was
absent fighting Rebels, the picture represented me dodging Rebel
bullets in the Shenandoah Valley. This was suppressed by our
opponents themselves before it had gone the rounds. Looking
in an old file of the Commercial for these things, I find in the
paper of September 17, that to the suggestion that I get a fur-
lough to come home and stump my district, I replied: "An
officer fit for duty who would desert his post now for such a
purpose would deserve defeat and disgrace." The whole letter,
I think, was in the Gazette about that time. The paper of Sep-
tember 26 contains a description of a Lincoln procession in
which are several transparencies on which my name, or phiz
occurs, notably one where Hayes is stumping the Shenandoah
Valley.
254 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES
In the Commercial of October 6, 1864, is a letter of Captain
Otis on my conduct as a soldier and on the transparency carried
by the adversary in Cincinnati on the 17th [of] September.
In the paper of September 24 is a paragraph on the trans-
parency, but not a full description of it.
Editorial of October 11. Soldiers' resolve of October.
[The] daily Commercial, May 3, 1865, gives the resolutions
of the Ohio soldiers in the Shenandoah Valley nominating Gen-
eral Hayes for Governor of Ohio. They say he "is a soldier
unsurpassed for patriotism and bravery."
May 12, 1865, General Hayes "respectfully declines to permit
his name to be used for the nomination for Governor, etc., etc."
FREMONT, OHIO, March 8, 1874.
MY DEAR WEBB:--We were busy yesterday pulling up trees,
ditching, and cataloguing, so that no letter with that one hundred
dollars you are thirsting after will start before Monday night.
We are now in the rough of our book lists down to the last
class, viz., the Juveniles. We are beyond our depth. We, of
course, know that Mayne Reid and William T. Adams are to go
down solid; but then the other mess of stuff! Can you and
Birch help?
Four-fifths of the trees are down in the garden plot, but all
are to be yet chopped up. Rud really works well. The glory
of hauling out by the roots big trees, with ropes, blocks, capstan,
and Ned excites the boy. . . . Scott without hat or over-
shoes, sings through the grove "John Brown's Body," and is
happy. When Fanny gets tired of us, she strays down [to]
Sarah's [Miss Grant's], and rioting in our premises ceases dur-
ing her absence.
The temperance crusade has not reached Fremont yet. It has
broken out in Norwalk and Findlay. It does good in many
places.
Affectionately,
H.
WEBB C. HAYES,
Ithaca.
OPPOSED TO INFLATION--1874 255
FREMONT, OHIO, April 19, 1874.
MY DEAR WEBB: -- Glad to hear from you. The fruit tree
business needs you here and I miss you. . . . We begin
tomorrow on the evergreen and deciduous ornamental trees.
The temperance revival is the town talk now. Thus far it
has been well conducted and done much good. I hope it will
continue under safe direction to the end.
We have ordered the bulk of our books from Robert Clarke
and Company. . . . Their bids were a reduction from retail
prices of about 33 1/3 to 40 per cent.
Write often.
[H.]
WEBB C. HAYES.
FREMONT, OHIO, April 21, 1874.
DEAR UNCLE: --. . . I regard the inflation acts as wrong
in all ways. Personally I am one of the noble army of debtors,
and can stand it if others can. But it is a wretched business.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES.
HONORABLE A. BIRCHARD,
Vermont.
FREMONT, OHIO, April 27, 1874.
MY DEAR GENERAL: -- Nothing but the inevitable would force
me to forego the trip with you to Pomeroy. But you know the
bonds we are under. . . . We are getting on well with
our little improvements. I have put out about three hundred
trees and shrubs--mostly fruit,--pulled up by the roots about
five hundred forest trees, built a kitchen and other things.
The books are now coming, and I am largely in debt and
"so busy" is no word for it.
The veto [of the so-called inflation bill] is good. We shall be
able to stick to Grant to the end. . . .
I am reading between times "Noctes Ambrosianae." Years
ago I worried over it. But now it is delightful.
I believe you thought you couldn't come here with your wife
(how is that in your ears?) in May. We shall be glad to have
256 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES
you then, if you can come, and later we hope we can reckon
on a visit for sure.
Mrs. Hayes sends her love and warmest congratulations, in all
which I join, to you and yours.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES.
GENERAL M. F. FORCE,
Cincinnati.
FREMONT, OHIO, April 27, 1874.
MY DEAR SIR:-- Mrs. Hayes and myself are very reluctant to
give up the happiness we should receive by accepting your kind
invitation of the 18th [to the marriage of your daughter to Gen-
eral M. F. Force]. But it is quite out of the question for us to
leave our little folks in the present condition of our family.
We feel that we may in the heartiest way congratulate you and
Mrs. Horton on the happy occasion. Our friendship and ad-
miration for General Force is very great and we rejoice that he
is so fortunate in this, the great event of his life.
Since your connection with the railroad we have hoped that
you would be drawn to this part of the State. We count on a
visit from Mrs. Horton and yourself whenever you visit Toledo.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES.*
HONORABLE V. B. HORTON.
Pomeroy, Ohio.
FREMONT, OHIO, May 14, 1874.
MY DEAR UNCLE:-- . . . Mother's old letter will interest
me. You know I am given to antiquarian and genealogical pur-
suits. An old family letter is a delight to my eyes. I can prowl
in the old trunks of letters by the day with undiminished zest.
Climate does not change. The Moravians spent here the
spring of 1782. Their full diaries show the same sort of weather,
identically almost, that we had last year.--All well.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES.
HONORABLE A. BIRCHARD.
* Original in Massachusetts Historical Society, Boston.
PIONEER SOCIETY FORMED--1874 257
June 10, 1874. -- We have been busy wtih our improvements
of grounds and house for more than three months. We are now
at the end of the first installment --kitchen, range, buttery, etc.
. . . I am now taking a good deal of comfort making pretty
bits of landscape by opening the grove to get outlooks. . . .
August 13.--Not many items find themselves a place in this
little book. For two months I have been engaged in pushing
my improvements, getting Birchard Library into full operation,
and organizing a Pioneer and Historical Society for Sandusky
County.
Birch graduated at Cornell in July, visited the remaining
kindred in Vermont, and is now at home, ready to begin law.
His diffidence has kept him from improving his opportunity to
learn to speak. He is an accurate, thorough student, not fond
of books as I was, with an unusual fondness for statistics, espe-
cially for the preparation of tabular information. Webb is not
scholarly. He will not graduate. A special course is the most
he will attempt. Both boys are honest, faithful, and affectionate.
I am confident both will become respectable and reliable gentle-
men. Ruddy is our invalid. Tall and slender, at sixteen he is
unfit for hard work or hard study. A bright handsome, jovial
boy. . . . We now are talking of trying a manual-labor
agricultural college.
Fanny has made small progress as a scholar, has not tried to
do it. She is healthy, very bright and happy, well-looking and
a treasure. Scott, almost four (February 8) is our handsomest.
Interesting, too honest to joke, or to comprehend a joke readily.
He talks with some hesitation when excited, and has many
pretty ways. He says many queer things. He and Fanny
naturally run together. Both are fond of animals. Fanny is a
boy in climbing, swinging, and playing generally. Little Manning
is a fine, dark-eyed little fellow. Lively and promising. A year
old on the first. No stick is he.
I am to speak at the pioneer picnic about the I0th [of] Sep-
tember. Things as they were in 1830 is a good topic. That is
the date fixed as our pioneer period. Those settling in the
county prior to 1830 are Pioneers. A few statistics about this
17
258 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES
and other localities at that date, other facts, modes of travel,
culture, religion, prices, etc., etc.; above all, the persons, the
characters of that day.
I am also to speak at the County Fair. A mere student or ap-
prentice in farming, I must talk to farmers. The benefit of
ornamental work, as shade trees, fences, and the like. The im-
portance of adding to the selling value of farms. Thorough
tillage required by the increasing value of land. Drainage, fruit,
etc., etc.
August 28. Friday, A. M.-- Our dear little Manning died this
morning soon after midnight, about 12:30. He suffered very
little, being wholly unconscious the last hour or two. He has not
seemed altogether healthy at any time. . . . He was a lovely,
beautiful child. His eyes were very dark, large, mild, and sweet.
His forehead broad, high, and prominent. Probably our hand-
somest child except Georgey. Dear boy! he is lost to us. We
may hope he is saved from a world of suffering and sorrow.
August 29. -- We buried the dear one this afternoon. Mr. G.
Lease, at the house, gave out the hymn, read the Ninetieth Psalm,
and the Methodist Episcopal service at the grave.
ST. CHARLES HOTEL, NORWALK, October 6, 1874.
MY DARLING: -- People who don't have a quarter the affection
we have for each other, write letters when separate daily. Why
not I one at least this trip?
I make headquarters here. A good, quiet, homelike inn. Last
night at Milan I had a fine little hall full of people --women and
youngsters with the yeomanry. Was in good trim and without
a particle of real preparation, had a good time of it. Two meet-
ings today. One, with Foster, at Ripley, one tonight at Fair-
field. Tomorrow night at Greenwich. Home to you Thursday
morning.
Don't work hard. Sit down and enjoy yourself.-- Love to
'em all.
Affectionately, your
MRS. HAYES. R.
CONGRESSIONAL CAMPAIGN--1874 259
FREMONT, October 11, 1874.
MY DEAR WEBB:--The last week has been political largely.
I spoke to good meetings at four points--Milan in Erie County,
and at three places in Huron County. The main interest is
centered on the congressional contest. Last year the Democrats
had about eight hundred majority on the state ticket, and the
year before on the same ticket the Republicans had less than two
hundred majority. But Foster is very popular, and his friends
are working well. I am hopeful but not confident. The Demo-
crats held a meeting here, which was well attended, but not at all
enthusiastic. Governor Allen made a queer, old-fashioned, ill-
timed speech that bored his friends. They were glad to get him
stopped to give place to Pendleton, who made one of his best
speeches. It was in excellent taste and temper, and as sound and
sensible as an argument in favor of an inflation of the currency
could be made. They honored us with a call, and filled the
house with the laughter of their joking.
. . . We are all very well. Nobody in the family has any
symptoms of chills and fever. The first fall I have escaped al-
together since my campaigns in eastern Virginia. This speaks
well for Spiegel Grove. . . .
I forgot to say that Senator Sherman made a fine speech to
a good audience in Mammoth Hall, Thursday night. He speaks
very rapidly in a straightforward way, without ornament or
attempt at display. Birch said of it: "If I ever learn to speak,
it will be that way."
Be a good boy. No drinking or other foolish and ruinous
practices. Tell us all about your doings. We love you very
much.
Affectionately,
H.
WEBB C. HAYES,
Ithaca.
October 20-23.--Made a delightful trip. To Cleveland to
attend at Judge [Rufus P.] Ranney's office a meeting of the
Board of State Managers of the Centennial. Colonel [Barnabas]
Burns, the judge, Mr. F. W. Green, secretary, and myself pres-
260 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES
ent. Governor Noyes and Colonel [George W.] McCook absent.
After this, with Mr. Morton, of Cambridge, Mr. Reddington
and his partner and son-in-law, Mr. Adams, and Mr. Green over
the Tuscarawas Valley Railroad to Canal Dover. On the 21st,
I there met the Cincinnati party, Judge Matthews, McLaren,
Rogers, Larz Anderson, Baer, Fallis, Cochran, of the Com-
mercial, and from Marietta, General Warner, President of the
M. P. & C. R. R., Douglass Putnam, Mr. Gates, the editor
of the Register, and Mr. McArthur; an Englishman, Mr. Davis,
and others. We visited the coal mines, the iron furnace (Glas-
gow) of the Scotch capitalists, etc., etc. The blackband iron ore
now promises great things. It seems to equal the Scotch pig and
to be far more abundant and accessible. Stayed at General
Warner's in Marietta night of [the] 22d and called at Mr. Wil-
helmi's in Canal Dover.
November 20. -- Our first snow this season covers the ground
this morning to the depth of full six inches. It hangs on the
trees beautifully. Scott and Fanny are roaring and shouting with
delight. We have had the longest and finest Indian summer
remembered by the oldest inhabitant. Probably two months,
with hardly a day's interruption; certainly, full six weeks of the
genuine Indian summer. Very dry the most of the time. Fires
in the woods in Wood County and elsewhere. No running water
at all in Portage River or any other stream between Sandusky
and Maumee rivers.
Thanksgiving Day, November 25, 1874.-- . . . In
church thought of an invitation to deliver the Phi Beta Kappa
oration at Marietta next June. I had intended to decline. But
it ran through my head that I could turn the address into a
historical and pioneer direction. Say, "The Scholarship and
Scholars of Pioneer Days in Ohio," or something of that sort.
Perhaps I ought to accept.
About twenty persons sat down at our Thanksgiving dinner
today. . . . Our Winnie, colored cook, outdid herself.
Three turkeys, large and well roasted, one not carved, one ham
and a dish of fried oysters, bread, rolls, finely cut cheese, mashed
potatoes, stewed tomatoes, cranberries.
ANTIQUARIAN RESEARCH--1874 261
November 30. -- I today accepted the invitation of the Phi
Beta Kappa Society of Marietta College on the 29th of June next.
Can I do it creditably? I will try it. Novel work for me. Can
I make the pioneer scholars a theme? Speak of editors, lawyers,
poets, clergymen; describe Phil Doddridge, Tiema, Flint, Dr.
Drake, Ewing, etc., etc.
December I.--I thought of gradually getting together what
is known and interesting about the Sandusky region, the Wyan-
dots, etc., under the caption, "Notes on the Sandusky Valley,"
particularly on Sandusky County and Fremont. Prepare maps
of the country as we find them from the earliest times until now.
Say, six or eight of them, including Lake Erie, the "Neuter
Nation," etc., etc.
December 2. -- Last evening at sundown we had a singular
thing. The sky was reddish and bright, the reflection of the sun
on the clouds, as is frequently the case; but the unusual appear-
ance was a streak of green near the horizon stretching perhaps
thirty degrees on each side of the spot where the sun disappeared.
Below the green was a streak of red and above it another.
The green stream was of irregular width, but possibly a degree
or two wide generally. I have no recollection of seeing this
green color before in the clouds or sky. It was a lively green,
lighter in some parts than in others, a much more decided green
than I have ever seen in water.
December 3. -- Our five days' sleighing left us yesterday under
a summer's sun. Three days of it were very good. It brought
out the pork and corn which now bear good prices, pork eight
dollars per one hundred pounds, and corn fifty cents per bushel
for new corn. More goods sold than usual. Shomo over seven
hundred dollars one day for shoes, Dorr over five hundred dol-
lars ditto. Times must improve.
December 6. -- In Marietta talk, can't I work up an introduc-
tion of this sort? The age of our fathers and the first generation
of their descendants, or the first four-score years since its settle-
ment, is its golden age. Scholarship and culture, the era of
New England scholars settled in the valley of the beautiful
262 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES
river. But now succeeds the iron age, the age of petroleum,
of coal, of iron, of mines, of railways, of great fortunes sud-
denly acquired; smoke and dust covering, concealing, or de-
stroying the lovely landscapes. Coarse, hard, material things.
(See Ruskin.)
December 7. -- The more I think of it, the more I am convinced
that my occupations for years past have been inconsistent with
that culture which is required to deal in scholarly fashion with
a topic appropriate to the meeting of the Phi Beta Kappa at
Marietta. I must therefore attempt something less ambitious.
For example, "Notes on the Scholarship of Early Times in Ohio,"
or "on the Scholars of Early Times."
FREMONT, OHIO, January 2, 1875.
MY DEAR GUY:-- Your letter of the 19th came duly. After
some search and inquiry I do not find a copy of the new con-
stitution which was defeated in August last. I have a number
of copies carefully laid away, and will surely get one soon. I
hope also to obtain a copy of the debates for you. I go to
Columbus on Wednesday to attend a meeting of our State
Board on the Centennial Exhibition at Philadelphia in 1876,
and shall probably get them then. Our defeated constitution
was no doubt a pretty good one, but we had a pretty good one
already. This fact with the unpopularity of the late convention,
caused mainly by its greatly protracted session and tedious dis-
cussions, worked the overwhelming defeat of the new paper. I
thought it a slight improvement on the old one, and did not
vote on its adoption at all. If I had felt interest enough in the
question to go to the polls I should probably have voted for it.
It seems to me that the most important thing in Texas, as
everywhere else, is education for all. I, of course, don't be-
lieve in forcing whites and blacks together. But both classes
should be fully provided for. I recognize fully the evil of rule
by ignorance. I see enough of it under my own eyes. You
are not so much worse off in this respect than New York,
Chicago, and other cities having a large uneducated population.
But the remedy is not, I am sure, to be found in the abandon-
CENTENNIAL COMMISSION--1875 263
ment of the American principle that all must share in govern-
ment. The whites of the South must do as we do, forget to
drive and learn to lead the ignorant masses around them. But
I will not argue. You and I are now nearer together than we
have been since our boyhood. We shall probably soon vote the
same ticket. But not if you continue to indulge a hope that
slavery is in some form to be restored. That is surely not to be.
We are all in health and are together enjoying the holidays.
My visit to Texas must be postponed a few years until the two
little ones are larger. Did I send you their picture? If not I
will.
In planning for next summer, don't forget that here is a home
to which you will be warmly welcomed.
As ever,
R. B. HAYES.
HONORABLE GUY M. BRYAN,
Texas.
January 3, 1875. -- I have declined the appointment to the Phi
Beta Kappa oration at Marietta. This leaves me free to pursue
my pet studies and occupation. I will gather daily material for
my notes on the Wyandots, notes on the Sandusky Valley, and on
the defense of Fort Stephenson in 1813. The latter first. In
this way: Get the best-told account of it and then every ac-
count and incident from eye-witnesses and contemporaries.
January 11.--A delightful visit with Birch to Laura
[Mitchell] in Columbus. Her children are treasures indeed. All
interesting, promising, handsome, and sweet-mannered. . . .
Birch and I met with the Centennials. I talked a few minutes
to the Agriculturals; prospects good.
The snow that fell the night of the first still lies on the ground
with some additions, making the best sleighing possible in this
climate. We now have eight or ten inches of snow well packed
on hard and smooth roads. Ten days of good sleighing in one
spell.
264 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES
FREMONT, OHIO, February 8, 1875.
MY DEAR GENERAL:--Ever since I read the account of the
bar meeting on the death of Judge Walker, I have intended to
write to you about our Historical Society getting up a memorial
sketch of his life. A short sketch -- a portrait -- the proceedings
and addresses of the bar, etc., etc., would make a pamphlet of
suitable size. It seems to me that a man with so many titles to
grateful remembrance should be noticed, and his character and
services preserved in this way. The Massachusetts and other
Eastern societies do such things. Why can't we? The labor
will be small, and the expense can be provided for, I think, with-
out difficulty. You may call on me for ten dollars towards it,
or more if necessary.
Don't work too hard. -- Our kindest regards to Mrs. Force.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES.
P. S. -- Young Longworth would perhaps get it up. His
beautiful talk was capital in all respects, and shows that he is
fitted for the work.--H.
GENERAL M. F. FORCE,
Cincinnati, Ohio.
February 9.--Ten degrees minus this morning. A cold,
pleasant winter; over six weeks of cold weather, with only two
or three thaws of a few hours. The snow which fell New Year's
day is almost all of it still on the ground. Not good sleighing
on the highways which are much travelled.
February 12. -- Yesterday William Whiteley, of Springfield,
the manufacturer of mowers and reapers, etc., came.
He is a nephew of Colonel Wm. Whiteley who was killed at the
Thames and who, it is probable, killed Tecumseh. An English-
looking man. His grandfather came from England in 1763--
or was it his great-grandfather? He and the whole family have
retained the English look. Tall, strong, ruddy, and robust. A
simple-minded man, patriotic. religious, and enthusiastic in the
relic department of the Centennial.
SEVERITY OF WINTER--1875 265
FREMONT, OHIO, February 12, 1875.
MY DEAR WEBB:--Your studies are all well enough. The
main thing is the zeal and perseverance of the lad. I suspect
you are discovering your gift. . . .
We had a glorious snow-storm yesterday. The biggest flakes
I have seen in years. We took all hands in the sleigh and
pushed out in the midst of it. Very windy but mercury up to
28 degrees, so they stood it with shouts and laughter. The snow
is now a foot deep. Part of the family going it now. Little
Charlie will earn his oats while the sleighing lasts. This is the
thirty-ninth day of sleighing this year. Quite an unusual thing
in our latitude. The weather bright but cold. The thermometer
on the north porch shows 12 degrees, while in the sun on the
south porch it shows 46 degrees. A wide difference. "Moral":
--Keep on the sunny side in cold weather. Even the coldest
of us has a sunny side if one could only discover it. -- All well.
Affectionately,
H.
WEBB C. HAYES,
Ithaca.
February 17. -- At Toledo yesterday. Prepared to put in a
claim for damages by reason of raising the grade of St. Clair
Street. The block owned by Uncle with Wilson and Miller at
the corner of St. Clair and Washington must be raised four or
five feet. It is ninety by seventy [feet], a three-story brick.
The mere raising will be about three thousand dollars. The
total cost of the change will be about five thousand dollars.
There is a probability of losing some rent. We shall multiply
by two and put in the nominal claim of twelve thousand dollars.
The city promises well.
February 18. -- On going to town I found this was the coldest
day of the winter. At daylight in various places in town the
thermometers showed 16 to 22 degrees below zero. None warmer
than 16 degrees at daylight.
February 22. -- Rud and I go to Lansing to deposit him in the
freshman class of the Michigan Agricultural College. His weak
266 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES
eyes and delicate health has [have] prevented him from prepar-
ing to enter one of the great literary colleges, as Yale or Harvard.
He is scholarly enough; but health and eyes interfere. . . .
I preferred that he should go to the Ohio institution. But he
prefers Lansing. His relations and friends at Columbus would
be distracting and work is not compulsory. . . . He is in
many respects like the Birchards. He reminds me often of
Uncle Birchard. I hope the resemblance will continue.
DETROIT, February 26, 1875.
MY DEAR RUDDY:--Before breakfast, at the Russell House,
a snow-storm out of doors. I send you twenty dollars and a
few words. You may charge in your carefully kept accounts
from three dollars to five dollars each month to pocket money--
not to exceed the last amount -- but do it in items as you spend.
All other items for needed articles. You should get a good
substantial carpet (perhaps rag is best), probably a few good
new strong chairs--no rocking-chair. If you get an armchair,
or the like, get two, so your chum can have one. Deal gener-
ously with him as you do with yourself. My only objection to
the arrangements there is the two-in-a-bed system. It is bad.
But if you stay and while you stay, you will not complain of it.
But let your words and conduct be perfectly pure--such as
your mother might know without bringing a blush to your cheek.
I have thought that you might get a lounge bed, or two of
them, and get them into your room without crowding you out.
But perhaps not. When you are settled and quite sure to stay,
a small table and plain bookcase may be needed for the books
I will send, but not yet.
Write often, at least once a week, if short. Oftener if any-
thing happens. If not already mentioned, do not tell your
mother of the doubling in bed.
I go home this morning to arrive in 6 P. M. train.
Affectionately,
H.
RUTHERFORD P. HAYES,
Lansing.
BENEFIT OF CHURCHGOING--1875 267
February 27. Saturday.--. . . Monday, [the] 22nd,
Ruddy and I left home about 9:30 A. M. . . ., and reached
Lansing, Michigan, near dark. I placed him at the Agricultural
College, room 35, with C. I. Goodwin as chum. The president,
Abbott, seems to be a kind-hearted, capable gentleman. . . .
I also visited the State Prison at Lansing. The agent
(warden) was very kind to me. In the cells were a carpet (in
many instances), books [to] read at night, pictures, etc., etc.
Flowers, pet animals, and the like gave it a humane look. Surely
it is a good prison. I saw the man my friend June wants par-
doned, Thomas Flinton. He is a bright, good-looking fellow.
Judge Jared Patchin and Bradley Thompson of Detroit took a
good deal of interest in his case. Also Esquire William Daly
of Dearborn. Of his innocence all are confident. The governor
strikes me as a man seeking popularity, who lacks the independ-
ence and manhood to do right at the risk of losing his popularity.
Afraid of what will be said. He is prejudiced against the Irish
and Democrats.
FREMONT, OHIO, March 1, 1875.
MY DEAR WEBB:--. . . I hope you will be benefitted by
your churchgoing. Where the habit does not Christianize, it
generally civilizes. That is reason enough for supporting
churches, if there were no higher. . . .
Affectionately,
H.
WEBB C. HAYES,
Ithaca.
March 12. -- Attended a gathering at Mr. Sheldon's; tea. Mr.
M. G. Hubbard, Dr. Rawson and wife, John Miller and wife,
Rev. Chittenden, Estella Rawson, Miss Ida Bush. Miss Ida is
a pianist, just returned from a two years in Germany to improve
in music. A young lady of good manners; plays no doubt well.
She played "Dixie" with her right hand and "Yankee Doodle"
with her left at same time!
268 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES
March 15. -- Yesterday was a beautiful spring day. Mercury
up to 70 degrees. The thaw is complete, mud bottomless. The
heavy ice took off part of the upper dam at Moore's and injured
the lower. Cakes of ice twenty inches thick or more are scat-
tered over the bottom east of the tile works. Lucy and I rode
down to see the spectacle; mud too deep on the new grade of
Front Street; hitched and went on foot.
March 18. Thursday. -- We put Fanny and Scott each on a
sled with an umbrella on the pond where the ice is clear and
smooth. The wind drove them along pleasantly. Scott entered
into the spirit of it, and obeyed instructions perseveringly. Birch
and I enjoyed it quite as much as the children. This is the
first example of the utilization of the March winds I have known
of. I am entitled to a patent for it.
March 20.--. . . Today is the sixty-second day of sleigh-
ing. The snow is much drifted but would be perhaps a foot deep
as an average.
FREMONT, OHIO, March 22, 1875.
DEAR SIR:--A friend who is interested in the unfortunate
powder-mill is afraid of the passage of some act in the excite-
ment of the moment, which will destroy powder making in Ohio.
I am not at all informed as to the nature of the bills introduced.
but nothing hasty or ill-considered ought to be adopted. Our
coal mining and stone quarries require a large amount of powder,
and I feel safe in assuming that the Legislature will look to all
interests before acting.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES.
(Show only to Thompson, of Lucas.)
HONORABLE BENJAMIN INMAN,
Columbus, Ohio.
March 28. -- For some time I have made my Diary a mere
weather record. We are living happily; never more so. Scott
Russell's promotion to pants has been the event of the last week.
DESIRED FOR GOVERNOR--MARCH, 1875 269
Little Fanny is healthy, bright, and good. She does not take to
"book larnin." But that will come in time, no doubt. Birch
takes more and more interest in the law. I think he will be a
good lawyer. Ruddy, at Lansing, says he is homesick. He re-
peats it three times in the same letter. But his letters are cheer-
ful. He says he works at chopping three hours daily. Webb
writes good letters from Cornell. Lucy is healthy, and as she
grows older preserves her beauty. She is large but not un-
wieldy. The only drawback is her frequent attacks of sick-
headaches. Perhaps twice a month she suffers for a day or two.
I too am healthy, getting a little too fat for comfort. The in-
dependence of all political and other bother is a happiness.
The Republican caucus at Columbus last Thursday, according
to report, was unanimously for me for governor. A third term
would be a distinction--a feather I would like to wear. No
man ever had it in Ohio. Letters tell me I am really wanted.
But the present condition of my money matters requires atten-
tion. The chance of an election is not good. More important
still, I do not sympathize with a large share of the party leaders.
I hate the corruptionists of whom Butler is leader. I doubt
the ultra measures relating to the South, and I am opposed to
the course of General Grant on the third term, the civil service,
and the appointment of unfit men on partisan or personal
grounds. I wouldn't hesitate to fight a losing battle if the cause
was wholly and clearly good and important. I am not sure
that it is in all respects what it should be, and as to its importance,
I am more than in doubt. Hence I have said decidedly no to all
who have approached me.
April 14, 1875.--I am still importuned in all quarters to con-
sent to run as Republican candidate for governor. Several sug-
gest that if elected governor now, I will stand well for the
Presidency next year. How wild! What a queer lot we are
becoming! Nobody is out of the reach of that mania.
Private.
FREMONT, OHIO, April 14, 1875.
MY DEAR MAJOR:--I am in receipt of your favor of the 12th
as to the governorship. What you say is very gratifying. It is
270 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES
too flattering of course, but I like it. It warms me. I am carried
back to old times -- to Fremont days--to Carnifax. I see it
all in your kind letter. So, be assured I feel as I ought to.*
I wish I could. I like the place -- would take it again if it
was open to me. I don't care for the chances of defeat. I have
tried that two or three times, and it don't hurt me. I have written
a good many letters on this subject and have invariably said
"no" decisively, on account of my affairs. Private reasons alone.
If I were with you face to face, I could give you what would,
I know, be regarded by you as controlling, as it is by me. The
mere business -- pecuniary -- part I have named to many. There
is another thing I do not write about. I am on the way, fairly,
to freedom. A year or two will, I am confident, do it. There-
fore, Major, I can't consent. This is final, and you may in the
briefest way, without flourish, let it be known, that on account
of private affairs, I am not in the list.
Mrs. Hayes joins me in regards to Mrs. Bickham and yourself.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES.
MAJOR W. D. BICKHAM,
Dayton.
FREMONT, OHIO, April 14, 1875.
MY DEAR WEBB:--. . . I am kept for an hour or two
daily replying to letters importuning me to run for governor.
The Republican nomination is at my refusal. But I say "no"
with the assent of all of our household.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES.
WEBB C. HAYES,
Ithaca.
April 18. Sunday. -- The talk about my candidacy for gov-
ernor rather grows, in spite of my repeated refusals. I regret
this, flattering as it is to my self-esteem. I don't wish to say,
against a general and urgent request, no, with due emphasis.
*The letter from Major Bickham urged Mr. Hayes to be a candidate
for governor, assuring him that it would make him the next President.
DEMAND FOR CANDIDACY--APRIL, 1875 271
It looks like a lack of appreciation of the good opinion of the
party, and a want of gratitude for past favors. The prospect
of an election seems to me to be not good. The third-term talk,
the Civil Rights Bill, the partisan appointments of the baser sort,
in other words the Butlerism of the Administration, are all bad,
and weights on us.
April 30.--At Toledo ground frozen. M. M. Green, H. S.
Walbridge, and S. M. Young sent for me to come over and help
along the Columbus and Toledo Railroad. They need one hun-
dred and forty thousand dollars more stock subscriptions. We
talked it up; had a meeting in the Exchange in the afternoon
to stir up a spirit which would make up Toledo's share, viz.,
sixty thousand dollars. The road would be an especial advantage
to the one-hundred-and-sixty-acre tract of Wilson and myself.
Without the railroad and its shops, etc., etc., adjacent to our
tract, its value would be put back five to ten years. I subscribed
five thousand dollars.
May 1.--The reddish brown leaves begin to show on the soft
maples; the elms show the coming events a little; oaks are still
bare. The Forsythia showed one or two blossoms on the 28th.
We had our first asparagus yesterday.
Cleveland, May 7.--With L. Austin at 8:30 A. M. to his
powder-mills, the scene of the fearful catastrophe in
[March]. Some thirty or forty tons of powder blew up, shat-
tering windows and injuring walls from five to ten miles distant.
It rung a farm bell forty miles off. Was plainly felt near Pitts-
burgh one hundred miles off, and yet some houses quite near to
the disaster were not injured, and people not over two miles
south did not hear or know it. The explanation is in the state
of the wind and the situation of the mills. The mills are in a
ravine, perhaps sixty to eighty feet below the general level of
the country. The force of the explosion followed down the
ravine to some extent as if fired in that direction. But probably
the wind had the most to do with the result. It was a day of
fearful wind, gusty and violent so as to make it dangerous to
roofs and houses.
272 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES
May 9. -- We saw the first green tree on the place yesterday,
the buckeye in [the] garden. The leaves on the apple trees are
beginning to show. No green forest trees in the grove yet.
May 10.--Redbirds in the grove yesterday. A robin took
from the house a spool of thread to put into its nest on the
great oak nearest the front of the house. He got tangled in it
and is now hanging by the neck between the hickory and oak
thirty feet up.
The first cherries in bloom yesterday. No tree in sight of
the house shows a solid green. The little apple trees and the
early harvest show the most green.
May 11. -- I go to Toledo to meet with Centennial State Board
today. I am asked to speak on Decoration Day in Toledo. I am
inclined to accept. May I speak of uniting with Confederates in
this ceremony?
I would honor any man who dies in obedience to his convic-
tions of duty, who dies for others. The conductor, the engineer,
the brakeman, who dies at his post; the captain, the sailor who
goes down at sea to save his passengers; the fireman who per-
ishes, the policeman who is killed in the line of duty. But how
of those who died in an effort to destroy the good? Does he be-
lieve in his work? Martyrs of false religions?
Every age has its temptations, its weaknesses, its dangers.
Ours is in the line of the snobbish and the sordid.
May 12. -- Met yesterday at Toledo Judge Ranney, Colonel
Burns, George W. McCook, Governor Noyes, and Mr. [F. W.]
Green [Secretary] of State Centennial Board, also Judge Halley.
General Buckland, Mr. Griffith, [and] Walbridge of other com-
mittees. The mayor called, Guido Marx, etc. We talked over
plans, decided to erect a headquarters building at a cost [of] not
more than three thousand dollars, also to employ Mr. Whiteley
at three thousand dollars.
FREMONT, OHIO, May 27, 1875.
MY DEAR GENERAL:--I congratulate you on your good for-
tune. It is, of course, a surprise. We talked of you Sunday
NOMINATED FOR GOVERNOR--JUNE, 1875 273
over our first dish of mushrooms. We are having big ones this
year. Well, be a good boy. Come and tell us all about it when
you return.
Dr. Webb and his wife are in Florence; go thence to the lakes
and summer in Switzerland. I hope you will meet them. I
don't think of any good people for letters. You will need none
with the doctor.
Lucy is very well. We all send love and hopes. Write if you
feel like it and have time.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES.
GENERAL W. A. KNAPP.
May 29. -- Decoration Day. Talked briefly to a great crowd
at Toledo. Labored with Walbridge to complete the amount of
stock subscription required to secure the Columbus and Toledo
Railroad. Both successful.
May 31.--I am still importuned to allow my name to be used
for governor. I am no less averse today than at the beginning.
If Judge Taft and others should withdraw, and the convention
generally should insist on my candidacy, I shall not refuse.
This is not likely to happen. A general demand by the party
that has honored me so often, I regard as a command which I
must obey. if, notwithstanding my declination and known prefer-
ence, the members of the convention, with substantial unanimity,
insist on the use of my name, I shall regard their wish as a com-
mand and obey it. If the friends of Judge Taft or of other
candidates still present their names, I will under no circumstances
be a candidate against them. In that event, my name must be
unqualifiedly withdrawn.
June 3. -- I was nominated for governor yesterday at Colum-
bus. I persisted in declining to the last. The leading other can-
didate before the convention, Judge Taft. of Cincinnati, is an
able and good man. But he had such a record on the Bible ques-
tion in the schools that his nomination was impossible. I did
all I could to remove the prejudice against him and to aid in his
nomination. I sent to Richard Smith, a leader in the struggle for
18
274 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES
Judge Taft, the following dispatch: -- "I cannot allow my name
to be used in opposition to Judge Taft. He became a candidate
after I declined. He is an able and pure man and a sound Re-
publican. I would not accept a nomination obtained by a con-
test with him." Another, as follows, to Charles Foster:--"I
have stated to everybody that I would not consent to go into a
contest. I do not want it, and would not consent to accept, if
nominated in opposition to Judge Taft."
I was nominated notwithstanding, 396 for me, 151 for Taft.
The nomination, on motion of a friend of Taft, Major Bickham,
was made unanimous. At first, I wrote a dispatch declining.
Then came a dispatch from the secretary of the convention stat-
ing that, on behalf of his father, Charles P. Taft had moved my
nomination by acclamation, and that it was splendidly carried.
I then sent the following: -- "In deference to the wish of the
convention, I yield my preference and accept the nomination."
The substance of all this is, that I did all I could to prevent
my own nomination and to aid Taft. Taft being even then so
far short of a nomination, and in view of the decided wish of
the convention, and the injury my declination would do the party,
I gave up my own preference and declared purpose, and ac-
cepted. I am now in for it. I think the interesting point is to
rebuke the Democracy by a defeat for subserviency to Roman
Catholic demands.
June 4. -- Wrote to General C. H. Grosvenor, requesting him
to prepare an address on the objectionable features of the last
Legislature.
The Bible in the Public Schools: -- "A division of the school
fund is agitated and demanded" by the same power and upon the
same grounds, by which and on which the passage of the Geghan
Bill was demanded.
My topics [will be] chiefly drawn from State affairs:--1.
Conduct of Democratic party in the investigation of grave charges
of corruption in the Legislature. 2. Its measures as to the
penal, reformatory, and benevolent institutions. (Salaried
boards.) (The benefit of unpaid service.) 3. The Catholic
question.
NOMINATED FOR GOVERNOR--JUNE, 1875 275
June 5.--I am overwhelmed with correspondence by mail,
telegraph, etc., etc., congratulating me on my nomination, and
the manner of it. The newspapers show that it was done in a
way never before seen in Ohio, and rarely if ever anywhere.
It is reading that would turn a head not firm and level. I have
just written my competitor--if it is proper to call a man my
competitor with whom I in no way competed, and to whom I
gave a hearty support from the beginning.
Private.
FREMONT, OHIO, June 5, 1875.
MY DEAR SIR:--I write to thank you in the sincerest and
heartiest way for your action on my nomination. It gave me
very great and much needed relief. On getting the secretary's
first dispatch I was sorely perplexed. To refuse would offend
and disappoint friends to whom I was under many obligations.
I wrote a dispatch declining, and was considering it with a
friend when the second dispatch from the secretary, announcing
the motion of Mr. Charles P. Taft, came and decided the ques-
tion. I am confident you would regard my course as fully justi-
fying your friendly act and speech, if all I have said and done
since this affair arose were fully before you.
Sincerely, your friend,
R. B. HAYES.
HONORABLE A. TAFT,
Cincinnati.
Private.
FREMONT, OHIO, June 8, 1875.
MY DEAR MAJOR:--Thanks for your paper of yesterday, and
still more for your efforts to get me out of this scrape before I
was in, and now to carry me through successfully.
It is well and gratifying to have the convention facts fully
and authentically set forth. I read the article with much interest.
Hereafter we can afford to let bygones go, and seek discussion
only with the common adversary. I am perhaps under a delu-
sion, but I still hope to be supported by Halstead [editor of the
276 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES
Cincinnati Commercial]. At any rate, being on the track, I now
want to win, and am willing to do my share of the solid work
required to do it. It is of the first importance to nominate in the
counties, and [to] organize early. For the topics of the canvass,
and bringing them before the people, the press is the means.
Meetings and speeches are less important relatively than ever
before. They come in too late, and in a day of enterprising news-
paper men, they are merely stale repetitions of the press. Meet-
ings and speeches, like the election itself, are the results of what
the press has already done.
I judge from several paragraphs that you regard the sub-
serviency of the Democratic party to Catholic designs as the
salient feature of the canvass. It is certainly so in popular
estimation in this quarter. If you have leisure to give me a
brief note on this head, it will be useful.
What I have said about meetings and speeches is not with a
view to shirk labor. I am ready to do all that may be reasonably
expected. But early and earnest discussion by the press is, I
am sure, far more effective.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES.
MAJOR W. D. BICKHAM,
Dayton.
FREMONT, OHIO, June 9, 1875.
MY DEAR R--:--If you were here and could have the reading
and answering of the host of letters I am getting, you would
excuse neglects. . . . This political business pretty much
smashes my plans for the next four months. After the election
I shall probably be free once more. I fear I can't visit you as
I intended.--All well.
Affectionately,
R. P. HAYES, H.
Lansing.
FREMONT, OHIO, June 12, 1875.
DEAR SIR: -- I regret that a previous engagement will prevent
me from delivering an address at the meeting of the Firelands
Historical Society. I am obliged to you for the invitation. Your
NOMINATED FOR GOVERNOR--JUNE, 1875 277
society is doing a good work. It deserves encouragement both as
a historical and as a social institution. It is well to preserve, as
you are doing, recollections, memorials, and relics of the past,
and it is also a most excellent feature of your society that it
brings together in frequent social reunions the pioneers who are
so rapidly leaving us. I hope your meeting and society will be
altogether successful.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES.
[Unidentified.]
June 13. -- I once in a while feel as if I might be called away
suddenly. If so, I want all of my boys to remember as my last
words to them: Always be honest in both deed and word; and
always be thoughtful, considerate, kind in your treatment of
your mother. I do not think any of you are lacking in integrity
or goodness to your mother, but I mention these two points to
impress them on your minds. Don't forget them as you respect
me, and as you wish to deserve happiness,--and to deserve it
is the surest way to have it.
FREMONT, OHIO, June 13, 1875.
MY DARLING:--The home is lonely without you. In short, it
is no home at all. But you'll soon return and how glad we will
all be.
I have two very satisfactory letters this morning. One from
Nordhoff. He says I have another friend on the Herald--
that he did not write that paragraph. He has written one since
which has not yet got out here. The other from Jacobi on the
German vote in Cincinnati. He gives an encouraging account
of the situation. Judge Jones also writes a long and good letter.
He gives you credit for a full share of the enthusiasm of the
convention in my behalf. He says, "The remark was heard on
every hand that good as General Hayes was, he was no better
than his wife." Now there!!
278 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES
Give my love to the friends where you are and remember to
come home when you can to those who love you "s'much."
As ever,
R.
MRS. HAYES,
Chillicothe.
Private.
FREMONT, OHIO, June 14, 1875.
MY DEAR GENERAL:--I write you again so soon on account
of an editorial in the Ironton Journal. It says: "I wrote him
[Taft], went to see him, and induced him to be a candidate."
This is a total mistake. I had nothing to do with it. After he
was out and after he had written his explicit letter to Wheeler
on the school question, I thought it not just to oppose him in
the way it was done. My judgment was in favor of Horton
as our candidate. Having declined, as you know, at an early
day, I did not wish to have my name used against anybody. I
would have sent the same dispatches as to any other person,
if another had been prominent.
I do not want to get into print about it. The sooner we drop
all discussion as to matters prior to the convention and go into
the fight as it stands, the better. Still I think this thing, in the
quietest way possible, ought to be corrected by a simple statement
of the truth. If you think the inclosed paragraph would do it,
and see no reason to the contrary, you may request the editor
to insert it. Give him my thanks for his very handsome and
graphic account of this thing, and for his hearty support.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES.
[Unidentified.]
["The inclosed paragraph" read as follows:--"In a former
issue we said in relation to Governor Hayes' support of Judge
Taft, that 'Hayes wrote to him, went to see him, and induced
him to let his name come before the convention. Hayes got
Noyes to work for Taft and between them persuaded the latter
to consent.' This we are informed is altogether a mistake. Gov-
ernor Hayes had nothing to do with bringing out Judge Taft.
CANVASS FOR GOVERNOR--1875 279
After the judge wrote his explicit letter on the school question,
Governor Hayes, who admired the judge and was personally
kindly to him, expressed the hope that he would be nominated
and refused to allow his name to be used against the judge, but
he was in no way responsible for his being brought out a can-
didate."]
Private.
FREMONT, OHIO, June 14, 1875.
DEAR SIR:--Your note and the newspaper slip came duly.
Both show you to possess education and talents. The sketch
of your history is interesting and is well calculated to enlist
sympathy in your behalf. If I were not a candidate, it is alto-
gether possible that your appeal for pecuniary aid would be favor-
ably considered. But a little reflection will, I am confident, lead
you to see that under the circumstances it is altogether out of
the question. Sound men of all parties are coming to the con-
clusion that the use of money by candidates, except in the
recognized public way for legitimate expenses, is a great evil
that ought to be abated. Believing this myself, I must say no,
hoping your cool judgment will approve the decision.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES.
W. J. TROY,
Columbus, Ohio.
FREMONT, OHIO, June 19, 1875.
MY DEAR W--:--I am in receipt of yours of the 17th. Glad
to see you are prompt. The doings of the 17th do not hurt.
But we have a big job. It can be done with work and we may
as well go at it. I will come down, via Newark, Wednesday
P. M. and stop at General Mitchell's, or Platt's. Can't you come
out, or tell Mitchell when I can see you Wednesday evening?
Please see General Mitchell and tell him where we may meet.
Fix to suit your convenience. I will remain all day Thursday.
No public demonstrations--no meetings.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES.
280 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES
P. S. -- Why not begin correspondence for speakers at once?
Make the appeals very urgent.
CAPTAIN A. T. WIKOFF,
Columbus, Ohio.
Private and confidential.
FREMONT, OHIO, June 22, 1875.
MY DEAR SIR:--A personal article, in the Plain Dealer of
Saturday, on me is wholly untrue in both of its branches. I
did not lobby against, or in any way oppose, the Cleveland bill,
and I did not receive a horse for that or any other service.
I am not personally acquainted with the Plain Dealer people,
but if their notions of partisan warfare allow them to correct
errors in such cases, I can satisfy them in twenty minutes on
this head. I don't wish to trouble you with my affair, but if
you think they would do an adversary justice in such a case, I
will call to see them when next in Cleveland -- say the last of
this or early next week.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES.
P. S. -- Since writing I have seen the article in the Plain
Dealer on the powder bill. It is, as you know, altogether untrue.
I did not lobby at all on the powder bill. I think I was not in
Columbus when it was pending. I never spoke to a man about it.
I never opposed it by letter or otherwise. You wrote me a letter,
very brief, saying you were apprehensive that in the excitement
of the time some unjust action would be had and requesting me
to write to the member from this county, and suggest to him de-
lay until all could be heard. This is the substance. I wrote a
short letter to the member from this county -- a Democrat -- a
man of good judgment. I did not oppose any bill. I suggested
delay and consideration. If I used the words "dangerous legis-
lation," it was in such a connection as to show that I did not
apply it to any particular bill, but to hasty and ill-considered
action. Mr. Inman replied briefly as to the character of the bill,
and I did not oppose it, or meddle in it at all. There was, of
course, no gift of a horse, or anything else for this or any other
service. The horse I bought at a fair price, etc., etc.
CANVASS FOR GOVERNOR--1875 281
Now if level-headed men think the thing ought to be noticed
at all, the foregoing contains the material for editorial denial by
our Republican press. I do not propose to rush into print.
If my letter is the basis, as it is, of all this, our friends can
safely challenge the production of the letter. I hope they have
not destroyed it.
HONORABLE F. W. GREEN,
Cleveland.
FREMONT, OHIO, June 22, 1875.
MY DEAR SIR: -- I have been shown an article which charges
that I lobbied against the Cleveland powder bill. You know
this is untrue. I wrote you a short letter, without any knowledge
of the bill, suggesting delay and consideration, etc., etc. And
after I got your letter telling me what was proposed, I dropped
the subject. It may be proper for my vindication that I have
the letters, or copies, that I wrote to you. You will oblige me
by sending me [them] as soon as convenient.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES.
HONORABLE B. INMAN,
Scott Township.
FREMONT, OHIO, June 28, 1875.
MY DEAR GENERAL:--I thank you for your letter of the
26th. Our contest will be a hard one. We must have a great
deal of work done to redeem the State. Our organization must
be reconstructed, and meetings held everywhere. Your ideas
as to our true policy are precisely mine. We must attack. Their
scheme for inflating our irredeemable paper currency is bad
enough; but there are debtors and speculators in large numbers
in Ohio who want it. They are not all Democrats. We shall lose
some votes on this question. The Catholic question is also in-
teresting the people very much. This seems to be thus far almost
wholly favorable.
I trust you will make your arrangements to give us all your
time until the election. We need it.
Sincerely,
JAMES A. GARFIELD. R. B. HAYES.
282 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES
FREMONT, OHIO, June 29, 1875.
MY DEAR SIR:--I am glad exceedingly that you will go to
Lawrence County [to open the campaign with me]. There are
many reasons for this. It would please me and aid me greatly
if you could go with me to the other early meetings in that region.
The tariff and finances are controlling subjects in that region.
You can deal with them better than any other man. Since 1872
I have been so completely out of politics that I feel very lame.
I have never seen your last great financial measure fixing 1879
for a return to coin. Can you send it to me.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES.
P. S.--We will go together from Cincinnati if you can.
HONORABLE JOHN SHERMAN.
FREMONT, OHIO, June 29, 1875.
MY DEAR CAPTAIN:--I have yours of the 26th as to meetings
and speakers. All satisfactory. But I hear from Sherman that
he will go with me to Lawrence. This is best. I have written
to him requesting him to go with me to other places in that
region. When I hear I will let you know his decision.
As among the other speakers you name, when Sherman leaves
me, I have no preference.
Your idea of following Cary with Danforth is good. I go to
a pioneer meeting at Norwalk [the] 30th; to Springfield to a
centennial, [the] 3d, I believe it is; and on the 6th to [the]
dedication of [the] Soldiers' Monument at Findlay. Hands
full, you see.
Yours,
R. B. HAYES.
A. T. WIKOFF.
FREMONT, OHIO, July 5, 1875.
DEAR SIR:--I am obliged for the Globes. I expect to spend
a couple of days in Cincinnati soon, and will again as you suggest
meet you there a day or two before going to Ironton, at the
hotel you fix. I shall go to the Gibson House this time.
CANVASS FOR GOVERNOR--1875 283
I have a letter from Bundy, who is disturbed on the currency
question. Judge Kelley is to speak on finances at Youngstown
the 10th on invitation of the iron men. Doubtless there are
localities where our position on [the] currency question will be
damaging, but on the whole it must help. At any rate, we are
right. Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES.
HONORABLE JOHN SHERMAN.
FREMONT, OHIO, July 7, 1875.
DEAR SIR:--I regard the present paper currency of the coun-
try as a good currency so long as there is no further inflation,
and with the understanding that until it is convertible into coin
at the will of the holder its volume shall not be increased.
A permanently irredeemable currency I look upon as unsafe and
unstable. I do not write this for publication. The public will
hear from me in due time in explicit terms.
Sincerely,
REV. H. O. SHELDON, R. B. HAYES.
Oberlin, Ohio.
FREMONT, OHIO, July 8, 1875.
MY DEAR SIR:--I am asked for a tract, or pamphlet on the
Geghan and school question so often that I now write to urge you
to have it out as soon as money can get it. It may be made up of
extracts from Little's omnibus pamphlet, and from the press, and
especially from the Catholic press. A mere document -- very
little fresh matter -- short and to be circulated everywhere.
Speak to Nash about it. Don't delay. Pay for it. In German
and English. I urge you not to allow this to pass unnoticed.
Nothing is so much desired and needed.
All I see is encouraging.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES.
P. S. -- Dr. Byers told me he thought of getting up a docu-
ment of this sort. Let it be done soon.
CAPTAIN A. T. WIKOFF.
284 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES
FREMONT, OHIO, July 10, 1875.
MY DEAR MAJOR:--I agree with you that we ought to have
Cary so followed. Would not Gibson be the right man?
You suggest an important topic, but I fear I can't find time
to work it up. However, we must not let them select the topic.
We must not let the Catholic question drop out of sight. If they
do not speak of it, we must attack them for their silence. If
they discuss it, or refer to it, they can't help getting into trouble.
We can't, I think, do better than to stick to the texts, honest
money, and no sectarian interference with the schools.
At Findlay I saw many Republicans from the country. With-
out exception they were most interested in the last.
Sincerely,
MAJOR W. D. BICKHAM, R. B. HAYES.
Dayton.
CINCINNATI, GIBSON HOUSE, July 12, 1875.
MY DARLING:--I spent Saturday in Toledo, principally with
political people. The mayor and a few of his German friends
talked over the situation fully and freely. All good.
. . . Politically things here look well. I breakfast this
morning with Nordhoff at Mrs. Davis'. He is expected this
morning from the South.
R.
MRS. HAYES.
July 18, 1875. Sunday.--June and July thus far in Ohio have
been very wet; more rain than in the same period for some years.
I am now crowded with work. Getting ready for the canvass
which begins the 31st. Correspondence, business, and sickness
in my family.
FREMONT, OHIO, July 18, 1875.
MY DEAR SIR: -- Yours of l6th at hand, also the pamphlets.
I think it would be a good idea to publish it also in parts. One
part, so much as relates to the Geghan bill on pages 4-7. This
makes a still shorter book. Don't fail to print such part sep-
CANVASS FOR GOVERNOR--1875 285
arately with an appropriate heading connecting the Democrats
and Catholics in the matter.
My youngest boy has taken the scarlet fever from his sister,
and we are now all occupied with this. We hope it will be mild
with him also.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES.
CAPTAIN A. T. WIKOFF.
FREMONT, OHIO, July 19, 1875.
MY DEAR GENERAL: -- Your letter will help me. You need not
be surprised if, during the canvass, you see your illustrations
in my "efforts." . . . I am now trying to cook up an opening
speech, but am not likely to do well.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES.
GENERAL M. F. FORCE.
FREMONT, OHIO, July 19, 1875.
MY DEAR SIR:--Will you get Little or Nash to inform me as
to the chaplain in the Ohio Penitentiary. Does he draw his
salary? Do the Democratic directors and warden understand
that he is entitled to it? I suppose he is but the Catholic Tele-
graph questions it. Was it understood when it was passed that
it touched this question?. . .
I suggest that you continue to issue tracts on the school,
Geghan, etc., question. I would shorten them to four pages for
greater convenience. Do not hesitate about this. What is said
on the Geghan Bill in your former tract, under the headings
"The Geghan Bill" and "What the people thought of it," would
do well for one issue. There is an article in the last Harper's
Weekly, etc., etc.
By reason of my child's sickness with scarlet fever requiring
constant attention, I may not be able to get a speech ready so
as to send the press advance copies. If so I will notify you and
let it be generally known next week.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES.
286 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES
P. S. -- Can't you send your tracts to all of our meetings to
be distributed there by the committees? Is it not a good idea?
CAPTAIN A. T. WIKOFF.
FREMONT, OHIO, July 20, 1875.
MY DEAR MAJOR:--. . . It now looks as if the Democrats
meant to go hard money with Thurman in certain localities, soft
money with Cary in others, and all mixed up with Allen, etc.,
and in the State at large.
The Catholic question, as I see it, still grows. I may be wrong,
but so it appears to
Sincerely
R. B. HAYES.
MAJOR W. D. BICKHAM,
Dayton.
FREMONT, OHIO, July 27, 1875.
MY DEAR GUY:--I send you a copy of my campaign speech
to be delivered next Saturday. It was prepared under great
difficulties. Two of my children were down with scarlet fever.
One is still in bed but we hope slowly recovering.
Thinking of you I put in a word about Texas. As to Southern
affairs "the let-alone policy" seems now to be the true course;
at any rate nothing but good-will now exists towards you. The
future depends largely on the moderation and good sense of
Southern men in the next House of Representatives. If they
are like Lamar, of Mississippi, all will be well. If like Preston,
of Virginia, all will be "fuss and fury" for a time. But I think
we are one people at last for all time.
As ever,
R. B. HAYES.
GUY M. BRYAN,
Texas.
FREMONT, OHIO, Wednesday, July 28, 1875.
DEAR COLONEL: -- I start via Toledo by night train to Cincin-
nati, expecting to leave Cincinnati by boat 4 P. M. tomorrow
for Ironton. This gives ample time to reach Marion, etc., etc.
CANVASS FOR GOVERNOR--1875 287
The boy is still in bed but so improved that I feel it is proper
to leave home.
You had better send out your documents as fast as possible
and have the distribution well done. But this you are doing.
The short documents on the different phases of the school ques-
tion are the most effective, I have no doubt.
Judge Taft at Chillicothe will do good I am sure.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES.
COLONEL A. T. WIKOFF.
IRONTON, Sunday A. M., August I, 1875.
MY DARLING:--We have had a wonderful meeting at Marion
in the mud and rain, and a beautiful and successful meeting
here. We, Sherman and I, went out to Marion Friday night.
It is a village twice the size of Ballville--no more. Already
more people had gathered than at the Democratic meeting.
Cannon, hauled by soldiers sixteen miles in the mud and rain, a
band ditto, glee club, and solid farmers. The country is all
afloat. One and three-tenths inches [of rain] fell that night. At
daylight they began to come. The Times ought to have it all,
or nearly all. Several hundred of Fifth Virginia, Second Vir-
ginia, etc., etc., filed into my room and such a hand-shaking I
never had before. No speech was finished. Rain, rain and mud,
mud, but it was jolly. Processions, ten or twelve, came from
ten to fifteen miles. Old men called it 1840. I came into town
[Ironton] covered with mud and teaed with Mrs. Enochs. Am
now at the finest home, Hiram Campbell's, where I stopped in
1867. . . .
We have had the finest possible send-off. A Hayes Club in
every ward and township.--I go to Portsmouth for tomorrow
evening.
1 P. M.--At Presbyterian Church with Mrs. Campbell and
daughter. The preacher was an old college friend, a much
valued man--Calhoun. Saw Major Carey of Twenty-third at
church. . . .
288 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES
PORTSMOUTH, Monday, August 2. 11 A. M.--Just arrived
here in good condition and prospects good.
S'much.
MRS. HAYES. R. B. H.
Portsmouth, August 3. -- Had a fine meeting. Numbers, en-
thusiasm, and other cheering indications. Nothing better since
1866, certainly. It is like a Presidential year. Judge Town,
Colonel Coats, Captain Gibbs, [and] Mr. Dene, the active men.
With McFarland, Judge Thompson. etc., to General Kinney's
sightly place. Saw his deer park and curiosities gathered from
the trip immortalized as "Innocents Abroad."
Beaver, August 4.--Left Portsmouth yesterday with Mr.
J. Q. Gibson and Loomis in a carriage via Valley Pike to Pike-
ton. Floods destroying corn by the thousand acres. No meeting
deemed best at Piketon, but in the afternoon so many came in,
notwithstanding the floods, that we had a good meeting in the old
court-house. Then by carriage here, ten miles.
Genterton [Centerville], Gallia County, at Mr. Beaman's,
August 5, 1875.--Came from Jackson last evening with Mr.
Beaman, also Judge Lawrence and Fursey. A good meeting
here last night, also at Jackson P. M.
August 6. Friday, 8:30 A. M.--Steamer Chesapeake with
Judge Lawrence. A good meeting yesterday at Gallipolis. The
only meeting not so good (yet) as it should be was at Jackson.
A long procession under Colonel Cadot came out to meet us to-
wards Centerton. Stayed at Esquire Perry's; saw Nash., etc.,
etc. Left Gallipolis last night at 12 midnight. The meeting at
Pomeroy, fixed for today, postponed because of the flood. Passed
at daylight Pomeroy and Middleport; saw the mayor, young
Horton, etc., etc. We are now trying to reach Athens via
Parkersburg.
PARKERSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA, August 7, 1875.
DEAR COLONEL: -- Lawrence speaks so effectively that he can
run a line of meetings alone or any way. Keep him at work.
CANVASS FOR GOVERNOR--1875 289
Tell people to advertise by posters and especially in county
paper. Jackson meeting not so good for want of this. Gallipolis
and Centerton meetings in Gallia both very large. We go to
Athens immediately.
HAYES.
COLONEL A. T. WIKOFF.
PARKERSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA, August 7, [1875].
DARLING:--We go this morning to Athens. Came this way
as the only chance. Pomeroy under water and no meeting yes-
terday. A fine large meeting at Gallipolis in spite of flood.
Shook hands with two hundred and six colored voters of a
Hayes Club, and lots of their wives, etc., also a host of others.
All looks encouraging. Got a slight cold, but on the whole well.
ATHENS, 7th, 10 A. M. -- I get two letters here. . . . We
have had great meetings except when the floods have prevented.
H.
MRS. HAYES.
Athens, Lunatic Asylum, Sunday, August 8, 1875.--Came
over after meeting last night with Dr. Gundry to this new in-
stitution. Yesterday from Parkersburg to Athens by 10 A. M.
Found the meeting not advertised on account of the flood, ex-
cept in a limited way. A small meeting. Made a sober, strong,
but dull speech. In the evening Judge Lawrence did much better.
There is also difficulty on the representative nomination. The
outlook here is not bright. I think it will heal. The Enquirer
prints Colonel Burns' handsome note in issue of 7th. (This at
6 A. M.)
ATHENS, Sunday A. M., August 8, 1875.
MY DEAR COLONEL: -- Our meetings here, owing chiefly to the
flood, lack of notice, etc., etc., were poor. There is still a sour
feeling over local troubles. But it needs attention. A good
meeting with a popular speaker three or four weeks or more
hence will, I think, straighten all.
19
290 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES
A cold makes me dull. It will soon wear off no doubt, but you
must see that my colleague is always on hand. Lawrence made
a capital speech at the evening meeting. Keep him at work.
I have read the Mansfield letter again. Why not ask him to
prepare the little pamphlet on the Catholic and school question?
I would unite in his suggestions. Think of it. No time is to be
lost. Here, as elsewhere, they tell me that is the topic people
want to hear about.
Yours,
H.
COLONEL A. T. WIKOFF.
CALDWELL, August 11, 1875.
DEAR COLONEL:--The meetings here and at Marietta were
good--not very large--but under the circumstances satisfac-
tory. In both counties the prospect is encouraging. Dalzell will
run rather ahead and is quite sure to be elected. I go via
Cambridge to Zanesville today.
The Toledo meeting, August 21, you must quietly drop unless
it is extremely difficult. Can't get home that night or next day.
Toledo is one of my homes; it is too early, and I now see the
run of the canvass. It is not necessary to overwork me. Let
me off easily. Mansfield is right. We win or lose on the
circulation of the document, or such documents as he spoke of.
Get me out of the Toledo meeting and as many others as you
can.
HAYES.
COLONEL A. T. WIKOFF.
CAMBRIDGE, August 12, 1875.
MY DEAR WEBB:--. . . We had a good meeting last night
at Zanesville. Generally the outlook is favorable. Mr. Eggleston
is with me. I am to be at home, as I understand arrangements,
about the last of next week. Perhaps it would please Birch to
take a tour with me. If so, let him be ready to join me for a
week or so when I get around home.
I am having a comfortable time. My health and voice hold out
well. Nothing but the taking a bad cold, of which there is al-
CANVASS FOR GOVERNOR--1875 291
ways some danger, is likely to prevent me from getting through
with this job pretty well. . . .
Affectionately,
H.
WEBB C. HAYES.
BELLEAIR, August 14, 1875.
MY DARLING: -- I spoke twice yesterday at good meetings in
the open air. . . . I stand it well. My speaking is irregular.
Sometimes quite good, sometimes not, but generally will do. It
will be good to be with you again. I am too far along in ex-
perience and years both for this business. I do not go into [it]
with the zest of old times. Races, baseball, and politics are for
the youngsters.
As ever,
H.
MRS. HAYES.
August 15. Sunday. Mount Pleasant, Jefferson County. -- At
Dr. J. T. Updegraff's. A good meeting at Steubenville yesterday;
Judge Miller, president. Saw Mrs. Webster. Mr. Eggleston
left me there. Came over with Dr. Updegraff, fourteen miles
south to Short Creek and six miles out here by buggy and team.
Lovely scenes of mountains, etc. Gill and others called. Talked
from the steps a moment only.
Today at Friends' Church; four ladies and four gentlemen,
spoke, etc., one and one-half hours, as at Methodist Episcopal
Church class or experience meetings. A famous old antislavery
town. Home of Lundy and of a host of famous people.
August 17, 1875. Massillon. -- From Mount Pleasant with
Dr. Updegraff to Cadiz, 16th A. M. Spoke to a good crowd
in front of the court-house at 1:30 P. M. By railroad to
Ulrichsville. A spontaneous [meeting] at Ulrichsville. A
good meeting and a speech from a drygoods box in front of
Birney House at night. This A. M. here via New Philadelphia,
etc. An express wagon to the hotel.
292 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES
August 18, 1875. -- At New Milan 5:30 A. M., ready to go to
Medina. We had a magnificent meeting last night in the Opera
House [at Massillon]. Delegations and bands from Canton, Al-
liance, etc. Tea with Mr. Wales. Colonel Grosvenor, of Mis-
souri, sick, a bright handsome man. McKinley here. Feeling
good. Prospects ditto.
FREMONT, August 22, 1875.
MY DEAR COLONEL:--The programme for meetings received
in the daily Journal last night is all right as far as I am con-
cerned.
We have had encouraging meetings, in the main, so far. Nor-
walk was not good. It is a mistake for the local committee to
get up a night meeting after a day meeting in the same town.
The town people neglect the day meeting, the country people the
night meeting, and thus both suffer.
Williams County was like Gallia and Lawrence -- wide-awake.
A Granger of note told me our meeting would have had the
same attendance without the Grange. It was very large.
Dalzell is nervous about the Reunion. Thinks Allen and Com-
pany will be there and capture it. Perhaps it would be best to
send some of our best soldiers and speakers to represent us.
Can't Noyes, Gibson, Young, Grosvenor, Keifer, etc., etc., or
some of them go? Try to see that we are represented. Noyes
or Gibson, either, would do splendidly, and spike the enemy's
guns.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES.
Can you manage to send to me here, any time, a complete set
of campaign documents on both sides -- Democrat and Repub-
lican?
COLONEL A. T. WIKOFF.
[Throughout September and till the election, Hayes was con-
tinuously in the campaign, speaking nearly every day, and often
more than once, in all parts of Ohio, and everywhere to large
audiences. The Diary is silent and letters few and brief.]
CANVASS FOR GOVERNOR--1875 293
FREMONT, OHIO, September 12, 1875.
DEAR NASH:--I will telegraph you in the morning to do as
you think best about the appointments. I will be content with
your arrangements.
I am disappointed in my money arrangements here. My ab-
sence has turned me financially topsy-turvy for the present. No
permanent loss, but delay. I can't now respond to your calls, so
don't make any, but push for funds East or somewhere. Nothing
but inflation will relieve me for the next few months!
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES
P. S.--An absurd "tissue of falsehoods" leads me to say I
voted every time against and not for the salary increase of 1866.
I was elected the first election after its passage by a large ma-
jority--and in the same district in 1867 received a large majority
for governor. To say I am a "grabber" is a foolish falsehood.
But I deny nothing. I leave the facts to friends.--H.
YOUNGSTOWN, OHIO, September 20, 1875.
DEAR COLONEL:--Glad to know by your dispatch that Mr.
Schurz will give us nine speeches. It will be of great importance.
I would suggest that you consider Toledo, Sandusky, Akron,
and Cleveland as among the points. Here there is still a large
defection of Republicans. People [are] carried off by the cry of
hard times to be relieved by inflation. Allen helped us here.
But it is bad enough yet. I think we are gaining.--I go to
Canfield this morning.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES.
P. S. -- Our meeting here was an exceedingly fine one.
COLONEL A. T. WIKOFF.
COLUMBUS, OHIO, September 27, 1875.
MY DARLING: -- Sitting at Laura's desk in the pleasant library,
before breakfast, with a lovely bright morning outside, I think
of home and wish you were here or I there.
294 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES
Only two weeks more of this work! I have had a good time
the last week. The great Warren meeting will stand as the
greatest meeting on the Western Reserve; 1840 and 1863 were
both eclipsed. There I staid with Senator Jones. He and his
wife and the little folks are delightful people.
Twenty-thirders at Ashland, and others, made that a happy
time. At Mount Vernon I spent the night out on Mr. Delano's
farm. Mrs. Delano seems happy as the manager of a large
household and will enjoy their fine place and her grandchildren
far more than Washington.
I speak here tonight and then go via Circleville, etc., etc., to
Cincinnati, staying there next Sunday. After that a week more,
and home! How I long for it! On the whole the canvass must
be put down as a pleasant one. But I am eight or ten years too
old and wise to fail to see the other side of the shield. . . .
It is thought that Governor Woodford will speak in Fremont
the night before the election. He suggests that it is the usage
to have a meeting at the residence of the candidate for speakers
from abroad. If this is done, of course we ought to entertain
Governor Woodford. . . .
Affectionately,
R.
MRS. HAYES.
TOLEDO, October 7, 1875.
MY DARLING:--I have letters from Webb and Birch and am
glad to hear of your welfare. I begin to feel nearly free again.
This morning I go to Wauseon and Napoleon. Will leave
Napoleon tomorrow morning and expect to pass Fremont in the
noon train Friday, that is tomorrow, to speak at Milan that day
or evening, and Saturday at Elyria, in the evening at Oberlin,
and I hope to get home in the 10 or 11 o'clock night train that
night. The topics have got to be dull to me, and I am not now
speaking my best. My health is good. Occasional colds make
me a little hoarse, but on the whole I am doing well.
. . . If you or either of the boys wish to go on with me
ELECTED GOVERNOR--OCTOBER, 1875 295
[tomorrow] all right. But at any rate we are soon together
again, and that will be a happiness to
Yours affectionately,
MRS. HAYES.
October 12, 1875.--Election day! The weather is perfect.
Spiegel Grove, my home, never looked so beautiful before. I
am as nearly indifferent, on personal grounds, to the result of
this day as it is possible to be. I prefer success. But I anticipate
defeat with very great equanimity. If victorious, I am likely
to be pushed for the Republican nomination for President.
This would make my life a disturbed and troubled one until
the nomination, six or eight months hence. If nominated, the
stir would last until November a year hence. Defeat in the next
Presidential election is almost a certainty. In any event, defeat
now returns me to the quiet life I sought in coming here.
The large considerations of country, patriotism, and principle
find little place in a deliberation on this question. The march
of events will carry us safely beyond the dangers of the present
questions.
October 17, 1875. -- Elected. A pleasant serenade from my
neighbors; a day of doubt and anxiety as to the result. It looked
on Thursday as if the Democrats were bent on counting me out.
All right, however. Now come papers from all the country
counties urging me for the Presidential nomination. Such as
the following list:--Cincinnati Times, Toledo Blade, Dayton
Journal, Springfield Republic, Ashtabula Sentinel, Fremont
Journal, Kenton Republican, Bellefontaine Republican, Clinton
Republican, Pickaway Herald and Union.