CHAPTER XXXIII
THE HAYES-TILDEN PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN--JUNE-
NOVEMBER 1876
JUNE 23, 1876.--The nomination has been well received.
The best people, many of them heretofore dissatisfied with
the Republican party, are especially hearty in my support. I must
make it my constant effort to deserve this confidence.
COLUMBUS, June 23, 1876.
MY DEAR SIR:--I am very glad to get your good full letter.*
The next thing in order for me is my Letter of Acceptance. I
am advised to harden by some, and to soften by others, the money
plank, and so on. Perhaps I would do well to approve it as it
stands. I shall hardly reply to the committee before the end
of the month, or till after the Fourth. If you have suggestions
you will oblige me by making them. My inclination is to say
very little. The people are already organizing meetings, are
ratifying, and the Letter of Acceptance may as well perhaps be
a purely formal affair, may it not?
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES.
HONORABLE JOHN SHERMAN.
Confidential.
COLUMBUS, OHIO, June 27, 1876.
MY DEAR SIR: -- I am very glad to get your letters of the 20th
and 23rd. I will give your suggestions my best consideration.
I do not expect to write my Acceptance for ten days or two
weeks. In the meantime I wish to give you with entire frank-
ness how the matter lies in my mind now, hoping to hear from
*The more significant part of Mr. Sherman's letter is given in Life,
Vol. I, p. 454.
(328)
THE HAYES-TILDEN CAMPAIGN 329
you again before I write for the public. I wish to remain entire-
ly uncommitted until the time for issuing the Letter.
I now think as you do--probably precisely as you do--on
the civil service reform part of our platform. I want to make
that the issue of the canvass--to be perfectly explicit, decided,
and square, but brief in regard to it. I will, therefore, be glad
to have your views in form, or to be referred to the document
(speech or letter) which gives the best statement of the true
thing.
I do not expect to say anything on the specie resumption plank.
I am so pronounced and well known on that question that I feel
like saying, that the man who wants other interpretation of our
platform than the fact of my candidacy, is pretty likely to vote
against me even if he has to support Governor Allen or General
Cary.
I now feel like saying something as to the South, not essen-
tially different from your suggestions, but am not decided about
it. I don't like the phrase, by reason of its Democratic associa-
tions, which you use--"local self-government"--in that con-
nection. It seems to me to smack of the bowie-knife and re-
volver. "Local self-government" has nullified the Fifteenth
Amendment in several States, and is in a fair way to nullify the
Fourteenth and Thirteenth. But I do favor a policy of recon-
ciliation, based on the observance of all parts of the Constitution
--the new as well as the old -- and, therefore, suppose you and
I are substantially agreed on the topic.
One other suggestion, let me now submit to you: I really
think that a President could do more good in one term if un-
trammelled by the belief that he was fixing things for his election
to a second term, than with the best intentions could be done
in two terms with his power embarrassed by that suspicion or
temptation during his first four years. Our platform says
nothing on the subject. I am averse to adding topics, but could
I not properly avow my own view and purpose on this head?
And now you will excuse me for writing so hurriedly and in-
considerately. I returned late last night from my home at Fre-
mont. I am thronged with callers, and in the midst of a shower
of letters and dispatches. Whether you can support me or not,
330 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES
you will treat this as confidential, and, I hope, let me hear from
you further.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES.
HONORABLE CARL SCHURZ.
[Mr. Schurz replied as follows:
ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI, July 5, 1876.
MY DEAR SIR: -- Your kind letter of June 27 has been for-
warded to me. I can only thank you for the confidential frank-
ness with which you speak to me and may assure you that this
confidence is not misplaced. I am exceedingly glad to know
that your views on civil service reform agree so well with those
I ventured to submit, and that you desire to make that reform
"the issue of the canvass." In compliance with the desire you
expressed at our interview last Saturday, I submit the following
draft of a paragraph for your letter of acceptance: . . .
This paragraph may at first sight appear somewhat longer
than you desire to have it, but the subject is of such paramount
importance, and it is so necessary to show a clear and complete
understanding of the question and to avoid the least appearance
of equivocation, that, as I think, not a single point should be
sacrificed to the charm of brevity. Its fearless straightforward-
ness and completeness will undoubtedly with great effect appeal
to the best impulses of the popular heart. To fight for such a
programme would, even in case of defeat, be glorious enough.
But to succeed with it in the election, as I trust you will, and
then faithfully to carry out such a reform, will place him who
does it, in the first rank of the best names in American history.
You ask me about the propriety of introducing the one-term
principle. My impression is that it might appear well at the
close of the above paragraph and with direct reference to it. It
would be calculated to strengthen the earnestness of the reform
pledge.
Now another matter. You say you do not deem it necessary
to refer to the currency question again. There I venture to dif-
THE HAYES-TILDEN CAMPAIGN 331
fer with you. The equivocal position in which the Democrats
have placed themselves by demanding the repeal of the resumption
clause, furnishes us one of our main weapons of attack. I have
already assailed that point in my paper. But neither is the
Republican platform clear enough in that respect. It is indeed
important that you should strengthen our position. Permit me
to propose to you the following paragraph:--
"On the currency question I have frequently expressed my
views in public and stand by my record. I regard every law
of the United States concerning the payment of any form of our
public indebtedness, the legal-tenders included, as constituting
a pledge and moral obligation of the Government which must in
good faith be adhered to. Moreover I am convinced, that the
feeling of uncertainty inseparable from the existence of an ir-
redeemable paper currency with its incidental fluctuations of
values and the restless agitation it causes, is one of the greatest
obstacles standing in the way of a revival of business confidence
and the return of prosperity. That uncertainty can be put an end
to only in one way: by the resumption of specie payments, re-
storing to the business of the country a safe basis; and the sooner
this is accomplished the greater will be the benefit to all our
economical interests and all classes of society."
This, I think, would place you on unassailable ground and
give us a great advantage of position, especially in the State
of New York. It may appear again a little long, but I would
ask you to consider that never in American history was there
a letter of acceptance written of such exceeding importance,
and for which the people looked with so much anxious interest.
Believe me, dear sir, very truly yours,
C. SCHURZ.
GOVERNOR R. B. HAYES.
The suggested paragraph on the civil service is omitted from
the foregoing letter, as Mr. Hayes used no part of it, though it
may have helped to clarify his thought. He was influenced by
what Mr. Schurz wrote in regard to the currency question, and
he used the substance of the paragraph submitted by Mr.
332 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES
Schurz, modifying the phraseology, however, in the interest of
simplicity and terseness.]
COLUMBUS, June 27, 1876.
MY DEAR MRS. DAVIS:--I do appreciate your letter, your eye
of faith, and yourself and the doctor. I can't write much, as
you know. Returning late last night from Fremont (where I
left Lucy for a day longer and Fanny for a fortnight) I found
your letters with others.
We are steady and cool and even, as yet. I think we shall
remain so. But you are perfectly right. I am also grateful
that we are old enough to see through it all -- to know that we
are publicans and sinners--and that all this is fleeting. We
shall try to do well and thus repay you, as far as, and in the
only way that payment is possible.
Our love to Lida. If she wrote of somebody else I would
gush.--I will surely send the photos.
As ever,
R. B. HAYES.
MRS. ELIZA G. DAVIS,
Cincinnati.
COLUMBUS, OHIO, June 30, 1876.
MY DEAR SIR:--I am exceedingly obliged for your letter. I
think so well of your judgment that I am desirous to hear again.
In view of St. Louis, my own judgment is in favor of a short
but decisive statement on currency, schools, and civil service.
I gratefully appreciate what you have done.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES.
HONORABLE JOSEPH H. BARRETT,
Cincinnati.
COLUMBUS, June 30, 1876.
MY DEAR SIR: -- Thanks for your letter of the 27th [giving
advice as to the formation of the national committee and ex-
pressing confidence in Republican success]. I will show it to
General Wikoff. Without much acquaintance with the work
THE HAYES-TILDEN CAMPAIGN 333
of the National Committee, I appreciate its importance and am
particularly anxious that in this there shall be nothing to dis-
turb the existing harmony. All interests should be fairly re-
garded and an efficient committee organized. The contest will
be severe and critical.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES.
HONORABLE W. E. CHANDLER,
Washington.
July 8. -- The nomination of Tilden makes doubtful the States
of New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. I have prepared a
bold and honest Letter of Acceptance. It will offend some and
cool the ardor of others, but it is sound and I believe will be
strong with the people. At any rate, it is the true course.
Our adversaries reckon on a united South. This is their hope.
We must meet them on this. They are under the same leader-
ship which for fifteen years has been on the wrong side of every
question.
COLUMBUS, July 8, 1876.
MY DEAR GENERAL:--My Letter is ready and will, I hope, be
satisfactory to you. Now for the campaign. Can't you get your
Congressional Campaign Committee to go actively to work? If
you will go to North Carolina you can do great good. Look into
that State and see what can be done. No time is to be lost.
I wish you would prepare a speech or an important part of a
speech on the school question. It is important that what has been
done or attempted in New York City should be fully exhibited.
Our regards to Mrs. Garfield.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES.
HONORABLE J. A. GARFIELD.
COLUMBUS, OHIO, July 14, 1876.
MY DEAR JUDGE: -- I am glad you like the Letter. Perhaps I
am oversanguine. But it strikes me that if elected, with the
334 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES
party fully committed to the reform, it will not be so difficult to
put it into practice as the objectors profess to believe. At any
rate it must have a fair trial, and my belief is it can be done
without half the friction, even at first, that belongs, of necessity,
to existing methods.
I shall be interested in the judge's [Johnston's] speech. Too
laudatory, of course. No man ever was a tithe of what a favor-
ite candidate is painted by his friends.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES.
HONORABLE W. M. DICKSON,
Cincinnati.
COLUMBUS, July 14, 1876.
MY DEAR GENERAL: -- I learned from Mr. Platt, of New York,
in a recent conversation with him here, that at least one person
has misconstrued the paragraph in my Letter of Acceptance as
to a second term as a reflection on you. Nothing, I assure you,
is further from the fact.
In addition to the reason given in the letter, there was another
which had much weight with me. I was not a prominent can-
didate outside of my own State. There were at least four gentle-
men who in this respect were in advance of me. The five lead-
ing candidates are all younger men than I am. Four years
hence, I think, they will all be younger than I am now. At any
rate, they may all reasonably expect to be candidates in future
if they desire to be. It seemed to me therefore that nominated
as I was, it would tend to unite and harmonize their friends
if it were certainly known that I would not be in their way four
years from now. If elected, it will surely strengthen my Ad-
ministration.
I need hardly assure you that I would not say anything to re-
flect on you, but under the circumstances this much seems proper.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES.
GENERAL U. S. GRANT,
PRESIDENT.
THE HAYES-TILDEN CAMPAIGN 335
Private.
COLUMBUS, OHIO, July 24, 1876.
MY DEAR SIR:--I think the assessment business will not be
pushed by our committee. Beyond that I do not see how I can
act efficiently. We can (and are doing it) commit the party to
the right doctrines by resolutions of clubs, meetings, and the like,
until there will be left no basis for the objectors. But I suspect
the main thing is to be like flint when action is had. A good de-
gree of stubbornness at the start, I have great faith in. I read
the articles in the Nation. The trouble is not, it seems to me,
the real intrinsic difficulty of doing the right thing, but it has
been that those whose duty it was to act didn't believe in or care
for the work. On a small scale, I have tried it. It was curious
to see the horror of friends when I announced quietly that I
meant to appoint at least one Democrat on every state board. But
the thing, once done, soon became easy and a matter of course.
Just now our Tilden people seem hereabouts to be drooping.
Their currency muddle, Hendricks, etc., etc., disturb them. I
really don't see what their worry means, but that there is a worry
is plain enough.
Don't work too hard until this torrid weather leaves us. I
inherit a Presbyterian fatalism. We shall get through, if we are
to do it. With sincere regard,
R. B. HAYES.
GENERAL CARL SCHURZ.
Private.
COLUMBUS, OHIO, July 24, 1876.
MY DEAR SIR:--I am obliged for your letter as to the [Chi-
cago] Inter Ocean, and the caution you suggest. Unfortunately
I am "land-poor," and in no condition to give the sort of aid
required.
Our Democratic friends are losing spirit rapidly. But we must
manage not to let them drive off all our Southern strength. Your
debate in the Senate helped. It is eagerly read and is the talk
of the people. Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES.
HONORABLE JOHN SHERMAN.
336 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES
Private.
COLUMBUS, OHIO, July 24, 1876.
MY DEAR S--:--I hear as to Oregon the same sort of facts
from other reliable sources. I suspect that through Dr. Daven-
port* you will be able to do whatever is practicable.
Just now there is an apparent drooping in the Tilden camp.
It is probably only temporary -- due to the difficulty on currency.
Hendricks, etc., etc.
I return to you Dr. Davenport's letter.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES.
HONORABLE WILLIAM HENRY SMITH.
COLUMBUS, OHIO, July 25, 1876.
MY DEAR SIR:--I am glad you endorse the Letter. It seemed
to me that its doctrines would, if need be, stand defeat. I have
long since got over all tendency to panic because of Democratic
professions of confidence. They study it as an art. It is also
a test of orthodoxy. A Democrat loses caste with his fellows
if he does not brag on the prospects. -- Thank you for the letter,
and the good things you are doing.
Sincerely,
WHITELAW REID, R. B. HAYES.
Tribune, New York.
Private.
COLUMBUS, OHIO, July 26, 1876.
MY DEAR COLONEL:--I am really glad to get the information
contained in your esteemed favor of the 25th. I had not given
credit to the rumors you refer to [that President Grant was un-
friendly to the Hayes candidacy], but it is a satisfaction to know
what you state about them. Accept my thanks for your attention
in this matter.
Sincerely.
R. B. HAYES.
COLONEL C. W. MOULTON.
* A cousin of Mr. Smith's, an Ohio man, resident in Oregon.
THE HAYES-TILDEN CAMPAIGN 337
Private.
COLUMBUS, July 27, 1876.
DEAR GENERAL:--A very good friend at Cincinnati dreads
the effect of your attempting to explain Mr. Wheeler's course
on the Louisville canal. I mention the fact supposing he wishes
it done. On general principles I think explanations and de-
fenses are bad things.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES.
HONORABLE J. A. GARFIELD.
Private.
COLUMBUS, July 29, 1876.
MY DEAR MAJOR:--A slander has been started in West Vir-
ginia which you may be able to aid in putting down. It is said
that I appropriated to my own use the money (about three hun-
dred dollars or four hundred dollars) found on the deserter who
was shot at Monocacy the first week in August, 1864. You re-
member the case no doubt. He was a Rebel deserter; joined
Company D, Twenty-third; deserted to the Rebels; was taken
prisoner at Cloyd's Mountain; escaped; became a bounty-jumper,
and was sent to [the] Twenty-third (Ohio) at Monocacy early in
August, 1864; tried as a deserter and executed. The money he
had was received for bounties, and it was decided to take it and
use it to get a man in his place. This was no doubt done. Cer-
tainly, I didn't use the money. Tell me all you remember about
it and oblige,
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES.
MAJOR E. M. CAREY.
[Similar letters were written to General H. F. Devol, General
Russell Hastings, and to Colonel William R. Brown. To the
letter, which is recorded in the Diary, Mr. Hayes appended this
comment: -- "The foregoing letter shows the sort of falsehoods
which the partisan press gathers up or fabricates. They are
not believed, however, and do not worry me a great deal."]
22
338 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES
COLUMBUS, OHIO, July 31, 1876.
MY DEAR S--:--I have your favor of the 29th. I can't help
thinking that you overestimate the effect of the testimony at
Washington. It is, of course, noticed by the people, but I sus-
pect we are getting slowly into a current which will not be much
influenced by what is done hereafter at Washington.
I have a good letter from Judge Taft [Secretary of War]. He
gives an encouraging account of the feeling and purposes of those
around him. There seems to be the best of feeling in that
quarter. -- Thanks.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES.
HONORABLE WILLIAM HENRY SMITH.
COLUMBUS, OHIO, August 4, 1876.
MY DEAR GENERAL: -- Our campaign is in good condition and
I agree with Mr. Perry that it is not best to make much of the
topic he alludes to. Why allude to it at all? I send you Mr.
Perry's letter which please return. Let me again call your at-
tention to Blaine's proposed Constitutional Amendment to pro-
tect the schools. A few paragraphs on the Democratic treat-
ment of it, its importance, etc., etc., ought to be in every speech.
Talk to our Southern friends about it. My correspondence from
the South indicates that it may be of value there also.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES.
HONORABLE J. A. GARFIELD.
COLUMBUS, August 5, 1876.
MY DEAR GENERAL: -- I have just read the Amendment on the
schools question reported by your House committee. Is it not an
effort to get rid of our issue without accomplishing what the
public sentiment demands? It seems to me you should amend it.
Strike out the clause that gives Congress no legislative power
to enforce the provision and insert the usual clause giving Con-
gress power to enforce it by appropriate legislation. Think of
THE HAYES-TILDEN CAMPAIGN 339
this. Would it not be best to vote against the amendment pro-
posed if it is not perfected? It is an important thing to have this
amendment one that will be effectual.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES.
HONORABLE J. A. GARFIELD.
(Telegram.)
FREMONT, OHIO, August 7, 1876.
HONORABLE JAMES G. BLAINE,
Augusta, Maine.
I am greatly obliged for your dispatch, and will give immediate
attention to its suggestions.
R. B. HAYES.
Private.
FREMONT, August 7, 1876.
MY DEAR SIR: -- I am afraid it will be found that the House
has made a serious mistake in adopting the resolution on the
Sixteenth Amendment. I am sure they have, if the telegraph
has given us the exact facts.
Schools are aided in New York and in other places by appro-
priations from public funds, which are plainly of a sectarian
character. Those funds may not be raised for public schools.
They may be from taxation for general purposes. The thing to
be prohibited is not merely a division of school funds but the
application of any public money to sectarian schools.
But worst of all is the jesuitical clause at the close of the
amendment which deprives it of all value. That is not what the
friends of the amendment want. It is the work of the enemies
of the principle.
I trust the Senate will promptly amend the resolution, give
Congress the usual power to enforce it by appropriate legislation,
and return it to the House. If the House refuses to concur, it
will make an issue which will destroy all chance of Democratic
success in the fall.
340 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES
Let me urge you to give this attention in a way that will be
effective.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES.*
HONORABLE JOHN SHERMAN.
Private.
COLUMBUS, OHIO, August 9, 1876.
MY DEAR GENERAL:--I am in receipt of your esteemed favor
as to the prospects of the campaign [which were painted as ex-
ceedingly gloomy at that time] and making important sugges-
tions. I also received and replied to your former letter.
Let me assure you that nothing of the sort contained in your
letter will shake, or tend to shake, my faith in your hearty zeal
in the cause. To be frank is the best proof of it. I do not
usually give much thought to the prospects of a canvass. So
far as they indicate something to be done, I try to consider
them. But having fired my shot, and supposing I would remain
passive hereafter, I have preferred not to know much that would
either depress or elate. I will, however, think seriously of your
suggestions. It is to be hoped that as my past and my letters
and speeches, a few of which are published in Howard's "Life,"
are examined, the people will find that I am likely to be one of
the last men in the world to back out of a good work, deliberately
entered upon. I send you a speech by Judge Johnston, a shrewd
observer.
I wonder if you see what I am discovering beyond all question
in Ohio. A vast majority of "the plain people" think of this
as the main interest in the canvass: A Democratic victory will
bring the Rebellion into power. They point to a host of facts
and are greatly moved by them. But in any event we are to
fight it out. If the prospect is good it will be a pleasant task.
But if it is against odds the work will be nobler.
* This letter was endorsed:--"Mr. Frelinghuysen:--I call your atten-
tion to this letter of Governor Hayes. You have already anticipated his
objections. Please regard this note as confidential with you and your
Republican colleagues of the committee, and return it to me.--JOHN
SHERMAN."
THE HAYES-TILDEN CAMPAIGN 341
I do not hear where you go earliest. You can do great good,
I learn, in Wisconsin, after you are through with New York,
or rather the opening in New York.
You do not send the whole of Mr. W--'s [Horace White's]
letter, but from what you send it looks as if Mr. W-- supposed
that North Carolina had a state election this year in August.
This is an error. No election there until November.
With very hearty confidence in our cause, believe me,
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES.
P. S. -- August 10.--The foregoing was written at my office
in the midst of interruptions. I wish to add my thanks for your
letter [to Mr. Oswald Ottendorfer, editor of the Staats Zeitung,
New York], and to congratulate you on its success. It is doing
good.
We had the best convention and it gave us the best ticket
Cincinnati has had for years. The good elements of the party
were uppermost at all points. We have a fair fighting chance
to win, and this with the goodness of our cause ought to keep
us in good heart.--H.
HONORABLE CARL SCHURZ.
[After expressing very despondent views of the party's pros-
pects, Mr. Schurz had gone on to write: --
"I do not want you to understand me as if these prospects
could influence my conduct in this campaign. Not at all. I shall
go to work as earnestly as if our chances were ever so good. I
think also that they can be greatly improved. But it requires
something which nobody can do for you; something which you
can only do for yourself. The artfully cultivated impression
that 'Governor Hayes, although an upright, able, and well-mean-
ing gentleman, has always sympathized with Grant in all his
doings and is under such obligations to the old party leaders that
they will inevitably control his Administration,' is what hurts
you most. Your Letter of Acceptance is sneered at as a bundle
of well-meant promises which the opposition of the old party
leaders will prevent you from carrying out. This impression
342 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES
must be destroyed. In my opinion some opportunity should be
made use of by yourself to express your sentiments in that re-
spect. If you do not like the flavor of a letter addressed to some
friend, it might be in a little speech to a serenading party or
something of that kind, and it can be done in language which
will not offend anybody, but appear as a simple sequel to your
Letter of Acceptance.
"But in some way the country should be made to understand,
that you do not consider yourself under obligations to anybody,
either for a vote in the convention or support in the election;
that people who support you have to do so for the country's sake
and not your own; that in your opinion the duties of government
stand above all personal obligation; that those who inquire about
your opinions concerning public measures and current events
(an allusion to Grant's recent performances) should read your
Letter of Acceptance; that those who indulge in speculations
as to what influences will be powerful in your Administration
should also study that document; that your Letter of Acceptance
contains your program of policy which was not only put forth
in good faith but will in every point be strictly adhered to; that
you were aware of the difficulties to be overcome in that respect;
that only such men and influences will be powerful with you in
your Administration, as will aid you in good faith in carrying
out that plan of policy and all the reforms included in it; that
you had promised this to the American people, and that nobody
had ever had reason to think R. B. Hayes capable of breaking
his word, etc. Such an expression of sentiment, giving proof
of your earnestness in strong and unmistakable language, would
go very far to remove the apprehensions which are now working
so strongly against us. And I repeat, nobody can do that for
you."]
Confidential.
COLUMBUS, OHIO, August 10, 1876.
MY DEAR S--: -- I have your letter of the 8th. The enclosure
contains some things I can use. But, as a rule, when anything
is needed, it is better to advise the parties to attend to the affair
requiring notice themselves. I am so overwhelmed with demands
THE HAYES-TILDEN CAMPAIGN 343
on my time and pen that I can't address the gentlemen needed
as speakers or otherwise.
I hate assessments. They are all wrong, and are sure to do
more harm than good. Office-holders, like other people, should
be left free to contribute or not as they choose.
I am glad you are well organized in Illinois. All of such work
is contagious, and will spread from Chicago into the West and
Northwest generally.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES.
HONORABLE WILLIAM HENRY SMITH.
Personal and Private.
COLUMBUS, August 12, 1876.
MY DEAR GENERAL:--Thanks for your speech; it is capital.
The true issue in the minds of the masses is simply, Shall the
late Rebels have the Government?
As to the school issue: The Democrats are so afraid of it that
they will perhaps adopt anything to get it out of the way. The
question now is in good shape just as it stands. The Senate
committee has reported our Amendment and the House gave the
Democratic Amendment. Let the people choose. It is not im-
portant to pass it through the Senate at this session. Let it be
debated and considered by the country.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES.
HONORABLE J. A. GARFIELD.
August 13. Sunday. -- Last night, with Attorney-General
John Little, I met Senator Morton at Bradford Junction, on his
request, to talk over the political situation. We rode together to
this place, having left here to meet him at 5:40 P. M. and
reached here at 12:45 A. M., after an interview of three hours.
Governor Morton regards the situation as grave; that if Indiana
is Democratic in October, our chance is not over one in ten of
success in the country in November; that if we carry Indiana in
October, our chances of carrying the country in November are
forty-nine in fifty; in short, that we lose the Presidency in
344 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES
November if we lose Indiana in October. He thought it his
duty to state to me the condition and prospects; that we ought
to face it. He detailed the figures of elections in Indiana since
1860. He showed the closeness of the State. Also referred
to the Greenback party--its organization, growing strength,
and the fact that it drew four-fifths of its voters from our side.
I said, "And now the remedy?" He after some further talk
said, "Money and speakers." Money to pay men to travel and
organize, to print and circulate documents, etc., etc. To my
question, "How much is needed to do the work required to carry
the State?" he replied one thousand dollars to a county will do
it, or ninety-four [actual number, ninety-two] counties, one hun-
dred thousand dollars. I asked, "How much is generally used?"
He replied, "Four years ago we had from outside the State
fifty-five thousand dollars." As to speakers, he named Judge
Kelley, Robert G. Ingersoll, Carl Schurz, Gibson, [George A.]
Sheridan, and perhaps others. Others to be seen or written to on
the money question are Governor Morgan, Mr. ---, of Boston,
and perhaps others.
On the whole, his talk was not encouraging. The use of
money, I have little faith in, and I am confident no such large
sum can be raised. I mean to go through cheerfully and firmly
and with clean hands. If defeated, there will be no bitterness
in the disappointment, and I shall have my self-respect and an
approving conscience.
4 P. M.--I just wrote General Buckland,* who is enjoying
the Centennial [Exposition at Philadelphia], the following hon-
est words:--"You are to be envied. Now that the flush of
gratification upon the nomination is about at an end, I begin to
prefer the independence of a private citizen. If the result leaves
me so, I will be the most contented defeated Presidential candi-
date, having any prospects, that was ever voted for."
COLUMBUS, OHIO, August 13, 1876.
MY DEAR LUCY:--I am lonely without you. . . . Last
evening I went with Attorney-General Little to near the west
* Mr. Hayes had resigned from the Ohio Centennial Commission July
3, 1876, and been succeeded by General Buckland.
THE HAYES-TILDEN CAMPAIGN 345
line of the State to ride back with Governor Morton. We left
about 6 P. M. and were at home about Midnight. Morton is
vigorous but has aged, and looks more like Nast's unfavorable
cartoons than I had supposed. Mrs. Morton is a good woman.
She is at his side, looking out for all dangers, cheerful and in-
telligent. He is not overconfident of Indiana, but will work well.
When I am alone I always wish I was a quiet private citizen
again. But it will soon be [so] if we are beaten. I almost hope
we shall be. Independence is such a comfort and blessing.
As ever,
R.
MRS. HAYES,
Chillicothe.
Private.
COLUMBUS, OHIO, August 13, 1876.
MY DEAR R-:- . . . An important Matter. Indiana is
close. If we carry it the victory is ours in the Nation almost be-
yond a question. If we lose it, with the South gone, (as it is, all
but one or two States) our chances are small. The Greenback
organizations draw more from us than from the Democrats. It
needs organization, speakers, documents, and perhaps at two
points the establishment of Republican newspapers. Think of it,
the important town of Terre Haute has no Republican paper!
For all this, money is required, and Now. Will you see Mr.
Forbes [while you are in Boston] and spread this before him?
Our National Committee needs funds for the general campaign.
Ascertain what is doing. If anything is done or to be done? I
do not believe in any miscellaneous use of money in elections.
But for the objects named it is necessary.*
[Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES.]
W. K. ROGERS.
*This letter failed to reach Mr. Rogers.
346 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES
Private.
COLUMBUS, OHIO, August 14, 1876.
MY DEAR GENERAL:- When I last saw you, you mentioned a
few places in Indiana as points at which you would be likely to
speak during the canvass. I now write to say that our friends
in that State think it important that you should speak at Indian-
apolis, Fort Wayne, Evansville, and other points, at as early a
day as may be practicable.
In this State our nominations at Cincinnati, Dayton, Cleveland,
and in fact at all points, show that the best elements of the party
are in the ascendant. It is a decidedly noticeable feature of the
canvass.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES.
GENERAL CARL SCHURZ.
Private.
COLUMBUS, OHIO, August 17, 1876.
MY DEAR GENERAL:--I am tempted to call your attention to
two facts: First, the character of the new men nominated by
the Republicans for Congress in this State--such men as Gov-
ernor Cox, Judge Force, Judge Matthews, General Keifer, John
Howard (Dayton), McKinley (Stark County), and the old
members like Garfield, to be renominated. Monroe, Danforth,
Foster, etc., etc. Perhaps all can be counted on to stand heartily
for the civil service reform of my Letter. They are my cronies,
most of them, - in the same regiment, two; in the same college,
two, and so on. Now, is not this an assurance that we are on
strong ground? Second. On the other hand, General Ewing,
the champion of inflation, leads the Democratic delegation to
Congress. Think of it and take courage.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES.
GENERAL CARL SCHURZ.
COLUMBUS, OHIO, August 18, 1876.
MY DEAR SIR: -I have your letter of the 16th. I agree per-
fectly that these political assessments, practically compulsory,
THE HAYES-TILDEN CAMPAIGN 347
are inconsistent with correct views of civil service reform, and
wrong.
I doubt if this letter will reach you, and therefore only say
that it occurs to me the best thing is for me to authorize A. F.
Perry, of Cincinnati, now at the head of our electoral ticket,
to state authoritatively my well known views on this subject in
his discussion of the civil service part of my Letter. How will
this do?
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES.
GENERAL CARL SCHURZ.
Private.
COLUMBUS, OHIO, August 15, 1876.
MY DEAR SIR:-Our campaign in the States of Ohio and
Indiana is now opened and we are anxious to have you take part
in it, at as early a day as you may be able to do so. New York
can decide the election in our favor even if Indiana is carried
against us in October. But to carry Indiana at the state election
is no doubt a long step towards victory in New York. Besides,
your speeches in the West will attract great attention. They will
be published and strengthen us in all parts of the United States.
Your great speech in 1872 aroused and equipped our speakers
and furnished the press with arguments in every State. Your
presence here will impart to our canvass life and enthusiasm,
and insure that energetic effort which brings out a full vote and
commands success.
The more meetings you can address, the better; but if you
speak only in two or three leading cities in each of the States
named and at Chicago and Milwaukee, I shall feel that you have
placed the country and all of us under great obligations.
Sincerely, your friend,
R. B. HAYES.
HONORABLE ROSCOE CONKLING.
Columbus, August 19, 1876.-Nothing during the canvass
thus far has been said by adversaries against me, that has given
me much trouble. The attacks have been chiefly false statements
348 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES
as to the coal miners' strike in the Tuscarawas Valley, as to my
being a salary grabber, as to joining a secret anti-foreigners
order in Philadelphia, July 5, as to the [temperance] crusade,
as to embezzling two cannon captured in West Virginia, [and]
as to neglecting to pay my board at Princeton,West Virginia,
during the war.
The only slander that has given me annoyance is the one re-
ferred to in my letter addressed to Major Carey, Colonel Brown,
General Devol, [and] General Hastings. It was printed in a
Democratic paper at Point Pleasant, and two publications have
been made in the Cincinnati Enquirer in regard to it. It worries
my friends in Pomeroy, Gallipolis, and the Kanawha Valley. I
have not wished to make any denials of any falsehood over my
own signature. [I have preferred] to leave my friends to deal
with all such affairs. It now occurs to me to allow Loomis
(B. J.), of the [Cincinnati] Commercial, to interview me about it.
Governor Hendricks has done this about some wench story or
other slander. I will now set down what can be said in an
interview:-
Reporter. - I have called to ask if you object to an interview
on the subject of the story of the deserter's money, said to have
been appropriated by you to your own use?
Answer.-- I do not intend to discuss political questions during
my candidacy; at least, that is my present purpose about it, and
I would decline to be interviewd on public affairs, but this charge.
aimed at my character for integrity, and as a soldier, is of such
a nature that I am glad to have an opportunity to reply to it
publicly.
Reporter. - Please give me the facts in regard to this charge.
Answer. -The charge is that I appropriated to my own use
four hundred dollars in money taken from a man who was shot
as a deserter or spy (for he was both) at Monocacy Junction.
Maryland, in General Sheridan's Army of the Shenandoah, in
August, 1864. The case was a remarkable one on account of the
coincidences which led him to his fate. In the fall of 1863, he
came in Rebel uniform into the Union lines in the Kanawha
Valley, claiming to be a Union man who had been forced into
the Rebel army. Subsequently, he enlisted in Company D,
THE HAYES-TILDEN CAMPAIGN 349
Twenty-third Ohio. Soon after he became sick and was in hos-
pital a month or two. Next he deserted, taking with him arms
and equipments, with watches and pistols that he stole from his
comrades. Afterwards, May 9, 1864, he was taken prisoner
with arms in his hands, fighting in the Rebel ranks at Cloyd's
Mountain, was recognized by Twenty-third men who were de-
tailed to guard prisoners, and finding he was discovered managed
to escape in the night.
In August afterwards, a squad of recruits and drafted men
and substitutes was brought to the Twenty-third Regiment from
Ohio, while the regiment was camped at Monocacy Junction,
August 5, 1864. Among them this Rebel deserter, Union de-
serter, and spy and bounty-jumper was discovered.
The facts were reported to General Crook's headquarters. His
adjutant-general, Captain J. L. Bottsford, ordered a drumhead
court martial to meet immediately. The court was probably
mainly from my brigade. But I was not on the court and had
nothing to do with it, as I now remember. The man was tried,
found guilty, and sentenced to be shot. He confessed that after
his escape in June, 1864, he went down the Kanawha to Ohio
and became a bounty-jumper. That he had received a number
of times bounties from localities and perhaps individuals and had
deserted; was prevented from doing it on this occasion by the
recent order which required that recruits should be receipted for
at their regiments before payment of bounties; that he had
money, about four hundred dollars, received for bounties he had
jumped, and two watches; that he had no family, unless he had
a mother living whom he had not seen in some years and whose
residence he couldn't tell.
After the trial, members of the court martial, on talking it
over, concluded that as the bounty money of the Rebel spy and
deserter was received from localities or individuals and the
Government to furnish a soldier for the Twenty-third Regiment;
that it ought to be used to get another recruit for the same regi-
ment, and that it should be delivered to the proper officer for
that purpose. In all this I concurred. I have always supposed
that this was accordingly done with the money.
I have often told the story of this spy and deserter, it being
350 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES
interesting on account of its coincidences, and have always spoken
of the money as being used to get a recruit for the Twenty-third
in place of the Rebel deserter and spy. Mr. Harper says an
orderly came from me after him, and that at my headquarters he
gave up the money in the presence of General Comly. I have
no recollection of it. But we were in the midst of the busiest
year of the war, and were just entering on one of the most
exciting and absorbing campaigns of that year, viz., Sheridan's
Shenandoah Valley campaign. Since hearing of this affair last
month, I have tried to find out all I could about it. I wrote the
following letter and sent copies to surviving officers likely to
know about it, as soon as I could learn their address.
I sent [the letter] to Major Carey of the Twenty-third, who
was president of the court martial, and received a reply; to
General Devol, who commanded [the] Thirty-sixth Ohio, one of
the regiments of my brigade, and [received] a reply; to Colonel
Brown, ditto, and a reply; to General Enochs; to Captain Joseph
L. Bottsford, General Crook's adjutant-general and a reply;
[to] my adjutant-general, and others. I hear of none who recol-
lect the payment of the money by Harper, but it might have oc-
curred. My orderly, who was most likely to have carried the
word to Mr. Harper, if he was sent for, was George Brigdon,
my color-bearer. He was killed in battle, within four weeks
after the execution of this deserter, at Berryville. The most
probable man to have been judge-advocate was Captain Gillis,
Twenty-third, who was killed at the same battle. Captain Austin,
Twenty-third, another possible member, killed in same battle.
Captain, afterwards Major, Thompson, of Twenty-third, is now
dead. General Hastings, my adjutant-general, was absent the
evening of the execution. Lieutenant Mather, Thirteenth Vir-
ginia, one of my aides, is confident Mr. Harper never gave up
the money; is ready to swear to conversations with Harper, in
which he (Harper) admitted having the money long after the
trial. My other aide, Lieutenant O. J. Wood, Thirty-sixth Ohio,
I have not heard from.
Reporter. - What became of the watches?
THE HAYES-TILDEN CAMPAIGN 351
Answer. - I understand that Mr. Harper has never been able
to find the mother of the deserter, and he, therefore, still has the
watches in his possession.
Reporter. - What does Harper refer to when he says that both
himself and you (Hayes) have been "maligned" and slandered
about this money?
Answer.-I do not know. I never heard an intimation that
there was a charge against me until since my nomination. Major
Carey says the same, and so Colonel Devol.
A number of recruits came to the regiment after this affair
at Monocacy. I have always believed that one of them was ob-
tained with this money. I have no recollection of receiving the
money, as stated by Mr. Harper, but if I did, I believe his state-
ment is substantially correct. At the same time I know that I
never retained the money in my custody. I never used it or
appropriated it to my own use. If handed to me, it was im-
mediately then and there given over to the proper officer to get
another recruit.*
Private.
COLUMBUS, OHIO, August 22, 1876.
MY DEAR SIR: - I am satisfied that the state election in Indiana
is of the greatest importance. Without dwelling on the topic I
now write to urge liberal- I mean, exceptionally liberal- ap-
propriations to Indiana of material aid. Too much cannot, in my
judgment, be done. If our friends in Illinois will take hold of it,
the State of Indiana can probably be carried and in that case
victory in the nation is insured in November. I write this be-
cause I believe it is necessary to do it.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES.+
HONORABLE JAMES P. ROOT.
*This proposed interview was never published.
+ This letter is endorsed by Mr. Hayes: "Used at Chicago and New
York and returned to me by Colonel Foster of Indiana, September 23, 1876.
'Did good.'"
352 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES
Private.
COLUMBUS, OHIO, August 25, 1876.
MY DEAR GENERAL: - I hear from two friends that you feel
"gloomy" as to the prospects. Your influence is large. You can
influence many minds. It is too early to make figures. Let me
urge you to great caution in this regard.
I have stopped all the practices you complain of within my
reach. Some are denied. Some are explained. I would write
more fully, but money has corrupted one post-office clerk, and I
do not feel safe.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES.
GENERAL CARL SCHURZ.
[The preceding letter, no doubt took the place of what prom-
ised to be a longer letter, begun the same day, which was laid
by unfinished. This reads:]
Private.
COLUMBUS, OHIO, August 25, 1876.
MY DEAR GENERAL: -My inquiries do not show such a state
of facts as seem to warrant a personal statement. The news-
paper accounts are denied. But in any event, all who support me
are authorized to argue by my Letter and by my well known
opinions, that I do not believe in compulsory, or other official,
assessments. It is the simple truth. Worse things are reported
to me, not of a political nature, than those you allude to.
I wish I could talk to the public on this whole subject, with
somebody else standing in my position as the candidate.
You overestimate the weight with me of the consideration that
defeat may follow certain conduct. Do not misunderstand me.
I can stand defeat very well. I want to do what is sensible and
right, and can afford to abide the consequences.
COLUMBUS, OHIO, August 30, 1876.
MY DEAR GENERAL: - I am sorry not to be able to meet you
at Cincinnati. Can't we meet here before you return?
Your speeches do great good. We should cultivate a hopeful
THE HAYES-TILDEN CAMPAIGN 353
tone. Men in the right can afford to be cheerful even if the out-
look is gloomy. Since New York we are surely bound to gain.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES.
GENERAL C. SCHURZ.
COLUMBUS, OHIO, September 5, 1876.
MY DEAR GENERAL:-I send you another more careful state-
ment. The values were in fact put down by me, and I am willing
to stand by them. The only question possible was as to my treat-
ment of the credits coming from Birchard. You will see my
reply is twofold and either is ample. Besides, the official looked
into it and concurred with me. This on the first occasion in 1874.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES.
P.S. - I owned no piano, nor was one in the house until Sep-
tember, 1875, when one was rented by my wife, to be used by a
relative visiting us, during my absence in the canvass last fall.
I bought it this summer by trading a lot for it.--H.
GENERAL J. C. LEE.
Private.
COLUMBUS, OHIO, September 6, 1876.
MY DEAR GENERAL:- Your esteemed favor of the third finds
me overwhelmed with letters, dispatches, and inquiries about the
latest scandal-the charge that I made false returns of property
for taxation in 1874-5-6. I had just, with much trouble and
worriment, hunted down and closed out the four-hundred-dollar
slander, and supposed I was out of the woods. But I suspect
the case made against Tilden is to be replied to by a flood of
falsehood and calumny about me.
The truth is, my property returns were full, honest, and, if in
error at all as to values, they were placed above the actual cash
values. My extravagancies, if I have any, run to books; and to
trees, flowers, and other improvements of my place. I had noth-
ing in the way of furniture, horses, or equipages that were [was]
23
354 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES
more than barely decent. But it is easy to talk of expensive
horses, carriages, etc. As to wealth, my property is almost en-
tirely real estate. The rest, bank and other stocks, taxed in the
name of the corporation. You may feel safe that in all this there
is no damaging fact. And whenever the truth can be known, as
it is at my home, there will be nothing in it to relieve the case
against Tilden, whatever that may be. I send you enclosed a
pretty good account of this affair published by General Comly in
the State Journal of this morning. I do not wish to weary you
with this. But it concerns my character for common honesty
in ordinary life, and I confess that I am interested more in that
than in that which touches my prospects of political advance-
ment.
I am somewhat surprised by the contents of your note.* But
perhaps you are right. My only correspondence is with Mr. Mc-
Cormick, and he is perhaps not as agreeably situated as could be
wished. I hope to see General Cox next Sunday or Monday, and
if so will confer with him about it. In the meantime let me
assure you that my stakes, as set in the Letter, will stand. If
elected you can trust me to adhere to the text. No political,
no partisan duty, (if such things can be called duties!) - at any
rate, no partisan or personal service shall be required, or allowed
to be required, of public officers.
The general drift of the campaign is thought by the active men
I meet to be in our favor. But any observer can see that the
result is in doubt. This will not, I hope, discourage men who are
in earnest. Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES.
GENERAL CARL SCHURZ.
* Information, apparently well authenticated, that assessments for party
purposes were being levied on clerks in the various government offices
at Washington. Mr. Schurz urged Mr. Hayes to "protest against all
practices not in entire harmony with his Letter of Acceptance", adding:
"I am sure you will gain immensely in strength the very moment you
protest against such practices and demand the refunding of the money.
It will not only be right, it will be one of the greatest strokes of the
campaign and do more than all our speeches." Two days later Mr.
Hayes wrote his protest to Mr. McCormick, secretary of the Republican
National Committee.
THE HAYES-TILDEN CAMPAIGN 355
Private and confidential.
COLUMBUS, September 7, 1876.
MY DEAR SIR: - I appreciate the honor suggested in your note
of the fourth, and but for a rule laid down for myself regulating
my expenditures during the candidacy, I should accept it grate-
fully and cheerfully comply with the usage. Under existing cir-
cumstances you will excuse me for declining the honor.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES.*
MARTIN STINES,
Pittsburgh.
Private.
COLUMBUS, OHIO, September 8, 1876.
MY DEAR SIR: - I send you a slip, cut from an Eastern news-
paper, on the subject of assessments upon officials' salaries for
political purposes. It is charged that this is done by authority of
the Republican National Committee.
My views as to what ought to be required of office-holders
are set forth in my Letter of Acceptance and are no doubt suffi-
ciently well known. But I think it is proper to say to the com-
mittee, that if assessments are made as charged, it is a plain de-
parture from correct principles and ought not to be allowed.
I trust the committee will have nothing to do with it.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES.
HONORABLE R. C. MCCORMICK.
COLUMBUS, OHIO, September 9, 1876.
MY DEAR S-: -Your letter of the 6th [reporting promising
Republican outlook in New York] is very encouraging, and most
interesting. I wish to make a suggestion, which I deem im-
portant. If you agree with me you may see a way to do what
is requisite. It is common to say, "If Indiana and Ohio go right
in October," "If Indiana is for us," etc., etc., thus hinging all on
* In reply to a letter, saying that Stines was building a steamboat
which he wished to name Rutherford B. Hayes, and that it was customary
in such cases for the person so honored to present the colors to the boat.
356 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES
Indiana. Now, Indiana is a Democratic State. Emigration of
Republicans West and the greenback heresy have made it so.
Until within a fortnight I have seen small chance of carrying it.
The chances are still greatly against us. The true pivot is New
York. Let us, therefore, prepare our friends and the public not
to be disheartened if Indiana is wrong, especially our friends in
the East. October will not decide the election unless both Ohio
and Indiana go the same way. This is the truth. We ought to
see that it is so understood everywhere.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES.
HONORABLE WILLIAM HENRY SMITH.
(Telegram.)
COLUMBUS, September 13, 1876.
HONORABLE JAMES G. BLAINE,
Augusta, Maine.
I returned home last night and found here your very gratifying
dispatches. Your State has done nobly. All honor to her gal-
lant Republicans.
R. B. HAYES.
COLUMBUS, OHIO, September 13, 1876.
DEAR SIR:--I regret that my office and engagements will pre-
vent my attendance on the 22nd instant at the unveiling of the
monument erected by the colored people of the United States
in Fairmount Park, Philadelphia.
Having labored during almost the whole of my political life
for the emancipation and enfranchisement of your race, I feel
a special interest in the occasion, and trust that it will be com-
pletely successful and altogether worthy of the great event which
it commemorates.
Very respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
R. B. HAYES.
ANDREW J. CHAMBERS,
CORRESPONDING SECRETARY, Philadelphia.
THE HAYES-TILDEN CAMPAIGN 357
September 14.- As an offset to what is said of Governor
Tilden's income returns, mine have been examined. It appears
that in 1868 and 1869, I made none at all. No doubt, all I made
are substantially accurate. If none were made in the two years
named, it was because my attention was not called to the matter,
- a mere oversight. My taxable income in those years did not
exceed fifteen hundred or twenty-five hundred dollars. If no
return can be found and no payments [were] made, there is due
from me the tax on that amount, and it will be paid. If no re-
turns were made in the two years 1868 and 1869, it was because
no returns were called for. I had left Cincinnati, December,
1867, and had my domicile at Columbus- my permanent resi-
dence still remaining at Cincinnati.
COLUMBUS, OHIO, September 14, 1876.
DEAR MAJOR: -Colonel Barnes has been lied about on the
secret society business, and misrepresented on the crusade. I
wish you would give him all the help you can. Let him see peo-
ple with the right men to remove false impressions and place
him fairly before our Republican friends. It will do good.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES.
W. D. BICKHAM,
Dayton.
Private.
COLUMBUS, September 15, 1876.
MY DEAR GENERAL:-I was pained to hear of your accident.
I trust it will not prove a serious injury and that you will soon
be well.
Touching the assessments, I am clear it is not for me to call
attention to the acts of the officials, except as they are induced
by the committee appointed by the National Convention. I wrote
a private note to my only correspondent on the Committee, and
talked to Governor Noyes. I send you Governor McCormick's
reply, which please return. I send also a copy of my note, for
private use only as matters now stand, and until I give consent
to its publication.
358 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES
Your speech on "hard times" was exceedingly happy. It is the
best handling of that dangerous topic I have yet seen, by great
odds. The canvass daily brings to the front, more and more,
as the two leading topics, the danger of a "united South" victory,
and Tilden's record as a reformer. You can denounce all
charges of [my] hostility to foreigners as voters and office-
holders as utterly unfounded. They are the merest roorbacks. I
have always voted for naturalized citizens, have often appointed
them to office, and shall always hold to the same opinions on that
subject which I presume you do. I, of course, don't like Catholic
interference or any sectarian interference with politics, or the
schools. All of this paragraph is public, and always openly
avowed by me. I was not a Know-nothing when my political
associates generally ran off after that ephemeral party.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES.
P. S.--I need hardly assure you that if I ever have charge
of an Administration this whole assessment business will go up,
"hook, line, and sinker."-H.
GENERAL CARL SCHURZ.
COLUMBUS, September 15, 1876.
MY DEAR GENERAL:- Since writing you this morning I have
received your note on the roorback about Chandler [that Chand-
ler had demanded that Schurz make no more campaign speeches].
There is surely no foundation for it. But in any event, I desire
that you speak. Governor Morton desires it. The party de-
sires it. The people generally who approve of our principles
desire it, and no man can say nay to it.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES.
P. S.- I will be at home Sunday and glad to see you.
GENERAL C. SCHURZ.
COLUMBUS, September 15, 1876.
MY DEAR SIR:--I see a paragraph about pardons. There
can't be anything legitimately made against either Governor
THE HAYES-TILDEN CAMPAIGN 359
Tilden or myself on this head, as I see it. A list of pardons
shows nothing of the papers or facts, on which they are granted.
To blame Governor Tilden on a mere list is the sheerest guess-
work. A list as long in proportion to time, population, [and]
number of convicts can be made out against the wisest governor.
Think of it. Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES.
J. H. BARRETT,
Cincinnati.
COLUMBUS, September 15, 1876.
DEAR SIR: - I send your valuable letter to the National Com-
mittee and have written to others in regard to it. But we must
all remember that after all the best work is always done by the
home people. With that, good results may always be anticipated;
without that, no outside aid will save you.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES.
H. C. PARSONS.
COLUMBUS, September 16, 1876.
MY DEAR S-: - Yours of the 13th shows you did good work
[in your paragraph for publication in Eastern papers, discounting
the effect of a Democratic victory in the October election in
Indiana]. As to Ohio, the Allen and Cary Greenbackers will, in
October, support the ticket they made, but in November a large
number will vote for Cooper and many more for "anybody to
beat Tilden." Our candidate for secretary of state will lose
votes in the cities on the crusade. But, I suspect, we shall pull
through.
I shall certainly hear Ingersoll.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES.
HONORABLE WILLIAM HENRY SMITH,
Chicago.
COLUMBUS, OHIO, September 16, 1876.
MY DEAR SIR:-I have yours of the 31st. At this time the
tide is with us; at least, this is the opinion of our friends gen-
360 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES
erally. I think it is so. In Ohio, the contest in October will be
close.
The Greenback Democracy made the state ticket of the party,
and will support it heartily. The Tilden Democracy will support
it for the effect on November.
In November, Greenback Democrats, in considerable numbers,
will vote for Cooper, and others for Hayes. They hate Tilden
because he tried to beat Allen last year. Indiana leans to the
Democracy. It is owing to emigration West that Ohio and
Indiana are not Republican. Catholics are taking the places of
Republican farmers and soldiers. But if the tide is, as our
friends think, we shall pull through. The point you make as the
controlling idea of the canvass [that is, the danger to the country
of a victory by the united South] is rapidly becoming the one
topic of the press and of speakers. It does tell. Excuse haste.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES.
HONORABLE EDWARDS PIERREPONT,
MINISTER TO ENGLAND.
COLUMBUS, OHIO, September 18, 1876.
MY DEAR SIR:--The impression seems to be general that the
tide is with the Republicans. No good thing can come from a
Democratic victory gained through a united South. This is the
sentiment that is growing and winning. I am exceedngly pleased
with the aid given by the contribution of the Tribune. I will have
the committee procure lists to be sent to you direct from the
districts on account of the Tribune's subscription for Ohio.
Our advices from the East concur with your opinion that New
York is safe unless both Ohio and Indiana are carried by the
Democrats in October by decided majorities.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES.
WHITELAW REID,
New York.
THE HAYES-TILDEN CAMPAIGN 361
(Telegram.)
COLUMBUS, September 20, 1876.
HONORABLE JAMES G. BLAINE,
Parker House, Boston, Massachusetts.
Mr. Kreass is unwilling to release you but Mr. Bingham ap-
preciates the situation and seems willing to have you withdrawn.
You were announced to be at Warren on the 23d, at least two
weeks ago. Last year the great Warren meeting marked the
turning-point of the campaign, and we hope it will this year.
General Garfield dare not face the people of Warren if you are
absent and the meeting would have to be given up. This would
be very disastrous. Our election is less than three weeks hence.
If the Philadelphia gentlemen will not postpone the meeting
themselves, we will have to respectfully insist on our prior en-
gagement.
R. B. HAYES.
(Telegram.)
COLUMBUS, September 20, 1876.
GENERAL E. F. NOYES,
CHAIRMAN SOLDIERS' CONVENTION,
Indianapolis.
I am grateful to my comrades of the Union Army, assembled
at Indianapolis, for their hearty greeting.
The men who maintained the cause of nationality and freedom
on so many battlefields are not willing to see the results of the
war imperilled by neglect or misconduct at the ballot-box. Their
example will be very influential with all intelligent and patriotic
people.
R. B. HAYES.
Strictly private.
COLUMBUS, OHIO, September 22, 1876.
MY DEAR SIR: - Thanks for your kind note, and your prompt
action in the case named. But I must not be led into denials or
explanations except in very important cases. This does not seem
362 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES
of that sort. I may say, however, you were no doubt right. But
is it not for the accuser to name date, persons, case, etc., etc.?
Sincerely, R. B. HAYES.
P.S. -This for your ear and eye alone.
MR. A. BROWER.
Columbus, September 23, 1876.- I yesterday was called on
at my office by Chief Justice Waite. Among other things we
talked of Tilden. I asked him if the tax return charges were
believed. He said yes. That Tilden was a miser, very exacting
-"exacting to the last degree." That he could in confidence
give me an incident. He (Waite) was foreclosing a mortgage on
a railroad (perhaps, Atlantic and Great Western). Tilden repre-
sented the first-mortgage bondholders. Waite, on behalf of his
clients, was very anxious to enter a decree. It was also in the
interest of Tilden's clients. But it couldn't be done without
Tilden's consent. Time was of such importance that Waite spent
several hours trying to get Tilden's consent. Tilden had no
right to ask any money for his consent. Neither the interests of
his clients required it, nor had he rendered any services that en-
titled him to it. But he had the power. "To get his consent I
had to pay him thirty thousand dollars. He probably divided
with others. But that is Tilden."
September 24. - I am looking anxiously forward to the end of
the contest. It is now almost one hundred days since the nomi-
nation, and only about forty-five to the election. The general
drift of the campaign has been rather favorable to our side for
some weeks past. The greenback heresy in Indiana and Ohio is
likely to cause those States to do badly in October. If there was
no election before the final vote in November, I should feel very
confident of a favorable result. But our friends East and else-
where count on more favorable results in Ohio and Indiana than
are likely to occur. We shall be much stronger at the Presidential
elections in both States. But the discouraging effect of defeats
in October is sure to hurt us. Our adversaries are to be cor-
respondingly encouraged. The truth is, time and money would
THE HAYES-TILDEN CAMPAIGN 363
be saved if all elections in Presidential years were fixed for the
same day. It should be done.
"I am prepared for either event," I can again repeat. To go
into the great office will be a sore trial. Health, comfort, happi-
ness, all imperilled, if not sacrificed. I shall find reasons enough
for satisfaction with the result, if I am defeated. If elected,
the firmest adherence to principle against all opposition and
temptations, is my purpose. I shall show a grit that will astonish
those who predict weakness.
Private.
COLUMBUS, OHIO, September 28, 1876.
MY DEAR SIR: -Your note of the 25th is at hand. It is no
doubt true that both the hards and softs at the state election in
Ohio are united in support of the state Democratic ticket. The
softs because it is their ticket, and the hards for the effect on
November. It is also true that large numbers of the softs will
be for Cooper in November or will decline to vote. Besides, the
hard times tell strongly against a hard-money candidate in both
Ohio and Indiana. Your warning is therefore not without
reason. Our friends are heeding it. We shall pull through.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES.
CHARLES E. SMITH,
EDITOR Journal, Albany.
Private.
COLUMBUS, OHIO, September 29, 1876.
MY DEAR SIR: - Mr. Conkling feels as we would wish on the
main question. Nothing but ill health has kept him silent so
long. But he is now announced for speeches.
Your informant is probably mistaken in the tenor of his com-
munication, and certainly in the fact as to correspondence.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES.
HONORABLE JOSEPH H. BARRETT,
Cincinnati.
364 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES
Private.
COLUMBUS, OHIO, October 2, 1876.
MY DEAR S-:--I have just seen the [Chicago] Times of
Saturday. Leroy's attempt to blackmail me can't need much at-
tention. Hastings can give you all that is needed. But I suspect
the letters purporting to be from me are none of them given
correctly. Certainly the letter of November 16, 1869, is a forgery.
No such letter was ever written. It is made out of whole cloth.
If it becomes important I can find the whole of Leroy's letters
at my house in Fremont. It iS all a fraud. Write me if it
needs my personal attention. I think not.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES.
HONORABLE WILLIAM HENRY SMITH,
Chicago.
Columbus, October 4, 1876. -- Birthday. Fifty-four years of
age. The good omen of the day is that Colorado, the first State
to elect electors (or rather a Legislature that will elect electors).
has been carried by the Republicans. "First gun for Hayes," is
the headline of the Journal.
I called on Blaine at Ewing Miller's. He looks well; is clear-
headed, prompt, and quick-witted, with no trace that I detect
of his great calamity. He is hopeful and friendly. I called with
him on Mrs. Ben Smith, on Lucy, and at my office. We met
Wayne McVeagh. He [Blaine] has almost precisely my views
and hopes as to the South. By conciliating Southern whites, on
the basis of obedience to law and equal rights, he hopes we may
divide the Southern whites, and so protect the colored people.
COLUMBUS, OHIO, October 5, 1876.
MY DEAR S-:- Touching Lee's letter to the secretary of the
American Alliance, I write these observations:--
1. It was written without my knowledge, before or after. I
never heard of it until now. Lee had a general authority to reply
to letters of congratulation and tenders of support--"suitable
acknowledgements" merely.
THE HAYES-TILDEN CAMPAIGN 365
2. I see nothing damaging, specially, in the letter if we don't
write it into importance. It approves and endorses nothing.
3. The resolutions it replies to in acknowledging are eight in
number, adopted at Philadelphia, July 4 and 5, and are all such
as Republican foreigners, not Catholics, approve. You have seen
the resolutions.
4. The whole affair is to put us on the defensive, and will
fail if we are not led off by it. Three of our most intelligent
Germans, speaking of it (Cincinnati Germans), say it will not
hurt a particle. That Republican Germans do not mind such
roorbacks, etc., etc.
5. The drift of the canvass is plain. The people do dread
a victory for the united South. They see in it continued trouble;
nullification of the Amendments, Rebel claims, and schemes, etc.,
etc., etc.; and I think anything which withdraws attention from
this issue to merely personal matters is a mistake. The school is-
sue, the civil service issue, the currency issue, etc., are all in point
and good, but merely personal issues may well be dropped with
a few words of denunciation.
We see encouragement here and it increases daily.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES.
WILLIAM HENRY SMITH,
Chicago.
[This letter practically anticipated and forestalled a letter of
alarm written to Mr. Hayes the very same day by Mr. Smith.
Mr. Smith wrote:-"I have had a siege with our Republican
friends here yesterday and today about Colonel Lee's letter to
the American Alliance. A panic has prevailed, and there is a good
deal of feeling. . . . Mr. Medill [editor of the Tribune]
is quite put out - well, downright mad, and so are Generals
Logan and Babcock. I have put as good a face on as I could,
and Mr. Medill is going to try and help out in an editorial in the
morning. But he thinks the case really requires heroic treatment.
I hope your wisdom will suggest something then to aid
us with the great foreign population of the Northwest. It is
366 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES
absolutely necessary to offset the extensive and insidious work
of the enemy in Wisconsin and Chicago especially."]
October 12. - The elections have gone precisely as I expected.
For three months I have predicted that New York would decide
the result; that Ohio in October would go Republican, and Indi-
ana Democratic. At this writing, Ohio, on the test candidate,
seems to be eight thousand for us, and Indiana against us.
COLUMBUS, OHIO, October 12, 1876.
MY DEAR GENERAL:--Your note on leaving the West came
during my absence at Fremont. The elections at this writing
seem to have gone precisely as I have expected for three months.
They leave New York to decide. We need no further help in
Ohio. In November fifteen thousand to thirty thousand for our
ticket - at least those figures - are assured. The misfortune is
the loss of Matthews. The Germans did well. But the Southern
trade argument and "more money" carried off the Israelites in
large numbers, and more than that, fraudulent voting and
naturalizations did the rest. Your reply to the Know-nothing
charge is ample, and fully authorized by me and the facts. We
should set off against it the Gray Nuns Act of Tilden. Firmness,
hopefulness, and work should be our motto, for the sake of the
cause.
Many thanks for your most efficient work.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES.
GENERAL CARL SCHURZ.
Personal.
COLUMBUS, October 14, 1876.
MY DEAR SIR:--The elections have gone just about as I an-
ticipated in these two States. Our majority in Ohio, on the true
test, is about nine thousand. It is made up by handsome gains
in the rural districts which overcome losses in the cities. The
reliable Republican counties have given their full high-tide ma-
THE HAYES-TILDEN CAMPAIGN 367
jorities. The cities, like Springfield, where business and manu-
facturing are prosperous, have done well. Our losses are in
cities and towns where the hard times pinch. All of the non-
Catholic foreigners, Germans, Welsh, etc., etc., have stood by us
except the trading classes in Cincinnati, who feared a loss of
Southern trade; and even there I doubt if we lost in the foreign
Republican vote. I infer from this that a full vote makes Wis-
consin ours beyond all question. We shall double our majority
here in November without effort.
Indiana is surely now a doubtful State. We have a fair
fighting chance to carry it; a much better chance than we had to
carry it in October. I do not write of the East. You understand
about the situation there. In the South, if we have a prospect to
carry any States, we must look after North and South Carolina,
Florida, Mississippi, and Louisiana.
Another matter I would like to hear from you about. Ohio
Republicans, interested in the Centennial, want an Ohio Day,
and wish me to be present, next week or the week after. Should
it be encouraged?
Know-nothing charges made by the Democrats, the people
here care nothing about. It is perfectly well known that I do
not favor the exclusion of foreigners from the ballot or from
office, and that I do oppose Catholic interference and all sectarian
interference with political affairs, and especially with the schools.
This last point is influential, particularly with non-Catholic
foreigners. It has not, I suspect, been sufficiently urged in the
canvass.
But I need not take up your time with these rambling specu-
lations. The contest is now with the East. The inflation States
have done better for the hard-money candidates than you had a
right to expect. Now let the hard-money States do as well, and
we are safe.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES.
R. C. MCCORMICK,
SECRETARY REPUBLICAN NATIONAL COMMITTEE,
New York.
368 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES
COLUMBUS, October 14, 1876.
MY DEAR S-: - I was much disappointed not to see you with
ample time for conference.
The postmaster at Milwaukee writes Lee that there are Turn-
ers in Milwaukee who are troubled by a report that I favor an
amendment "putting God in the Constitution." Of course it is
not so. The only amendment I support now is one which will
prevent sectarian or Catholic interference with the schools. This
will be found stated clearly in my Letter.
I am confident a full vote will make Wisconsin safe. Ohio
results show clearly:--I. We stand as well as ever with the
Germans. 2. We get full, high-tide majorities in Republican
strongholds. Six or seven of them never did better at corre-
sponding elections.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES.
P. S. - It is expected that I go to Ohio Day at the Centennial
next week, 26th I think. If you know of any good reason why
I should not go, let me have your suggestions early -perhaps
by telegraph.
WILLIAM HENRY SMITH.
Columbus, October 15, 1876. - The October elections leave the
result of the Presidential contest still in doubt, and to be decided
by New York in November. That Ohio has done so well is a
great satisfaction. My friends urged as one of their strongest
arguments for my nomination, that Ohio was a doubtful State,
that its loss in October would he fatal, that no man named except
myself could surely carry it in October, that with me as the
candidate success in Ohio in October was assured, that I always
had carried it, and would do so again. After all this, the loss
of Ohio in October would have been a sore mortification.
We had at the head of our ticket a good soldier and citizen,
but one who was mixed up with the temperance crusade which
was so hateful to all Germans. and to many others. He was a
THE HAYES-TILDEN CAMPAIGN 369
load-a heavy load-to carry. But our prominent Germans,
brewers and others, behaved admirably, nobly, and we are safe!
I can bear defeat in November far more philosophically than I
could have borne the loss of Ohio in October. My own ward,
town, county, and congressional district did well, indeed, very
handsomely. This is gratifying. Endorsed by my State and
home, I feel gratified by the result.
COLUMBUS, OHIO, October 19, 1876.
MY DEAR GENERAL:-Thanks for your letter of the 15th.
Your speech and meeting evidently were very successful. Our
German vote in New York City has never been, I believe, very
large. Mr. Bohn tells me that in Cleveland our loss of Germans
was chiefly a few leaders-that the people stood firm.
I send you enclosed a letter on the greenback movement. The
writer, I do not know. If there is any authority for what he
says, we shall see the signs of it in the movements of the ad-
versary.
I shall go to the Ohio Day next week, 26th, at the Centennial,
but will avoid political demonstrations and the hospitalities which
may be offered. This, according to a promise I made our man-
agers if Ohio was right at the elections. Following Tilden's
example?
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES.
GENERAL CARL SCHURZ.
COLUMBUS, OHIO, October 20, 1876.
MY DEAR S-: - I have your letter. Nobody here, prominent
or otherwise, advises me to resign. A canard.
The Know-nothing charges are more than met (not by denial
or explanation) but by charging Democrats with their Catholic
alliance. It is felt by our Protestants and freethinkers to be both
important and true. Tilden's Gray Nuns Act with suitable head-
lines and comments is a complete reply. It is printed on slips
for distribution and is very effective. I send you an article by
24
370 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES
a German Democrat of Cincinnati which contains it and other
matter.
My information from the East is encouraging.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES.
HONORABLE WILLIAM HENRY SMITH.
Columbus, October 22, 1876. Sunday. -Only two Sundays
more before the Presidential election. I am surprised, whenever
I think of it, to find myself so cool, so almost indifferent about it.
It would be a calamity, I am sure, to give the Democrats the
Government. But public opinion, the press, the march of events,
will compel them to do better than their character and principles
indicate. Here is our safety. Public opinion, the fear of losing
the public confidence, apprehension of censure by the press,
make all men in power conservative and safe.
On personal grounds, I find many reasons for thinking defeat
a blessing. I should stand by my Letter, I should hew to the line;
but what conflicts and annoyances would follow! I do not fear
my pluck or constancy a particle. But to be deceived by the
rogues, to find many a trusted reformer no better than he should
be, - here would be humiliations and troubles without end.
The huge registration in New York City looks sinister. It
seems to look to our defeat in that State.
Another danger is imminent: A contested result. And we
have no such means for its decision as ought to be provided
by law. This must be attended to hereafter. We should not
allow another Presidential election to occur before a means for
settling a contest is provided. If a contest comes now it may lead
to a conflict of arms. I can only try to do my duty to my country-
men in that case. I shall let no personal ambition turn me from
the path of duty. Bloodshed and civil war must be averted if
possible. If forced to fight, I have no fears of failure from lack
of courage or firmness.
COLUMBUS, OHIO, October 24, 1876.
DEAR SIR: -You may say to anybody that I am not opposed
to the right to vote or hold office of foreign-born citizens, and
THE HAYES-TILDEN CAMPAIGN 371
that I never belonged to any society or association holding that
principle. I never approved or sympathized with such an opinion,
and all charges that I have joined the American Alliance are
untrue.
Respectfully,
R. B. HAYES.
MR. W. S. RIDGWAY.
Sunday, October 29.- Returned last night from Ohio Day at
the Centennial. It was an enthusiastic and prodigious crowd
which greeted me. I managed to shake some four thousand
people by the hand and to make half a dozen speeches from steps,
windows, and roof of the Ohio Building, without saying any-
thing that I regret - without "slopping over." Lucy, Birch,
Webb, Fanny, and Scott, with our colored servants, were with
me. The party was a good one: General and Laura Mitchell,
Colonel Weir, and going on Mrs. Governor Noyes, Mrs. Harry
R. Smith, Mr. Platt, and Emily; and, returning, we had (instead
of Platt and Emily, Mrs. Noyes, and Mrs. Smith) General Ben-
jamin Harrison and his wife of Indiana, to Pittsburgh, and from
Pittsburgh to Columbus, Mr. Green and General Wilcox. A
happy journey.
I return feeling that with the probabilities of fraud and violence
-fraud, North; violence, South- the chances are that we shall
lose the election. My luck is the other way. But I have made a
good fight; sound Letter to stand on, a judicious course of con-
duct throughout, my head steady and level up to this time. Let
me keep it so ten days longer.
November 1, 1876.- The contest is close and yet doubtful,
with the chances, as I see them, rather against us. So small a loss
as the defeat in Hamilton County [Cincinnati] in October may
have made the difference between victory and defeat. A few
hundred votes' improvement there would have given our friends
the prestige of victory in Ohio and throughout the country. Our
loss was due to bribery and repeating. The hard times, if we
are beaten, may be assigned as the great and sufficient cause. All
crimes are increased by hard times. It is especially so with
372 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES
crimes against the ballot-box. It is easy to hire men desperate
with want to vote contrary to their convictions, and even to be-
come repeaters. Hard times, then, is the ultimate cause of our
danger. We shall be beaten, if at all, by crime -by bribery and
repeating North, and violence and intimidation in the South.
COLUMBUS, OHIO, November 2, 1876.
MY DEAR GENERAL: - In the hurry of numerous calls on my
attention I neglected to reply to a suggestion as to becoming a
subscriber or member of some enterprise which you commended,
and which would cost, I think you said, five dollars. I know I
meant to say yes when I read it, but omitted to do so. What-
ever it is, I say yes now.
Of course we are now "waiting for the verdict." My feeling
about it is just as I would wish it to be -no undue anxiety on
personal account, and there will be no soreness in case of defeat.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES.
GENERAL M. F. FORCE,
Cincinnati.
COLUMBUS, OHIO, November 3, 1876.
MY DEAR GENERAL: - I meant to meet you at the depot yes-
terday, but was prevented. It is now too late to speculate on
results. I shall find many things to console me if defeated. I
feel more than ever satisfied with having written a square Letter.
Very little occurs to me that I would have changed during the
canvass. The hard times, with the consequent desire for change,
and the opportunity which such times give for the corrupt use
of money by our adversaries, have greatly affected the strength
of parties. In any event, I am exceedingly gratified by what
you have done in the canvass, and shall always remember it with
thankfulness and satisfaction.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES.
GENERAL CARL SCHURZ.
THE HAYES-TILDEN CAMPAIGN 373
November 5, 1876. Sunday.- The election is only a day or
two off, and I find myself strangely calm and indifferent about it.
I shall read Mr. Andrews' address and other matter, as much
interested in what I am doing as usual. It now looks as if the
chance of my election was improving, and as if Republican suc-
cess was not improbable.
I make a list of States to be counted certain for us as fol-
lows:-Maine, 7 [votes], New Hampshire, 5, Vermont, 5,
Massachusetts, 13, Rhode Island, 4, Pennsylvania, 29, Ohio, 22,
Michigan, 11, Illinois, 21, Minnesota, 5, Iowa, 11, Nebraska, 3,
Kansas, 5, Colorado, 3. Total, 144. Necessary to a choice 185.
Probably Republican:-Wisconsin, 10, California, 6, South
Carolina, 7.-23. Total, 167.
This leaves 18 [votes] required to elect out of the following
doubtful States:-New Jersey, 9, Nevada, 3, Florida, 4, New
York 35, Indiana, 15, North Carolina, 10, Louisiana, 8, Con-
necticut, 6, Oregon. 3,-93.
Columbus, November 7, 1876.-Dies irae -A cold but dry
day. Good enough here for election work. I still think Demo-
cratic chances the best. But it is not possible to form a confident
opinion. If we lose, the South will be the greatest sufferer. Their
misfortune will be far greater than ours. I do not think a re-
vival of business will be greatly postponed by Tilden's election.
Business prosperity does not, in my judgment, depend on gov-
ernment so much as men commonly think. But we shall have no
improvement in civil service - deterioration rather, and the
South will drift towards chaos again.
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