CHAPTER XLII
THE ELECTION OF CLEVELAND -- INTEREST IN LOYAL
LEGION -- POLITICS AND TEMPERANCE -- CLEVELAND
AND CIVIL SERVICE REFORM -- SLATER AND PEABODY
BOARD ACTIVITIES -- GENERAL GRANT'S ILLNESS --
THE WASHINGTON MONUMENT -- REVIVAL SERVICES
-- TRUSTEE OHIO WESLEYAN -- 1884-1885
NOVEMBER 4. Tuesday. -- A steady warm rain; a
gloomy, cloudy day. The Presidential election day. It
has been commonly said that bad weather helps the Democrats.
There is not much in it. A wet day drives the drinkers to the
bottle. They are likely to be more reckless and riotous. In this
way the Republicans may suffer a little. But the notion that the
Republicans will be more likely to be kept from voting by bad
weather is without foundation.
I go to Cincinnati today to attend tomorrow the monthly meet-
ing of the Loyal Legion. I have not attended since June--five
months. My longest absence since the commandery was organ-
ized. Its merits are:--1. It is a social club. Its frequent
meetings lead to great intimacy of friendship among its members.
2. It is a historical society. This idea will be more and more de-
veloped as the society gets older and stronger. 3. It is an army
or soldiers' reunion, with all the attractions belonging [to] that
form of social gathering. 4. It is permanent beyond ordinary
clubs. The society of the Cincinnati after a century of existence
still has interesting meetings.
There are two things I would change:--1. The primogeni-
ture feature is not American, is unjust to the younger sons and,
perhaps I should say, daughters. 2. All honorably discharged
soldiers should be eligible to membership.
This [is] the birthday of our oldest son, Birchard. He is
thirty-one years old today. He was interesting and beautiful as
(172)
ELECTION OF CLEVELAND 173
a child and has grown up to be a man of excellent character and
habits, with many very attractive qualities.
CINCINNATI, November 5, 1884.
MY DARLING: -- It now seems probable that Blaine is defeated.
With all the disappointment, one can see some compensations.
It turns out, not as we hoped, but as we feared at the time of
the nomination. The record of our candidate and factional
griefs in New York lost that State. Look at Oneida County --
the county of Conkling, where Gail Hamilton's letter (exposed
in the Evening Post a short time ago) did such mischief. In-
deed, her letters in the Tribune hurt more than the number of
votes we lack in New York. I dread the turning back of the
hands of the clock in the Southern business and in the reform of
the civil service. I am glad Ohio has done so well. But, after
all, the march of events will go on. Our destiny does not de-
pend on a single election, nor on any number of elections. You
will see other sources of consolation.
Do not borrow trouble from what I said to you in our ride
in the rain. We will be more and more loving, hopeful, and
trusting as life wears away. Ever so much happiness be yours
--be ours -- and ours together.
As ever, "s' much,"
RUTHERFORD.
Later!--It now looks as if Blaine would pull through.
MRS. HAYES.
November 9. Sunday.--I returned last evening. The eve-
ning of the 4th, the national election day, I reached friend Her-
ron's about 7 P. M. and was warmly welcomed by sister Harriet
and all. We soon (John W. and I) left the house to get the news.
Ohio had evidently largely increased its October majority, and
our interest and inquiries were as to the doubtful States, particu-
larly New York. This great State if for us would, in our judg-
ment, settle things conclusively, and if against us would be
174 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES
nearly equally decisive. We went through Fountain Square.
Vast multitudes there were watching the bulletin board of Mab-
ley's clothing store. We soon heard bad news from Connecticut
and then a Democratic claim of sixty thousand in New York.
Wild, but not encouraging. After spending a few moments in
the crowds on Fifth, Vine, Sixth, and Seventh, we went to the
office of the Commercial-Gazette. We were invited to Halstead's
room, and were soon in his sanctum. We three, with the addition
of Hinkle, son-in-law of William H. Davis, spent two or three
hours very pleasantly, receiving returns and in listening to Hal-
stead's snappy talk. The result left all in doubt with the chances
apparently against us. We reached our beds about 11 or 12 P.
M. The next day a change came. Blaine's prospects were for
a time better, but New York was too close for confidence as to
the result, and this still continues with varying fortunes. Last
night still in doubt with chances leaning--how? The Blaine
reports, 522 [plurality] for Blaine, and the Democratic reports,
100 to 500 for Cleveland.
[On the] 6th, attended the elegant Murphy wedding and met
and enjoyed meeting many old friends. I knew well the grand-
fathers of bride and [bride]groom.
[On the] 7th, at Columbus, attended Lilly's coming-out party.
All lovely. Emily Hastings was the beauty of the evening. The
party was given by General and Mrs. Hastings and Ruther-
ford H. Platt in the old home. All went off in the best possible
way.
November 10. Monday. -- The County Bible Society met at
the office of Dr. Wilson at 10 A. M. Organization continued.
The unsettled contest in New York still furnishes the prevail-
ing topic of conversation. I discover no excitement.
FREMONT, OHIO, November 10, 1884.
MADAM:--Your letter to Mrs. Hayes is before me. I was
absent from home when it came or it would have been replied to
before.
I wrote Buckner that I would pay fifty dollars towards the
ELECTION OF CLEVELAND 175
support of Eliza Jane the coming year. I have had no reply from
him. As to the debts of Eliza Jane, I can only say that when I
know the total amount, I will be able to say how much I will give
towards paying them. You probably know how much I have al-
ready given on that account.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES.
MRS. WINNIE BUCKNER,
Windsor, Ontario.
November 11.--I have been taking an ugly cold. I cough
and sneeze as if the hay-fever had attacked me. I rode with
Lucy and Mrs. Bristol down to Mr. Ickes', east side of the river,
on some church charity Lucy is interested [in]. They were all
cheerful and liberal.
We passed the ox-roasting of the Democrats in State Street
near our old corner stores at Front and State [Streets]. The
crowd was quiet. There has been little genuine enthusiasm for
Cleveland in this region. Indeed, I may say, none at all. The
dark blot on his private life does not imply entire unfitness for
his public life. Many a man is blamable in the same way who
is upright and patriotic. But the facts taken all together have
been a wet blanket to his supporters. The nomination of Blaine
was unwise. Either of the Shermans, Hawley, or Gresham, or
Harrison would probably have been elected.
FREMONT, November 13, 1884.
DEAR GUY:-- . . . I have no prejudices against Cleve-
land. The scandals of the campaign were shocking. In naming
a candidate there should be greater care. But you and I know,
all men of experience and observation know, that the kernel of
truth under it all does not disqualify him for public duties. It
is within the knowledge of us all that integrity, firmness, wis-
dom, and the executive faculty, with the truest patriotism, are
found in men who are not without that sin. Certainly, I am in a
frame of mind to judge him charitably and to give his Adminis-
176 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES
tration a fair trial. He is pledged to the right side of the most
important administrative policy now before the country, viz., the
civil service reform. He will have a decided majority on this
question in the important branch of Congress with him and can
easily go forward in the right direction.
The Republican party is not condemned. It has its old
strength. Both parties were divided by their nominations. The
Republican divisions by a mere scratch in the pivotal State lost
the prize. It [the Republican party] gains in both houses of
Congress; it carries the Senate and would tie the House if the
apportionment in this and other States was [were] fair. The
constitutional amendments if obeyed would have given us four
to six States in the South and carried the Presidency. But it is
of no use to argue. The stream of time flows on; the march of
events will not be greatly changed. The people are the govern-
ment. Their character does not change with the results of elec-
tions. Years and generations are required to change the people.
I hope you are for aid to education in the States by the Nation.
It seems to be our best chance to bring up the neglected elements
of our population.
This is a longer talk than usual on politics. Like you, I am a
looker-on except as to education. On that, I am persistent, in and
out of season, before all sorts of audiences.
Your trouble is mine--acres, taxes, meagre income. But
lands will sell sometime. I do not borrow trouble because just
now real estate is dull of sale.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES.
HONORABLE GUY M. BRYAN,
Texas.
November 17. -- Sent a barrel of apples to Aunty Davis and
another to Harriet Herron. Largely of apples grown on trees
set out in 1876. Belleflowers and Greenings.
ELECTION OF CLEVELAND 177
Private.
Please return this hasty scrawl. -- H.
FREMONT, OHIO, November 25, 1885.
DEAR SIR:--Having definitely retired from political life, I
have no opinions for publication on the questions suggested in
your esteemed favor of the 22d instant. While, to my mind, the
meagre vote given at the recent election (in Ohio less than one
in seventy) in favor of political action in regard to temperance
is a significant and perhaps controlling fact, I am not disposed
to debate the question with those who do not agree with me.
With me, unity of sentiment and action among all sincere friends
of temperance is of more importance than the particular meas-
ure or course of action to be adopted. As I see it, the mistake of
these last few years has been the neglect by temperance workers
of the essential preliminary labor which the situation demands.
In this country popular opinion and the public will are the
only government. To form and settle these is the real task of
the reformer. Politics and laws are merely results -- merely the
expression of what the people wish. Or, rather, this is what
should be. The will of the people depends on education, religion,
example, discussion, and the like. Whoever neglects these forces,
and attempts to call in the constable to do the duty which belongs
to the reformer, puts the cart before the horse. As long as pub-
lic opinion tolerates the practice of the moderate drinker who
buys of, and thereby makes profit for, the liquor dealer, the
traffic will continue--law or no law. The buyer is the respon-
sible cause of the evil. Get rid of him, in that large degree,
which is entirely practicable by proper effort, and laws will
speedily follow which will bring relief from the rest of the re-
sults we deplore, so far at least as laws can suppress crime.
The practical result of this view is, for the present let the
politician and lawmaker well alone. Their masters -- the people
-- by a few years of solid work on the lines I have indicated
can be reached. With the people sound on the main question,
you need have no apprehension as to what political parties and
legislatures will do. Sincerely,
[Unidentified.] R. B. HAYES.
12
178 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES
FREMONT, OHIO, December 1, 1884.
MY DEAR SIR:--On the request of our Monumental Associa-
tion I have just written to General Hawley requesting him to
deliver the address at the unveiling of our Soldiers' Monument
August 2, the anniversary of Croghan's victory over the British
in 1813. The monument is to be on the site of the old fort. I
have referred General Hawley to you for a knowledge of the
local facts. We are exceedingly anxious that General Hawley
should come. Please aid us in persuading him to do so.
Of course Mrs. Hayes and I wish you and Mrs. Sherman to be
with us on the occasion. We shall have a great multitude here
as we always do when we try.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES.
HONORABLE JOHN SHERMAN.
December 7. Sunday. -- Lucy and I returned from Delaware
last night. A charming visit Lucy had with her old schoolmate,
the widow of my college chum, Carrie Little (Mrs. Dr. John A.
Little). Rode with Judge Jones around town--up the river to
a sight of the old farm of boyhood with its host of associations
with Mother, Fanny, Uncle, and the early friends!
Reaching home after this delightful time, we were saddened
to read in a paper sent by Governor Ramsay, of St. Paul, of the
death of his wife. Such good people! Our Washington life
associated us with many elderly people. Their deaths are coming
to us constantly. None better than this good governor.
December 8. Monday.--I start this evening for New York,
chiefly to enable Mr. D. Huntington to finish my portrait for the
White House, but with important business with [the] Adams
Express Company, William M. F. Round, William E. Dodge,
Jr., Charles L. Mead, Carl Schurz, Ralph Trautman, [and] Wil-
liam M. Evarts.
NEW YORK, December 9, 1884.
MY DARLING:--I arrived this evening precisely on time, 7
P. M., at the Grand Central Depot after an unusually agreeable
ELECTION OF CLEVELAND 179
trip of twenty-four hours from Fremont. My chief acquaintance
on the way was the vice-president of the Lake Erie and Western,
a citizen of Bloomington. He is intelligent, interesting, and cor-
dial, and made the day seem short. The inevitable interviewer,
in the shape of a well-looking attache of the Syracuse Journal,
gave up his brief attack after a pleasant fashion.
Mr. Arkell, one of the proprietors of the Albany Evening Jour-
nal, gave me a full account of the political situation here. Evarts
hasn't money enough for a New York Legislature, and L. P.
Morton has; hence Morton is first in the race for Senator. Conk-
ling not seriously thought of. Cleveland a dull, honest, well-mean-
ing, and very stubborn man who is likely to be a pretty good
President. So much for Mr. Arkell. He introduced me to his
partner, a Mr. Smith, who is his father's partner in making wheat
bags for the West at Canajoharie and who was in college with
Rud, whom he compliments as "very gentlemanly."
I am in my old quarters (41 and 42) and look out on a clear
and lovely winter evening.
So good night, my dear one. Be happy. You will be good I
know without advice. Love to our niece, Rud, and the girls.
Sincerely and affectionately,
R. B.
MRS. HAYES.
December 10. Fifth Avenue Hotel. -- Called on Mr. Hunting-
ton at his residence and studio, 49 East Twentieth Street. He
painted an hour and a half on the portrait for the White House.
It seems good in all respects. The expression is almost fierce;
perhaps I should say, too earnest. But I must admit its truth-
fulness to the original. I do not quite like the overcoat. It does
not fit well, hangs loosely and does not come up neatly to the
neck. In the main and on the whole, the portrait is good.
Called on Schurz at the elegant residence of Dr. Jacobi, 110
West Thirty-fourth Street. A long good conversation on politics.
He read me an elaborate letter he has written, on request, to the
President elect. It asserts civil service reform to be the test
measure of the new Administration. That to carry it out Cleve-
180 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES
land must have in his leading Cabinet places men who will be
sincerely honest in its behalf. I told him there was the practical
difficulty--there are not such men of good standing in the party.
To this Schurz assented. Then pledge them to its loyal support?
Here is the rub.
Huntington says Governor Morgan, explaining his defeat of
Evarts for governor or senator, said:--"Mr. Evarts can't hold
his tongue. That is one of my accomplishments."
Met at table Mr. and Mrs. Fairbrother, of Providence. Much
pleasant talk of our delightful visit there. "No one has occupied
the house you did before or since. Can't have such a time now."
Also Governor Van Zant, of Newport, and General Gordon.
[At] 9 P. M. called at Mead's, 60 East Seventy-ninth Street.
Found there Mr. and Mrs. Mead. Good, kind, and friendly;
genuine people always. And Fred just returned from two years
in Mexico.
NEW YORK, December 12, 1884.
MY DARLING:--I dined at Mr. Evarts' last evening. All very
cordial. They really want you to visit them. Betty and her two
boys make a lovely group.
Mrs. Parsons and Mr. Parsons send love to you, and Mrs.
Reid and Rachel Sherman were warmly enthused talking about
you. You managed to put a good many people into a happy
frame of mind.
Huntington's portrait of me grows rapidly. It is very fine--
far better than any ever painted before. Mr. Huntington is
greatly pleased with it. Will show it [at] a great exhibition here
in January. Affectionately,
R.
MRS. HAYES.
December 15. Monday.--Replied to a host of letters. De-
clined invitations of New England Societies of Brooklyn and New
York, of New Orleans World's Fair, Mount Union College, etc.,
etc., etc., and reserved decision on Decoration Day at Ripley.
NATIONAL AID TO EDUCATION 181
December 18. Thursday.--During the great storm on Lake
Erie a few days ago the water of the lake was driven into Buffalo,
doing a good deal of damage. Here the river was a mere brook
almost down to the island. The riffles were a long distance be-
low the bridge.
December 19. Friday. -- Last night I was with the building
committee of our church until long after 10 o'clock, examining
bids for seating our church. Seven gentlemen with large trunks
were there with samples from three States. Let [the contract]
to a Richmond, Indiana, party represented by Mr. Grant for six
hundred and ninety dollars--604 feet of circular pews.
December 23. Tuesday. -- I go today to Toledo to meet Mrs.
Hally Ballinger, her daughter Laura, and the son of my class-
mate, Bryan, young Guy M. I have not seen Mrs. Ballinger
since the winter of 1848-9 when she was the belle of the Brazos
in Texas.
December 25. Thursday.--Merry Christmas! Present for
the day Birch, Webb, Rud, Fanny, Scott, my old friend
William K. Rogers, who came in at the Christmas eve supper,
Mrs. William P. Ballinger, of Texas, her son Thomas, a sopho-
more at Ann Arbor, Laura her daughter, [and] Guy Bryan, son
of my old college friend. With all these the old folks got on
nicely during the festive day.
December 30, 1884. Tuesday.--Our wedding! Thirty-two
years ago. A happy life. Fine children, a dear wife.
I am daily writing to Members of Congress in behalf of the
bill in aid of education by the general Government. There is a
good deal of hope among its friends. But--
December 31. -- Soldiers' Monument and letters on the educa-
tion bill were the office work of the day. -- Finished Mrs. Stowe's
"Wife and I" with Lucy. A novel of good influence.
January 4, 1885. Sunday. -- Heard the Presiding Elder, Rev.
Mr. Whitlock, [on] the permanency of the Christian religion.
Sent copies of Curry's letter to the Richmond Dispatch and the
editorial of the Dispatch to Democratic Members of Congress
from Ohio. It is reprinted in our Democratic Messenger.
182 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES
Reading Professor Fiske's books, two of Mrs. Stowe's novels,
viz., "My Wife and I," and "We and Our Neighbors," and
Parkman's "Montcalm and Wolfe" finished. Reading it with
the young folks, Fanny and Scott. I go this week to Cincinnati
to attend the monthly meeting of the Loyal Legion; next week to
New York to attend a meeting of the Slater Board.
January 8. -- The spire of the new great Catholic church of
Father Bauer is two hundred and fifty feet and two inches high
-- almost as high as Trinity, New York, and one of the highest in
the country.
FREMONT, OHIO, January 5, 1885.
MY DEAR SIR:--I notice with very great pleasure your com-
ments on the letter of Mr. Cleveland on the reform of the civil
service. I have for some time past indulged the hope that the
President elect would be found a sincere friend of the cause.
Confiding in his good faith as I do, it is a satisfaction to find
that you also, with your excellent opportunities to know the truth,
believe in him. He has it in his power to establish the reform.
All its friends should do what they can to sustain him. They
should not be too exacting. He must put in his Cabinet men
who hitherto have not been reformers. There will be short-
comings. Men under him will adhere to the old practices. But
he has many advantages. This is his only question of difficulty.
How great an advantage this is, no one knows better than I do.
With the cheap-money craze and the bloody-shirt policy on my
hands at the same time with the first attempt to rescue the civil
service from party leaders, the situation in 1877 differed widely
from that which is now to be dealt with.
Passing from this, when I met you in October, you spoke
kindly of my services in this behalf. There is a disposition on
the part of some friends of the cause to disparage my work. I
have no disposition to complain of this, or to attempt to correct
misapprehensions in any public way. But regarding you as the
great leader in this reform, as the one man to whom the
WORK FOR CIVIL SERVICE REFORM 183
country is indebted for what has been done, more than to all
others, I am particularly gratified by your approval of what was
done by me. I have been in the habit of thinking of my work
as including three steps in advance:--
1. "Senatorial prerogative" and "Congressional patronage,"
under the spoils system, had become the common law of our po-
litical system. This practice of more than forty years' growth
was firmly and successfully resisted.
2. The control by the Executive of the whole body of office-
holders as a political force to do his bidding in party manage-
ment, was absolutely and entirely abolished during my term of
office. Office-holders either abstained entirely from such work,
or took their own course without any effort to dictate on the part
of the Executive. In the National Convention of 1880, a smaller
number of office-holders took part than in any previous conven-
tion since the time of John Quincy Adams. It was in striking
contrast with the convention of 1884, in which the office-holders
appeared in full force supporting the interests of the Adminis-
tration under which they held place.
3. Perhaps the most important service to the cause rendered
by the last Administration was [what was done in] the
great[est business] office in the country. The New York
Custom House had been [the] most powerful political par-
tisan agency under the spoils system. Here the reform
was most needed and most difficult. If the reform could
be established here, its practicability everywhere was dem-
onstrated. Under General Merritt, by the judgment of
friend and foe alike, the principles of the reform of the
civil service were carried out so successfully that it may be truly
said that the corner-stone of the reform was then and there laid.
In response to all of this, I do not wish a word from you for
present publication. But it would be gratifying to have in writ-
ing the substance of what you said to me when we last met in
New York.*
* Draft of letter unsigned and unaddressed. Undoubtedly to George
William Curtis, editor of Harper's Weekly.
184 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES
January 10. -- Visited Laura Mitchell and Emily Hastings and
the rest at their homes [Tuesday]; happy time. Wednesday
morning to Delaware; enjoyed looking at President Merrick's
mineral treasures in the college; met Professors Paine, etc.,
etc. Evening at Cincinnati. A capital meeting of the
Loyal Legion. Force read a noble paper having many
touching passages. "The Vicksburg Campaign." Thursday
called on John and Harriet Herron. An exceedingly enjoyable
call--too short. . . . Friday home at 1 P. M.
SPIEGEL, January 14, 1885.
MY DARLING:--Your letter carried off--not yet returned--
but I think the vital point was horsewomanship. Yes, do by all
my [?] means. Learn all the graces and essentials--the orna-
mental and useful parts of the accomplishment. It is worth more
than Greek. You write a charming little letter. Try to enlarge
a little. Be discursive, give wings to your imagination. Indulge
in a few long sentences. Tell us in a poetical way, or a humor-
ous way, or an impressive way, some of the facts -- some of the
secrets of your environment.
We are all as we were. Fine winter weather. I go to New
York tomorrow. Will return in a few days.
All love you.
Your affectionate
PATERNAL.
MISS FANNY HAYES.
NEW YORK, Friday evening, January 16, 1885.
MY DARLING:--After a very pleasant trip, I am here on time.
Reverend Dr. Curry and his wife (the editor of the Methodist
Episcopal Advocate) were returning from a three-weeks' absence
at Delaware and Chicago. We had a long talk on the topics
naturally arising, and especially many things were said you
would particularly like to hear, which therefore I forbear to give.
At Albany the members [of the Legislature] came on the train,
having adjourned until Monday. Monday night is the senatorial
EVARTS BECOMES SENATOR 185
caucus. The friends of Mr. Evarts were in high spirits. They
regard the battle as won. I talked with a number of them, and
also of the Evarts committees. All see it clearly for Mr. Evarts.
I talked with two anti-Evarts members (both of whom sent re-
gards to you, by-the-by,) viz., Senator Daggett, of Brooklyn, and
General Barnum, of this city. They were down, but said, "wait
for the vote." General McCook never looked better-no appear-
ance of intemperance. He was exceedingly happy and cordial--
will take me to church to hear Paxton Sunday.
As usual I met acquaintance of Rud and Webb -- Este, a den-
tist in Ithaca. His father is a senator and for Mr. Evarts.
In short this seems to be our victory. If it is a victory, as now
seems likely, he takes the seat Conkling left in a huff, and to do
it beats Arthur and the Stalwarts.
With all love from yours ever,
R.
MRS. HAYES.
January 18. Sunday.--Leaving home Thursday evening at
7 P. M., I reached here (Fifth Avenue Hotel, New York) about
6:30 P. M. Friday, to attend a special meeting of the Slater
Board. All present except the Chief Justice. We had a full talk
over the whole business. The meeting while not fruitful in pres-
ent practical results was, I am sure, useful. Our records show
the action taken. Governor Colquitt wished the next meeting
held at his city, Atlanta, Georgia, and invited Mrs. Hayes and
myself to visit his home.
At Albany the recess of the Legislature till Monday
filled our train. I was greatly pleased to learn from
all that Evarts was likely to win the Senatorship--that
it was almost a certainty. General McCook, General
Barnum, Daggett (Albert), and other members were very cordial.
My most agreeable talk was with Dr. and Mrs. Curry--Dr.
Curry of the New York Advocate. Lunched at University Club
with Jesup, Dr. Brooks, and others of our board, Saturday at
noon.
Saturday evening called at Mr. Evarts' and congratulated them
186 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES
on the probable election of Mr. Evarts as Senator from New
York. It is to me a special satisfaction. Mr. Evarts and his
family have been valued and warm friends of me and mine ever
since we became acquainted in 1877. He was at the head of my
Cabinet; was the leading advocate of my cause before the Elec-
toral Commission; was with me thoroughly in the whole South-
ern policy, and in the fight with Conkling and with Arthur and
Cornell. His election to the seat resigned in a pet by the self-
conceited "monomaniac on the subject of his own importance"
is a condemnation of Conkling. It is a defeat of Arthur and his
set and of Cornell and puts New York against Tilden in the Sen-
ate. All gratifying as political lessons and [as a] vindication of
my Administration. In the work my old and near friend Mc-
Cook leads.
I took supper with William E. Dodge, Jr., Saturday night. A
pleasant visit with Haygood to a good, wholesome, and charm-
ing family.
Sunday I saw General James and Warner Miller. Went with
McCook to hear Paxton (a Washington preacher). He gave us
a tonic like a bracing breeze from a mountain top--a needed
tonic everywhere and by us all.
I go this afternoon with William E. Dodge, Jr., and Haygood
to see various good works.
January 19, 1885. -- I called with President Gilman on General
Grant. Soon after we were seated in his parlor I heard the gen-
eral's voice upstairs saying: "Fred, General Hayes is in the par-
lor. Go down and see him." Soon Colonel Fred came down, and
in a moment I heard the general's voice again: "Badeau, Gen-
eral Hayes is in the parlor. Come down and see him"; and in
a moment after General Grant came in, very lame, but otherwise
looking well. He said he felt much better than he had been;
that he had walked some distance that day notwithstanding the
cold wind; that in December he had a number of teeth pulled
and the shock was too great, and his nervous system had been
injured; that for two weeks also his tongue was sore and gave
him much pain. He had scarcely been able to speak. He spoke
of reading General Force's book, "From Donelson to Shiloh"
CALL ON GENERAL GRANT 187
["From Fort Henry to Corinth"], as an authority of value. He
spoke easily and cheerfully, but he did not smile!
FREMONT, OHIO, January 21, 1885.
MY DEAR GENERAL:--I returned from New York last eve-
ning and find here your note. I will be glad if Major Blivens
can give us a paper and will write him to that effect. As we go
to Cincinnati the time when should be not earlier than the 14th.
That date or any time later will suit us.
Your "Cedar Creek" made me happy. It was and is the best
thing on a famous fight.
I called with President Gilman, of the Johns Hopkins Univer-
sity, on General Grant. He has been very sick. He had a number of
teeth drawn -- the shock was too severe; he also took a cold, and
with a difficulty at the root of his tongue was scarcely able to
speak for some days. He is now almost as well as before. He
looks well; was attentive and cordial; and talked with interest
of war matters. I mentioned the piece I enclose. This led him to
speak in a way that led me to think he was just from his war
sketches. He spoke of reading now Force's book, etc., etc.
Colonel Fred Grant and Badeau were present. The conversation
was lively and pleasant, but he did not strike me as cheerful.
Simply composed and considerate. Of course, this is solely for
you. I am confident the danger is past with him. This scrap
appeared in the Tribune Monday. He was interested in my ac-
count of it.
The election of Evarts is a great gratification. It covers a
world of points of personal interest to me, and is a public good.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES.
GENERAL J. M. COMLY.
January 22. Thursday. -- Attended with Lucy the Farmers'
Institute. Led by Secretary of State Board of Agriculture,
Hon. W. I. Chamberlain, and Gould. Good practical lectures on
farmers' topics were delivered. This is essentially an educa-
188 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES
tional process. I spoke a few minutes in the evening on my edu-
cational hobbies; viz.:--1. Teach more of American history
and biography, 2. Teach more of English language and litera-
ture and modern languages, 3. Industrial education.
CINCINNATI, Monday, February 2, 1885.
MY DARLING:--Your mother and I are having one of our
best visits. Nothing could be better-timed. We have attended
agreeable gatherings at Mr. Broadwell's, Mr. Bullock's, General
Force's, and in the beautiful Odeon we heard Sala twice. We
go riding and visiting daily. We remain until Thursday eve-
ning, when we expect to go via the Bee Line to Cleve-
land, arriving Friday morning. Will stay in Cleveland long
enough to see our charming daughter (!) and go home
Friday night after almost two weeks' absence. Let Webb know
our plans so we may at least see his honest face.
We are at Herron's, but will spend the Loyal Legion days,
Wednesday and Thursday, at the Burnet House.
Our love to the Austin household, and several solid chunks
for yourself from your mother (who admires her daughter more
than ever) and your paternal who has no prejudice against you.
Lovingly,
H.
MISS FANNY HAYES,
Cleveland.
February 7, 1885.--We reached home last evening about 5
P. M. via Cleveland, Wellington, and Norwalk from Cincinnati,
where we remained about two weeks; the longest and best visit
to Cincinnati we have had since we left to reside here in the
spring of 1873. . . .
Our Harvester Company makes an assignment next week.
They make a good machine, but the early management was un-
fortunate. Besides, the small fish are eaten up by the big ones.
Uncle had five thousand dollars stock. I signed certain notes.
My loss will hardly exceed ten thousand dollars, and will not be
DEVOTION TO LOYAL LEGION 189
less than five thousand dollars. Besides this, the savings bank
question comes to a decision next week. If it is adverse we
shall have trouble and possibly some losses with our new savings
bank. "It never rains but it pours."
February 8. Sunday. -- My most agreeable visit to Cincinnati
was chiefly to attend the annual dinner (the second) of the Ohio
Commandery of the Loyal Legion. It passed off gloriously.
Lucy had a beautiful and numerously attended reception at the
Burnet House. The banquet was superb. Fine speaking by
Bishop Fallon, Gibson, Murdock, and others.
I naturally think of the history and origin of our prototype,
"The Society of the Cincinnati." I find "some account" of it
by Alex Johnston in volume 6, Historical Society of Pennsyl-
vania. Meeting to form society on banks of the Hudson (near
or at Newburgh), May 10, 1783.
A rough draft of proposals for the society was drawn up by
General Knox, April 15, 1783, at West Point; offered to the
meeting at Newburgh, May 10, referred to a committee -- Knox,
Hand, Huntington, and Captain Shaw, -- reported on the 13th
to an adjourned meeting and adopted as the constitution of the
order.
At the first general meeting of the order of the Cincinnati,
action was taken, abolishing (so far as that general meeting was
concerned) the hereditary principle and the power of electing
honorary members. At the general meeting in May 1784 the in-
stitution changing the rule of the order as to the hereditary fea-
ture and as to honorary members, was adopted -- twelve States
for it and one divided, viz., New York.
FREMONT, OHIO, February 8, 1885.
DEAR AUNTY D--: -- I send you the narrative of Massy Har-
beson. Keep it till I come down sometime. Coe's Station is
mentioned in it a number of times. I do not see any other book
that contains important mention of it. Your town was Taren-
tum, if I remember aright.
190 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES
I thought there were no Indian troubles on the Allegheny after
the close of the Revolutionary War in 1783. In this I was mis-
taken. They lasted some ten years later.
We found all well and glad to see us here. -- With best wishes
to yourself and Doctor.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES.
MRS. EILZA G. DAVIS,
Cincinnati.
February 9. Monday. -- All day at work on correspondence.
Read Holmes' article in Atlantic -- entertaining as always. "De-
terioration and Race Education," by Samuel Royce, contains
much food for reflection. Too much stress on "race," and yet
--Do races tend downwards after reaching a high civilization?
Personal.
FREMONT, February 10, 1885.
MY DEAR SIR: -- It will be somewhat inconvenient to attend
the dedication on the 21st instant. I had not intended, by rea-
son of other engagements, to be present. But seeing the promi-
nent place in the programme given to ex-Presidents, in view of my
active interest in the [Washington] Monument, and thinking of
what is due to the Father of his Country, I am not sure but I
ought to come. Please write me confidentially on the subject.
Will General Grant be present?
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES.
HONORABLE JOHN SHERMAN,
Washington, D. C.
SPIEGEL GROVE, February 10, 1885.
MY DEAR GENERAL: -- I want to mention a fact which I forgot
yesterday. (Confidentially.) The dedication of the Washington
Monument takes place February 21. I did not know all the facts
until this moment. The ex-Presidents have a place (prominent
NO DOUBT OF LOUISIANA VOTE 191
of course) in all parts of the programme. My engagement with
you is prior to that. I can well plead it for my absence. But
on reflection, possibly I ought to go to Washington. If so, can
the Toledo Loyal Legion postpone until [the] 28th their com-
ing here?
I think this is the whole case. I am sorry I had not seen the
programme at Washington when I phoned you yesterday.
"Same as before." Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES.
GENERAL J. M. COMLY.
February 12. Thursday.--I just sent to George T. Rock-
well, Kalamazoo, Michigan, who wanted an autograph sentiment,
the following:
"The capital defect of our public schools is too much teaching,
too little educating, and too little manual labor. The Spartan
rule was: 'Teach boys what they will practice when they become
men.'"
February 16. Monday.--I have just written to the District
Attorney of Dakota, Hon. Hugh Campbell, one of the Republi-
cans who stood by the Republican count in Louisiana in 1876,
(extract):--
"I have never had any doubt as to the legality or the fairness of
the final result in 1876. Garfield, Sherman, and other gentlemen
of high character, who visited Louisiana to observe the count,
personally assured me in the strongest terms that my equitable
as well as legal right to the vote of that State was beyond all
question. More than this, one of the ablest and most influential
Democrats in the country, who was perfectly familiar with the
inner history of the whole affair on the Democratic side, told
me that no intelligent or candid man of his party could claim
the election for the Democratic party if he conceded the validity
of the Fifteenth Amendment. Said he, 'If the negro vote is en-
titled to be considered, you should have had more States than
were counted for you.' No doubt this is true."
192 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES
Private.
FREMONT, OHIO, February 16, 1885.
MY DEAR SIR:--I am obliged for your letter. It gives me
the situation as I wanted to know it. Urgent private business
requires my presence here for the next ten days or two weeks.
I could only go to Washington in case the proprieties REQUIRE it.
I send you a short official declination. If anything occurs to
make it necessary for me to come, a dispatch will bring me to
Washington. It should reach me not later than Thursday noon.
With special thanks for your kind attention,
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES.
HONORABLE JOHN SHERMAN.
FREMONT, OHIO, February 16, 1885.
MY DEAR SIR:--I regret that it is not practicable for me to
accept the invitation to attend the ceremonies at the dedication
of the Washington Monument on the 21st instant.
When the work of the monument was resumed under the Act
of 1876, as a member of the commission in charge of it, I was
much interested in the plan for strengthening the foundation rec-
ommended by the engineer, General Casey, and have ever since
watched with deep solicitude the progress of the structure to-
wards completion. It is a pleasure to have an opportunity to
congratulate General Casey and his associates, that after so
many anxious years of devotion to their task, they are now
gladdened by the successful termination of their skilful and
hazardous labors.
The fame of Washington needs no monument. No work of
human hands can adequately illustrate his character and services.
His countrymen, however, wishing to manifest their admiration
and gratitude, a hundred years ago decided to build a monument
in honor of his deeds and virtues. Having undertaken the work
they could not neglect it or allow it to fail. The friends of lib-
erty and good government in all other lands will unite with patri-
THE WASHINGTON MONUMENT 193
otic Americans in rejoicing that a monument so fitting and majes-
tic has now been erected in memory of Washington.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES.
HONORABLE JOHN SHERMAN,
CHAIRMAN.
SPIEGEL GROVE, FREMONT, OHIO, February 16, 1885.
MY DEAR GUY:--The pecans have never come to hand. My
son Rud has undertaken to look them up. I am sorry you took
so much trouble with them. I intended to plant a number of
them, and see what could be done with them here.
We enjoyed the visit of the Texas colony, and am glad if they
found it homelike.
I am very busy just now. The long continued hard times
have brought embarrassment to two enterprises in which I am
interested, and for some time to come I must give their affairs
personal attention.
I do not apprehend serious embarrassment of my affairs, but
shall be somewhat straitened for a time.-- All well.
As ever, sincerely,
R. B. HAYES.
HONORABLE GUY M. BRYAN,
Texas.
February 22. Sunday.--Our church is substantially completed.
Cost about twenty thousand dollars. Amount actually collected
over nine thousand dollars. Due on subscriptions deemed good
about three thousand dollars. To be raised about eight thousand
dollars. The dedication ceremonies will be next Sunday. At that
time it is hoped that a considerable part of this will be raised.
Considering the hard times, the recent failure of the Harvester
Company, and the fact that the congregation embraces very few
wealthy people, I shall be content if we raise enough to reduce
our debt to five thousand dollars. I pay one-fourth of all that is
raised. The structure is a good one and quite equal in all re-
spects to my expectations.
13
194 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES
February 23. Monday.--I am vexed to find that our bank
still holds greatly too large an amount of paper that is substan-
tially one concern. . . . This debt has been carried along
with the notes of its partners several years. I was much dis-
turbed about it when [I] first learned of it after my return from
Washington. . . . I hope by careful attention the bank can
get out of it without serious loss. But I must keep my eye on
it and see that all is done that can now be done. There is dan-
ger.
February 24. Tuesday.--At noon today we got a dispatch
from our lawyer at Columbus, Honorable Richard A. Harrison,
that the Supreme Court sustains the constitutionality of the Sav-
ings Bank Law. This is a relief.
February 25. Wednesday. -- To Cleveland to attend a meeting
of the trustees of the Western Reserve University. The chief
business related to the Medical Department and the graduation
of over fifty young men. At Austin's found all in usual health.
In the afternoon I rode with him, Miss Mattie [Avery], and
Sister Fanny out to the powder mill to see a gas well recently
dug by Mr. Austin at an expense of some eleven hundred dollars.
He went down seven hundred feet and over. The first seventy
feet with an eight-inch pipe, the cost was two dollars per foot.
Cheaper afterwards as the pipe diminished. In the shale he
soon began to find gas. At three hundred to four hundred feet
he found perhaps the full supply he now has. Mr. Austin esti-
mates the heat of the supply he now has as worth or equal to two
tons of coal per day. This is a guess. The flame is several feet
high out of a two-inch pipe. How to put it out was a question.
By running the pipe up for several feet and removing a section
rapidly for several feet below the orifice the flame is cut off.
In the evening with Webb and the ladies to the riding school
and armory of the Troop. Fanny is delighted with riding. She
is full of life and spirit and as engaging and lovable as one can
wish. Dear girl!
February 27. Friday.--The new church being done the funeral
sermon of Father Israel Smith was preached in it (its first use)
and the remains carried in and out. The church was filled. The
NEW CHURCH COMPLETED 195
large congregation must have reached five or six hundred. The
church is in all respects satisfactory. Colors perhaps too garish
especially in the stained-glass windows. The aisles--the main
--are inconveniently narrow for taking in and out the coffin.
February 28. Saturday.--I will hand to the clergyman who
undertakes to raise the amount due the following: "In order to
provide for the whole debt of the church, General and Mrs.
Hayes will subscribe one-fourth of the amount due, provided
enough is raised from others to pay off the indebtedness. In
case a less sum is raised, they will subscribe one-fourth of the
total sum raised." Estimated amount of this subscription two
thousand one hundred dollars.
March 2. Monday. -- Our church meetings yesterday and last
evening were very successful. Rev. Dr. J. W. Hamilton of the
People's Church, Boston, preached twice, and presented the sub-
scription question to the congregation. He stated the debt at
eight thousand three hundred dollars and that he proposed to
raise eight thousand five hundred dollars. In the morning he
raised over seven thousand six hundred, and in the evening enough
more to make the total over nine thousand four hundred dollars!!
He was good-natured, graceful, patient, and sufficiently spirited
and humorous to keep the audience interested and amused, and
at the same time was free from buffoonery and objectionable
levity. Dr. Mather took a prominent part in it [the day's
services] and is receiving invitations and attentions of the friend-
liest sort.
FREMONT, March 3, 1885.
MY DEAR GUY:--The pecans, after three months, reached
here today in excellent condition. Lucy pronounced them the
finest she ever saw. Certainly they are fine. I shall plant some
of them.
We have had an unusually severe winter, and some business
failures that involve me somewhat. I am liable on the paper of
a harvester manufacturing company to the extent of thirty
thousand dollars. My total liability will be about thirty-five thou-
196 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES
sand. Of this I must pay about twelve to fifteen thousand. This
with my other debts will make the load too heavy for comfort.
But with economy and careful management I hope to pull through
without large sacrifices of property. Uncle subscribed for the
stock as a public-spirited citizen for the benefit of the community.
To carry out his views I become involved in it. It is now im-
portant to me, personally, to have an early return of good times.
I like the indications from the President elect. His letter on
the silver question is wise and bold. Indeed, I see nothing from
Cleveland that is not full of promise for good.
I expect to go to Atlanta during the month on the Slater edu-
cation business. It will be done, if the Senate adjourns in time.
I will [shall] be the guest of Governor Colquitt.
Lucy and all are in usual health.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES.
HONORABLE GUY M. BRYAN,
Texas.
March 4. Wednesday.--Inauguration day. I am pleased with
Cleveland, much better than a majority of his party seem to be.
His letter on the eighty-five-cent silver dollar is sensible and
well put. It is against the grounds taken by a majority of his
party. It is a sound and bold act. He appears to be faithful
to his committals on the subject of a reform of the civil service.
I am hopeful that he will prove a good Chief Magistrate.
SPIEGEL, March 5, 1885.
MY DARLING:--The death of Grim* has made us all mourn.
He was a great ornament to our home, and a comfort to all of
us. He was killed instantly by a train on the Lake Shore Rail-
road at Pease's crossing. He stood on the track evidently ex-
pecting the train to turn out for him. All teams turned out for
him; the whole county knew him and respected him. He was
a privileged character in every place. His head was taken clear
*"Our favorite dog--our greyhound, 'Grim.'"--Diary.
GREAT HOPES OF CLEVELAND 197
off--also his fore-leg. His remains will be buried when the
frost is out of the ground on cemetery point, by the side of "Old
Whitey" and "Old Ned." Some natural tears have been shed
over him, and you will be sad as your mother was and is.
Affectionately,
R.
MISS FANNY HAYES,
Cleveland.
FREMONT, OHIO, March 6, 1885.
MY DEAR COLONEL:--It would, I am sure, be a satisfaction
to your father if he could know how deep and universal the re-
joicing is among the people of all parties and descriptions that
Congress has at last yielded to the demand of the country, and
restored him to the army. I was at a meeting of the Grand
Army the evening that the news reached here. The manifesta-
tions of warm feeling were marked. All the comrades are with
him and for him in all that touches his comfort and happiness.
Mrs. Hayes joins me in special and hearty expressions of sym-
pathy with both your father and mother.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES.
COLONEL FRED D. GRANT,
New York.
FREMONT, OHIO, March 11, 1885.
MY DEAR SIR:--I am really surprised that you succeeded in
getting justice in the Louisiana matter. I was confident the
money paid would be reimbursed sometime, but I did not expect
it so soon.
We are all in usual health.--With best wishes,
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES.
HONORABLE JOHN SHERMAN,
Washington, D. C.
March 12. Thursday. -- My cousin, Sarah Moody Kilbourn,
died of paralysis this morning at 10 o'clock at Delaware. She
198 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES
would have been seventy-three in a few days. We go to the
funeral tomorrow. She lay speechless two weeks after the fatal
stroke. She probably was not conscious of her suffering, but
she moaned as if in pain a good deal of the time when she was
awake.
March 17. Tuesday. -- Returned from Delaware last evening.
Sarah Moody Kilbourn was buried Saturday. We visited at
Carrie Little's; dined with Jones.
March 20. Friday.--Today received a draft from the Treasury
Department for the amount expended by the commission sent to
Louisiana in 1877 to investigate the situation before withdrawing
the troops. When the bill was before the Senate first the ma-
jority would have passed it, but Conkling insisted on debate--
which would have lost important measures if persisted in. Now
Conkling is gone! Better still, Evarts is in his seat!
First bluebirds in grove today.
FREMONT, OHIO, March 21, 1885.
MY DEAR SIR: -- I have nothing yet from General Hawley about
coming to our dedication of the Soldiers' Monument next August.
Please give me your suggestion. We want to get him. Will it
do for me to write him again? By the way, what do I owe you?
I am now in condition to pay up with thanks.
The weather is wintry. Three days in succession below zero
since the middle of March.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES.
SENATOR JOHN SHERMAN.
March 23. Monday. -- Heard of the President's appointments
to England, France, etc., etc. I like Phelps, Pendleton, etc., etc.
The President is doing extremely well, and deserves the sup-
port so far of the people of all parties. I no doubt like him
better than the majority of those who elected him. He is sound
on the currency, the tariff, and the reform of the civil service.
GREAT HOPES OF CLEVELAND 199
March 26. Thursday.-The First National Bank of New York
sends a claim to Sherman for eight hundred dollars interest on
amount of Louisiana expenses 1877. The appropriation is for
the amount paid by me without interest. Sherman says I am not
bound to pay it. I reply.
FREMONT, OHIO, March 26, 1885.
MY DEAR SENATOR:--I am surprised at the letter of the bank.
Of course I had no personal knowledge as to the arrangement.
But I am clear as to the original understanding I had that they
would wait for the Government appropriation and look to it
alone. I was sure they were wrong to ask for it four years
ago. And now to ask interest seems preposterous.
But you know all the facts, and if you think I ought to lose it,
I will cheerfully acquiesce. Do precisely as you think ought to
be done. Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES.
HONORABLE JOHN SHERMAN,
FREMONT, OHIO, March 27, 1885.
MY DEAR SIR:--Enclosed I send you the amount named in
your letter. I am perfectly willing to add to it the interest. It
is gratifying to know that the bank takes the same view of the
case that we do.
I will write General Hawley again as soon as the Senate ad-
journs. -- I return you Baker's dispatch.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES.
HONORABLE JOHN SHERMAN.
FREMONT, OHIO, March 31, 1885.
MY DEAR SIR:--The closing up of the Louisiana matter is
very gratifying. The money is the smallest part of it. It is an
all-sufficient reply to the foolish "fraud" cry of the Sun and a
few other implacables in both parties.
There is a degree of uncertainty about the next election. The
chances for Republican success seem to be good. Assuming
200 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES
that you have no special aversion to running the risk of defeat
at the election, your true course is plain enough. Everybody
whose opinion you ought to care about wants you to continue
to be our Senator. They are really in earnest and solicitous
about it. You will, I think, have no competitor in the party.
In any event, your support by the Republicans is beyond question.
In my view you ought to remain in the Senate. I hope you
will see the situation as I do.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES.
HONORABLE JOHN SHERMAN.
April 1. Wednesday.--I think of forty-three years ago. The
birthday of Laura! All the family of that day gone except
myself, and the then just arrived infant. Mother, Fanny, Uncle
Bichard, Platt, Harriet Solace, Mrs. Warren, and Mrs. Kil-
bourn!
April 2. -- Went with Lucy to church. -- From there I went
to the high-school building and heard Professor Finley, of Akron,
read a fair paper on Thoreau. Thoreau was a man of gifts and
culture. Simple, sincere, and brave. But he failed in his duties.
He was not a good citizen, not a patriot; "never married, never
went to church, never voted, and never paid a tax," said Pro-
fessor Finley. To this I added, "and it is a satisfaction that he
did go to jail"! as he ought. This will do as a joke.
This morning prepared remarks to be read this afternoon be-
fore a home mission society.
In the evening attended the revival meeting of the Methodist
Episcopal church. These meetings have been held almost every
night for six or eight weeks. The accessions to the church are
over one hundred new converts, and perhaps forty or fifty others
who have been at some time members but who have discontinued
membership or attendance. The meetings will soon be discon-
tinued. This, to enable our pastor, Mr. Prentiss, to recover his
strength and to enable him to give attention to the general in-
terests of the church. The new members must be allowed to
settle down to plain duties as Christians. The excitement of
METHODIST REVIVAL SERVICES 201
their new situation must wear off and everyday life be resumed.
This seems to be the view of Mr. Prentiss.
The manner of the revival meetings is usually about this:
Precisely at the appointed hour, the bell having ceased to ring,
and the congregation being all seated and quiet, Mr. Prentiss
takes his stand in front of the desk, near the altar rail, and an-
nounces from a small revival hymn-book the hymn. Miss Ickes
at the small organ starts the tune. Mr. Prentiss who is a good
singer begins, with his left hand beating time and walking along
the platform, occupying in his walk ten or twelve feet in length
along near the altar-rail. He sings with an earnest, strong, and
good voice. The whole congregation rise and join in spirit.
There is generally a chorus that is repeated with increasing unc-
tion. "Bringing in the Sheaves" is a favorite hymn. Having
finished the first hymn, a second, a third, and [a] fourth im-
mediately follow. The whole house soon enters into the spirit
of it.
At the end of the fourth hymn Mr. Prentiss says, "Let us all
now kneel and invoke the Divine assistance." He kneels at the
altar-rail and in a short prayer, with much feeling, appeals for
the coming of the Spirit to each heart. He next reads from the
Scriptures--possibly with comments. Another hymn follows;
then a short sermon, urging the necessity of prompt surrender
or acceptance of the means of salvation. After the sermon he
asks all to come forward, "the old and young in years, the old
and young in Christ"; "and while we sing [he adds] let all who
desire Christ or the prayers of the church or who feel an interest
in their soul's salvation come forward and kneel at the altar."
He then, as the members move towards the altar-rail, the whole
congregation standing and singing, goes along the aisles and
urges those whom [who] he knows are thinking of joining the
church or those whom [who] he sees are deeply interested, to
come forward. One and another comes forward and kneels.
The example is contagious, and some evenings ten or fifteen
new "converts" are seen "seeking their Saviour."
Members are called on for short prayers. Singing and praying
continue twenty or thirty minutes. There is not much shouting,
not many spontaneous "amens," but there is an occasional "Thank
202 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES
God" or sigh or groan. Mr. Prentiss himself is apt to interject
frequently "Amen," "Thank God," "Yes," without regard to
the sense of the prayer, thus giving vent to his feelings as the
praying goes on. All the new converts are, while kneeling, en-
couraged by the older members who kneel by their sides, and
affectionately urge them to go on and adopt "the new life."
Ladies often pray in low sweet tones. There is nothing un-
seemly or boisterous. There is warm and deep emotion, with-
out demonstration. A subdued excitement pervades the assem-
bly. The converts are about equally male and female, young
and old. For the most part they are of the middle and poorer
classes.
When all have been talked with and recognized who come for-
ward as converts, Mr. Prentiss says, "You will all now return
to your places." A hymn, [a] prayer, the doxology, and a bene-
diction close the meeting.
April 3. Friday. -- Fanny came last night. Her mother and I
were in the library waiting for her. She is full of spirit--is
healthy and animated. Fine-looking and intellectual. With
sweet and very engaging manners.
April 4. Saturday. -- Clear and quiet -- one or two inches of
snow gives the grove a wintry appearance. About 1 P. M. I
went over to Toledo. . . . Met Mr. William Corlett at the
door, commander of Forsythe Post, G. A. R. This is the second
largest post in the State. They invited me some weeks ago to
spend an evening with them. I accepted with the understanding
that I was not to be expected to make an elaborate address,
merely an over hand [offhand], desultory talk. The time was
fixed for next Wednesday evening, April 8.
During the last few days the death of General Grant has been
regarded as likely to occur soon. Soldiers especially are thinking
of him and his sufferings constantly. If he dies I shall want to
attend his funeral. I therefore saw Commander Corlett to let
him know that I must be excused from the engagement for
Wednesday evening, in case General Grant dies before that time.
All this was arranged accordingly. . . .
Evening read Professor Fiske's "Cosmic Philosophy."
METHODIST REVIVAL SERVICES 203
FREMONT, OHIO, April 4, 1885.
MY DEAR SENATOR: -- I see it stated that General Grant wishes,
in case of death, to be buried at Washington.
It seems to me proper to attend the funeral wherever it is, and
if at Washington, I will come there. You will probably break
up in Washington before the funeral. Let me know as to the
hotel I should go to. I used to prefer the Ebbitt or the Riggs,
but I am not at all informed about them.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES.
HONORABLE JOHN SHERMAN,
Washington.
April 5. Sunday. -- We had a full church today--Easter day
-- a good sermon, taking the orthodox view of the resurrection.
My darling daughter Fanny and our good niece (cousin, in
fact), Adda S. Cook, when the call was made by Mr. Prentiss
for new members, went forward after several others had done
so, and stood at the altar while the congregation were singing
the closing hymn. I had no intimation of her purpose to do this.
Possibly, I would have preferred that she should wait until she
was more mature. She is now seventeen (was seventeen Sep-
tember 2) and is of good judgment, lovely disposition, and solid
character. I hope she will be true to her convictions of duty
and [I] have every reason to hope she will be so. With this
result, the step will not be a mistake. Dear girl! How I love
her. She resembles my mother rather more than my sister
Fanny or her own mother. But she has many of the best traits
of my wife and sister. She is a rare sunbeam in the house.
April 6. Monday.--Scott returns to his school at Green
Springs for one term longer tonight. Three months from now I
must decide for him again -- what to study next--where to go?
My inclination is to stop Greek, take German instead, and an
industrial training school, -- drawing, penmanship, and mechani-
cal instruction.
April 9. Thursday.--Last evening attended a crowded meeting
of Forsythe Post, G. A. R. and spoke an hour, quite acceptably,
204 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES
with much enjoyment to myself. Old soldiers are always an
inspiring audience. General Comly looks pale and delicate. With
Walbridge rode over the town of Toledo. It is growing; many
fine dwellings of recent style are going up.
April 10. Friday.--Forenoon engaged on my correspondence,
which still continues large. General Grant is easier; may live
some days. I would like to attend the Detroit organization of
the Loyal Legion for Michigan, but may not be able to do so.
It will be the 13th, Monday.
April 11. Saturday.--Attended the I. O. O. F. meeting last
evening, Croghan Lodge, Number 77. The new "work" adds to
the interest of the meetings and attracts a large attendance. In
spite of rain and mud some sixty or seventy were present. Men
naturally love dramatic representations, are fond of taking part
in them. The interest of these societies is largely dependent on
this tendency.
FREMONT, OHIO, April 11, 1885.
MY DEAR SIR: -- Your letter, inviting me to attend the memo-
rial services on the twentieth anniversary of the death of Abra-
ham Lincoln, at Springfield, Illinois, is before me.
Abraham Lincoln was the martyr of a stainless cause. It
was the cause of America--"the cradle of the future." It was
more. It was indeed the cause of all mankind. The triumph of
this cause, so good and so great, was due, under Providence,
more largely to Lincoln than to any other man. He was the
embodiment of its spirit, its principles, and its purposes. He
was the truest representative and the highest type of the plain
people whose courage, patience, and faith, in the army and at
home, won the victory.
With each passing year, the unmeasured greatness and the
priceless value of the work of which he was the leader becomes
more clear. The twentieth anniversary of the appalling event
which closed that momentous struggle, the great American Con-
flict, finds the world able to see Lincoln and his deeds with a
larger and wiser appreciation than ever before. Every anni-
LINCOLN'S GREATNESS 205
versary, to the end of time, of the event you now commemorate,
will surely bring to Lincoln, to his character and to the results of
his life, the increased esteem, admiration, and gratitude of all
civilized men.
Regretting that I cannot take part with you in the celebration,
I remain,
Sincerely,
[Unidentified.] R. B. HAYES.
April 12, 1885. -- Twenty-seven young persons were baptized
this forenoon in the First Methodist Episcopal church of Fre-
mont. Mr. Prentiss was so liberal as to the "sacrament" that
one doubts its importance. Three modes spoken of, immersion,
sprinkling, and pouring.
Read Cross' first volume of George Eliot. He allows her to
tell her own story by a judicious selection and arrangement of
extracts from her correspondence.
April 13.--General Grant had a bad day and night again
after a considerable improvement Saturday.
April 14. Tuesday. -- I start this morning, 9:30, for Chicago
to attend as a member of the fifth congress of the Loyal Legion.
Chicago, April 15. Wednesday. -- Colonel Bell, of Toledo, got
in the train at Toledo. A pleasant trip; in the afternoon a snow-
storm; was met about 8 P. M. at Lake Shore depot by Colonel
Corbin, and taken to the Leland House. After dressing attended
the opera "Aida"--Patti. In the box of the president of the
Musical Society, Mr. Peck, with Mme. Nevada, Dr. Palmer, and
others. Met also Dr. Nixon, my old secretary Busby, and many
other acquaintances. The great enjoyment was the audience,
said to be the largest ever in the world at an opera, -- six thou-
sand five hundred seated and--
April 16. Thursday. -- The Congress of the Loyal Legion met
in the parlor of the Pacific Hotel. I was chosen president,
Major Nicholson, secretary. It was opened with prayer by the
editor of the Northwestern Christian Advocate. The minutes
were quite voluminous, and on motion were read only by ex-
206 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES
tracts. A committee on constitutional amendments, in the lan-
guage of the resolution to the same effect at the fourth con-
gress, the last before this, was raised, one from each com-
mandery. I called on the commanderies to name their committee-
men. A world of amendments were proposed and sent to the
committee without being read in the hearing of the congress.
The general sentiment is extremely conservative. No radical or
important amendment is likely to pass the committee or the
congress. I favor a number of amendments.
1. To strike out the primogeniture feature and adopt the
American principle -- descent to all the sons. This makes them
"eligible" alike.
2. Make non-commissioned officers and privates eligible
(either generally or to a number not exceeding in any com-
mandery the number of the commissioned officers).
3. Make eligible to second-class membership the sons of offi-
cers who were eligible, but who died before becoming members.
4. I wish to secure authority to make members-at-large--
Bickham and Devereux.
I do not expect the first two to be received with favor. The
last two I hope will be adopted.
Our banquet last night was an exceedingly fine affair. The
singing was enthusiastic and stirring. Almost all "tramped"
around the room among the tables emphasizing the song, "Tramp,
tramp, tramp, the boys are marching." This after the regular
programme was gone through with. The speeches were short
and well put. The best were by Lambert, of Philadelphia, Duf-
field, of Detroit, and Kemper, of Cincinnati. I responded briefly
in a well-received speech of three or four minutes. It was
a mistake that I did not speak longer. I alluded to the contribu-
tion of Illinois to the good cause, and a strong sentence or two
named Lincoln and Grant. I had it in mind to touch briefly on
their character and careers. It was a mistake not to do it. But
I am so averse to long speeches, that I struck for the merit of
brevity, as I usually do. They gave me a rousing cheer, long
continued, as I rose; were responsive all through, and at the
close gave three rattling cheers.
The distinctive features were: 1. Only a few short speeches.
LOYAL LEGION CONGRESS 207
2. The old army calls by bugle and drum. 3. The band played
familiar army tunes in a way to start spontaneous singing of the
best soldier songs. 4. The marching, "Tramp, tramp."
Today we finished by one o'clock P. M., the business of the
congress and adjourned sine die. At the closing, after the
resolutions of thanks, as presiding officer, I made a short off-
hand speech, which easily warmed up into a talk, which the
congress directed to be printed and sent to all the com-
manderies. I must see to the revision. It was taken down by a
shorthand reporter. Three things besides the amendment and
improvement of the constitution were done which interested me;
1. The sons of men, entitled to be members who died without
becoming such, are eligible.
2. The election at large of Bickham and Devereux.
3. The Commandery-in-Chief to be organized this year on
the call of General Hancock at Philadelphia.
LELAND HOTEL, CHICAGO, April 16, Thursday, 1885.
MY DARLING:--I arrived on time in a heavy snow-storm,
after an agreeable trip, and was met at the station by Colonel
Corbin, and in less than half an hour was on my way to the
opera. The attraction was Patti, and the great hall, and espe-
cially "the largest audience that ever attended an opera in the
world." I borrow the Chicago boast. Surely, it was the largest
and most brilliant spectacle of the sort I ever saw. I was put
in the box with Mme. Nevada, the popular favorite of the day
here. She was natural, agreeable, and chatty. I also talked in
another box with Mrs. MacVeagh and ever so many other
friends of yours. Senator Manderson showered on you the
Washington compliments he was "constantly" hearing from
everybody in Washington.
Our Loyal Legion has had its first business meetings, and the
banquet given to the congress by the Chicago companions.
Nothing could have been better than the latter. My personal
reception as the president of the congress was and is exceedingly
partial.
208 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES
I have visited the Gettysburg panorama twice. It is the great
spectacle of the city. I agree with the boast, "the finest battle
picture in the world."
I have called nowhere yet. Mrs. Jewett will be the first person
to be seen, and after that others if I have time. Tonight the
reception to the Loyal Legion at Mr. George W. Smith's claims
attention.
Our business is likely to be concluded tomorrow -- possibly
today. I expect to start for home Saturday -- reaching there
at the evening 7 o'clock arrival on the Lake Shore.
I am very glad I came. All the circumstances are agreeable.
You have no idea how much you are counted on in all these
affairs. I have seen several gentlemen who entertained you or
were at entertainments for you when you last visited Chicago.
With love to Adda, remembrances to the girls, Lizzy and
Hattie, and "s'much" for yourself,
Affectionately,
RUTHERFORD.
MRS. HAYES.
April 24. Friday.--At night attended anniversary of I. O. O.
F. and Daughters of Rebecca. Talked acceptably on Burns and
education. Told how Schuyler Colfax passed as Speaker in
five minutes a bill reviving the postal service in the South. A
bill that would have consumed hours in the reading was passed
by Mr. Colfax without untying the roll. An endorsement by
the House of its confidence in the integrity, ability, and industry
of the Speaker. It was known that he had thoroughly examined
the bill and knew that it was not only right in principle and de-
tail but also that no member would wish to object to it if he
understood it.
April 29. Wednesday.--Rev. Mr. Bingley came up to the
house without overcoat or baggage; introduced himself as one
of Father Taylor's missionaries recently from Panama. A
singular, simple being from Massachusetts, born near Boston.
Staid all day and in the evening went to the prayer-meeting;
made a short talk.
LOYAL LEGION CONGRESS 209
May 3. Sunday.--Heard Mr. Gascoigne, of Oak Harbor,
preach in the morning. A sermon like a song should have one
leading idea and only one. The crowding a sermon with dif-
ferent topics of equal importance, not specially related to each
other, confuses and weakens the impression. Attacks on special
amusements or social customs are out of place in the pulpit.
Whatever is objectionable will be included in the sinfulness in
what is unchristian in life and conduct.
May 5. Tuesday. -- Read Scott's "Napoleon" -- the campaign
to Moscow. Examined the report of Dr. Haygood carefully. He
has been misled in some of his statistics by the omission of note
or mem. showing that in the Pacific division of States Chinese,
etc., are included in the "colored." I must write to him.
May 11. Monday. -- With Colonel Haynes received the report
of the directors of the Fremont Harvester Company. Agreed
to report to the committee of the stockholders, that each man
must arrange for the settlement of his liability.
May 14. Thursday.--In the evening met with the committee of
the stockholders of the Harvester Company and as special com-
mittee (Haynes and myself) reported the situation to the gen-
eral committee. After a full and intelligent discussion, it was
resolved on my motion to request a meeting with the directors
of the company with a view to the adoption of a plan for the
settlement of the liability of the stockholders. The only sugges-
tion was Mr. Amsden's, viz., that the liability be paid in six,
twelve, and eighteen months.
May 17. Sunday.--I go to New York tomorrow to attend
the meeting of the Slater Board. We have invited Governor
Thompson, of South Carolina, Mr. Orr, of Georgia, Dr. Curry,
and General Armstrong to meet with us. How best to do the
work in hand, is the question.
After my return my first duty is to speak at Ripley at the
unveiling of a soldiers' monument on Memorial Day. I must
dwell on the fruits of the war--what we have gained, what
the world has gained, by the war.
14
210 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES
No monuments are built for the mere warrior. Napoleon is
not admired or loved--the greatest soldier in history; but the
private in the great war which gained the United States of
America, whose fruit is the American Republic, will be gratefully
remembered and admired forever.
I will venture also to repeat again some part of the argument
in favor of aid by the Nation to education in the South; to com-
plete and secure the victory gained by the Union arms. The
measure is in no sense partisan; it is in no sense sectional. Both
of the National Conventions declared in substance in favor of
it last year.
In Mr. Cleveland's Cabinet three were members of the Senate
when the vote was taken. (See Congressional Record of April 8,
1884). Garland and Lamar were for the bill; one, Bayard, was
against it on legal or constitutional grounds. A majority of the
Northern Senators were for the bill; a majority of the Southern
Senators were for it. A majority of the Democrats were for it;
a majority of the Republicans were for it.
May 18. Monday. -- More monuments have already been
built in honor of the heroes of our War for the Union than
have been erected in memory of any other war recorded in his-
tory; and before a century passes more monuments having their
origin in our war will have been erected than for all the other
wars of all the world in all time.
Took the 11:25 A. M. train East. Soon met ex-Governor
Cullom, now Senator from Illinois, destined for New York to
attend a meeting on interstate commerce. Met afterwards Cap-
tain DeBus, Loyal Legion, of Cincinnati; also Colonel Pond, of
Rochester. An interesting trip. Much entertained with war
stories by Colonel Pond and DeBus, and a general posting up
in political life at Washington, and the struggle for Senator in
Illinois. Cullom fears bribery of Republican members from
Chicago will lose Logan the seat.
May 19. Tuesday.--Reached Fifth Avenue Hotel at 10:30
A. M. Met and lunched with Senator Pratt and Senator Harris
of the Senate committee. Mr. Dawson (N. E.), stenographer,
SLATER BOARD MEETING 211
called; formerly with McCrary, Secretary of War, now with the
committee [and] asked for by General Grant. Very civil.
May 20. Wednesday. -- The Slater Board met at nine A. M.
Chief Justice Waite, President Gilman, William E. Dodge, Mr.
Stuart, Morris K. Jesup, Dr. Haygood, and myself. With us
as guests and advisors, Gustavus L. Orr, school commissioner of
Georgia, and Dr. J. L. M. Curry, of the Peabody Board.
Dr. Haygood opened with prayer. I read letters from the
absent -- Slater, Brooks, and Boyce. No word from Senator
Colquitt. The minutes of the January meeting read. Dr. Hay-
good read extracts from his printed report. All excellent. Also
his report on education in Georgia. After this, letters from Gen-
eral Armstrong and President Ware, of Atlanta, were read. Mr.
Jesup read the financial report. Our investments are all above
par but one first mortgage of Nickel Plate--one hundred thou-
sand dollars--which is 76. Our securties are now worth one
million eighty thousand dollars--eighty thousand dollars more
than the original amount.
About 1 P. M., the Chief Justice and I called on General
Grant. He was alone and we were admitted at once. He was
dressed as usual, except he wore slippers and an invalid's black
silk cap. His hands were thinner than formerly but his face
was full and fresh. His voice was a little thick and utterance
difficult. He was cheerful, bright, and smiled often pleasantly.
He said he was able to do more work than if he was well. If
well, he would read and investigate for himself, giving much
time to it. Now his sons did the reading, and he dictated to a
stenographer. He said he had just changed stenographers. Now
he has Mr. Dawson, formerly with Secretary McCrary. He
can now do four times as much as he usually did when well.
All the ladies out riding. He sent his regards to Mrs. Hayes;
inquired about her. Same as to Mrs. Waite. When we left
he said he was glad we had called before the doctors came,
that he was expecting them soon, and "they will tear me all to
pieces," he said. He walked a little lame, not so lame, he said,
as he had been, "but I will always be lame," he said. He was
in his room in the second story, Number 3, Sixty-sixth Street
212 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES
east of Central Park. He accompanied us to the stairs. He
shook hands. Nothing was said, but I left him with a feeling
that this was our last meeting! I am sure he is happy notwith-
standing he sees the end so near. He has lived to see how
strong a hold he has on the hearts of his countrymen.
SPIEGEL GROVE, May 23, 1885.
DEAR AUNTY DAVIS:--Your letter to Lucy about the project
for reviving Wesleyan College by an endowment of fifty thou-
sand dollars came during the absence of both Rutherford and
myself. It did not reach Lucy until Tuesday--after the time
when you wanted the dispatch. Hence, in the absence of the
clerk, no reply has been made.
Lucy feels a warm interest in the dear old college and is in
full sympathy with those who wish to aid it. I will be in Cin-
cinnati next week, and on talking it over, will decide as to
her subscription. Very likely she will do what you have done.
She certainly would, but for the heavy failure of our chief man-
ufacturing company--"the Harvester Works"--which is a
temporary embarrassment in my affairs, throwing upon [me]
the unlooked for payment of ten to fifteen thousand dollars im-
mediately.
With all good wishes, sincerely,
R. B. HAYES.
MRS. ELIZA G. DAVIS,
Cincinnati.
May 25. Monday.--Yesterday Rev. Dr. Bushnell preached
an excellent discourse to the G. A. R. post at the Presbyterian
church. Our post is divided. A saloon-keeper, Captain "Tony"
Young, was last winter elected commander. The drinking ele-
ment came fully into power in the post. The "better element"
seceded. An ugly contest is going on. The seceders want an-
other post. They are opposed by those they left. I still stay
with General Buckland and a few other law-and-order people in
the old post. The seceders are mostly Republicans; many of
THE OMAHA SALOON EPISODE 213
them are temperance people. It is a sad business in our little
circle. I do not see how we are to heal the trouble.
May 26. Tuesday -- I am abused as the owner of property
used for a saloon in Omaha,--of which I know nothing. My
reply to the editor who writes to me is as follows:--
Private.
FREMONT, May 26, 1885.
DEAR SIR: -- Your note of yesterday in relation to the report
that I am renting property in Omaha for saloon purposes is
before me.
I own real estate in Omaha in partnership with General R. P.
Buckland, of this town. General Buckland has had the whole
charge of the lots as [to] leasing, selling, paying taxes, etc.,
etc. He is a consistent temperance man and would
not knowingly rent property for selling liquor. He has
done the business through an agent, Mr. Byron Reed, of Omaha.
I have supposed he was a good citizen and an upright man, and
have never for a moment suspected that the property would be
used as here reported until this affair was brought to my notice.
I have directed, or rather requested, General Buckland to look
into it and to put an end to the cause of complaint as soon as
possible. You will no doubt believe me when I say that I would
not knowingly rent property for a saloon. General Buckland
did not suspect it until I called his attention to it.
As to the use of my name or authority: I do not deny or ex-
plain untruths about me. The reason is obvious. If I did, the
failure to deny in any case would be an admission in that case of
its truth, and I would be kept busy making denials. I give you
the facts and refer you to General Buckland, of this town. You
will therefore deal with the matter without quoting me as au-
thority and thereby oblige,
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES.
W. H. H. BARTRAUS,
EDITOR XVI Amendment,
Buffalo.
214 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES
Private.
FREMONT, May 27, 1885.
MY DEAR GENERAL:--I received yesterday a paper with a
paragraph as to the liquor selling on my property in Omaha. I
wish you to know the facts--not for publication but for your
own eye. I was greatly surprised when the matter was men-
tioned. I would not knowingly allow my property to be so used,
and [I] knew that my partner, General Buckland, had this feel-
ing. He has had the sole charge of leasing, selling, paying taxes,
and attending to our lots. Under ordinary circumstances there
would be no difficulty. But he is now in very feeble health, is
perhaps seventy-three or seventy-four years old, and is in great
distress about his wife's mental condition. I want to make him
as little trouble as practicable in this business. I want you to
give me the facts and also the remedy.
General Buckland is an excellent man and on his discretion
and judgment I would ordinarily rely.
Sincerely,
GENERAL CHARLES F. MANDERSON, R. B. HAYES.
May 28. Thursday. -- Touching the Omaha affair, the Chi-
cago News gives the interview with Manderson with substantial
correctness. It is obvious that the case was one of entire igno-
rance on my part as to what my partner and agent had done. If
the laws of Nebraska are what they should be the lease can be
declared void.
323 ELM STREET, CINCINNATI, May 31, 1885.
MY DARLING: -- Just from church where we heard a good talk
on the heart in the usual sense--not in the forced sense of our
Lima friend.
I was on both sides of the question of your presence yester-
day at [the unveiling of the Soldiers' Monument at] Ripley. Old
soldiers of all of our regiments were so cordial [and] many
things [were] so beautiful and gratifying, that I was sorry you
RIPLEY SOLDIERS' MONUMENT 215
and Fanny could not enjoy it with me. But just at the crisis the
showers came furiously and broke up the meeting. We after-
wards spoke in the Methodist church in town. I was in excel-
lent trim -- got along well -- shook hands with a great multitude
of old comrades and others. On returning this (Sunday) morn-
ing, I came to Aunty Davis', and shall be here until Tuesday or
Wednesday, when I will go to the Burnet House and thence to
Cleveland, and home about Friday.
General Cox can't deliver our address at the unveiling. Let
Rud see Haynes and Buckland and ask if I shall [ask] General
Leggett and write me at the Burnet House.
Harriet [Herron] is well, but bored dreadfully with her visi-
tors of the Presbyterian Church Assembly.
Sunday afternoon I rode with Dr. Davis to Mount Auburn,
Walnut Hills, and Eden Park, visiting patients. We passed the
corner where Fanny was born eighteen years ago (!) next Sep-
tember. Blocks are built in front of it, and it is now in a city
neighborhood, but the old house, nearly hidden by new buildings,
still stands.
The doctor looks well, but age begins to tell, and he begins
to feel that the time has come for him to retire from his pro-
fessional practice. I hope he will decide to do so. He is in a
good financial condition and the presidency of his insurance
company is open to him. . . .
Affectionately,
R.
MRS. HAYES.
Cincinnati, June 2. At Dr. John Davis'.--I reached Ripley
[by boat] about 9 or 10 A. M., Memorial Day, Saturday, May
30. General C. H. Grosvenor, wife, and child were on the boat.
General Grosvenor and I were the speakers at the unveiling of
the Soldiers' Monument in the cemetery. We were escorted by
G. A. R. veterans and a military company and band from the
landing to the house of Mr. Galbreath, a banker of Ripley. The
marshal was Captain Boyd, formerly of my command, Thirty-
fourth Ohio. I met many gentlemen of the vicinity: Rev. Dr.
216 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES
Stevenson, President of the Methodist Episcopal institution at
Augusta, Kentucky, two ex-members (Democrats) of the Legis-
lature from Brown County, who knew me when I was governor,
and a large number of soldiers of the old Kanawha Division--
Twelfth, Thirty-fourth, Ninety-first, etc., -- all so cordial and
brotherly.
One of the ex-representatives told this "to illustrate the
shrewdness of women in public life." He said, "I told my wife
when I got home that I had been to a reception by Mrs.
Governor ---. She is an intelligent and accomplished lady but
not at all handsome. She selected to receive with her three or
four very plain-looking women. She was really fine-looking by
comparison with those who received with her. When Mrs.
Hayes had her receptions, she always had the ladies of the best
appearance she could find to receive with her; but she is so hand-
some that she always outshone the others."
Just as speaking was to begin at the unveiling of the monu-
ment a thunder-storm burst upon us violently. We retreated to
the town. Soon after in a church (Methodist Episcopal) we
shot off our speeches. I was a little cramped for time but on
the whole got on satisfactorily. In the evening we returned on
the St. Lawrence to Cincinnati after a good time in spite of
the rain. We breakfasted on the boat and I came to Dr. Davis'.
Here are Mrs. Nordhoff, Miss Marie Thompson, of Washington,
and this good family. Never were better people, or more hos-
pitable hosts than Dr. and Mrs. Davis. . . .
I have visited John W. and Mrs. Herron, my oldest friends,
and dearest. Will go to the Burnet House sometime today. The
installation as commander of the Loyal Legion will take place
tomorrow evening. [I shall say in substance: --]
"This is my third election to the place. All know how much I
value the services we rendered together during those long,
anxious, critical but golden years from 1861 to 1865. Tested
by its results it is the greatest war of all history. America was
indeed the cradle of the future. In great peril, our Republic
and our America might have been destroyed and would have been
destroyed but for the work we did. After that work, it no
longer was a cradle -- it was no longer a possibility; it became
LOYAL LEGION QUALITY 217
a probability; with wisdom and moderation it became a cer-
tainty, and that certainty was and is that America is the im-
pregnable fortress of whatever is best in the world, in govern-
ment, in society, and in civilization.
"Our society, the most permanent of all soldier organizations,
stands on this matchless service as its origin, its foundation, and
its reason for being. It also perpetuates all that is dearest and
most tender and most precious in our past lives and transmits
what it is possible to transmit to our children of that which
is best in our lives and deeds. I value above all price your kind-
ness in permitting me to be so honorably associated with you."
June 6. Saturday.--I returned from Cincinnati Thursday
with Jack Herron. Rev. E. C. Gavitt preached in our church
this afternoon. He is a pioneer of Methodism in this region.
He preached here in 1828! I bought his book "Crumbs from
my Saddlebags."
June 11. Thursday.--My young friend Edward W. Bok
is worried about the Omaha slander. It still is true that the best
acts of a man's life bring him the most abuse. The exclusion of
wine from the White House is at the bottom of three-fourths of
all the lies that are now told about me. I must let General Buck-
land write young Bok in substance:--
1. That I had nothing to do with the management or leasing
of the Omaha lots.
2. That we did not know that the ground was used for saloon
purposes, and that we would not have rented it for such pur-
poses.
3. That when we heard the charge that our lots were so
used, we got out of it as soon as the law permitted and now own
no lots which are used for saloon purposes.
4. That the lots were vacant when we bought them, that we
have owned no buildings in Omaha, that we leased ground only.
June 13. Saturday.--Rode with Rev. Dr. E. Bushnell in
my buggy to Green Spring to attend a meeting of the trustees of
Green Spring Academy. . . . Academy is in a bad way.
The man is not yet found. The Spring House has found the
man, Dr. Marshall, and is doing well.
218 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES
June 20. Saturday.--Returned last evening with Fanny
and Mrs. Dr. John A. Little from Delaware. We went down
Monday morning. I got to the meeting of the trustees of the
Ohio Wesleyan University just in time to be introduced with
the other new members. A body of thirty--sensible, and with
correct views and purposes. I was with Fanny the guest of
Mrs. Little, the widow of my college chum, John A. Little. A
happy week for both of us. Fanny's first week "in society."
At commencement I got off a rapid talk on the educational
question of the hour, viz., industrial education. My proposition
was that between the age of fourteen and the age of leaving
school or colleges five to ten hours a week should be given to
manual labor under the instruction of a skilful teacher.
SPIEGEL, FREMONT, June 22, 1885.
MY DEAR FRIEND: -- It is always a glad day when I get your
words. You may be sure that silence is construed as you would
wish. My constant fear about you is too much hard work. I
would not add a feather's weight to the load you so recklessly
pile upon yourself.
Your Hammond paper is so good that if I did not know
how successfully you deal with affairs of business and politics,
I would say your forte is as a historian and biographer.
We are all as we were. The failure of our Harvester Com-
pany here and no sale for real estate involves me temporarily
in financial perplexities, but it will all come right, no doubt,
with better times. I still hammer away at my hobbies -- educa-
tion at the South, industrial education, the Peabody and Slater
work, and the like.
No doubt Providence will simmer down and clarify the chaos
of capital and labor which now looks so alarming. But we
naturally want to help Providence. Without any fanaticism, I
hope, it seems to me that to educate all to work with skill with
eyes and hands is the way out. If not that, it, at least, will
lend much needed help to the right side of many a critical ques-
tion. So, I pronounce on this and kindred topics. At Delaware
(the commencement) I gave a boost to the cause. Our old
MANUAL TRAINING ESSENTIAL 219
friend, General Cowen, complimented me by saying that I had
tread [trod] on more toes and harder than anybody who ever
spoke at Delaware. "But," said he, "you are right. I agree
with you from top to bottom."
You are rich enough to quit the severer toil. Now do. I
shall be at home all summer. Give us a Sunday and a week be-
fore and after.
Mrs. Hayes and I unite in best wishes to Mrs. S. and you.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES.
P. S. -- I think of Cleveland as you do, and am glad you are
so favorably impressed with him.--H.
HONORABLE WILLIAM HENRY SMITH.
June 25. Thursday. -- Birch came last evening and staid all
night. He says a bright young German Democrat, lately clerk
of the courts in Ottawa County, told him that after visiting the
exposition in New Orleans he travelled through Alabama and
Mississippi and is now satisfied that neither Tilden in 1876 nor
Cleveland in 1884 were elected. The suppression of the colored
vote no doubt deprives the Republicans of five certain States,
viz., South Carolina, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, and Louis-
iana, and of two which would probably be with them, viz., North
Carolina and Virginia.
June 27. Saturday.--My old friend Judge Matthews dis-
patches me that he will spend Sunday with me. As judge of
the Supreme Court he is holding court at Cleveland. It will
be a most welcome visit.
When about to talk on the war I like to read Lincoln's pun-
gent sentences. Only ten sentences in the Gettysburg speech.
Shorter than an ordinary family letter. But all gold--imper-
ishable gold! Eternal, enduring as truth.
In his message he says, "We cannot escape history." "We
shall nobly save or meanly lose the last, best hope of
earth."
220 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES
June 28. Sunday.--Judge Matthews looks very well. He
talks cheerfully. His wife's death last January has left its sor-
rowing impress on him. But he is genial and interesting as of
old and always.
Touching the World's slander by Crawford, these are the
facts:--The charge is that in 1880, when Garfield went East,
Jay Gould required as a condition of his contributing one hun-
dred thousand dollars or one hundred and fifty thousand dollars
to the campaign fund the written pledge of Garfield that he
would appoint Matthews Supreme Judge in place of Swayne.
This does not necessarily implicate Matthews in the corrupt bar-
gain. But it is not true. It is absurd. It was perfectly well
known that Swayne would resign during the term of Hayes
and that he would appoint Matthews to the vacancy. There
is a belief, however, among newspaper men at Washington that
the story is founded in fact, viz., that Gould got a pledge that
Garfield would appoint some one, presumably Dillon, in place
of Hunt, then a paralytic and likely to be retired by Act of
Congress, and that the written pledge is or was in the hands of
Whitelaw Reid. It could not have been foreseen in August 1880
that Matthews would be nominated by Hayes to fill Swayne's
place and that the nomination would fail to be acted on, and the
appointment be renewed by Garfield in the spring of 1881.
June 29. Monday. -- Judge Matthews left this morning after
a very gratifying visit (to us at least) from him of two nights.
He looks well and is capable of his best work. He will dis-
tinguish himself as a member of the Supreme Court. Indeed,
already he has taken high rank. Many who opposed his ap-
pointment now admit their mistake. Even Senator Edmunds
is now satisfied that great injustics was done to Matthews in the
attacks made on him in 1881 in the Senate and by the press.
July 5. Sunday. -- I am now beginning the invitations and
correspondence required for our celebration of the unveiling of
the Soldiers' Monument, August 1. It will occupy me largely
for a few weeks.
APPOINTMENT OF MATTHEWS 221
FREMONT, OHIO, July 7, 1885.
MY DEAR GENERAL:--We are all disappointed. We counted
on having Mrs. Force and Horton with yourself at our home
during some time this summer. We are in good condition. The
Green Springs and the islands are more accessible from here than
ever before. Neat little excursion steamers run from here often.
No one can feel more than we do the rapidly narrowing of the
circle of those near and dear. Our life at Washington led us
to know rather aged people. They are going -- going.
You make a noble trip [abroad]. I envy you the chance.
We wish you a happy time and safe return. The letter from
Grant is indeed a treasure.
With all regards to Mrs. Force and yourself from all here.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES.
GENERAL M. F. FORCE.
July 8. Wednesday. -- Professor Orton, of the Ohio Uni-
versity, dined with us today. As one of the State geologists, he
is much interested in our quarries and in the gas well. The
gas has increased since at a little more than thirteen hundred
feet the Trenton limestone was struck, but there is not yet enough
to insure a useful quantity. In talking of the prospect of gas
as a substitute for coal, Professor Orton does not think enough
will be found. None is found at Wooster, Bucyrus, and many
other places. Findlay will perhaps use gas as the chief supply
of fuel. No other point as yet is likely to do so.
July 15. Wednesday. -- Heavy showers early in the morning
with thunder and lightning of unusual sort. At fifteen minutes
before six this morning we heard a loud sharp crack of thunder.
Lucy said, "That struck one of the oaks near the house." I
thought it was probably a quarter or half a mile distant. It turned
out that one of the largest white oaks in the orchard, about one
hundred yards west of the house, was struck and torn in a
most wonderful way. The tree is three to four feet in diameter;
was broken off about thirty or forty feet from the ground. The
tree below was split about through the centre down to the
222 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES
ground. The upper part of the tree fell into the cleft, the butt
projecting twenty-five or thirty feet on one side and the rest
of the top on the other. It remains caught in the cleft perhaps
fifteen or twenty feet up. Fragments of the tree were thrown
one hundred to one hundred and fifty feet in all directions. A
piece of bark, forty feet long and almost two feet broad, was
thrown southwest forty feet.
FREMONT, OHIO, July 21, 1885.
MY DEAR SIR:--I am very glad you are coming [for the un-
veiling of the Soldiers' Monument]. It will be an especial grati-
fication to all of us. You will stay with us, with Mamie, several
days we hope. Cannot Mrs. Sherman come also?
All looks well for the affair. Senator Payne and Foraker will
probably be with us. Kennedy, Generals Morgan, Gibson, Cox,
Robinson, etc., etc., have accepted definitely.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES.
HONORABLE JOHN SHERMAN,
Mansfield, Ohio.
FREMONT, OHIO, July 23, 1885.
MY DEAR S--:--I have your most interesting letter. The
question you ask is new in form, but not in substance. I have
often considered your fitness for the [historical] work you out-
line. I mean for such a work. Your talents, training, and work
all tend that way. In short--I must be short, my hands are
full, -- I am very glad indeed you have the task in mind. By
all means nurse it -- let it grow--give the country the benefit
of it. It will give you a great reputation.
I will try to write something for the unveiling. I have just
written for a Loyal Legion meeting at Cincinnati tomorrow eve-
ning the enclosed (a copy). -- I expect to go East to the funeral
[of General Grant].
With all regard. Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES.
HONORABLE WILLIAM HENRY SMITH.
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