CHAPTER XLIII
THE DEATH OF GENERAL GRANT -- ACTION IN BEHALF OF
NATIONAL MONUMENT -- REUNION OF OLD REGIMENT
-- REGRETS CONTINUED WAVING OF "BLOODY SHIRT"
-- FORAKER ELECTED GOVERNOR -- DEATH OF HEN-
DRICKS -- DANGERS OF VAST FORTUNES -- 1885-1886
JULY 23. Thursday.--I have just heard "General Grant
died at 8 A. M. this morning." I sent to N. E. Dawson,
Mount McGregor, New York: "Please assure Mrs. Grant and
the sorrowing family of the deep sympathy of Mrs. Hayes and
myself. I wish to attend the funeral. Advise me of the ar-
rangements.--R. B. Hayes."
FREMONT, OHIO, July 23, 1885.
MY DEAR SIR: -- I am sorry I cannot attend the special meet-
ing of the Ohio Commandery of the Loyal Legion at Cincin-
nati tomorrow evening.
You did well to call the meeting. General Grant was the
most illustrious member of our society. As long as the annals
of our Republic last, he will be known and honored throughout
the world. He was the most illustrious soldier of the sacred
cause of Liberty and Union.
The first large army of [the] Rebellion which laid down its
arms surrendered to Grant at Fort Donelson. The veteran army
of Lee--the last hope of the Confederacy--gave Grant at the
Appomattox the decisive and crowning victory of the war.
The two most formidable strongholds of the Rebels--one in
the West which dominated the Mississippi River, the other in
the East where it menaced the safety of our Capital, and held
at once the life and the government of the adversary--both
yielded to our matchless commander.
With Donelson, with Shiloh, with Vicksburg, with Mission
Ridge, with Richmond, and with Appomattox on the list of his
(223)
224 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES
achievements, no soldier will fail to see that the military fame of
General Grant stands on the solid rock of great results.
As a patriot he was prompt wise and sagacious. Read the
enclosed letter recently published in the Saint Louis Globe-
Democrat. How few of even our eminent statesmen had the
forecast shown by Grant on that second historic nineteenth of
April!
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES.
CAPTAIN A. H. MATTOX,
RECORDER LOYAL LEGION,
Cincinnati.
July 24. Friday.--I attended special meetings of each of
the posts of the G. A. R. last night and urged the building of
a national monument to General Grant in New York under the
leadership of the G. A. R. The proposition was favorably re-
ceived and here there is a strong disposition to act upon it.
Committees were appointed to inaugurate the movement. If
it fails, the money raised here may go to the completion of a
soldiers' record for Sandusky County to be placed in Sandusky
County.
July 26. Sunday.--The interest in General Grant's death
has been very great. I spoke twice the evening of his death.
Once at the Eugene Rawson Post and once at the Manville
Moore Post, G. A. R. In both cases I urged in reference to a
monument or memorial structure: --
1. Prompt action while the feeling on the subject is uni-
versal and warm.
2. That the memorial be placed in New York, where Gen-
eral Grant last resided and where more soldiers and citizens
will see and enjoy it than would be the case [if it were placed]
in any other locality.
3. That it be built by a union effort of all soldiers' societies
and all citizens in every part of the country.
THE DEATH OF GRANT 225
4. That the G. A. R., with its posts in all the States ready
organized for the work, should lead off by appointing commit-
tees in each G. A. R. post who will undertake to raise a sum
equal to at least one dollar for every member of their post.
This to be done by an appeal to all soldiers and to all citizens.
The sum raised to be as large as practicable in each instance,
with no limitation as to the amount of individual subscriptions
nor as to the aggregate amount to be raised.
I am to speak this evening at a memorial meeting in the
Methodist Episcopal church. Let the memorial be worthy of the
Republic, worthy of General Grant, and worthy of the righteous
cause of which he was the most illustrious soldier. He was
simple, sincere, heroic, generous, magnanimous, of sound judg-
ment, self-poised, and with a tenacity of purpose rarely equalled.
July 27. Monday.--Last evening the Methodist Episcopal
church was packed full of people, all the aisles full--many
standing--the lecture-room thrown open and full of people,
attending the Grant memorial services. On the platform were
Revs. L. E. Prentiss, D. W. Cox, J. I. Swander, H. Lang, and
; General R. P. Buckland, W. W. Ross, F. S. White, and
myself. The last four were the speakers. It passed off in the
best possible way.
FREMONT, OHIO, July 28, 1885.
MY DEAR SIR: -- I hope you will, on many accounts, strain a
point to come to our dedication. We can start from here Sun-
day or even Monday and reach Saratoga in time. If the prin-
cipal ceremony which we want to attend is the 4th, we can easily
reach there in ample time after our celebration. I hope, being
still in doubt, that we need not be present until the 8th.
Fanny confidently counts on having a visit from Mamie. Can't
Mrs. Sherman come also?
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES.
HONORABLE JOHN SHERMAN.
15
226 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES
Private.
FREMONT, OHIO, July 29, 1885.
DEAR GENERAL:--I did not send you a copy of my note in
reply to your published letter, knowing you would get it in the
papers.
I trust you will see your way clear to encourage the com-
rades in their posts to aid promptly in raising funds for the
proposed monument in New York. I do not discuss the place
chosen. It is enough that it seems to be settled that General
Grant will be buried in the city of his late residence and that a
monument will be there built.
I had some experience in the difficulty of raising funds for
the Lincoln and also for the Garfield Monument. It was due:
-- 1. To the lack of prompt action. 2. To the great number
of rival projects in different localities. 3. To the difficulty of
getting up an organization in all parts of the country to make
collections.
It occurred to me that it would be wise in this case to begin
at once; to concentrate in favor of the monument at the place
of the burial; and to employ as part of the collecting agency the
G. A. R. posts.
Allow me to say that I fear a mistake will be made if the
authorities of the G. A. R. fail to encourage their comrades to
assist in the work, which will surely go on to completion, viz., the
building of a monument at the grave of General Grant. The
G. A. R. should not stand aloof but cordially cooperate.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES.
P. S.--I mark this note "Private" merely to show that it is
not intended for publication. I have no special objection to its
being made public if there is any good reason for it. -- H.
GENERAL S. S. BURDETTE.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF, G. A. R.
August 2. Sunday.--Our celebration and exercises on the
occasion of unveiling the Soldiers' Monument in Fort Stephen-
son passed off well. The town was beautifully decorated. The
THE DEATH OF GRANT 227
speaking was good, the singing was superb, and the crowd was
immense. Nothing could have passed off better. The only dis-
appointment was that we were driven by a storm of rain to take
refuge in the Presbyterian church. This had the advantage of
enabling all who were fortunate enough to get into the church
to hear easily and with comfort the touching and charming ad-
dress of General Cox.
At our house were ex-Governor J. D. Cox, Senator John
Sherman and daughter Mamie, Dr. A. C. Kemper (the poet)
and wife, General C. H. Grosvenor, wife and daughter Emma,
Captain J. L. Bottsford and wife, James Parmelee, and M. S.
Herrick. The above roomed with us. We also had at lunch
and dinner General Leggett, D. R. Locke ("Nasby"), Captain
Lemmon and wife, Kennedy and wife, J. L. Pease and his glee
club (four in all, or five), Clark Waggoner, [and] Captain Hop-
kins and wife. Our guests made us all very happy. They were
a rare gathering. Many of them staid with us Sunday. General
Cox tells of a name which is pronounced Darby and spelled
Enroughty!
I go to the funeral of General Grant in New York the 8th with
Senator Sherman. A special invitation from General Hancock
was sent to me on the suggestion of the President.
August 4. Tuesday. -- Prepared to save the remains of the
noble oak that was torn to pieces by lightning by trimming off
fragments, and getting it into a condition to bear vines and
flowers. I save the main stub with the top of the tree in the
crevice. This will show for many years what the stroke did.
August 5. Wednesday.--With Fanny to Mansfield. Was
met at Mansfield by Mr. Sherman and his daughter Mamie.
Lunched at Sherman's. A perfectly tasteful and convenient
home he has made. Afternoon to Pittsburgh and New York.
Talked over many matters of the past with the Senator.
August 6. Thursday. Fifth Avenue Hotel.--As I was go-
ing to return call of Senator Sherman, I met Colonel F. Grant,
Jesse, and their wives. They asked me to go with them to
lunch. I took Mrs. Sartoris. She spoke warmly of our interest
228 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES
[in] her father. Mrs. Grant is not here. She remains at Mount
McGregor. At the table were Mr. Arkell and Mr. and Mrs.
Creswell. Rather a cheerful party under the circumstances.
Mrs. Sartoris is indeed a very sweet woman. Mrs. Colonel
Grant, Ida, is very lovely. While we were in the hall General
Sherman, General Sheridan, and General Van Vliet called on
me. It is a sad yet interesting and not gloomy reunion.
Senator Morrill called with Senator Sherman. He looks well.
Thinks the Administration is doing badly in many respects.
Manning has given up his financial duties to the United States
Treasurer, Jordan. Jordan is Tilden's man. Tilden is buying
gold. He bought a million of exchange a month ago. The
treasury difficulties are pressing--on silver question and others.
They are borrowing from the banks now to "shin along." He
[Morrill] is now seventy-five or more and sees the dark side.
Edmunds, another tells me, is a confirmed--well, hard
drinker. "Blaine will hardly be able to get another nomination."
So thinks Sherman.
NEW YORK, August 6, 1885. Thursday P. M.
MY DARLING: -- I left Fanny as happy and charming as she
could be in the greatly improved and beautiful home of Senator
Sherman.
We had a comfortable and interesting trip. I am put next
to the Grants. They occupy the northeast corner where you
received Mrs. Fish's ( ) guests and are shut off from the rest
of the house by a screen. I took Mrs. Sartoris out to lunch in
the Peabody dining-room, with the rest. Mrs. Grant remains
at [Mount] McGregor and may not come down. They are all
very cordial--regretted your absence. Mrs. Sartoris is very
charming and talks beautifully about her father. Mrs. Fred
Grant--"Ida" -- is also noticeably beautiful. Fred looks more
and more like his father. Sherman (the general) says he is the
counterpart of the father, but somewhat better-looking.
We are told there is a great crowd visiting the remains at the
City Hall.
FUNERAL OF GENERAL GRANT 229
I may start home with Sherman a day or two earlier than I
expected. But I can't tell. The weather is perfect.--Men and
women servants all ask for you.
With best wishes and ever
Yours ever,
MRS. HAYES. R.
August 7. Fifth Avenue Hotel, New York.--Read the
World and Tribune. The raising [of] funds for the Grant mon-
ument goes on slowly. Prompt work is required. My suggestion
that the G. A. R. posts take it up has met with much general
favor, but the opposition of the commander-in-chief, General
Burdette, is in the way.
Mr. Simon Stevens called; spoke of the selection of the bury-
ing-place of General Grant as in part due to his suggestion.
"Gus" Shepard called. His wife, my pretty cousin, Joanna,
will be at the house of Elliott [F. Shepard], one of the famous
Vanderbilt houses. Hopes to get a recognition from me. Most
willingly I will try to gratify her.
General A. G. McCook and his brother, the preacher, with his
son. A cordial greeting of old friends!
E. O. Odson, of Commercial Advertiser, wanted an interview.
Told him in a word I am here out of respect and regard for
General Grant. It is no occasion for an interview. He tried to
ask about my meeting the Grants, but without a word further, I
dismissed him. What will he make of it?
About noon Senator Sherman came in; soon after General
Schofield and then General Sherman. The conversation soon
drifted to General Grant. General Schofield in his terse, graphic
way told this: "Immediately, or soon, after Shiloh, Halleck
deprived Grant of all command. I chanced to go to his quarters
one evening and found him packing up, getting ready to go to
the rear--to St. Louis. He was in little quarters, not fit for
a sergeant. He had no desk but a board supported by two forked
sticks; a tallow candle in a split stick for a light. His trunk was
packed and he was bundling up his papers and tying them to-
gether. He was alone and gloomy. I said, 'What are you do-
230 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES
ing? Where are you going?' He said, 'You know. There is
nothing for me here. I am not allowed to do anything here. I
am going to St. Louis.' He was much affected. He shed tears.
I said, 'Don't--you must not go. If you [go] you are for-
gotten. We are your friends,' meaning with myself Logan."
August 8. Wednesday. -- Last evening rain was threatened.
The prospect now is favorable weather for the Grant funeral
today.
I rode down Broadway yesterday afternoon with Bottsford
in a cab. We saw the long lines of people then going into the
City Hall to see the corpse. Called on the recorder of the New
York Commandery at 206 Broadway; rode out on the Battery;
crossed the Brooklyn Bridge. The adornments on the great
stores are expensive, but need color to give effect. The American
flag should be liberally displayed with the black. General Mc-
Millan says the city does not show as New Orleans would on a
similar occasion.
Allen Thorndike Rice, of the North American Review, urged
me to write for his review. He has a book on Lincoln--the
work of numerous friends of Lincoln, casual acquaintances even
giving their impressions.
August 9. Sunday.--Sherman left this morning early. I
took breakfast with him, but will remain until tomorrow and go
on the New York Central.
The great day passed off well; not hot for an August day
and with a good breeze blowing. In the morning I was shown
to the ex-Presidents' room, southeast corner Twenty-third Street
and Fifth Avenue, -- a good place to see the passing procession.
Soon ex-President Arthur came in and we met in a friendly way,
without any reserve or embarrassment on either side. General
Sharp seemed to be "his best man." During the morning
Rutherford Platt, John Mitchell, Jr., and a friend came in from
Columbus. They have been on Block Island and were brown
and red from exposure. They had bad news from General Has-
tings. Lungs bleeding. Dr. Fullerton gone to Bermuda on that
account. R. H. Platt will go there when Dr. Fullerton leaves.
During the long waiting for the catafalque to reach Fifth
FUNERAL OF GENERAL GRANT 231
Avenue from City Hall, Sherman and I called on President
Cleveland. Found him plain, sensible, natural; in all respects
well-appearing. His talk was friendly and assuring. My favor-
able impressions were all confirmed. He lacks experience, is
not a great man, but he intends and anxiously wishes to do well.
He is firm and sensible--good qualities in a President.
Lamar [Secretary of the Interior], [Attorney-General] Gar-
land, and Bayard [Secretary of State] were all cordial and
friendly. I was introduced also to the Secretary of War [Wil-
liam C. Endicott] and to [Postmaster-General] Vilas. I saw
Manning [Secretary of the Treasury]. He looks wonderfully
like Cleveland, but lacks his open and honest [manner]. This is
perhaps fancy for I did not hear him speak.
At a late hour, after two or three hours of waiting, the pro-
cession passed by until our place near the catafalque was reached.
We joined. President Arthur proved an excellent companion
for such a drive--five hours. The procession, perhaps fifty
thousand, with the lookers-on numbering more than half a mil-
lion. Van Voorhis (ex-Member of Congress), of Rochester, puts
it at over one million -- twenty-five thousand to the acre. Gen-
eral Wager Swayne puts it five deep on each side of the street,
or fifty thousand to the mile of distance, and calls it ten miles
or five hundred thousand.
Was in all respects a success. There was good order and
propriety throughout. Often a very general clapping of hands
as Arthur and I passed, and our names constantly heard. When
the Ohio men in line were passed they greeted me with as de-
cided demonstrations as the occasion permitted. Only as we
approached the grave was there a decided feeling of the solemnity
of the occasion. The bands, as the carriages passed the soldiers
in line, played dirges -- the soldiers at present arms -- each band
taking up the sorrowful airs one after the other; the "uncounted
multitude," the ships in the Hudson, and the whole scene were
unspeakably impressive and affecting.
Before reaching the grave, the governor of New York, finding
no one to conduct him to the grave, drove on past in a huff. Our
driver followed a moment when with some difficulty President
Arthur compelled him to turn around and go back. We got out
232 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES
and with the aid of the ever-ready police we soon got our places
at [the] grave. We stood on the left side of the cedar box in
which the remains were secured. The G. A. R. and the Method-
ist Episcopal ritual were used, and rapidly home to our hotel.
President Arthur spoke some kind words; a hearty good-bye and
we parted.
Today I saw Sherman off early. Wade Hampton and he were
the only passengers in a "bus." I had a cheerful talk with the
Confederate cavalryman. He changed on some plausible excuse
into a cab ( ) before Sherman got in.
Colonel J. C. Breckinridge came and took me to his rooms in
the Murray Hill Hotel--a beautiful and tasteful place. Mary
is well grown but slender and pale; not so rosy as our Fanny.
A pleasant long visit with them. What a cheery Charley O'Mal-
ley the colonel is!
August 13. Thursday.--We have left of our monument
fund, including amount collected of citizens, over six hundred
dollars. We will get up a creditable pamphlet of the proceed-
ings and speeches. We will make a collection of newspapers
touching the celebration. We ought to notice suitably the emi-
nent men who did not speak, as Waggoner, Follett, General
Beatty, and others. The pamphlet may open with a brief ac-
count of the proceedings which were had looking to the erec-
tion of a monument, the organization of the society, -- or should
this be at the close? Portraits of McPherson, Croghan, the
battle picture, the monument, etc., etc. Close with the benedic-
tion. Give the names of the early settlers of this and neighbor-
ing county.
Private. FREMONT, OHIO, August 15, 1885.
MY DEAR SIR:--I found your letter of the 4th instant wait-
ing me on my return from New York. Its publication is, of
course, proper. While I differ toto coelo from both your pre-
mises and conclusions, I see that, admitting your views of the
probabilities of the future, you are logical. I do not write this
for publication. As I see it, you are misled by a temporay local
delusion. General Grant's remains will forever rest on the banks
SITE OF GRANT MONUMENT 233
of the Hudson, near where his family will continue to reside,
near where he last resided, where those nearest of blood to him
chose to bury him, and where in the presence of every depart-
ment of the Government, state and national, and with a million
of people taking part, he was placed to remain. If I am right in
this respect but I do not write to reargue the question, but
out of respect for you as commander-in-chief of the noblest
organization of soldiers the world ever knew.
One thing I may add, whether one or many monuments are
to be built, all experience shows that the funds, if raised by
popular subscription, must be obtained at once. The golden
moment has already passed. Further delay imperils all.
With all regard, personal and official
Sincerely,
GENERAL S. S. BURDETTE, R. B. HAYES.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF, G. A. R.
August 17. Monday. -- Busy with an awful correspondence
on pensions, reunions, education, missions, prisons, and with
collection of materials for the unveiling pamphlet.
SPIEGEL, August 17, 1885.
MY DEAR AUNTY DAVIS:--The time for the yearly meeting
of the Woman's Home Missionary Society is drawing near.
Lucy is moved in conscience with the natural and just notion
that those who bear the cross should wear the crown. You do
the lion's share of the work. You ought to be the nominal as
well as the real head. She wishes, therefore, to renew her tender
of resignation, and to ask for it your considerate attention. Un-
less you see decided reasons to the contrary, please allow this
to go as the paper; or I will have her send one more formal.
We are all in usual health. The house has been well filled
of late; all the boys and girls alone with us yesterday, as happy
as Providence permits. The same we hope for you and yours.
Ever,
MRS. E. G. DAVIS, R. B. HAYES.
Cincinnati.
234 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES
August 22. Saturday.--Lucy and Scott with me to Lake-
side. The fourteenth reunion of the Twenty-third O. V. I.
Our best reunion. By no means the grandest affair. But a most
enjoyable family meeting -- due, first, to the large number pres-
ent of the prominent officers: Colonel Stanley Matthews, General
Comly, Colonel Zimmerman, Captains Ellen, Bottsford, Warren,
"the best mayor Emporia, Kansas, ever had," [and] Lyon.
Second. Twelve of the old band with their instruments [pres-
ent].
August 31. Monday.--Lovely morning. The last day of
summer. The leaves and grass are almost as fresh as they were
in May or June. The lawn never was in such good condition.
Miss Austine Snead and her mother, the well known Washing-
ton correspondents, arrived at 7 P. M. Ladies of good char-
acter who will regard the proprieties.
Private.
FREMONT, OHIO, August 31, 1885.
MY DEAR SIR: -- The situation of the [Civil Service Reform]
League is certainly difficult and embarrassing. The impression
grows stronger daily that the spoils system is in fact in power
at Washington, held somewhat in check, however, by the sincere
repugnance of a reform President. The apprehension gains
strength that the league is in danger of becoming a mere annex
to a party which is essentially the spoils party.
With the natural and proper desire to sustain the President,
there is a tendency to wink at the violations of principle which
are of daily occurrence. Up to this time the league has not in
its publications and proceedings, so far as I have observed,
squarely met the issues presented. The spoils system under the
sham "offensive partisanship" is in full possession, unrebuked,
and almost unnoticed. The sweep is not rapid, but it will no
doubt be "clean." So far as it has gone we see the spoils sys-
tem pure and simple.
P. S.--I do not propose to go off half-cocked. Please re-
BLACKBURN ON POTTER INQUIRY 235
turn me the letter of Mr. Potts which I enclose, and also my
letter, which is only for your eye.*
September 1. Tuesday.--Miss Austine Snead says Vice-
President Wheeler told her that Honorable R. C. Winthrop said
in all his acquaintance with ladies in other countries and in our
own, he had never [met] any one with such peculiarly attractive
manners as Mrs. Hayes.
That Mrs. Bancroft said she had seen ladies of all high stations
in Europe and in this country and had never seen any lady
who was so well fitted for her place as Mrs. Hayes, as the
lady of the White House.
Touching the Potter Committee and the effort to implicate
me in the frauds charged in relation to the election in Louisiana,
Miss Snead says she once said [to] Honorable Joe Blackburn,
of Kentucky, that she should lose faith in human nature if
President Hayes was found guilty. Blackburn replied promptly:
"You can keep your faith in human nature. We do not expect
to connect Hayes with anything wrong. We do expect to show
that Republican leaders and managers were guilty, and to collect
material to be used against them in the next election." This in
1878.
September 4. Friday.--With Lucy, Mrs. and Miss Snead
drove yesterday forenoon over to Green Spring. Under Dr.
Marshall, the "cure" is getting on well; more and more patients
and guests. Mrs. and Miss Snead pronounced the spring the
most beautiful they ever saw. Today Miss Snead showed me
her collection of scraps, etc., relating to United States
official seals. She has untiring industry and a taste for this sort
of investigation that enables her to trace to their origin the seals
now in use.
September 5. Saturday. -- Spent last evening with Mr. Rex-
ford, now of Syracuse, who came here with his father in 1815.
He will attend the pioneer meeting today.
*Draft of letter unsigned and unaddressed. Very likely to George
William Curtis.
236 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES
September 6. Sunday.--The pioneer meeting at the court-
house yesterday was well attended and was very enjoyable. The
social feature, the lunch or picnic, and the greetings were happy.
The only prepared address was by Mrs. Downs; short, appro-
priate, and interesting. Her first coming to Fremont in 1841.
Mr. Rexford, of Syracuse, gave his first coming in 1815. Al-
bert Cavalier came, a child of six years of age, in 1812. Julius
Patterson some six years later. Mr. Tucker spoke well. Next
year we must have essays prepared. Also a complete list of the
pioneers of the county. Begin with the earliest. Also sketches
of all who die to be read.
September 10. Thursday. -- Mrs. Snead and her daughter
Miss Austine ("Fay" and "Miss Grundy" of the press) leave
us today.
September 11. Friday. -- Major McKinley visited me. He
is on a stumping tour, and came from Sandusky last evening
and spent the night with us. He said a great many pleasant
things, all tending to show a rapidly increasing appreciation of
my Administration and a diminishing tendency to abuse of me
personally.
I criticized the bloody-shirt course of the canvass. It seems
to me to be bad "politics," and of no use. This, even supposing
it was sound in itself. The people are weary of it. It is a stale
issue. An increasing number of people are interested in good
relations with the South. This tends to keep alive animosities.
Two ways are open to succeed in the South: 1. A division of
the white voters. 2. Education of the ignorant. Bloody-shirt
utterances prevent division, etc.
September 14. Monday.--The battle of South Mountain
was fought twenty-three years ago today! I think of it with
great satisfaction. The wound and Lucy's search after her hus-
band! What a flood of recollections comes to me! We go to
Columbus today, Lucy, Fanny, and self. Thence I go to Ports-
mouth to the reunion of the Army of West Virginia.
September 16. Wednesday.--Reached Portsmouth about 11
A. M. Was heartily greeted by General B. F. Coates, Major
CHARACTER OF A. H. STEPHENS 237
John W. Overturf, and others. Saw the business procession, and
was glad and surprised to see what a "Yankee town" Ports-
mouth has become.
P. M. A glorious meeting in the monster tent in old Camp
Morrow. Colonel Turley welcomed; I responded offhand but
tolerably well. At night a rousing meeting; speeches, songs,
music, recitations. All good. In the absence of General Crook,
I presided.
September 17. Thursday.--Ditto, ditto. I spoke on the
battle of Antietam, twenty-three years ago.--The last reunion
is still the best.
Private.
FREMONT, OHIO, September 25, 1885.
MY DEAR SIR:--Absence from home has prevented an earlier
reply to your valued favor of the 15th instant.
I first met Mr. [Alexander H.] Stephens in Washington at a
reception given him by General Grant in the winter of 1865-6.
During the time I was in Washington from 1877 to 1881, he was
a member of the House of Representatives, and I saw him often.
It has been truly said that of all the men who were prominent
in the support of the Confederacy, Mr. Stephens was regarded
by Union men at the North with the most favor and with the
least disposition to question the patriotism of his motives and
conduct after the conflict closed. This sentiment was quite
general and was based on the amplest grounds. His talents, his
experience in public affairs, his moderation, his resolute inde-
pendence, and the indomitable spirit with which, in spite of
physical suffering and weakness, he devoted himself to duty
made him a very interesting and conspicuous figure in Congress
during all of the later years of his life. His influence was large
and always on the side of harmony and conservative action,
and this, when sectional and party animosity were almost uni-
versal.
He did not overrate the importance of his course. In carry-
ing out the law creating the Electoral Commission in 1877, in
the struggles over the Potter investigation in 1878, and in the
238 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES
attempt to coerce the Executive by refusing appropriations, his
moderation, wisdom, and resolute conduct were controlling and
most beneficial. In your book it will be pertinent on these topics
to quote fully from his speeches in Congress, his letter to Mr.
Potter, May 28, 1878, and his private correspondence. A care-
ful collection of all of his utterances on these occasions will be
very attractive reading and will add to his fame. I presume
you will easily get hold of what you desire. If there is anything
I can furnish you, I will be glad to have copies made. His pri-
vate correspondence will, I trust, be at your command.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES.
P. S.--Please put my name on the list of subscribers for
your book.
[Unaddressed.]
Private. FREMONT, OHIO, September 29, 1885.
MY DEAR SIR:--I thank you for your conclusive article on
the Florida count in 1876-7. It is pungent, brief, and readable.
I venture to make two suggestions. Your case, as you make
it, is, in its general scope, indisputable. All its statements of
details may be also. But would the case not be as strong -- nay,
stronger--if every mere inference and every disputed state-
ment were omitted?
Again, your statement that the failure to renominate the man
claimed to be beaten by fraud gives away his case, cannot be
gainsaid. It is a conclusive reply to the "fraud cry." I merely
suggest that the nomination and election of Garfield emphasizes
this in the most cogent way. General Garfield was a conspicu-
ous figure in the whole business complained of. As a visiting
statesman to Louisiana, he reported to me, to the country, and
officially to the President, that the final result in Louisiana was
not merely fair and just, but according to the law and equity
of the case. He was placed on the Electoral Commission and
on all questions voted with the majority. He was in the fullest
sense responsible for the result. His nomination and election
clinched the business.
CHANDLER ON FLORIDA COUNT 239
Again, General Hancock, who was nominated by the Demo-
crats in 1880, was distinctly identified with the liberal wing of
his party, who scouted the whole charge of fraud, and with
Alexander H. Stephens he agreed. Before the controversy was
ended in favor of the Republicans, he published a letter in which
he said he "knew Governor Hayes well as a soldier in the war;
that he would make a good President"; and when the result was
declared he did not sulk, but was among the first, after inaugu-
ration, who promptly paid his respects to the new President.
With best wishes. Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES.
HONORABLE WM. E. CHANDLER,
Concord, New Hampshire.
September 30. Wednesday. -- I will today gather a number
of books for library of the Loyal Legion. We ought to make
up a library of the books each member feels a particular interest
in--the books which contain an account of the operations of
the command each member belonged to.
October 4. Sunday. -- My birthday -- three score and three
years old. All the boys and Fanny at home today. Mrs. Jewett
also with us. Fanny today joins the Methodist Episcopal
church.
October 7. -- With Lucy and Fanny left home at 11.30 A. M.
[Monday, October 4,] for Farmington and New York. Miss
Carter, of Honolulu, we found on the train, as we anticipated,
from Toledo. At Cleveland were joined by Miss Mary Good-
loe, daughter of Colonel William Cassius Goodloe, of Lexington,
Miss Lucy Platt, my ward, and Miss Hayden of Columbus.
Also Colonel Herrick and Mrs. Herrick. Webb and Parmelee
got on the train at the foot of Superior Street. A pleasant trip
to Westfield on Boston and Albany Railroad. There parted with
Colonel and Mrs. Herrick and Miss Hayden. In less than an
hour took cars through Simsbury (the pleasant home of my an-
cestors) to Farmington. A dismal rain made this place look its
worst. We packed into the stage [and] drove to the headquar-
ters of the Miss Porter School. Thence we went to the Old
240 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES
Elm-tree Inn--a quaint old place; dined and returned to look
after Fanny and the other girls from whom we parted at Miss
Porter and Mrs. Dow's house.
We went over to the dwelling in which the girls were to room.
Fanny was in a tender and saddened mood. She shed some natu-
ral tears. She is to room with Miss Bulkley, of Hartford. No
other girls had yet arrived. At 3:30 P. M. we bid good-bye to
the dear girl with some shadows over us. On the train to New
Haven met Samuel Hayes, a distant relative. Reached New
York about 7 P. M. Had left the checks for our baggage with
the driver at Farmington. With some difficulty got them at the
Grand Central Depot by the deposit of one dollar.
At Fifth Avenue Hotel were soon in the pleasant old quarters
41 and 42.--at home "in mine inn"--a favorite place.
At the Old Elm Inn in Farmington Lucy met some acquain-
tances of Washington days. A merry greeting with the hand-
some white-haired old lady.
We came to New York to attend the meeting of the Pea-
body trustees. A notable meeting [today] Wednesday. 1. The
death of General Grant and the death of Mr. Wetmore create
vacancies in the board of trustees. 2. General Jackson, of
Georgia, appointed by President Cleveland Minister to Mexico,
has resigned. 3. The President has appointed Dr. Curry, our
general agent, Minister to Spain, and he resigns.
Mr. Winthrop in his elaborate way, as a scholarly orator
of the olden time, presented all of these matters to the board.
His address was well received. In the board there was a party
discussion on filling the vacancy of General Grant. The Chief
Justice presented the name of General Sherman. Governor Por-
ter, or some one, named President Cleveland, and Mr. Drexel
named Governor Wetmore, of Rhode Island. Two ballots were
had. First, President Cleveland, six, General Sherman, five,
Governor Wetmore, two. No choice. Second ballot, President
Cleveland, seven, General Sherman, six. Probably a party vote.
Evarts, Waite, Fish, and self for General Sherman; the other
[two] I do not know. Governor Fish seemed vexed. He said
to me, "There is too much party in our body." I was quite
willing to see President Cleveland chosen, but not over General
TILDEN AND CIPHER DISPATCHES 241
Sherman. I had thought of the President as a probable mem-
ber and regarded it with favor. But to succeed General Grant,
General Sherman did seem to be the right person.
Mr. Pierpont Morgan was chosen to fill Wetmore's vacancy
before the ballot for the President.
I asked Mr. Fish (the governor), what was the opinion of
the well-informed in New York as to Tilden's knowledge of
the cipher despatches. He replied that no one acquainted with
Mr. Tilden's methods and character had any doubt of his
knowledge and connection with them; that he was intimately ac-
quainted with Tilden more than forty years ago; that he was
bright, fond of philosophizing about politics, and always inter-
esting. That their offices were near together.
I told Governor Fish that in 1876, when the Cincinnati con-
vention was in session, my friend in Cincinnati sent me word
that I could have the Vice-Presidency. I wrote in reply that
having the support of my State for President I would not ac-
cept the Vice-Presidency on the ticket with any of my com-
petitors for the Presidency; but that if for the good of the
party the convention should drop all the candidates and take
up Governor Fish for the Presidency, in case they wanted me
for Vice-President on such a ticket, I would accept.
October 9. Friday.--Reached Farmington about 6 P. M.
Fanny took tea with us at the Elm-tree Inn. After tea called at
Miss Dunning's; saw all the girls there (nine I think). At the
"Inn" saw Miss Hammond, of Memphis--daughter of Judge
Hammond; same name, of St. Paul. Mollie Garfield, we saw
also. Called at Miss Porter's -- a fine old lady with her sisters.
October 10. Saturday.--Lovely weather. Farmington is
looking its handsomest. The colors are more brilliant than
usual. About noon took the cars for Westfield. Passed through
Simsbury. Met the postmaster of Westfield, also the Demo-
cratic candidate for Auditor of State--Delaney--mayor of
Holyoke; introduced himself and gave me his political history!
After two hours at Westfield we went on to Pittsfield. Stopped
three hours; called on Senator and Mrs. Dawes. Had a hearty
16
242 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES
welcome and tea. After a very enjoyable visit, at 8:30 (P. M.)
took the limited express [for home].
October 13, 1885. Tuesday.- Raining a little. Not a bad
election day. My notion of the result is formed without much
knowledge of the facts in debate. On general principles, the
Republicans should have the advantage.
1. Democrats are not content with the Administration of
Cleveland. It is too conservative- too much leaning to the
civil service reformers; too little "spoils" for the "boys."
2. The corrupt use of money in conventions and in the
Legislature by "the McLean-Coal Oil Combination" is not popu-
lar; ought to be condemned by a decided majority.
Per contra: -1. The Prohibition party is gaining in num-
bers at the expense of the Republicans.
2. The canvass has been made on the "bloody-shirt" line.
A mistake, as I see it. My guess is, we win the election by a
close vote.
If prohibition gets not over fifteen thousand, our chance is
good. If over twenty-five thousand, we lose. I guess prohibi-
tion gets about sixteen to eighteen thousand and that we have
a plurality of five thousand.
October 14. Wednesday. - The election seems to be a decided
Republican victory - more decided than I hoped for. .
October 17. Saturday.- I write this at Detroit. I came up
yesterday to attend the National Prison Congress. Was met at
the station by Mr. Barber; came with him to the Russell House.
I find here an excellent attendance. Much interest by citizens'
committees. Governor Baldwin took me driving in the after-
noon. Detroit has a solid growth and is a beautiful and very
prosperous city. In the evening, at Whitney's Opera House, had
a good opening meeting. Father Riley, in canonicals (?) opened
[it] with prayer. Bishop Harris, Bishop Gillespie, and Bishop
Robertson were present. Senator Palmer and Judge Campbell
delivered good welcoming addresses. I responded. Professor
Wayland, Senator Jones, and Mr. Round also spoke briefly.
ADVICE TO GOVERNOR FORAKER 243
October 18. Sunday.--At Saint Paul's, Bishop Robertson,
of Missouri, preached a solid sermon, full of sterling points in
favor of the National Prison Association.
October 22. Thursday. - From Detroit to Toledo with Gen-
eral Brinkerhoff, of Ohio, and Dr. Morris, of Baltimore, on
early train. With General Brinkerhoff and Mr. Carrington vis-
ited the Insane Asylum; new (cottage system) buildings going
up rapidly. Lunched with Carrington and [family] and General
Brinkerhoff. An agreeable time.- Home in the evening.
FREMONT, OHIO, October 24, 1885.
MY DEAR MAJOR:--I find your letter here on my return
from Michigan.
I have said to a number of good friends, competent and
worthy, that I must not intervene in any case, it is so hard to
discriminate between one's friends. So I am committed to
neutrality - to treating all alike.
You know I think of M- and feel toward him as you do.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES.
MAJOR W. D. BICKHAM,
Dayton.
October 25. Sunday. --I want to say to Foraker: Don't un-
derrate the office you are chosen to fill. Without large powers
under the law, you have great opportunities by influence to
benefit the State and to strengthen your party. This too will
redound to your own permanent popularity and reputation.
1. Take the leadership of your party in the Legislature. See
that it acts promptly and wisely on the temperance question.
Reinstate the Scott Law.
2 On the question of submitting an amendment in favor of
single districts for the election of members of the Legislature:
With the help of the Prohibition party such an amendment can
be adopted.
244 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES
3. See what the State needs. Set yourself actively at work
in favor of reforms, institutions, laws.
4. Do not assume, or lecture, or protest, but in fact make
yourself felt on the right side regardless of consequences.
SPIEGEL, Sunday, October 25, 1885.
MY DARLING:--Birch and Scott came home last night. But
the home is lonely without you. You do not know your value.
Be uplifted as you think of it.- I am glad to see you got off
your speech successfully.
We had a severe frost yesterday morning--the first of the
season. It curled up the last fresh leaves of the caladium, and
dimmed the brilliant row of red. All flowers and leaves are
wilted or rusted by it. And yet on the whole the place never
looked finer than yesterday. We saw nothing equal to our trees
in New York or New England. I hardly know which was
finest. The "twin oaks," with all their leaves still perfect, were
of a deep dark crimson, and when we looked at them they were
finest. The stub with its glorious woodbine was hardly second
to anything. The maples, one at the south end of the verandah,
and the one in front, especially, seemed to ray out golden and
rosy glory. - Come home before all the beauties are gone.
Notwithstanding the Hamilton County fraud, Sherman is un-
doubtedly safe, thanks to Ross County and a few others.
All well. Fanny writes cheerfully.
Affectionately,
R.
MRS. HAYES,
Philadelphia.
FREMONT, OHIO, October 25, 1885.
MY DEAR SIR: -No household that I can think of in the
State feels a deeper interest in your success than this one. We
all rejoice exceedingly, and unite in warmest congratulations to
you, to Mrs. Sherman, and to Mamie. It is all that we hoped
for. Don't feel obliged to acknowledge this.
I assume that the House will either never seat the fraudu-
THE GOSPEL OF WORK 245
lent members from Hamilton at all, or that they will oust them
inside of twenty-four hours.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES.
HONORABLE JOHN SHERMAN.
October 26. Monday.--I went over rapidly with Colonel
Haynes and General Buckland the compilation I have made
from the newspapers for the pamphlet of proceedings at the
unveiling of the Soldiers' Monument. They approve it. Mr.
Lamberson, editor of the Democrat, who is to publish, was
absent from town. Nothing done except to order a photograph
of the monument and library. . I must push this now to a con-
clusion.
October 27. Tuesday.--The Republicans in Congress will
make a serious mistake if they do not insist on the admission
of Dakota with its half million of people and Washington with
its two hundred thousand. This would give four Senators to
the Republicans --six, if Dakota is divided--and six to ten
electoral votes. The Senate should pass bills immediately. If
the House fails or refuses to pass them, then there will be an
issue worth having. It will be the Rebel brigadiers refusing
representation to hundreds of thousands of intelligent and loyal
white men--hardy pioneers who are facing the hardships and
perils of the wilderness and adding untold millions to the wealth
of our country.
October 28. Wednesday. - I preach the gospel of work. I
believe in skilled labor as a part of education: - 1. It promotes
health of body. 2. It trains and strengthens the mind. 3. It
builds up character--good habits, independence, courage, per-
severance, self-control.
I met at Detroit a number of men worth remembering - men
who would be notable in any circle.
Charlton F. Lewis, of New York, a lawyer by profession, grad-
uated at Yale--one of the ablest men of the class of 1853.
President White, Wayne MacVeagh, and others, classmates. Re-
246 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES
puted one of the finest Greek scholars of our country; a superior
mathematician; certainly, an orator of power. He delivered
an address on the English which was in matter, style, and de-
livery simply superb. He writes well, rapidly, with ease. I
put him down as the most noticeable person I saw in Detroit
He has a young wife -younger than some of his children. She
was one of his family, treated as a daughter. His first wife on
her death-bed regretted that - had not been adopted as a
daughter; she couldn't see how he would get along without her.
Mr. Lewis solved the difficulty by, in a suitable time, marrying
the orphan girl.
Mr. Lewis told this story - mothers-in-law being the topic.
The joke about mothers-in-law is older than the Christian era
In Greece two thousand or more years ago this story is told:
"A threw a stone at a fox, but Fortune is often wiser than the
purposes of man. The stone missed the fox and hit A's mother-
in-law." A cruel sarcasm. My mother-in-law was angelic in
temper and conduct.
October 29. Thursday. - Wrote to [M. F.] Round author-
izing the use of my name to his National Prison Association cir-
cular.
Mr. Eugene Smith of New York, lawyer, is a sincere and
earnest friend of the prison cause. His paper at Detroit on
jails - "County Jails" -was excellent. His wife is a daughter
of Rev. Dr. Bacon, of New Haven, and is intelligent and bright
-worthy of her lineage. The drift of Eugene Smith's paper
was to show that jails were training-schools for crime--com-
pulsory under the law, and at the public expense. He conclu-
sively showed the grave and fatal defects of our whole jail
system. The remedy is, jails in which there is complete isola-
tion of the prisoners,- "the Ohio Jail," so-called, unfortunately
rarely found even in Ohio. The [Prison] Congress resolved
against these jails.
October 30. Friday.- Lucy returned from Philadelphia this
morning. .. . Our good friend Tom Donaldson was most
attentive and thoughtful. He is zealous, fond, and "loyal" to
the Hayes [Hayeses]. He sent me an autograph letter of
JAILS, CRIME TRAINING-SCHOOLS 247
Colonel George Croghan, a South Carolina memorial volume on
Calhoun, "Life of John W. Bear," the Buckeye blacksmith, and
Pennypacker's "Biographical Sketches."
SPIEGEL, November 1, 1885.
MY DEAR DAUGHTER:-. . . Do moderate your surplus
energy. It is well to ride, but hardly necessary to rack your
bones so dreadfully. . . Your mother had a most satis-
factory journey going and coming, and a happy visit at Phila-
delphia,- one of her best affairs of the sort.
I go to the Loyal Legion monthly at Cincinnati, Tuesday.
It is always an agreeable meeting. I see Force, Herron, and
other old friends; and at least, equally gratifying, my favorite
lady friends, Mrs. Herron and Aunty Davis. The legion has
taken the place of the club--the famous Cincinnati Literary
Club - in my affections. In the club I meet only Herron, Mal-
lon, and Force of the old set. The chairs are all well filled
with nice and interesting young fellows, but they are of recent
times, and "knew not Joseph." The military circles are inter-
ested in the same things with myself, and so we endure, if not
enjoy, each other.
With all good wishes.
Affectionately, your father,
H.
MISS FANNY HAYES,
Farmington.
November 9. Monday. - Attended the Loyal Legion at Cin-
cinnati at "The Hotel Emory," [last Wednesday evening].
General Cox read a capital paper on his campaign in Virginia
- West Virginia. A good visit with old friends - the Herrons,
Mrs. Davis, the Forces, and Mrs. Stephenson.
Lunched with our new Governor Foraker and McKinley.
McKinley is a friend worth having. Home Saturday.
Last night Rev. Mr. Prentiss gave us a good address on the
Bible before the County Bible Society. I must sometime main-
248 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES
tain my proposition that a non-professor of religion - "a mere
man of the world"--who wishes well to his country and his
fellow men ought actively to aid in the circulation of the Bible,
and in adding to its influence. The general course of my argu-
ment is this: All peoples will have some religion. Death leads
the mind to consider the future, to a contemplation of Deity.
Hence religion, or this is religion. Now, the best religion the
world has ever known is the religion of the Bible. It builds
up all that is good. It suppresses or diminishes all that is bad.
With it men are happy and nations are prosperous. Where it is
not found vice and crime prevail.
FREMONT, OHIO, November 9, 1885.
MY DEAR GENERAL:--I am ever so glad to get your letter,
and that the trinket hits the nail on the head--that it is pleas-
ant to you.
As to talk about Grant's talk. I have a notion on the whole
business of repeating conversations in print that were not in-
tended for publication. No man ought to do it, except under
great pressure, because no man can do it. Take the Andy John-
son affair, the Depew sensation. No doubt, wisely looked at,
both Depew and Johnson's private secretaries are truthful.
Johnson would have attempted a revolution - putting in a Rebel
Democratic Congress and putting out the loyal lawful Con-
gress, if he had dared to do it. He would have dared to do it
if Grant would have stood by him. But not daring to do it, he
never intended to do it-- never seriously thought of doing it.
Both sides are, in a sense, correct. So don't get into the always
questionable position of relating to the public conversations not
meant for the newspaper. Instead of this, one can always assert
his belief, on his own responsibility, that so and so is truth.
But leave it to the "thin-brained" to quote from memory con-
versations of long ago.
What a goose I am to write this old-woman talk to you.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES.
PERIL OF REPEATING PRIVATE TALK 249
P. S.-For example, our friend Lee made a mistake in
quoting Grant's strong expressions. He can't quote the qualifi-
cations, the context, the provocations. How much of it all was
hypothetical ? - H.
GENERAL J. M. COMLY.
Toledo.
CLEVELAND, OHIO, November 11, 1885.
MY DARLING:--I came here yesterday afternoon to preside
--so-called (it means to sit in a conspicuous seat in the centre
of the auditorium, and at the time that more light is needed
touch a button that by electricity illuminates the hall) -at the
musical festival in the new hall. We are so well pleased that
I have sent for your mother to come down. . . .
I hope you are very happy and [that] you love me about
one thousandth part as much as I love you.
Affectionately, your father,
H.
MISS FANNY HAYES,
Farmington.
November 15. Sunday. - Chaplain [Ambrose] Hollinston [of
the One Hundred Eleventh] preached two capital sermons.-
Among other pleasant things said to me, he said: "My brother
and I heard you in 1875 at West Unity when you were can-
vassing for governor. After your speech was finished, when
brother and I met, we both said with one voice 'He ought to be
the next President.' "
November 17. Tuesday. - This afternoon a young gentleman
who was visiting us, R. W. Huntington, of Norwalk, said he
wanted me to know the arrangement he had been making with
Adda (Adda S. Cook, "our niece" -a cousin of Mrs. Hayes)
-that he was going to Florida to engage in the pine lumber
business, and before going he had wanted to have an under-
standing with her, etc., etc. He is an intelligent gentleman of
good appearance, and apparently of good character, and talents.
I know nothing of his "prospects" or business capacity. The
250 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES
indications are however all favorable, except I have no reason
to suppose he has accumulated enough to warrant him in as-
suming the responsibility of a family. But a manly, independent
character is worth, in such cases, a great deal, and I am there-
fore inclined to congratulate Adda on her good fortune.
November 19. Thursday. - Henry Howe, author of "Ohio
Historical Collections" and other similar works, came yesterday
from New Haven, and leaves here for Cincinnati this morning.
His design is to get up another Ohio work- a reprint of the
first with illustrations and additions, bringing the story down by
pictures and text to the present day. It will be interesting to
compare the present with forty years ago. My only doubt is
as to his vigor. At seventy the powers of mind remain, but
physical strength is hardly adequate for such work as he did
when he was thirty.
SPIEGEL, Sunday, November 22, 1885.
MY DARLING:--At breakfast this morning your box was one
of the topics. I think Adams Express will be called on to take
you the food, so that you may expect it about Thursday or a
little before.
Adda had a successful lunch party Friday. . . By the
by -in strict confidence--now, what do you think is coming?
Mr. Huntington has gone to Missouri- thence to Florida, and
leaves his sweetheart in Spiegel Grove for the present!! I like
him- am not well informed as to his "prospects" -that is what
we call dot or dower if the lady is named. But if Adda is con-
tent, we, of course, must approve. He is certainly a young gen-
tleman of good culture and abilities.
We expect the Austin tribe to be with us Thanksgiving. This
includes Webb. - Hoping all good angels will guard and keep
our darling Sister, I remain,
Your loving father,
H.
MISS FANNY HAYES,
Farmington.
DEATH OF HENDRICKS 251
November 24. Tuesday. - The first quarterly conference held
this evening. . . After church the quarterly conference of
the [Presiding] Elder, pastor, and fifteen members of the offi-
cial board was held. The question of salary was the leading
point. I carried an advance, viz., twelve hundred dollars per
year instead of one thousand dollars. Two were reluctant--
possibly opposed.
November 26. Thursday. -The sudden death of Vice-
President [Thomas A.] Hendricks recalls his fine traits of per-
sonal character and the friendly acts towards myself which have
been from time to time done by him. Returning from Washing-
ton to the West in 1865-6, when he was Senator and I a Mem-
ber of the House, we had long and agreeable talks on public
affairs and personages. He was amiable, interesting, and
friendly. When I was governor he visited Columbus, probably
a number of times. He always called and in cordial ways and
greetings was always very friendly. In 1878 or '9, after the angry
contest of 1876, when many were still talking of not condoning
the [decision of] 1876, he called on me at the Grand Hotel in
Cincinnati and greeted us at our reception.
Possibly more significant still was his greeting at the time
of General Grant's funeral, and his interview with "Gath," the
correspondent of the Enquirer.
November 27. Friday. - Mr. Hendricks had some great ad-
vantages over his rivals in public life. He was a man of blame-
less private life, a consistent member of the Episcopal Church,
an amiable, friendly man of even temper, kind impulses, and
generous conduct. A sound and able lawyer, a good citizen, and
a gentleman on all occasions. I wrote, but did not send a dis-
patch, expressing my esteem and regard for him and my wish
to attend the funeral. I did send the following to General
Benjamin Harrison: -
"Please tender to Mrs. Hendricks the heartfelt sympathy of
Mrs. Hayes and myself in her great sorrow."
I now expect to attend the funeral.
252 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES
FREMONT, November 28, 1885.
MY DEAR COLONEL:--I look to the healing influences of time
and popular education to bring the sections and races into good
relations. Wherever I look I see in the South encouraging prog-
ress. Elections and politics in this country correspond with
battles and war in other times and countries. Whatever of de-
parting evils remains is sure to show itself lost in the excite-
ments of political contests. I am fully persuaded that their end
is coming.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES.
COLONEL A. J. KELLAR,
Memphis.
November 29. Sunday. -Turned out a beautiful day. "All
the boys" at home. We go to Indianapolis tomorrow to the
funeral of the Vice-President, Mr. Hendricks. In addition to
the respect due the office, and my esteem and regard for him
as a man, I have a feeling that his generous way of dealing with
"the fraud issue" lifts him above the narrowness and bitterness
of the average partisan. He habitually said:--"I always stand
up for Hayes. He could not have done otherwise than take
the place of President after we gave it up to him. I don't be-
lieve in assailing him for doing it."
December [7].--Monday [November 30] with Colonel Wil-
liam E. Haynes, I went via Wellington to Indianapolis to attend
the funeral of Vice-President Hendricks. The Vice-President
had always been very kind in his acts and words towards me
personally. In particular on the fraud issue. He was in pri-
vate character a most exemplary and estimable gentleman. In
respect for the office also, I felt bound to attend - it being near
enough to do so without great inconvenience. I am in [a] quiet
way criticized by extreme partisans. Governor Noyes, at the
Loyal Legion meeting, said to me: "I see you were at the
funeral of that-old Copperhead, Hendricks."
I was glad to meet on the train Senator Palmer of Michigan.
We had a most agreeable afternoon and evening with him. At
CHARACTER OF HENDRICKS 253
the depot in Indianapolis we were met by Colonel William R.
Holloway [brother-in-law of Governor Morton], General Har-
rison, Judge Niblack, and others (a committee), with carriages,
and taken to the Denison Hotel. We met many agreeable ac-
quaintances and made some new ones. I was specially in charge
of Mr. Volney T. Malott. He struck me as a man of unusual
business capacity, and a man of high character. He is president
of the Indiana National Bank and a member of the Methodist
Episcopal Church. He has an agreeable family; two of his
daughters were at Miss Porter's school at Farmington.
Judge -[Martindale(?)] and family were particularly
agreeable. I there met Honorable E. B. Washburne and wife.
A pleasant evening. Mrs. Morton, widow of the Senator, is
not in firm health. She does not go into society. She still
mourns her loss and spends much time decorating her husband's
grave and statue. The son at home [Oliver] is an editor of the
Times. He seems to be a young gentleman of talents.
I went with Haynes and others, by invitation of Mr. Ingalls
[president of the "Big Four" Railway] in his private car, to
Cincinnati Friday morning. A delightful meeting of the Loyal
Legion in the rejuvenated Burnet House.
December 8. Tuesday. - Returned yesterday after three days
in Toledo. Friday evening and Saturday-day and evening-
the convention in the interest of industrial education was held
in the hall of the high-school building near Madison Street. It
was a most successful meeting. Capital addresses were made
by Felix Adler, Colonel Jacobson, Dr. Woodward, Mr. Ham,
Mrs. Ewing, and others who represent schools at St. Louis, New
York, Chicago, etc., etc.
I spent the whole day replying to letters that have accumu-
lated during my absence. This is getting to be a great burden.
The most of the letters I get are of such a nature that I wish to
answer them. It is not a diminishing flood. I must try to
adopt some rule that will relieve me. Possibly printed forms.
December 9. Wednesday.-I am greatly gratified today by
receiving from Colonel Fred D. Grant a fine copy of General
Grant's (first volume) "Personal Memoirs" with this inscrip-
254 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES
tion, "Sent by the direction of General U. S. Grant and with the
compliments of his family.- F. D. Grant."
This is a souvenir of the great man, direct from his own hand
in his dying hours.
SPIEGEL GROVE, FREMONT, December 10, 1885.
MY DEAR COLONEL.--I am in receipt from you of the first
volume of an elegant copy of your father's intensely interesting
and very valuable "Personal Memoirs." Nothing could be more
prized by me than this precious token of your father's friend-
ship, and of the good will of yourself and the rest of his family
I have read with liveliest interest the first one hundred and
twenty pages. If anything could add to the fame of General
Grant, it would be such a book from his pen. It is graphic and
simple and as truthful as truth itself. It furnishes in sufficient
detail a capital picture of the life of one in whom the world
will always be deeply interested.
A few sentences on pages 99 and 100 describe as far as they go
General Grant himself, although written of General Taylor:
"No soldier could face either danger or responsibility more
calmly than he."
I beg you to present the kindest regards of Mrs. Hayes and
myself to your mother.
With thanks and best wishes.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES.
COLONEL F. D. GRANT.
December 11. Friday.- I read in the Spirit of the Times,
San Francisco, the plan and details of Governor Leland Stan-
ford for his magnificent foundation of the Leland Stanford
Junior University in California. It surpasses anything hereto-
fore done in the world. He gives over five millions in land--
a great deal of it productive. It embraces the largest vineyard
known--several thousand acres in superb condition. It is
stated that he will add to this enough to make the total founda-
tion twenty million dollars.
LELAND STANFORD'S BENEFICENCE 255
Mrs. Hayes [and I] are indebted largely to Governor Stan-
ford for our enjoyment of the finest trip of our lives - our Cali-
fornia trip in 1880.
SPIEGEL GROVE, FREMONT, OHIO, December 12, 1885.
MY DEAR GOVERNOR: - I read yesterday in the San Francisco
Spirit of the Times the first full account I have seen of your
matchless gift to the cause of education. I cannot resist the
impulse I feel to thank you and congratulate you. I must try
to express in a word or two the admiration of all good and
thoughtful people for you and your work. The Leland Stanford
Junior University will have the amplest endowment ever known.
It will be non-sectarian. It will provide for industrial educa-
tion. All of these features will attract commendation. The last,
viz., manual training, I rejoice to see is fundamental. Its im-
portance, in this country especially, cannot be overstated. No
American can be regarded as well educated who cannot earn his
living as a skilled laborer, either in agriculture or in the useful
or ornamental arts. But I must not occupy your time.
Mrs. Hayes and myself will always remember gratefully your
abundant kindness to us in the most enjoyable journey of our
lives, our California trip in 1880. We have sympathized deeply
with you in your great affliction and now join with all the world
in appreciation of what you are doing.
We have never met Mrs. Stanford but venture to unite in re-
spectful and kind regards to her as well as to yourself.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES.
GOVERNOR LELAND STANFORD,
San Francisco.
SPIEGEL GROVE, FREMONT, December 13, 1885.
MY DARLING:- The household are happy to know that you
are coming soon, and that you also look forward to the reunion
of the family with such agreeable anticipations. You may be
sure that the old home will welcome you warmly - perhaps up-
roariously - with as many of your schoolmates as you may like
256 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES
to invite. They may come on their way back to school or with
you or both, as you and they prefer. The hospitality of "Spie-
gel" is plain and old-fashioned, but abounding and hearty....
We are counting the days too. Be good and keep well.
Affectionately, your father,
RUTHERFORD B. HAYES.
MISS FANNY HAYES,
Farmington.
December 14. Monday.--Attended executive committee of
the County Bible Society, and arranged for canvass of the town
and so much of the county as lies within the jurisdiction of the
society.
Read Sherman's "Memoirs" on the battle of Shiloh, and on
Grant's intention to leave the army at Corinth and how it was
prevented by Sherman. - Also Hamilton's account of the trouble
at time of Adams dealing with French question in 1797-8.
December 17. Thursday.-The funeral of Captain Josiah
Chance. The G. A. R. and a few companions of the Loyal
Legion made it significant as a military funeral. He was in
the regular army. In younger days a member of a band here.
Afterwards a bugler for the body-guard of Lincoln.
At the cemetery the G. A. R. took possession. Rev. Mr. Barnes
as chaplain and Green as commander read the G. A. R. funeral
service. The singing by Mrs. Stahl and was impressively
beautiful. A finer burial service I never saw. It was far better
than at General Grant's funeral. Touching, appropriate, and
effective in all respects.
December 20. Sunday. -- Harper's Weekly in a fair and lauda-
tory notice of Sherman says: -"It was by his (Sherman's)
advice that President Hayes vetoed the first silver bill, in a mes-
sage generally credited to Mr. Sherman, which was one of the
strongest financial state papers in our history."
I have noticed with regret during the last three years a disposi-
tion in Mr. Curtis to disparage my ability. The insinuation about
VETO OF SILVER BILL 257
the veto message is wrong throughout. Mr. Sherman was op-
posed to the silver bill, but after it passed by majorities in both
houses so strong that it was evident that a veto would not kill, he
was inclined to think a veto might be omitted as unavailing. No
line of the message was his. I wrote all of my veto messages
except one. * In the case of the silver bill, Mr. Evarts was con-
sulted freely and his opinion coincided fully with mine. If
any one's advice was specially given it was his.
FREMONT, OHIO, December 21, 1885.
MY DEAR SIR: - Perhaps I ought not to trouble you with this.
The last Harper's Weekly says, in its notice of you, many good
things - none of which could be said more strongly than I would
say them. But it says of the veto of the Silver Bill:--
"It was by his (Sherman's) advice that President Hayes ve-
toed the first silver bill, in a message generally credited to Mr.
Sherman, which was one of the strongest financial state papers in
our history."
I never heard this suggestion before. I hardly know how to
correct it. Perhaps you will see no objection to sending me a
short paragraph correcting the error. I could show it to Mr.
Curtis and let him, of his own motion, do what is proper. I
have in no instance, over my own signature, made any denial
of charges based on my action as President. I prefer not to do
so.
I rejoice that you are where you are and that you have the
wide and good fame that you more than deserve.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES.
HONORABLE JOHN SHERMAN.
Confidential.
FREMONT, OHIO, December 26, 1885.
DEAR SIR:--Your esteemed favor of the 17th is before me.
In reply to your questions:--
*The veto of the Chinese Exclusion Bill, which was written by Mr.
Evarts. See "Life," second volume, pages 213-17.
17
258 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES
1. The whiskey frauds of 1875 and 1876 you will find fully
considered, if I recollect correctly, in the debates in the Con-
gressional Record for those years and in. the Congressional in-
vestigations, and in the annual reports of the Secretary of the
Treasury, Mr. Bristow, for the same period.
2. As to the statement of three thousand pardons of whiskey
convicts in 1877-1881, you will find no "data" to that effect.
Please inform me where you saw the statement. If practicable
send it to me. Of course you know that the total number of
convicts of all sorts pardoned did not approximate the number
you mention.
You are quite right in seeking exact information from of-
ficial sources. A good cause often suffers by the reckless and
baseless statements of its injudicious and excitable friends. If
you put faith in such tales as the one you refer to, your book
will have little value. Look to your facts.
Sincerely, R. B. HAYES.
P. S.- Don't fail to give me the authority for the three-
thousand story. The bane of our time, so far as written argu-
ment goes, is not the facts and logic of our adversaries - they
have none -but the hasty and careless statements of the friends
of the good cause. Reform this- reform it altogether. - H.
REV. J. M. MONROE,
Belleair.
December 30. Wednesday. - Our wedding day. Thirty-three
years ago we married. The wedding guests were not numerous
- perhaps thirty-five or forty including relatives. I recall of
those present the following who have passed away: Mother
Maria Webb and Lucy's brothers, Dr. Joseph T. and Dr. James
D., her uncle Isaac Cook, her aunt Lucy Cook, her cousin and
adopted brother, Wm. T. Scott, my Uncle Birchard, Sister Fanny,
her husband, Wm. A. Platt, and among the guests not relations
who have died are almost all of the old people,- old Mr. Sam-
uel Williams, formerly of Chillicothe, and his wife called by
Lucy Uncle and Aunty; the old people in whose house we lived,
WEDDING ANNIVERSARY 1885 259
George and Abigail Warren, also called by Lucy Uncle George
and Aunty Warren. Among my own intimate friends of nearly
my own age, Richard C. Anderson (dear Dick!), George W.
Jones, and R. H. Stephenson were present and are now gone.
General Buckland happening to be in town was, of course, in-
vited to the wedding as one of my early friends. He still lives,
now an old man in feeble health. John W. Herron, one of my
closest friends of Cincinnati, and our valued friend[s] Dr.
John and Mrs. Davis were present and [are] still living. Laura
Platt, our darling niece, who stood up with us--happy and
proud to take part in the ceremony, then a girl of ten years old,
now lives, the fortunate mother of a fine boy John G. Mitchell
Jr., and three fine girls- one a lovely young lady! All the
relatives present except Laura have left us! And of the near
friends only Buckland, the Davis[es], and Herron remain!
All of the family were at home Christmas, and remained
until the wedding day. A fine crowd -glad to think of all of
them--Birchard, Webb, Rutherford, Scott, and Fanny, the
darling !
January 1, 1886. New Years Day. - A beautiful spring day.
Called on Mr. Andrews. He is seriously sick with pneumonia.
Called next on Theodore Clapp. He is afflicted dread-
fully with rheumatism. Is called a spiritualist. Is not a be-
liever in orthodoxy. Takes cheerful and sensible views of the
course of things in the world. Is very well informed -reads a
great deal and is on the whole one of the most agreeable of my
neighborhoods [neighbors]. Hands and feet so crippled that he
can scarcely get out of the house. He sits at his window and
reads. He occasionally drives out with a quiet pair of old In-
dian ponies. He meets poverty and disability uncomplainingly
with a spirit which in a church member we would call that of
an exemplary Christian. His wife, afflicted with cataract--al-
most blind, - is another meek and sweet-tempered person - like
her husband a Christian in the best sense, and yet both are re-
garded as infidels! They are never seen in church, but have all
the virtues except the devotional, which the church seeks to in-
culcate and extol.
260 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES
Next on General Buckland, my early partner in the practice
of law. He is now seventy-four with some chronic trouble, but
the old hero stands up against it, and his sore affliction by reason
of his wife's mental infirmity, with the patience and fortitude
of a Roman. His pride is in his record as a soldier. At Shiloh
he commanded one of Sherman's brigades. All in line before the
enemy attacked, he held his place and did as much as any man to
save us from ruin on that day of fate. He was absent at his
office, where he daily attends to business in spite of age, disease,
and affliction! In the afternoon he returned my call with Dr.
Wilson.
In the afternoon I visited -the first time in many months -
Uncle's old and dear friends Aunty Grant and Sarah. A chatty
time. Mr. and Mrs. VanDoren came in. His talk was of the
gas wells ....
I called on Dr. Rawson (aged eighty-one, last September) and
found him with his mind clear and judgment prompt and sound.
He doubts gas wells as a general thing. But in Findlay he says
they always had an offensive smell in some localities and for
years have known and used natural gas to a limited extent.
Called on Mrs. Thompson and Harriet with whom I boarded
forty years ago. Both crippled with rheumatism, but cheerful,
happy, and cordial.
January 3. Sunday.-A good sermon to a small congrega-
tion. Read Pope in the Century on Second Bull Run. The cu-
rious paragraph at the close of the article is a remarkable in-
stance of how a falsehood, believed to be characteristic, has a
charmed life and sticks. The belief that Pope issued an order
containing the idea that his "headquarters were to be in saddle"
is almost universal even among his friends. It turns out that
this is a fabrication. The strong point of the article against
Fitz-John Porter is that he, Porter, remained in column resting
near a battle without moving towards it-without making a
recognisance [reconnaissance] to his front, and that in fact he at
one time intended to move to the rear when the firing indicated
that our troops were being hardly Dressed.
MRS. HAYES'S BENEVOLENCE 261
January 21. Thursday. - Lucy is very busy this morning in
her good-hearted work for the needy. A poor family, Mrs. Hart-
zell and [with] six small children, from twelve down to the
babe, wants to get back to her parents at or near Easton, Penn-
sylvania. Lucy pays the expenses "home again," and for a week
or two has been sewing and buying to get them ready. She
will feel a load of care is off from her hands when this is done.
She mentioned to me that they had some kindred here in fairly
good circumstances. I said why don't "the kin" help them. She
replied with one of her "chunks of wisdom": "Two things I
have learned. One is, if you want help, go to strangers in
preference to kin. The other is, go to men of the world in
preference to professors, if you would have help or even justice.
This of course is liable to many exceptions, but I speak of the
common fact."
January 22. Friday.--How to distribute more equally the
property of our country is a question we [Theodore Clapp and I]
considered yesterday. We ought not to allow a permanent aris-
tocracy of inherited wealth to grow up in our country. How
would it answer to limit the amount that could be left to any
one person by will or otherwise? What should be the limit?
Let no one receive from another more than the law gives to the
Chief Justice, to the General of the Army, or to the President
of the Senate. Let the income of the property transmitted equal
this, say ten thousand dollars to twenty thousand dollars. If
after distributing on this principle there remains undistributed
part of the estate, let it go to the public. The object is to se-
cure a distribution of great estates to prevent accumulat[ion].
January 23. Saturday. - Correspondence. - The political sit-
uation at Columbus and Washington read up very thoroughly. I
have not read the papers at all for two weeks. Gathered the news
in scraps from friends. Senator Morrill's silver speech is sound.
January 24. Sunday. - The question for the country now is
how to secure a more equal distribution of property among the
people. There can be no republican institutions with vast masses
of property permanently in a few hands, and large masses of
262 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES
voters without property. To begin the work as a first step, pre-
vent large estates from passing by wills, or by inheritance, or by
corporations into the hands of a single man. Let no man get
by inheritance, or by will, more than will produce at four per
cent interest an income equal to the salary paid to the Chief Jus-
tice, to the General of the Army, or to the highest officer of the
Navy - say an income of fifteen thousand per year, or an estate
of five hundred thousand dollars.
SPIEGEL, January 24, 1886.
MY DARLING: - YOU shall have more letters. I will not neg-
lect you.
As to your studies, I agree with you. There are too many of
them. The only question is which to drop. My decided pref-
erence is that you drop either Grecian history, physics, or astron-
omy. You will have another year at Farmington, I hope. I
don't know what "harmony" means. You may drop that if you
prefer. Music, you know, is the pet of both your mother and
father. But if you can't manage it, why, do as you suggest. You
are "wisest, discreetest, best." Who said that? Of whom was
it said?
All the boys are now here. The weather is charming. We
only need you with your "Oho!" to be one of the happiest fami-
lies on the continent.
With all love, ever,
RUTHERFORD B. HAYES.
MISS FANNY HAYES,
Farmington.
SPIEGEL GROVE, FREMONT, OHIO, January 24, 1886.
MY DEAR GUY: - I was very much touched by your welcome
letter. We are indeed marching rapidly on to the inevitable close.
An acquaintance and intimate friendship that dates back almost
half a century is something to think of with growing interest.
The letter of Albert Pike struck me as it did you. I was so
pleased with it that I had it copied as you see. Cicero "On Old
DE SENECTUTE COMMENDED 263
Age" is worth reading now. It is better than it was when we
had it as a task at school. Try it some day. I now read it in a
translation.
Dear Guy! He entirely won all our hearts. Give him our love.
All of our children were with us Christmas and on the thirty-
third anniversary of our wedding day! Fanny is at school in
Farmington, Connecticut. Scott in an industrial school in To-
ledo. We are all in the best of health.
You have hit the nail on the head. The ex-Presidential situa-
tion has its advantages, but with them are certain drawbacks. The
correspondence is large. The meritorious demands on one are
large. More independent out than in place, but still something
of the bondage of the place that was willingly left. On the whole,
however, I find many reasons to be content.
I hope we can meet next summer. My home is a good place
to meet. You will be the welcome guest here always. By the by,
we missed Laura Ballinger by not knowing she was so near to
us until it was too late. Always count on us - all of us. Mrs.
Hayes joins in all regards.
As ever,
R. B. HAYES.
HONORABLE GUY M. BRYAN,
Texas.
FREMONT, OHIO, January 24, 1886.
MY DEAR SIR: - I have the Record for the first session of the
Forty-eighth Congress, but nothing since the parts of the fifteenth
volume. Will be glad to have the rest.
Nobody felt happier over the occasion of your late election
than I did. It is a signal triumph for you. With what genuine
pleasure you are entitled to regard your long public life! Your
friends and the country think of your career just as you would
wish them to.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES.
HONORABLE JOHN SHERMAN,
Washington, D. C.
264 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES
SPIEGEL, January 28, 1886.
MY DARLING: -Your mother and Adda go to Cincinnati for
some indefinite time tomorrow.
Do not disobey any rules of the school. It would have mor-
tified me if you had gone into the double ripper "biz." Do be
trusty and reliably obedient. Of course, if you do go wrong,
you will not run or hide or prevaricate. Excuse so much lec-
ture !
We shall have a quiet house -lonely and doleful with Lucy
and Adda both gone. Write often.
Affectionately,
RUTHERFORD B. HAYES.
MISS FANNY HAYES.
February 2. Tuesday. - The twenty-first year since the war
of the Rebellion is drawing to its close. In no year since the final
victory of the Union arms has there been a deeper or keener in-
terest in the events and scenes and characters of the great conflict
than we have seen in the year that is now rapidly passing. The
last book is the best. It has the largest sale, it is read with the
profoundest interest and the liveliest relish. The periodical that
has the most and best war articles is the periodical that wins.
Our matchless comrade and companion, our illustrious com-
mander going to his grave in the simple garb of a citizen - wear-
ing no mark of rank -nothing to tell of his achievements as a
soldier except the simple badges of the G. A. R. and the Loyal
Legion, though dead to sight, speaks today to more minds, with
a higher authority, and gets back a readier and heartier reply
than ever before.
Two things we observe and rejoice to observe touching the
literature of the war that has appeared during the last year.
One is the intense and penetrating interest that is taken in it to
which I have already alluded, and the other is the charitable and
magnanimous spirit which penetrates what is written. The war
gave rise to rivalries, bitterness, to harsh and cruel criticisms
among officers and men under the same flag. Regiments were
embittered against each other in the same brigade. Brigades,
INTEREST IN WAR LITERATURE 265
divisions, and army corps were divided and hostile. This feeling
soon almost disappeared. But the rivalries and contentions of
officers lasted longer. Grant, Pope, Wallace, and others show
a different spirit now.
SPIEGEL, February 2, 1886.
MY DARLING: - I was made very happy last night by a letter
from Miss Porter in which she speaks so beautifully, so discrim-
inatingly, so justly about my daughter that I could not refrain
from telling you. Yes, glad to have such a young person an-
other year,- "tourse" is the substance of it. So you have a
high place, and will keep it.
Lucy and Adda are still unheard from. No doubt I will
[shall] get a letter today. I now expect them to stay until I
come a week from today.
This is woodchuck day. The tradition or superstition has va-
rious renderings. The common one is, if the woodchuck comes
out and sees his shadow, he will, with a shudder and chill, run
back into his hole, knowing that there will be six weeks more of
winter. If he can see no shadow he understands that winter is
about done with and he prepares for his spring work. Now, to-
day it is bright and clear. Woodchuck will see a distinct shadow.
So look out for more blizzards!- Write often.
Lovingly,
RUTHERFORD B. HAYES.
MISS FANNY HAYES,
Farmington.
February 13. Cincinnati. - At the pleasant home of John W.
and Harriet C. Herron, our dear friends, lo ! these so many years
-about thirty-five or thirty-six years. Their charming family
were never more charming. Jack is a fine, strong, promising
boy- full of friendly affection! The young ladies are superior
persons; the two smaller girls fill a tender place in the household.
Little Lucy Hayes Herron is bewitching- a little angel.
The Loyal Legion banquet passed off successfully. Mr. Perry
says my talk was perfect-good words from high authority.
266 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES
When I was told by General Force that it had been said, I
promptly replied: "Mr. Perry (A. F.) could surpass it himself."
General Sherman was much affected when I spoke of Hancock.
Tears ran down his cheeks.
Banquets with courses in fashionable style should be given
up. We should in place of them have a lunch or collation, with
the food on the tables and brought in as required. We would
save one or two hours of time, would have room enough for all
of the ladies- and at a less cost!
We should have not more than three regular toasts and set
speeches and after that short offhand talks, and so adjourn by
twelve, midnight.
These reforms I am urging. We -the Loyal Legion-are
now in a condition to set examples, to lead the fashion, to
start reforms. Let us do it, and so do good service in the society
world.
CINCINNATI, February 13, 1886.
MY DARLING:-We never made a more enjoyable visit than
this one turns out to be. The Loyal Legion affair was capital.
Adda, Mrs. Herron, and your mother enjoyed it to the full.
General Sherman was charming. The ladies' reception passed off
successfully. I send you a newspaper containing the account of
it. You will not read the voluminous details, but as a dutiful
daughter you will read about your mother's part in it, and your
father's speech.
We go to Delaware Monday. We tea with General Force to-
night, and tomorrow (Sunday) we dine out at Larz Anderson's.
We also hope to hear the incomparable "Sam Jones," who is
doing a world of good work.
I could not go to the funeral of General Hancock as pub-
lished.
We all love you. Affectionately,
R. B. HAYES.
MISS FANNY HAYES,
Farmington.
JONES AND SMALL EVANGELISTS 267
February 17. Wednesday.- Reached home on the Wheeling
last evening via Delaware, Columbus, etc., etc. Left Lucy in
Cincinnati at our dear friends', the Herrons'. A most charm-
ing visit. . . .
The evangelists Jones and Small have just finished a revival
work of a month [at Cincinnati]. Leave out criticisms on trifling
peculiarities of opinion and style, and their work is admirable.
They have drawn audiences, many thousand each, daily and
nightly. This shows unusual powers. Jones is quiet and conver-
sational in manner, is witty and pathetic, talks wholesome sense,
hits the prevailing vices skilfully; is earnest, and full of love in
charity for his fellow men. With all of these attractions he
delights his hearers. But all this without his topic would not
draw. Men do want to know about the future life, to believe
in it, to secure it. They do want a higher and surer happiness
and rest than they find here, and they naturally crowd around a
man who can tell them about these things in a way that assures
them that he at least believes in it. Men and women do love to
contemplate characters and beings superior to themselves. They
do want to worship.
February 19. Friday.- Called in the evening at the Ball
House on Judge L. B. Otis, of Chicago. He was a lawyer here
forty years ago. Afterwards a banker in partnership with Uncle
Birchard. He went to Chicago with perhaps forty thousand dol-
lars, thirty years ago. His purpose was to make a fortune. He
succeeded. He is a millionaire. He is happy in his good fortune.
Wise in money making. He believes in corner lots in the centre
of the business part of a city. He and his family - counting
three brothers and sons- own ten corner lots with large blocks
on them.- The night is stormy, but two hours of Otis' worldly-
wise talk made it pass quickly. He has Shakespeare's idea. A
man must take his time. All men have their opportunity. But
only once. That missed and . "There is a tide in the affairs
of men," etc.
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