[Page 104]

GAMBIER, July 18, 1842.
MY DEAR MOTHER:--The package and money sent by you and
Brother William were duly received. I am sorry Fanny will not
be able to return to her family as soon as was anticipated; but
from the favorable account of her health given in William's last
letter, I presume there is little reason to fear that she will be
forced to remain in her present situation for many weeks.
This is probably the last letter I shall write you before the
close of the session. Our examinations will be finished Wednes-
day next, and I shall have nothing, or but little more to do be-
fore Commencement. I expect to ramble about the country to
recruit my health between now and that time. Not but I am
hearty enough now, but the late freshet has brought an abundance
of fish, game is plenty, and the weather so warm that hunting
and fishing will be my chief occupations.
I am nearly prepared for Commencement. A few hours' labor
and my studies in Kenyon College are finished. You will be here
if possible, and I wish you to write immediately and tell me what
calculations you have made, who you are coming with, at what
time, etc. I will make preparations to have you accommodated
as well as circumstances will permit. On the day of our exer-
cises I can not be with you but a few moments. I hope you will
have good company with you. On that occasion, we are often a
good deal crowded. I think you will enjoy yourself very much.
It is something quite new to you.
If you make no arrangements with those who are to be your
companions about the time you will stay and the place, I will see
Mr. J. W. Miller. He will be glad to show you every attention at
Mount Vernon and will probably come out here with you. You
had better come to Mount Vernon Monday evening, before
August 3. You will then have time enough to see the beauties of
this place. Or if you prefer it, stay a few days after the close
of the term. You will have no chance to see much the last day.
I prefer that you would stay a short time after Commencement
if you have any time. However, it will be a great time with me.
Anyhow, I shall not pack up till all is over and will not leave for
home till Saturday, when two or three of us intend to hire an old
apple-cart, or some other genteel conveyance, to carry ourselves
and an extra amount of lumber to Columbus.
I don't know what I have said above. I am in wretched haste,
but what I mean to say is that if you will come, you shall find a
home and the company that is with you; only, you must send me
word right off. And I would rather you would have company to
return with you, as I shall not leave for some days. If Uncle is
here you can go down with him.
Well, I haven't bettered it any, but I expect you will know that
I wish you to come and to write immediately.
Bryan's eyes are improving. He will, I hope, be ready to speak
at Commencement. He was sorry he could not have called to see
you again, but his time was all taken up during his short stay in
Columbus. He wishes to be remembered to you, etc.
Everybody is well here, I believe. We had two weddings the
other night. The "74" is torn down and the grass-plot in front
of college is being mowed by a little stumpy lazy Englishman.
No other news.
Love to all.--Your affectionate son,
R. B. HAYES.
P.S.--Bring plenty of money. Perhaps my Franklin money
will not answer all my purposes. I find it not readily taken for
debts, though current enough in trade.
MRS. SOPHIA HAYES.