Diary & Letters of Rutherford B. Hayes

Volume I [1834 – 1860]

[Page 38]

GAMBIER, OHIO, July 19, 1840.
DEAR SISTER:-- I can but look back with "fear and trembling"
upon my folly in writing a letter characterized by such a fool-
hardy disregard of consequences as was my last; for among the
first lessons taught me in my childhood was to shun everything
like an attempt to startle or frighten a fellow-being for the sake
of a moment's fun or a senseless laugh. Yet forgetting or dis-
regarding this oft-repeated warning, I, as if goaded on by a
demon, concocted, reduced to writing, and mailed to you a letter
of three pages' length. "My tongue cleaves to the roof of my
mouth," my knees knock together, and my hands refuse to per-
form their office when a glimmering of the jeopardy in which
your reason and life was placed by that letter crosses my brain.
Thanks to the soundness of your education, the strength of your
intellect, and the firmness of your soul, you are saved; and be-
lieve me when I say that never, never, never again shall I run
such immanent hazard of blighting forever all the happiness
which our family now enjoys by writing a letter of such un-
usual length.
You and your little band of emigrants have by this time settled
a colony in the northern part of that heathenish city, "about
equally distant from the penitentiary, graveyard, rope-walk,
and slaughter-house. Very appropriate." Ha! ha! That
is a good joke on the Van Buren men.
Now, as I am remarkably well versed in the history of the
ancient republics and well acquainted with the principles upon
which a government should be framed, a little salutary advice
will not be out of place. It is a fact well attested by the his-
tory of every new country, that whatever fraud or injustice is
committed by colonists upon the aborigines of a country, is
always reflected back upon the heads of those who commit [it],
and that by a kind and conciliating manner toward the natives
nothing is lost but often very much gained. My advice, there-
fore, is that [in] all your acts, both public and private, you
continually keep this grand truth before your mind. Conducting
yourself in this way, you may confidently and reasonably expect
that your colony will become a great and wise people and be
loved and esteemed by your friends and respected and admired
by your enemies, and that, unlike all things else of human
origin, your nation will never fall but go on "conquering and to
conquer" till the end of time.
MISCELLANY.
Commencement is on Wednesday, the 5th of August.
We had a fine time on the Fourth.
Eight students got into a snap and were put on probation, two
of them professors of religion. One had to read a confession to
escape dismission.
Mrs. Hayes is expected here the first of next month. Mr. and
and Mrs. Platt also.
Money is scarce and much needed, as the bankrupt law is de-
feated in the H. R. [House of Representatives].
By the end of the session R. B. H. must have thirty-five dol-
lars. One installment of which is expected and needed in his
next letter from home.
The mail will be closed in ten minutes.
A letter is requested immediately.
Ten more words is wanted to fill out this column.
Mother wishes me to keep my hair, "teeth," and nails cut short.
Your brother, R. BIRCHARD HAYES.
Give my respects to the family.
MRS. WM. A. PLATT.

Volume I [1834 – 1860]

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A HISTORY OF THE PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN OF 1840.
BEGUN JUNE 25, 1840.
In order to give a full and complete history of this campaign,
it is necessary to go back to and examine the situation of the
country, the policy pursued, and the measures which Mr. Van
Buren was pledged to carry out when elected in 1836.
By the influence of General Jackson in 1834 the state bank
system was substituted for the National Bank as the depository
of the public moneys.
The "Pet Bank System" during the remainder of General
Jackson's Administration apparently succeeded in accomplishing
its object; and when he delivered his last message our affairs
were in so prosperous a condition that he said with truth: "I
leave the nation in prosperity and at peace with all nations."
Mr. Van Buren in his inaugural address, March 4, 1837, said:
"I shall follow in the footsteps of my illustrious predecessor";
an assurance which he has since found very hard [to] fulfill.
In May following, all the evils of the "Pet Bank System" burst
upon the country. The banks were compelled to "suspend," and
the commercial cities were filled with distress and ruin. An
extra session of Congress was called. Mr. Van Buren recom-
mended the sub-treasury scheme, the object of which was to
separate the Government from the banks and reduce our cur-
rency to specie. Many of the heretofore members of the Van
Buren party refused to support the measure. They called them-
selves Conservatives. Mr. Rives, Tallmadge, Ruggles, and sev-
eral members of the House of Representatives were among the
principal. The measure was rejected by a close vote.
The fall elections turned upon this point. The party opposed to
Van Buren succeeded beyond all expectation. New York went
against him by a large majority. But in his first annual message
to the Congress of 1837-8, he again recommended the measure,
and it became evident that the Administration were determined
to "sink or swim" with the scheme. Mr. Van Buren said, al-
luding to the result of the fall elections: "The sober second
thought of the people is seldom wrong and always efficient."
The measure was again rejected. A caucus was held by the op-
position members of Congress who recommended that a con-
vention to nominate candidates for President and Vice-President
be held at Harrisburg, December, 1839. Although this was later
than many wished, yet, as it was recommended by the best
"managers" in the land, it was agreed to by the party.
In the fall elections of 1838, the Van Buren party were suc-
cessful. Ohio, Indiana, and Tennessee, all returned Democratic
members, but New York still remained firm; so that the opposi-
tion were still in good spirits. In the session of 1838-39, the
Sub-Treasury was again put down. In the fall elections of 1839,
the Democratic party were very successful and the Whig party
were low-spirited.
But the pressure of the times began to be felt all over the
Union. The farmers and laboring classes, who before had not
suffered, now were the most oppressed.
The Twenty-sixth Congress, after several weeks of trouble
about contested seats, was organized and the administration
party with the aid of the New Jersey members had a decided
majority.
The Whigs now began to hope that with a popular candidate
they could by great exertion succeed. Many thought the Van
Buren party had not fulfilled their promises and expressed their
dissatisfaction with the Administration.
In December, 1839, "the Convention" met. It was composed
of one delegate from each Congressional District. Nearly all the
States were represented by the principal men in the nation.
Governor Barbour, of Virginia, presided. The candidates for
nomination were Clay, Scott, and Harrison. There was a spirit
of concession manifest from the beginning which showed they
[the delegates] were determined.
Harrison was nominated. The convention were all well satis-
fied. Everywhere the nomination was hailed with joy by the
opposers of the Administration. Large and enthusiastic meetings
were held in the different States to respond to the nomination.
John Tyler, of Virginia, was nominated for Vice-President
unanimously. General Scott, Mr. Clay, Webster, Tallmadge,
Rives, Generals Clinch, Gaines, and Van Rensselaer, all expressed
their determination to go heart and hand for the nominations.
In this State (Ohio), many who had before been supporters
of Van Buren came out publicly and declared their intention to
go for Harrison. About this time the Baltimore Republican,
a Van Buren print, sneeringly said of General Harrison: "Give
him a pension of two thousand dollars and a barrel of hard cider,
and he will be content to live in a log cabin the remainder of his
days." Great use was made of this by the Harrison party. They
styled themselves the "Log-cabin and hard-cider party." In
February and March, 1840, log cabins began to be built for
council houses for the Harrison party.
A convention was held on the 22d of February in this State
(Columbus) to respond to the nomination and nominate candi-
dates for state offices. Large and spirited meetings were held in
the different counties nominating delegates for "the Convention."
All knew that the State was aroused, but as the weather was bad,
the roads almost impassable, few expected that there would be
much of a "turnout"; but the day came, and with it the greatest
[meeting] in many respects ever held. There was no plan or
system, but each delegation bore as their emblem whatever their
caprice dictated. Log cabins, hard cider, canoes, boats, all kinds,
were brought with thousands of mottoes.
At this convention it was, that political songs were sung to
any great extent, and this was the first of that series of great
conventions for which this campaign will be remarkable. Num-
ber present twenty thousand. A convention was held in Con-
necticut, remarkable for its size,--five thousand.
The first contested state election after the nomination was in
Connecticut. To this election the eyes of both parties were
turned. Both claimed it and both knew it would test the popular-
ity of the Harrisburg nominees. The result was a clear Harrison
majority of four thousand five hundred. Rhode Island was also
claimed by both parties. Harrison's majority, one thousand
four hundred.
But again the eyes of both parties were directed to [the] Vir-
ginia election. Two senators were to be elected by the next
Legislature. Two Van Buren and two Harrison men were up.
The Van Buren party hoped that the nomination would be un-
popular in the South; but the result showed a Harrison majority
of ten on joint ballot. The township and charter elections were
claimed by both parties as evidences of their strength.
Tremendous conventions began to be held in the summer by
the Harrison party. [On the] 11th [of] June, Fort Meigs,
thirty-five thousand. Tippecanoe, thirty thousand. Illinois, June
4, fifteen thousand. Both parties are straining every nerve.
Now my belief is that the Harrison party will succeed.-- June
30, 1840.

Volume I [1834 – 1860]

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August.--The battle waxes hotter; the Administration begin
to hope for success in the elections in Kentucky, Iowa, Illinois,
Mississippi, Alabama, and North Carolina. But they are doomed
to be disappointed: the Harrisonians have carried the three large
States.

Volume I [1834 – 1860]

[Page 44]

November 5.--The long agony is over. The "whirlwind" has
swept over the land and General Harrison is undoubtedly elected
President. I never was more elated by anything in my life. His
majority in this State about sixteen acres, or twenty-three thou-
sand. Kentucky and everywhere else is going fine. Glorious!
Up on the Reserve "Birney [James G. Birney, candidate for
President of the "Liberty Party"] and Van Buren run about
alike." Ha! ha!

Volume I [1834 – 1860]

[Page 45]

February 10, 1841.--I shall try and write from memory a
history of my doings for the last two years, and not be so neg-
lectful for the future. [This he failed to do.]
First, I will give a short sketch of the persons who have been
my classmates and my opinion of their character and ability.
Lorin Andrews.--Left the class in 1840, (Ashland, Ohio.)
I was introduced to him the first day of my arrival at college.
My roommate who introduced me to him said he was a smart
fellow, a pretty good fellow about most things; rather too desirous
of popularity; would "suck in," as he expressed it. Mr. Andrews
is a young man of good natural ability, is very industrious at
whatever he undertakes. In fine, does everything with his whole
soul. Through freshman year he was invariably at the head of
the class in all the studies. In the winter term of sophomore
year he became interested in the establishment of a magazine,
called the Collegian; he spent his whole time in attempting to
carry this scheme into operation. He was indefatigable in his
exertions. There was a large faction opposed to the measure,
but with the assistance of A. B. Buttles he finally forced the
measure through the "Old Philo" [Philomathesian Society].
But it failed before it got in operation, and Andrews left college
soon after. He was a warm supporter of General Harrison's;
went to the birthday convention at Columbus on the 22nd of
February, 1840, and came back a warm politician; spent last
summer "stumping it." In my opinion, he is a talented, ener-
getic, honorable young man, and if he will let politics alone, will
make a good lawyer.
E. T. Austin, Texas.--Left the class in 1839. A Yankee by
birth, a Texan by adoption. In appearance he was pale, thin,
tall, and slim; he had no particular traits of character worthy
of mention, would do well to trap bullfrogs; commonly known
by the name of "Bones."--N.C., nuff ced.
George Burnside, Gambier, Ohio.--A large, red-faced genius,
great at using figures of speech; is trying to make an orator;
has a good disposition. I should call him a sort of a cleverish
fellow.
Gilbert Mortier de la Fayette Burnsides.--"What's in a
name?" A little . . .; great at drawing pictures on the
blackboard. Q. S., quite sufficient. Left the class in 1839.
Milton Boyd, Hillsboro, Ohio.--A large, full-grown man, say
twenty-three years old; a fine fellow; succeeds well among the
ladies; by no means smart.
Guy M. Bryan, Texas.--Fully retrieves the character of
Texas. He is a Missourian by birth. He is a real gentleman,
holds his honor dear, respects the wishes and feelings of others,
is a warm and constant friend. Has good talents, though not a
good scholar. He will, I trust, figure largely in Texan history;
he is a true patriot. [This prediction came true. Bryan and
Hayes were lifelong intimate friends.]
Douglas Case, Columbus, Ohio.--A good young man as ever
lived; never did but one bad deed, and that was to leave our
class; but that was unavoidable.
Leander Comstock, Worthington, Ohio.--Has a good disposi-
tion, tolerable talents, and great industry; will, I hope, make a
tall man.
Ezra Cridland, Philadelphia.--Could drink liquor and roll
into prayers; left in 1839.
E. B. Goodrich, Sandusky City, Ohio.--Unworthy to be men-
tioned as one of the class. Left in 1839.
S. Harrison, Mississippi.--A good-looking fellow--very fond
of sprees. Left in 1839.
John Harris, Canton, Ohio.--A good fellow as far as I know
him. Left in 1838.
R. B. Hayes, Columbus, Ohio.--The owner of this book; re-
markable for self-esteem.
W. R. Harelett, Zanesville, Ohio.--A good mathematician,
but poor at all else. Left in 1840.
E. C. Hodgkin, Detroit, Michigan.--A devoted Christian; a
tolerable smart fellow. An Abolitionist, but an honest one. Left
in 1840.
John Hickman, Paris, Kentucky.--John stutters. Ha! ha!
ha! Left in 1839.
E. T. Kellogg, Cleveland, Ohio.--A good fellow, but has too
little control over himself. He left in 1841--dismissed.
O. A. Kinsolving, Charlottesville, Virginia.--First-rate. Will
graduate.
A. B. Lamb, Delaware, Ohio.--My former roommate--a
fine fellow but lacks decision of character. Will graduate.
H. Lee, Coshocton, Ohio.--A good-natured Christian--not
smart. Left in 1839.
P. Lyon, Virginia.--The wildest little red-head that ever
moved. Left in 1839.
G. W. Mason, Steubenville, Ohio.--A great inventive genius
and mathematician. Good at heart--bad temper and quibbles.
[Will] graduate.
Miller Moody, Mt. Vernon, Ohio.--Smart but wild. Dis-
missed 1839.
[Character sketches were never completed.]

Volume I [1834 – 1860]

[Page 48]

GAMBIER, FEBRUARY 10, 1841.
DEAR MOTHER:--Do not be frightened that I should so soon
write again; nothing serious has happened, only I have turned
over a new leaf about writing letters. In one of our rhetoric
lessons the other day, there was a remark which struck me very
forcibly. The substance of it was "that nothing but exercise
could make a good epistolary writer"; and as I know of no one
upon whom I can more properly inflict a few letters than my
mother, I hope you will brace yourself to the task of reading a
series of letters from my honorable self, and if you should ever
grow weary or faint beneath the affliction, just recollect the old
proverb that "no evil is so great that a cheerful heart cannot
overcome it."
As this is the first letter of the first series I am in some doubt
how to commence it. Shall I commence in the sky and come
down to particulars? Or shall I commence with myself and the
college-bell? By the way, just thank your fortune that you was
never placed under the brazen tyranny of a college-bell. Some-
where in the New Testament it says "there is a time for all
things." Now, the bell aforesaid acts upon the principle that
there is no time to eat, sleep, or be merry, but only a time for
reciting, or, when it is in a peculiarly agreeable mood, it some-
times grants us a little time to study, but those moods are like
"angels' visits, etc." Where was I when I went off on this tan-
gent? No difference, though, where I was.
Sometimes I used to conceal from you my troubles and vexa-
tions, but those times are gone, and to be confidential--I am
almost out of ink and I shall have to walk full two hundred
yards to get some more; besides the weather is very cold. You
know how I hate long walks in a cold day--especially towards
church. But, as you know, I am a good deal of a philosopher,
and I'm determined not to let either the bell or the want of ink
destroy my peace. "What can't be cured must be endured," as
Shakespeare says, and as I almost said. I presume by this time
you have discovered that I have a great talent of writing "multum
in parvo."
For fear you have not yet heard the news, I will here remark
that our President has--not arrived. But five short weeks are
left till this session closes. It has passed over very quick, and as I
have to prepare a something between now and then, the remainder
of it will pass equally fast. The thought occasionally comes
into my head, what shall I do after leaving college? Now, I
would not have you think that it troubles me, for I have no fears
that I shall starve as long as I have "teeth and toe-nails." If
I could have a good farm I would love to be a farmer, but if
not I shall spend all the money I can lay fingers on to get a good
and complete education, and when I am entirely run out I will
practice law in some little dirty hole out West. I hope you will
say nothing of all this to the rest of the family for although they
may be deeply interested in my affairs, yet there is no mother
among them.
I have just received Fan's letter. I am glad to hear you have
got good help, especially as you have so much company. I wish
I was at home. I enjoy such times very much. You must
manage to get Hat a husband in Columbus; it would not do for
such old friends as her and Fan to live apart. Tell F. I will
answer her letter very soon. She forgot to mention anything of
Bob and though she expatiated largely on the babe she forgot to
mention her weight. Now, such negligence as this in two such
important particulars is not to be tolerated in this enlightened age.
I have a touch of my old complaint--sore throat. Perhaps
William can give me some advice on the subject. I would be
tempted to steam it if I thought it would do any good, for this
being half-sick I do not like.
As to my private affairs, I am just middling. My "ordinary
expenses," as Mr. Benton would say, will not be so great as I had
expected by some considerable, but my "extraordinary expenses"
will be greater. I believe I told you that our class are a-going to
appear in a uniform suit in the Spring. Now, the suit will be
a very cheap one in comparison to what is usual, but still a com-
plete dress from stock to boots cannot be procured for nothing.
I do not know how much it will cost. I will write again soon
and tell you. I received the lamp-wicks. They were of right
kind. Your affectionate son,
R. B. HAYES.
MRS. SOPHIA HAYES.

Volume I [1834 – 1860]

[Page 50]

GAMBIER, February 25, 1841.
TO WHOM--This letter should be directed is a question of
some interest to me as the answer will be, I hope, of much real
value, but of no importance to you. There is an advantage in
not directing to anyone in particular arising from various
weighty causes, among which the most prominent are: Friend
Trowbridge just came in and desired me to assist him in writing
a comedy of which the foundation is to be an amusing incident
which occurred in this neighborhood last evening. One of the
belles of this place, Miss Lane, engaged a short time ago to marry
a young tailor as soon as the balmy breezes began to blow in
April. By the way, I should have described the charms of in-
tellect and person which Miss L. possesses: She is tall and
slender, about the height of a liberty pole and the thickness of a
ramrod. Her golden locks in truth hang down her cheeks like sea-
weed round a clam; but if her form is lofty, majestic, and com-
manding, and her hair rich with the tallow of many a candle,
her features are emphatically "noice" and inspire ideas of solemn
sublimity. Her skin is a beautiful dark yellow, and in addition
to all these charms, she has long sharp teeth of which she is,
I think, quite vain for she is always showing them, so that they
are sunburnt to about the color of her hair; lanthorn jaws, and
broad flabby ears,--
"A combination and a form, indeed
Where all the gods did seem to set their seal,
To give assurance of a 'belle.'"
But besides her personal accomplishments, she was so graceful
in her movements, and so tasty in her dress, that it is by no
means strange that she should have many admirers. When she
came into church she waved her head to and fro till every ribbon
rattled in the whirlwind she created. At her entrance her beaux
would stretch and twist their necks within an ace of dislocation,
and even the students manifested their pleasure by sundry winks
and grins. Wherever she moved she was "the observed of all
observers." But, to the happy man whom she blessed with her
favors: He is a little fat, duck-legged "knight of the goose,"
bearing as much semblance to that beautiful bird as any other
work of nature or art that I know of.
Well, this "lofty Ben Lomond and little Ben Docky" were to
be joined in the holy bonds of wedlock sometime in the ensuing
spring. But lo and behold, last night a stalwart farmer from
down creek came to her father's to be married to her according
to promise. Here was a pretty fix! Her parents knew of the
last engagement; after the "evening was far spent," her father
concluded to inform "little Ben Docky" of the cause of their
sorrows. When he heard the news, it seemed as though his heart-
strings were broken. He sat him down and wept bitterly, after
which he revived and determined to go and see what could be
done on this trying occasion. When Miss L. saw him, she felt
like a lofty pine riven with a flash of lightning; in other words,
she fainted.
"0, what a fall was there, my countrymen,
0, what a noble mind was here o'erthrown!"
When she recovered from her swoon, it was agreed that the
two beaux should stand out in the middle of the floor and she
was then to choose between them. What a scene for a painter
her old father and mother, some ten or a dozen tall boys and
girls, the two candidates for the prize! The character was, how-
ever, Miss L. There she stood like a weeping-willow, now in-
clined this way, now that. All was still.
"'Twas now the [very] witching time of night,
When churchyards yawn, and hell itself breathes out
Contagion to this world."
Finally with a heaving bosom and a long-drawn sigh, she
chose the little tailor. But here a new difficulty arose; the farmer
had the license! The tailor was not long in obtaining one. But
while he was gone, his rival declared he was willing to lose the
wife but not the seventy-five cents he paid for the license, and
he would not consent to the wedding without whipping her enough
to pay for that. At last the affair was consummated and the
tailor and his Dulcinea are man and wife. Thus endeth the
chapter.
On the evening of the 22d we illuminated the college with the
materials we had collected for the arrival of President Douglass.*
It was a splendid affair.
I like the Dutchman's gems if not his clothes.
Another thing I would like to know, sis, would it be conven-
ient to have one of my friends visit at your house a portion of
vacation? If so, speak, "if not, forever after hold thy peace!"
Our exhibition goes off Tuesday evening, three weeks from
last evening--at the close of the session.
I should be glad to receive from headquarters the sum of nine
hundred and ninety-nine dollars, but do not dare to ask for more
than thirty-five dollars.
I am as ever,
R. B. HAYES.
P.S.--The friend of whom I spoke is either Bryan or Trow-
bridge, probably the latter.--R. B. H.
P.P.S.--Give my love to baby, Dolly, and Hatty. "The last
shall be first and the first last."
MR. AND MRS. WHOM.
MR. AND MRS. WM. A. PLATT.



*David Bates Douglass, the first independent President of Kenyon.
Before his time the Bishop of Ohio had been ex officio President.

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GAMBIER, June, 1841.
DEAR MOTHER:--I should have written to you long since had
it not been that I expected you to come over here previous to
returning home from Delaware. Mr. and Mrs. Pettibone were
here last week, from [whom] I first learned that you had re-
turned to Columbus. You must be sure to come here sometime
during this session. There never has been a time when I could
receive so much pleasure from the visits of any of my friends
as at present. The accommodations here are by no means good
unless Mr. Blake invites strangers to the Hall; but there is no
prospect of their being better while I remain. I presume there
is no need of my urging you to come as you would probably
come without, if you had a good opportunity.
About college, matters go on in about the same old course.
The President has introduced a few novel plans and undertaken
some reforms. He has succeeded but indifferently in either.
He doubtless means very well in all he attempts, but from an
authoritative manner acquired in the army, he is becoming some-
what unpopular among the students. Three foolish freshmen
got into a little trouble with him. One was dismissed, and the
other two left in disgust, expressing a profound contempt for
the President, faculty, and all concerned. Their departure caused
no very great sensation among their fellows; the sun has con-
tinued to give his light (besides a little heat, for variety's sake),
and I have observed no deviation from the established laws of
nature.
Four new plans have been introduced which are of some im-
portance. Medals are to be given to the best scholars in each
class on application being made at the end of the college course.
>From present appearances, I think no one in my class will apply.
Comstock, of Worthington, would be most likely to obtain one.
He [the President] has also ordained that all students shall be
matriculated--a heathenish rite imported from England; very
proper in large institutions, but its main object here appears to
be the raising a fund to pay for the medals I just spoke of.
A new rule has been established that each student shall choose
from among the faculty some one who is to be his adviser and
friend in all matters in which assistance is desired and is to be
the medium of communication between the student and faculty.
This I like very much. My patron is a tutor in the Grammar
School who has graduated since I came here. Upon the whole,
the President governs very well for those who intend to take
every opportunity to evade the laws. But he is rather hard on
those who are disposed to conduct themselves properly.
It is a mistake that Hedges, of Tiffin, was dismissed from
Cambridge. He could not enter because he had no certificate
to show that he left here in good standing. He came here a
few days ago and was readmitted into the institution. I hope
he will not be so rash in future.
Bryan was perfectly delighted with his visit to you. He said
he had not felt so much at home since he left Texas as he did
the short time he staid with you. He was very much pleased
with Uncle and in fact all concerned.
Sore eyes are prevalent nowadays. Three seniors are pre-
vented from pursuing their studies, among whom is my old
friend Trowbridge. It is rather troublesome for them as they
all have orations to prepare previous to Commencement. Love
to Sophy and all the rest.
Your affectionate son,
R. B. HAYES.
MRS. SOPHIA HAYES.