CINCINNATI, December 17, 1858.
DEAR UNCLE: — I had heard from Mother of your illness, and am glad you are getting well. The weather is now fine and I hope we shall see you next week. As to our boys, I agree that it is very desirable to bring them up in the country as much as possible. They are however very strong and healthy. Birtie has gained wonderfully. He now looks as if he might grow up large and heavy.
The duties of my new office are all in the line of my profession. The suits of the city, advice to all its officers in legal matters, etc., etc., occupy my attention. The litigation of a city like this is very important and of great variety. My assistant will attend to the less important matters, leaving me free to devote to the leading cases all my time. The amount of business is not large — at least not too large; not so perplexing, I think, as my old place. — Let us see you soon.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES.
S. BIRCHARD.
CINCINNATI, December 9, 1858.
DEAR UNCLE:—I am in my new office (City Solicitor’s office) and, seeing I was elected only last night, begin to feel much at home. The berth is a good one. Salary three thousand five hundred dollars per year and duties agreeable. I am well spoken of by all the papers. The Commercial of Wednesday and Thursday I suppose you saw. All the Americans, all the Republicans, and one Democrat voted for me. No one of our side could get in without that Democratic vote. It was pleasant all around except that our old friend Caleb [B.] Smith had to be disappointed. But as I behaved liberally in the premises, no blame for that attaches to me. This is much better than the judgeship. Besides, I discovered that the judge appointed by the Governor only gets fifteen hundred dollars. My present office is to be filled in four or five months by the people.
Boys and Lucy all well. We hope to see you soon.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES.
S. BIRCHARD.
