Following the American Civil War Sesquicentennial with day by day writings of the time, currently 1863.

Diary and Letters

September 30, 2008

Diary and Letters of Rutherford Birchard Hayes

CINCINNATI, September 30, 1858.

DEAR LUCY: — I have just received Mother’s letter informing me of your safe arrival with the little ones at Columbus. I am very glad to hear it and much obliged to Mother for writing.

. . . . The political excitement here is very great. I have never seen such large meetings as we are now having. Processions and gatherings every night. Very lucky that it is so short a canvass. If it was a month I should want to run away. As it is I enjoy it vastly. Gurley will certainly beat Groesbeck and there is a fair chance for carrying everything else.

Lew Lee, our Republican “rounder” in the Fourteenth Ward, was blown up last night in consequence of the grossest carlessness. Anybody else would have died outright. He is the fellow who was shot all to pieces in ’56 and who a year ago was stabbed through the lungs, stomach, bowels, and throat and was on his feet in four weeks. He was in our office yesterday afternoon looking fresh and hearty. The papers say he will die but he won’t. He’ll be well in three weeks. I only judge by the past.

You are right popular. People ask for you constantly. I am sure you will have a pleasant visit. . . .

Sincerely — no, affectionately and lovingly, your

R.

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