1859
CINCINNATI, September 10, 1859.
DEAR GUY:–It is a long while since I have heard from you or written to you. I have thought of you often, as often as ever, and take as great an interest as ever in you and yours. We are sorry not to have seen you and your wife before you left for the South in the spring. This will not, I hope, be the last of you in Washington. I do not question your sincerity when you express disgust with political life at Washington. No doubt its dark side is dark enough; yet that ought not to drive from the public service good men whose tastes, opportunities, and abilities point [them] out as fitted for public station.
How is your wife? How are you living? Write me of all your affairs; how is Stephen and your older brothers? Uncle Birchard spent a good deal of the winter and spring with me. He often talks of you all. He has tolerable health now and does not change rapidly. He has joined the Presbyterian Church and is largely interested in church and religious matters. He is free from all sectarianism and bigotry, takes cheerful and hopeful views of things, and is as clear of all that is disagreeable in many persons who are religiously inclined, as any one I ever knew. He is a happier and, perhaps, a better man.
My wife and boys are my world, and occupy all my time, or nearly all, which is not given to business. Outside of my profession, I read occasionally a good book, and keep a general run of politics. This summer I made a trip with Birtie to Kenyon. Rogers is there studying theology. I staid with Julia Buttles Smith. Mrs. Solis (Harriet Platt), Lizzie Campbell (Little) and Dr. John Little were all there pleasantly reminding me of old times. I have also during the vacation of the courts made a pleasure trip East and to Mammoth Cave.
I do not know what part you took in the late contest for Governor in Texas; but supposing you entertain your former notions about General Houston we probably agree in feeling sorry that the Old Humbug has again risen to the surface. It may be regarded as a proper rounding off of his chequered career by lovers of the romantic, but in any other view it is not agreeable to contemplate.
Douglas was here and spoke last night. It is supposed by most of his friends that the South will consent to his nomination at Charleston, and if so his chance of winning the Presidency seems very good. His last expression of his views in Harper’s certainly strengthens him in the North.
Write to me. – As ever,
R. B. HAYES.
GUY M. BRYAN,
Texas.