Rutherford B. Hayes Discusses, At Length, the Disputed Election of 1876

April 22, 1888

Add to History Board Share Print
Back to The Collection
Manuscript
See full images and transcript
Rutherford B. Hayes Discusses, At Length, the Disputed Election of 1876
Autograph Letter Signed
4 pages | SMC 1204

Quick Reference

  • Rutherford B. Hayes

    Background

    Hayes’ election over Tilden hung, precariously, on disputed returns from four states - chief among them, Louisiana. Here, long after the fact, Hayes reviews with one of his chief lieutenants, John Sherman, what happened there, and why. The dramatis personae discussed are James A. Garfield, Winfield Scott Hancock, Samuel Tilden, and a requisite number of Louisianans.
    Autograph Letter Signed, 4 pages, quarto, Fremont, Ohio, April 22, 1888. To John Sherman.

    With a rare form of full signature.
    Read More

    all pages and transcript

    Page 1/4

    Page 1 transcript
    No 36 K

    Fremont, O.

    22 Apr. 1888

    My Dear Sir:

    I have just read the debate on the Election of 1876. You have done an excellent work. You have vindicated the truth of history. It is to me a great gratification, and adds largely to the obligations I am under to you. I thank you for it. 

    This is probably the end of the debate. Your use of the speeches of McEnery and Eustis 

    Page 2/4

    Page 2 transcript
    was indeed crushing.

    If any body renews it, and you think it worth while to renew it, there is a strong line of retort.

    1. Tilden was not nominated again in 1880 because the "cipher dispatches" and the attempted Oregon fraud ^were traced to his door.

    2. The Democrats did nominate Hancock, who was the first officer in uniform to call on me - and who always in public and private recognised the validity of the Election.

    3. The Republicans nominated

    Page 3/4

    Page 3 transcript

    Garfield, who as a visiting Statesman to Louisiana reported to Hayes, and to the Country that the State was legally, fairly, and equitably counted for Hayes.

    4. Garfield as one of the Electoral Commission decided the case for Hayes.

    The Country Endorsed him. But for the Morey forgery Every Northern State would have voted for him.

    With thanks sincerely


    RUTHERFORD B. HAYES


    Hon John Sherman

    Page 4/4

    Page 4 transcript
    Prest. Hayes
    Fremont, O

    April 22 /88