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- Rutherford B. Hayes
- Joseph A. Joel
Background
Hayes responds to the condolences of his old friend from the 23rd Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Joseph A. Joel, on the death of Mrs. Hayes. “Heartfelt thanks, my Dear Comrade,” Hayes pens at the bottom of this printed condolence acknowledgment, “With all regard to Mrs. Joel.”
As a Jewish soldier, Private Joel had approached Hayes, commanding, for permission to hold a Passover Seder in the field at Fayette, West Virginia, in 1862; the request was granted – the Seder famously held - and Private Joel and General Hayes, became lifelong friends.
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SPIEGEL GROVE, FREMONT, O.
JULY, 1889.
The friends who have sent telegraphic messages, letters, floral tributes and newspaper articles, tokens of their regard for Mrs. Hayes, and of sympathy with me and my family, are so numerous that I can not, by use of the pen alone, within the time it ought to be done, suitably express to all of them my gratitude and thanks.
I therefore beg them to excuse me for sending in this form my assurance of the fullest appreciation of their kindness, and of my lasting and heartfelt obligation to each of them.
Heartfelt thanks, my Dear Comrade --
With all regard to Mrs [sic] Joel.
Sincerely
RUTHERFORD B. HAYES
Mr [sic] J. A. Joel
23d O.V.I.
