Washington, Sept. 15. 72 My Darling I have been so overwhelmed with work since our arrival here that I have not had a moment to write but left it to Hal to send you a letter. The Dear Fellow has been so busy with his playmates & playthings that he has made slow progress with his letter. He overate him self last evening, and in the night was sick and vomited. This morning he had a severe diarrhea, & I called the doctor. I have kept as care. 1/2-ful watch of him as I could, + thought he is nearly well -- He had a very severe [?] bruise on his foot which kept him awake nearly all night on the [?] but he bravely opened it the next morning, and that is now nearly well. He has enjoyed the trip very much. It is late at night, + all in the house are in bed except me -- I only write these words to let you know I love you + long for you -- Ever and always Your own James.172 Solon 9 a.m. Monday Sep 23 My Darling - I can find nothing definitive about my trip of today -- I shall go towards it as fast as I can -- & if I fail let the blame rest wherever it will -- I will telegraph for my letters this morning -- & have them sent to Fairfield Huron Co - or to Urbana I hope the carbuncle of my sorrow broke this morning -- The humiliating fact is that I should have broken in your presence -- Darling bear with me, forgive me -- & love me. I need more than I can say. Write me at Urbana Ohio, where I shall be on Friday -- Ever Your Own, James.Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati & Indianapolis Railway Company. Wellington Sep 24 1872 My darling I got to Litchfield too late for the P.M. meeting yesterday but had a very successful meeting last evening - I have driven 10 miles this morning & drive 18 more to reach my next appointment - My voice behave? very well last night and I am feeling pretty well this morning Precious Darling love me & bear with me for I love you with all my soul Ever & forever Your Own JamesNorwalk O. Sep. 24. 1872 My Darling - After writing you this morning I drove in a buggy 25 miles to Fairfield + spoke. I then came here 10 miles furth. where I have read my mail + the enclosed letter in it. I stay here tonight + go on to Bowling Green in the morning. I am really sick with exhaustion and cold. Loving you with all my heart. I am ever and always yours. JamesHiram Sept. 25th 1872 My Darling - We returned to Hiram last evening and find everything in good order. Charlotte is quiet but received a letter yesterday from "her boy" as Mary says. I shall say nothing to her in regard to it unless she introduces the subject. We find Father very poorly, with some fever and a bad cough, but - I hope he will be better in a few days. I am very glad, darling, that the cloud began to lift before you started away. The whole thing is very aggravating, andI am very sorry for your suffering over it, but hope it was largely unncessary. I find in the National Republican a full and explicit denial from Oakes [Lewis?] of all the [Lewis?] statements implying any guilt on the part of himself or any member of Congress, and inclose it to you. I dont think it (the Lewis falsehood) can hurt you nearly as much as you have been fearing. I hope you can get home on Sunday if not sooner for I feel the need of you so much. I am more nearly sick this morning than I have been since leaving Washington. My throat is very sore and I am sick all over. Mary thinks she can go to Washington, and when you come home we must decide whether it will be better for her to go with us or later. Can you not in your travels keep up a little inquiry for a good nurse for the children. I am going to write to Miss Ransom, and hope a little light may [?] on our family affairs before long. I am growing to feel a real hatred to a political campaign. It seems to me they do nothing - for us at least - but to worry and harrass and wear out your very life. Hoping to hear from you soon I am as ever yours in truest love, CreteElmore O. Sep 26/72 My Darling- Yesterday I went from Norwalk to Toledo, and thence south by the Dayton and Michigan Road to Haskins, thence 8 miles by carriage to Bowling Green where I spoke two hours in the afternoon -- & then rode 23 miles in a carriage to this place. Fortunately, the weather was so bad, we had to go into the court house for our meeting -- & I got through the speech with tolerable comfort -- I leave here in a few minutes (7:30 am) for Clyde & go thence to Kenton to a mass meeting at 2 pm. With all my heart -- as Ever Your own James. [*114*]Office of the Moll House, Near North-West Corner of Public Square. C. F. Moll, Proprietor. Kenton, O., Sep 27 1872 My Darling. I reached here about noon yesterday, and at two P.M. spoke for five hours to a very large audience -- outdoors -- and got through without much injury to my throat. I took supper at Mr Dowling's the Disciple preacher in this place. who was a Hiram resident in 1853-4. Sutton and Lorena Young were also there at supper. They are teaching in the Union School here -- In the Evening from half past six till half past Eight we had a great procession of wide-awakes -- mounted and on foot, and then Gen Hall of Maine spoke till ten oclock to an immense audience. The campaign is going on [*115*]with great Earnestness & Enthusiasm -- and I begin to feel great confidence in our success -- Of course you know that my feelings in regard to this campaign are relative -- rather than absolute -- As between the two candidates -- and the parties behind them. I earnestly desire the success of Gen Grant & the Republicans -- When Grant is elected there are some reforms in our party I shall insist on with more Earnestness than Ever before -- I hope to reach home on Sunday morning. & shall do so if possible -- I go to Urbana today -- where I hope to get a letter from you -- Dearest & best of women I am Ever & Forever Your James.Painesville O. Oct 3, 1872 My Darling- I have made these long speeches since I left you & have two to make today. I tried to get time to write you from Cleveland but could not. I went to Carrie & talked with her about the German girl & agreed with her to have the girl go to Hiram to see you --, but yesterday morning when I called again, she told me that her folks had talked the matter over & she began to doubt whether the girl was what you wanted - I told her - however - to send the girl out if on further reflection she thought best, but if she did so to tell the girl that the going [*116*]implied no promise whatever that you would hire her If she goes, you are to feel under, not the least obligation, to do any thing more than to pay her way back to Cleveland, for I have arranged that with Carrie for her going out - I am deeply anxious about getting a good girl for you - & shall make all the inquiries here & Else-where that I can - I am so anxious to hear from you & to know how you are that I hardly know how to wait till I can get to Chardon - I saw Mary on the train to Cleveland & told her to be ready to go with you if she could - She will let us know in a day or two - She will either go with you or 3 [go] a week or two later - She can stay till the end of November - & perhaps longer - Keep up courage my brave dear soul - & be consoled in all your troubles that your husband knows you to be one of the noblest & truest mortals that lives - You are more than half of my soul - and I am with all that is in me Your affectionate JamesHiram Oct 3rd 1872 My Darling - I am very much disappointed not to have received a line from you from Cleveland. I am so anxious to know what your success was in regard to the German woman that I have written again to Carrie lest by some fatality you failed to see her. Charlotte was very sullen all the morning after you left but before noon the reaction began [*433*]to appear and when the maid brought her a little from McDonald she immediately was as bright and cheerful as her former self and has continued so ever since. She accepted your decision as final and says nothing more about going to Kansas. Mary says she went immediately upstairs from us that evening and told her that we would not let her go. Mary told her it was all for her good and she ought to so understand it. Little Mollie said to day that Charlotte was going to Washington with us, and she appears quite like herself again. I have said nothing more to her yet; thinking it better to wait until I knew whether the Cleveland woman would be employed, and then to make an explicit statement to her of the duties I should expect from a chambermaid and then give her to understand that she could be taken on trial again. I cannot understand how she can seem so indifferent to the expense of her course, but I suppose any one capable of deliberately doing as she has done can haveno very strong moral sense, and then first love, or any love -- blind passion rather -- makes the victim oblivious to almost every thing else. I begin to hope we shall come out victors in the affair, but I am sorry to have my good opinion of Charlotte so interfered with. I read the notice of your C- speech, am glad you were able to go on with it; and hope you are no longer suffering with your neck. Darling we ought to be so thankful for all the sweet peacefulness and perfection to which our love has attained, and I will try hereafter to let that make me hopeful and cheerful for all the future. I hope you can reach home on Saturday evening that is if you can without harm to yourself. Ever yours in all sweet hope and trust Crete.Harrisburg Depot. Baltimore. Oct 23. 1872 My Darling -- I left two pamphlets of Evidence in the paint case -- one large paper being a copy (printed) of the patent of H W Bradley -- and another smaller paper the patent of James C. [Wendren?] -- lying on my desk -- which I should have put into my sachel -- Please fold them & send to Hiram, by first mail -- My precious darling -- I can't tell you my heart aches at being compelled to leave you just now. I hardly know how I was able to come away -- and it seems to me, now, that if I were with you, I would stay at all hazards -- You will be in my heart. and will be the object of my anxious thought Every moment -- until I see you again -- You will not, I am sure, fail to write Every day & you must telegraph me on the first decisive symptom of illness -- Write to Hiram and telegraph to Garrettsville -- If I am long in Cleveland, I will make [*117*]arrangements to get my mail and telegrams forwarded -- I talked with Frank very plainly on my way to the cars -- I told him he could not stay unless he proved to me that he was truthful and trustworthy -- that I would take for a while on trial, and should ask you how he had behaved while I was gone -- that he must sleep in the basement and do all you wanted done -- &c &c -- I think he was a good deal broken down -- & I hope he will do better -- I write this while waiting for my trunk -- my head aches very severely -- but my heart aches worse -- at the thought of leaving my dear frail little wife -- in peril of illness while I am away -- Ever and forever Your Own James -- P.S. Don't forget the painting on the stairs -- I did not think to speak to [Caerstens?] about it -- J.aG.Washington Oct. 23d 1872 My Precious Darling - The first half day has slipped away leaving me in good health and spirits, and now while Hal is washing in the bath-tub I will commence a letter to tell you how good we all are. Jim has taken a nice bath without a word of fretting and Hal is doing splendidly. He has made a beautiful map of the zones since he came from school coloring it with my crayons, and he says he did not [*434*]miss a single word this afternoon. Darling we have some preciously good children after all, and I think they deserve a good deal of our pride. Darling I don't think I was ever so near the uncompromising blues as this morning. It seemed to me I could not swallow my breakfast when at the table and after I came up stairs I thought I should surely break down in utter despondency. Suddenly the thought came to me Is this the inheritance the future is to receive from me? So little girl (?) you and I are going to brave this through. We will cheer up and wait with light hearts for papa to come back. Shaking down the tears and swallowing the sobs I went upstairs and resolutely set myself to work, and turned my thoughts into bright channels, and ever since hope and bright cheer have stood faithfully by, and I intend to keep them for companions until you the precious protector given to me by Heaven shall come back to bless me with your loving presence. I hope you will not feel compelled to stay over the Election; but darling I know you will come as soon as you can and loving you now and forever I am all Your CreteMy Desk, Hiram, O 11 PM. Oct 24. 1872 My Darling. I reached here at 7 and after getting supper, commenced overhauling my Enormous mail & answering the most pressing letters - This work has kept me until now - & here, where all the house is silent and so lonely, with-out you - I stop before going to our lone room - to tell you how I love you and how deeply & tenderly I long to be with you - I have heard nothing as yet from Jo - or his suit - I go to Cleveland in the morning - and in a fewP.S. The note is mislaid - It was from Harry Rhodes - saying that Lucy died on the 16th - and that she requested Harry, Silas + me to act as pall bearers - JaG hours after my arrival shall know more of the situation - I found Aunt Parthenia + Uncle John here + all the fam-ily are well - You see from the Enclosed slip that poor Lucy has gone - Good angles keep you and give you Good night - Ever Your Own JamesF.G. Servis, Pres't J.G. Chamberlain, Vict Prest. R.F. Cowden, Cashr. Lectonia Banking Co. No. 2. 2 P.M. Lectonia, O. Oct 24, 1872 My Own Darling - I take a moment while waiting for the train to Niles - (having escaped from a crowd of people who have kept me talking Ever since I left - ) to tell you that I am here and well - I had a delightful time last evening with Judge Black - and got the sleeping car about midnight - How I wish I could know, this moment all about you - and how you are getting on with the many cares in and around you! Tell my boys that Papa wants them to remember what he told them about dressing and washing - & he hopes they will be good brave little fellows while papa is gone - Ever & Always Your Own - James -Washington Oct: 24th 1872 My Darling - I have just received your note from Baltimore, and respond immediately. I sent a letter out this morning to Cleveland thinking you were going to stop there. I am feeling quite as well as when you left, and we are all doing well. I was a little disheartened this morning with a suspicion that the painters had deserted me they were so late getting here. but they are finally at work, and I will [*437*]try to be patient. It has been raining nearly all the time since you left - which makes all the world look dreary but then it is just what the new turf needs. Frank is doing very well to day - perhaps the shock of discovery will do him good. I thank you so much, darling, for all your tender thoughtfulness of me, and I am trying to be brave enough to be worthy of you and all your love. Give my love to Father and Mother and all the rest, and tell them I congratulate them on being restored to quiet again. With all my heart of love for you I am Ever Crete/72 Oct. 25th Washington Friday Evening Darling - Your room is just painted, so I take this morceau of soiled paper, and lead pencil for my daily epistle rather than go down into the paint for something better. We are getting on slowly but beautifully. I do not think about myself so do not worry about the delay having settled into the conviction that I am safe for the present. The second story is entirely finished now [*436*]and tomorrow will be put in order if all goes well. Today it has rained soakingly nearly all day, for which we may be thankful since it has reached all the fading places in the roof before the painters go to work there, and then again the [?]. Darling, I do believe we are trying to do the best we can, and if we do fail some times our Good Loving Father is kind to us and takes better care of us than we dare expect. Precious one, let us be trusting and happy in the thought that all will be better than we could ordain if left to ourselves. Ever and Forever Yours in Life and Love Crete.Cleveland, O. Oct 26/72 My Darling - I came to Cleveland yesterday morning - And spent the day over the Paint Case -- The Counsel are to meet at 9 o'clock this morning -- & I hope we shall reach some defineted conclusion about the time for the trial -- It is not at all clear that the case will come off now and yet it may in a few days -- There has been some delay in Jo's Painesville case and it may not come on till late next week -- Jo was in the City last night hunting for me, but missed me. I suppose he goes out home [today] this morning -- I shall try to this afternoon. I wrote to Mary yesterday to [*120*]let me know today whether she would go + if so when - I asked her to start Monday or Tues-day + i hope she will Sam. Robison was here yester-day + had brought some very fine potatoes out to the Doctor. They are among the best I have Ever seen + I bought Eight barrels of them for you - They will be shipped to Washington on Monday - + reach there in about ten days The Doctor is going to pack-ing here this fall + I have agreed with him to send us some meal - You can hardly Know with what anxiety I look for a letter from you - + how much I long to get away to you. I know you are a dear, brave soul, and that you will appreciate the situation that Keeps me from you. I saw Capt. Barber yester-day + he told me that Mrs Humphrey was an Excellent woman - that she had lived in his family and they liked her very much - It is now nearly nine oclock, and I must go to the meeting of the Counsel - Give my love to all the dear ones and Know that I am all and always, with all my heart - Your Own James L.R. GarfieldHiram, O. Oct 27, 1872 Sunday Eve'g 9 1/2 My Darling - I returned from Cleveland last night after having accomplished no more than to make an appointment for Tuesday next when we are to argue a motion before the court in the Paint Case - and before the day is over I can make something of a guess as to the time when the full trial will come off - I found Jo here last night - + he brings word that the Sweeney case is likely to be put over for another term - So you see I have been passing my days in futile uncertainty and my nights in anxiety for you - You can hardly imagine how dreary a time I have been having - It began to rain about an hour before I reached Garrettsville, on my way from Washington, and it has drizzled in the most cold and dreary manner ever since - The roads are in a fearful state - + the air is full of chilly, clammy dampness - All this seems to be the natural result of my coming away from you - I am now alone in the still house - Everybody in bed Except Jo + myself Half an hour ago - Jo wanted my inkstand but as I wanted to use it - I helped him find another [*121*]and then came here to write to you I found he had taken the pen from my desk - which appeared to be the only one in the house - I felt sure however that there were pens in some of the drawers of my desk, and but I had left the key in Washington - I however, pried open the upper draw - and took it wholly out - This let me into the second drawer - where I succeeded in finding a box of quill pens - one of which is now squeaking across this paper, and the little echoes of its scratching are the only sound in your old home at this moment - Behind me, on the table is a long letter which I want copied, and I don't quiet know how to set about it - Twice since I came here I have started to copy some letters - and twice have abandoned it; for I could not bear to feel so lonely as I would when following on the page next to where you left it - Not to be wholly valuless in what I write - I will turn statistical - for a moment - The measurements of the Children recorded on the End of the book case are as follows - Aug. 12, 1872 - All measured barefoot. Harry 4 ft. 4 in Jimmy 3 ft 11 3/4 inches. Molly 3 ft 7 3/4 Irwin - 2 ft. 9 3/4 - Please record it in our family book - Mr Allen has nearly ready two more tubs of butter - The two already sent weigh 69 1/2 libs - + the other two will be nearly of the same size. I Enclose a recipt for all farm, which have Rose put among my receipts. I have also Engaged him to make me tub a little less salt for Mrs McDonald I also enclose a letter from sister Mary in answer to one I wrote her - I think I will telegraph you tomorrow, + ask whether Mary shall go on at once - or wait for me - You see she cant leave till Wednesday any way - + I see she dreads to go alone - My present impression is that she had better wait to go with me Tuesday Morning - Nov. 5 - And now, Darling, after all this by-play and side talk, in which I have thus far indulged, I come to speak of the chief object I had in writingthis letter - which was to tell you how greatly disappointed I am not to have found a letter from you on my return from Cleveland last night - I know it was quite absurd to Expect one so soon, for the "Morning Chronicles" of the 24th only came yesterday - but I want so much to hear from you that somehow I felt a letter wd get to me - However I will harbor no doubt about getting one tomorrow - and so will think of you as coming to me - a spirit under the ink - and hurring to me now through the miles of rain and storm - this thought - whim - fancy - sweet half=belief - so got possession of me that I looked around and believed to see and hear if you were not deftly in the corner by the stove waiting to greet me - Within the last 24 hours there has come to me a quiet comfortable belief - amounting almost to a conviction - that you will not be sick till after I get there - and now I firmly believe you will not - This is perhaps an absurd letter, but I had to write it "I do but sing because I must - And pipe but as the linnets sing" Always, and all, Your Own James.Washington Oct. 27th 1872 My Own Darling - Yesterday was such a busy day I failed to write to you. The house was full of all sorts of workmen and Mollie had another chill so I had no opportunity to write until evening and then I was so tired I knew you would prefer to know that I had gone to bed to write to you early this morning. Your letter written at home and sent from Cleveland has just reached me and I thankyou so much for remembering me so often and tenderly. To be so loved and cherished is infinite sweetness and happiness, and know my precious husband that to all, my own heart responds in infinite love for you. I am feeling pretty well this morning, but I shall be so glad to see you home again. I sent my first letter to you on Thursday to Cleveland, and presume you found it there. I have written twice since and sent them to Hiram as your first note directed. This I send to Cleveland thinking it will reach you soon since your suit begins on Tuesday. Have you thought about the butter for the McDonald's yet? I think you had better tell them to put up one keg-less salted than ours for them and then if there is not enough for us engage another keg of some one else - perhaps of Mr. Barton. Yesterday Mrs. Kirby sent the furniture. I like it better here than at the shop, and the rooms are very beautiful as the panelling is finished. Mr. Carston says he will surely have finished by Tuesday evening - so I have madearrangements with the carpet men to finish up their work on Wednesday afternoon. If I only keep well through this week I think our house will begin to be our home again, and I hope you will be here to enjoy it with us. I shall look for Mary as soon as Tuesday or Wednesday. I am glad she did not come with us. It would have been dreary enough for her. It is sad to think Lucy is no more with us, still it is better for her than her hours of suffering here. The children all send love to Papa, and want him home again. Ever and Always Yours, Crete.[*115 513 Rm*] Blank No. 1. THE WESTERN UNION TELEGRAPH COMPANY. The rules of this Company require that all messages received for transmission, shall be written on the message blanks of the Company, under and subject to the conditions printed thereon, which conditions have been agreed to by the sender of the following message. THOS. T. ECKERT, Gen'l Supt. } WILLIAM ORTON, Pres't, } New York NEW YORK. } GEO. H. MUMFORD, Sec'y, } Dated Ganettsville,O Oct 28 1872 Received at N. E. cor. 14th St. and Penna. Ave.[*510*] To Mrs J A Garfield 1227. J St. N.W Have received no letter from you how are you shall Mary start Wednesday or wait for me answer Garrettsville quick - JA Garfield 20 Dh J K [*122*]No. 6. Cleveland, O. Oct 29, 1872 My Own Darling - When I wrote you Sunday Evening I had no doubt that the next morning's mail would bring me a letter - You can hardly know how anxious and disappointed I was to have the mail arrive, with nothing from you. I then telegraphed you - and prepared to go to the evening train - The horse + carriage being engaged, I went to the Post Office to take the hack. When I was just starting Ellis came out, bringing me your letter of the 24th written after you had received my Balto- note I blessed the sight of your hand-writing - next to the blessing I would have pronounced at sight of you. I took the Evening train for Solon leaving word to have your telegram brought out on this morning train - I stopped at Solon, and found Mary nearly sick with sore Eyes - This morning I brought her out to Cleveland to see Silas. I got your telegram, and have concluded that I cannot think of having you there without all the help and Kind attention it is possible to have so I have arranged for Mary to start tomo [*123*]row - She has gone out home tonight to complete her preparations. She will return here in the morning and leave by the noon train - I bought her a trunk and a through ticket + gave her full directions - and now, at six and a half P.M. while waiting for the train to Cincinnati - I am writing these words at Mould's + Munsen's desk - I received three telegrams yesterday urging me to make a speech in Cincinnati - and as the law matters still hang fine - I will make two or three speeches to fill the time + keep off as best I can - the ache of my anxiety for you. I went to the P.O. here - to get your dear letter - but it had been given to the Chairman of the Republican Com. of Cleve-land + I have not been able to find him - I shall hope to meet Jo at the Depot this evening + get my mail of today + I hope that will bring me one more letter before I go to Cincinnati I cannot begin to tell you of the deep tenderness with which my heart goes out towards you - I know how brave and sweet you are + I do so hope that the agony will not come to you until I am there - Somehow it seems as though it would be less if I were beside you And now, darling, my time is up and I must go - With all my heart + soul I am Your Own JamesWashington Oct. 29th 1872 My Darlang - It seems almost useless to attempt to reach you by letter and I have doubt whether the dispatch I sent you last night in reply to yours has reached you. Still I will make another trial hoping that it is not impossible. I am very well, but shall be very glad to see Mary, and much more rejoiced when you are here again. Charlotte came to me again last night with a story that some person had met her in the park, and offered her a place for twenty dollars per month. I scarcely believe her, but I have told her that she can go. [*439*]I think from something she said that it is all a ruse with her to get us to give her higher wages, but I told her very plainly that I would not do so, that I would increase no one's wages until they deserved it, and that she had given no trouble enough and I prefered that she try another place. I asked the name of the person, and she would not tell me insinuating that I wanted to know for the purpose of preventing her from getting a place. I told her she entirely mistook me, that I should do nothing to hurt her but I knew that person whoever she might be was without honor to offer another person's servant higher wages without that person's recommendation. I told Mary this morning that she could have her place, as soon as we could find a cook, and I send this, this morning partly to have you think whether it is best to try to find one in Cleveland. Perhaps Carrie Madon, could help you. Mrs. Humphry and Mary are doing well and Charlotte has been too, but I would not keep her now if she would stay for five dollars a month. She wishes to stay until her month is out - Nov. 11th! but I feel so indignat at her this morning that I believe I would have her trunk set out on the pavement this morning if I had someone to do the work that is needed to be done. I dont intend to let her know that I have the least care about it, and really I haven't much. I shall be glad to be rid of a person who is so unreliable and untruthful. There darling you know all the troubleI have, and it is not much after all since you love me. I hope to keep well until you come, but do come as soon as you can. I will send this to care of Dr. Robison hoping to make it a little more sure to reach you. With love and hope and largest trust Your own Crete.BURNET HOUSE, A. F. JOSLIN & CO. CINCINNATI, Oct 30, 1872 My Darling - I reached here early this morning - and have spent the day among the Editors, lawyers, politicians and businessmen who have kept me engaged all the time until now (6 P.M) when I am waiting for the hack to take me to the hall where I am to speak - I have seen Gov. Cox, but he was so busy in court that we talked only a little while - I went on "change" and spoke a few minutes during the afternoon - I speak in Mozart Hall this evening & shall then take the train [*124*]for Toledo on my way to [??] where I speak Friday - I then go to Niles to speak Saturday - I shall hope to reach Hiram Saturday night I speak at Auburn Monday evening - & the next morning, after having cast my vote shall start for you as fast as steam can carry me - Dearest and best of women. how I long to be with you! Just as I was taking the train last evening Jo brought me your precious pencilled note of Friday evening (Oct 25). How brave and dear and good you are - to write so hopefully & sweetly! I trust I may never again have to leave you, when the separation is so painful to us both - The days drag slowly that keep us apart but Mary is now near Pittsburgh whirling on towards you - Think of me as wanting to see you every moment - Kiss all the darlings for me and love yourself for my sake Ever Your Ownest James.Washington Oct. 30th 1872 My Darling - I am thoroughly cross and discouraged tonight, and if you ever see your house finished you will have to come home and scare these miserable men into finishing by your presence. I don't know that I ever felt more out of patience in my life than at this present moment. Not only is there no prospect of the job ever being finished but the mantles I believe are ruined with the [*435*]daubs of paint with which they are smeared. Frank has spent several hours to day and the three on the second floor and they are not only not clean but are roughened, and the polish all off. One of the painters says he will polish and put them in good condition when he finishes painting, but I shall only believe it when I see it done. There I have said my say and scolded my scold and I presume tomorrow morning will bring the ends of the world together and everything will be finished up beforeI know it, but lest it may not I advise you to come home. I presume I am well but am really too angry to know. I don't wonder that most women rebel against the destiny which made them women. It is only such a good and loving and faithful and prompt and thorough and blessed husband that you are that keeps my heart from the rampant rebellion of the most rabid woman's rights female. Darling good night and keep loving and not withstanding all. Your Crete [*440*]Av. 8. Boody House Toledo. O. Oct 31./72 My Darling- Was ever a woman written to as you are since I left you? But it helps me bridge over the distance that separates us. Shortly after writing you at the Burnett House Last evening, I went to Mozart Hall and spoke till ten minutes after nine- and then drove to the Depot of the Dayton and Mich. R.R. and at 9-40 was on my way north. I reached this city a few minutes ago -- Saw Jo at the Depot who informed that the Sweeney suit is put over till another term - and finding I could not leave for Bryan until eleven [*125*]oclock, and so I came away to this new and very fine Hotel to get breakfast. I can enjoy my coffee better after I have told you that I love you -- and am constantly thinking of you & hoping you are well and happy. A cette heure, je le crois, ma soeur, Marie est à Baltimore, en route vers Washington. J'espere qu'elle arrivera chez vous avant ce que bout êtes malade. S'il est possible tenez vous l'enfent qui nous attendons, dans son petit voiture vivant -- pendant une autre semaine. Car je desire beaucoup, d'assister à l'occasion, très interessante quand le petit homme mettra pied à terre le primere fois. Mais, s'il ne peut attendre jusque ce que j'arrive - donnez lui me compléments - avec mon salutation paternel - A sa mère je donne tout mon coeur et tout mon âme. Maintenant, je vais à dejuner parmi des etrangers. Pour Jamais Je suis JamesDealer in CLOTHING, Fancy and Staple Dry Goods, Hats, Caps, boots, Shoes, &c., &c. [*209*] OFFICE of David A. Wolff, Bryan, Ohio, Nov. 1st, 1872 - 2 1/2 P.M. Friday My Darling. I reached here an hour after noon - an have spent the time until now in visiting and resting - Charley Garfield is here - and Til & her husband are visiting him - Louisa Learned is visiting at her fathers - and Amos Letcher - a brother of William's - is living here - Myron J. Streater lives in town - and J. W. Nelson - an old Hiram student is a banker here - All these people I have seen and visited since I arrived - Pratt. I have not yet seen. He has a new wife - married her about eight months after his Lizzie was buried - Isn't there some thing shocking in short short memory of love? It makes me feel as though I did not care to meet him Bryan has grown greatly since you and I saw it - And how many ages ago was that? Ages of darkness to our life - succeeded by happy years of light and love: I hope Mary is safely with you and that you are waiting for me - Ever and all your own James - [*126*]Hiram. Nov. 4, 1872 My Darling- Blessed am I by the receipt of your telegram of the 2nd - but surprised that I have received no letter since the pencilled one of Friday the 25th Oct. I have one speech more to make tonight at Auburn -- & tomorrow I start for you & the other dear ones All your own James --[*72?*] Darling, I am real sorry you did not come home, before going up to Burke's. Mother is getting up a nice dinner especially for you and Joe, to be ready at two o'clock - perhaps it won't pay you to come down and have dinner, but we shall be really disappointed if you do not. [Can't Burke come down here] No I won't ask him to come away from his family on Sunday. Read the part erased for explanation of my last sentence. Hoping to see you sometime - Ever yours Crete. Don't let this be seen. [*419*][*72?*] My Thoughtful Darling: The symptoms which were threatening this morning have passed away. I feel weak however and my back pains me but I hope there is no serious trouble. Come home as early as you can, and remember that I think of you and love you always All yours Crete. [*418*]Forty-second Congress U.S. House of Representatives Washington, D.C. Jan. 25 1873 My Darling Prof Aga[zz]ssiz has just given me his photograph which I enclose -- I want to retain his noble face in our home -- and keep a new memorial of a sweet pure life. An now most precious one, I will try to take a new lease of courage and faith from your love -- and will endeavor [*128*]to meet whatever comes to my lot - with a fortitude more manly and high than I have exhibited during the past few days. It is by no means clear how the storm will leave me; for the wind may veer and much howl in other quarters very heavily before the gale is over -- I have had many words of cheer and kind greeting since I reached the House this morning -- Be brave for me, my Darling, and keep the dear home flock in good heart and hope -- Would you like to go with me [a few minutes] this evening for an hour or two, (say at Eight) to attend the Celebration of Burn's Birth day? -- Think of it. A carriage will be sent for us to find whether we will go. With all there is of me I am Your own -- James --C.C. Willard Ebbitt House. Washington D.C. Feb 23 1873 Dearest Crete -- Mr. Burke of Cleveland has come to try our case -- and he wants me to dine with him here this evening -- & talk our case over -- The House meets at 7.30. PM to go on with the [Cred. Mob.?] & I cannot get home till after the Evening Session -- no bad blood yet developed in debate -- no harm done. Ever Your Own James -[*MR 3, 18737 179*] [*Blank No. 1. The Western Union Telegra The rules of this Company require that all messages received for transmission, shall be written on the [?] of the Company, under and subject to the conditions printed thereon, which conditions have been agreed to by [?] the following message. THOS. T. ECKERT, WILLIAM ORTON, Pres't, New York Gen'l Sup't, New York GEO. H. MOMFORD, Sec'y. Dated Grafton W Va 3/3 1873 Received at N. E. cor. 14th St. and Penna. Ave. 570 P[?] To Mrs J A Garfield 1227 I St NW W Detained twelve hours by accident shall reach you Sunday afternoon J A Garfield [?o Dhfab?] Br [*155*]East Cleveland - O. March 9, 1873. My Darling, I reached Cleveland last evening via Leetonia, Warren & c. and had a consultation with the other counsel till late in the Evening -- I think the cause will be argued Tuesday and Wednesday next, and I must work hard to make a respectable appearance in the court -- On my way through the District, and since I came here, I have heard the thousand echoes which the Credit Mobilier explosion has made among the people. To my surprise, I find that, just now, there is more agitation in regard to my note of the increase of salaries of members of Congress than there is in reference to Cred. Mob. I cannot tell whether it is the hour of breaking up or not. I shall try to meet manfully whatever comes to my lot; but it is hard to hear the small talk of little carpers, who know nothing of the case, except that they think they smell a stink. I awoke this morning in the gray of [*130*]dawn, and lay there in the Dr's upper chamber, hearing the angry lake winds slamming the shutters, and howling cheerlessly as if they knew the cheerless outlook of my life, and knew they were echoing the storm which has been raging around my path for the past three months -- I cannot tell you how much I needed and need you -- my courage -- my hope -- my love -- my all in one -- Be brave for me, Darling; and whatever life has in store for me -- I pray the All-Father that He will keep you & thus save me from the bottom of the gulf -- Dr. Robison has promised to write a prescription for a plaster, which he says will greatly relieve the spasms of coughing of our little ones -- Dr. Streator -- at whose house I write, says give them all the good coffee they will drink -- He says it is very good to help them through the whooping cough I wrote a brief letter to your mother, and also one to sister Mary on my way through. I hope to hear from you soon -- & you know that and wholly your own James -- Washington March 9th 1875 My Darling- Yesterday was so full of work and care that I did not get time to write a word to you but there is quiet in the atmosphere this morning and out of it I can slip away to you for a little while. It is warm and springlike and the gentle influence begins to lift my spirit into the hope that there is sunshine yet for our souls as well as for the poor frozen earth that has been so stormed over this long winter. Darling [*441*]you must for the sake of our boys come up out the darkness which you have allowed to gather around you. When I look at our four boys with all the responsibilities of life yet before them I tremble with fear with the thought that you may falter in life's struggle before you have given them the aid which their fierce individualities - inherited from you - need from your loving strong guiding nature. If you fail them my fears for them will become terrors. I hope you can come home cheered and encouraged, and darling I will do all I can to help you. I intended to write to cousin Carrie but I don't know that it is necessary. You can see her and talk with her about the girl better than I can write. If we are to go to Ohio this summer I suppose it will scarcely be necessary for a girl to come here now, but if we are not going, and the girl is willing to come alone I think she had better come now. If she could find a girl who is a good cook to come that would be of some account to us. I wanted to talk with you before you left but we were in no mood for it and had no opportunity. If I have anything more to say I will write tomorrow for Burke to carry to you. The children are growing worse with whooping cough, and are havinga hard time. We all send love to you and shall expect to see you without fail on Saturday if not before. Hopefully and fondly all yours Crete Love to all our friendsNo. U. S. MARSHAL'S OFFICE, Northern District of Ohio Court. Cleveland, March 10th 1873. 2 1/2 PM My Darling. Since I wrote you this morning, I have been hard at work in consultation in this case, and am now in the Court room, with the Court open & ready for work; but after all our preparation - there is a prospect of settlement without trial - I have no doubt that such settlement will be better for our clients than the Trial of the Case - but I was in hope I should have had an opportunity to make an argument before the court - In the course of one hour, therefore, we may be relieved from the trial, and will then be able to finish up the dispute between our clients in a few hours Tired & not jolly, I am always and with all my heart Your Own James [*131*][*Cleveland Ohio*] Washington March 16th 1873 My Darling, I have just written to Carrie Mason about the girl of whom she wrote. I do not want to lose the opportunity of getting such a girl still since it is so uncertain what we are to do or where go this summer it seems a little doubtful what to do just now. Lizzie will stay until we go away if she does not get a place and if we were to go to Ohio it might be as well to wait [*442*]until then before employing her but if we should not go there it would be better to employ her now in case she would come alone. I think she would find Mary good company, and need not get homesick if she were to come alone. I hope you will see Carrie, and between you be able to engage the girl either to come now or a little later when we shall have decided how and where to spend the Summer. If Silas is at home I wish you would see him and ask him to tell you as definitely as possible how to treat whooping cough. I begin to feel anxious about baby. He coughs very hard now, and if he get worse I scarcely see how he can get through with it. - I hope you will be able to finish up the Paint case this time and still better be able to get home to us as early as Saturday. Burke's party will start for home this evening and it will be very quiet and lonely until you come. You don't know how entirely you are our "house band". When you are away it seems to me I do nothing but hold on to each individual fragment of the family to keepit from flying off. When you are here we all nestle into your embracing arms without a thought or desire to be anywhere else. I hope it is as sweet to you to hold us there as it is for us to rest so held. I hope to get letters from you every day now from this [?] to your return. All join in love to the best-loved of all. Forever Yours Crete. P.S. Darling - Our butter is nearly gone. If you can find some right good I think you had better bring 40 or 50 lbs more. You can get it so much cheaper there than here. Crete.Dearest Crete - [* [MR, 1873?]*] Please write a letter to send to Wallace James at Troy today telling I was called to Washington - to try a case in the Supreme Court that comes on tomorrow. Tell him how sorry I am to dis- (over) [*136*]appoint him - Nothing but an older Engagement - which I did not Expect would come off so soon keeps me away Ever Yours James[*No.1. NewSeries.*] BARNUMS CITY HOTEL BARNUM & CO. Baltimore April 11th 1873 My Darling. What a blunderer I am! I could have staid with you until half past ten, and still have reached the same train from Balto that will now take me - I must wait here until one oclock P.M. and I begin to be homesick already - What will it when I get among my Enemies? This journey I am now beginning is one of the most vague and unsatisfactory its objects and prospects, of any I have ever begun - It can hardly End worse than it promises; and perhaps I should look upon it with relative hopefulness -- for that reason. [*137*]I have nothing to write, except the sweet, old story of my love and of my dread of going from you. Please write me a letter this Evening, after the little ones have gone to sleep -- so that I may start for Hiram, tomorrow -- morning, and reach me Tuesday next -- Remind Rose to take up the Mortgage, or Trust Deed when he pays the Shield's note. A darkey just came in with a basket of exceedingly fine apples which he said he sell - "foah for a quawtah, or two for ten cents" -- I gave him the advantage of his retail price & bought two -- I wish I could send you one by telegraph -- But less than a Maryland apple -- only a gloomy letter can I send you now -- But in spite of C. M. & Salanes -- and all the world besides, I am always and all your own James. P.S. I left word with Rose to have my mail forwarded to Hiram. Tell him to have only the letters sent -- Let the papers come to the house, and please save each as I will want to see -- J.A.G. No. 2. York. Pa, April 12, 1873 My Darling -- I reached York at half past three yesterday afternoon and Mrs Black & her daugh- ter Mrs Clayton met me at the Depot and drove me to Brackie, where I found the Judge in his new house on the hill, back of the cottage. It is an Elegant, spacious, three story brick, with slate roof -- and all the modern conveniences, possible in a house in the country -- The Judge has not been well for a forghtnight past -- and is still suffering with a cough; but he received me with all his wanted cordiality, and has made me, for the time being, almost forget the bitterness [*138*]of public life, in the delightful amenities of social intercourse - Last Evening we called on Chaun- cey and his wife, who live in the cottage, at the foot of the hill - they have remodeled and greatly enlarged it, and have made it a delightful home - it makes me long for a home in the country to see such pretty nests as these people have built for themselves - It is a rainy dreary day, and I find I cannot get further than Pittsburgh before Monday morning, & so I shall stay here until Sunday noon & go so as to get to Alliance Monday morning & to Raven- na - by eight a.m. Please tell Rose, to copy ___________________________________________ and send to me, as soon as he can, my letter of March 29th to the Editor of The Times & Chronicle -- Tell him also to take out of the letter book & send to me a letter addressed to me - some two months ago by B.H. Bristow from Philadelphia. Judge B. likes my letter to my constituents very much. All the family join in love to you and the little ones & to Mother who is specially & kindly remembered by the Judge. To you, my all in all I am all and always Your own James (over)Darling -- Please say to Rose, that I want to send to Mrs J.S. Black of York, as good an assortment of garden seeds and flower seeds as he can pick up -- & have Warren Young frank them. I want to make a little memo- rial plant around their new house. J.A.G.No. 3 UNION DEPOT HOTEL, Pittsburgh, April 13th 1873 My Darling. After I wrote you yesterday, I found I could not get a Sunday train from York what would reach here in time for western connections before Monday morning, and so I took the ten o clock train last night, and reached here at nine this morning- I have taken my breakfast and read what newspapers I could find, and must now wait until two o'clock when I shall take the train on the P. F. W. and Chicago for Leetonia or Alliance - I have not yet determined which - If, by going to Alliance, I can get to Ravenna tonight, I shall go;If not, I will go to Leetonia and stay there over night - and reach Warren tomorrow morning - You can imagine how cheerless and dispiriting this journey is - when you reflect that I leave everything dear and precious behind me, and go to encounter injustice and detraction - It is hard for a man at my age to fall back on the sentiment: "Let come what come may "I shall have had my day" I am not quite ready to do so yet; but the current of things sweeps strongly in that direction - After I wrote you yesterday, I read to Judge Black my paper on the Credit Mobilier, so far as I had gone with it, and he very strongly approved of it. He said there were a good many things that could be said by another, & which I had not said, and could not say - but the would say them after a while. He said if my case stood alone, there would be no difficulty in it and no odium connected with it. The Trouble is for the public to separate any case from all the rest - They graded the whole set in a row together But he thinks the separation can be made & will be by-and-by - I am not so sanguine - In my letter of yesterday, I asked you to have Rose copy my letter of the 29th March to The Cincinnati Chronicleand Times." You need not have it done, for I find that it has at last been published - & will be in the papers generally. Do you think I will not weary you, with my so frequent letters in which I have nothing to say except to tell you of the darkness around and in front of me? I hope not, Darling - But do write to me, I pray you every day - if only a little - to keep the life in me - I mean to try, if possible, to turn all these trials to some good account - in the way of personal discipline and culture - I hope to be hereafter, less dependent upon the applause of others - It will be hard, to live so much more alone, than I have done, but I doubt not it will be better for me - Only I cannot live without the constant presence of your dear love - for you all that is wholly essential to me As Ever & forever Your own James.Washington Apr. 13th 1873 My Precious Darling, I did not receive your letter from Baltimore until yesterday and as I had not written the night before when the children were all asleep, and since a letter would not probably start for you before tomorrow I did not writer last night either but left all the sweet thoughts to be gathered up into a letter for today. I have been getting along as well as loneliness would let me since you left this housesooner than you needed to - for which there is this recompense save that it brought me a letter the sooner. Baby I think must have taken a little cold those warm days and his cough has been worse since; still I think he is doing well. The boys have been pretty good. Went to Sunday school this morning without much objection and with Mollie are now busy and quiet - braiding red yarn into chair bottoms. Irvin was playing circus yesterday and with two chairs standing with their backs about a foot apart commenced climbing and standing higher and higher when finally he called out look mamma, and there he was standing straight up with his arms folded on the very top of the chairs. The next thing was to get down - and the first motion towards it threw him headlong bringing down one of the chairs broken backed. Fortunately Jim escaped with nothing worse than a bruised thigh. If he lives through the allotted period of human life and dies a natural death I shall consider him a remarkable example of "special Providence." Mother is not feeling well this morning but insists that she will not see the Doctor if he is called. If she is not better tomorrow though I shall send for him. My blundering conclusions last evening led me to open the inclosed letter which with its "secret" to be mentioned to no one was not [*443*]designed for one of course. Frank brought it up with the Shields letter on which you had asked for information concerning your note, and supposing this to be the explanatory note I opened to see what it might be. Such is my excuse, but don't be surprised if you find among the Washington Dispatches rumor of a duel femina. Combatants a distinguished lecturess and a jealous wife - particulars not known - names withheld - great scandal etc. etc. But darling in spite of letters with secrets, in spite of all things known, and I hope of the unknown too - I have loving faith in you, and that gives me loving faith for you. I have not lived with you through the darkness of the past winter. You had reached5 one of the death passages of existence through which souls must ever pass alone, and I could only watch and wait beside you until the triumph thorough victory was reached - for surely since the noble the base could not finish before the foe. I was so sure that yours was a soul in which a true correct life was dwelling that I could not doubt that all suffering was but the birth to a higher larger life, and all the anxiety I have felt has been for you individually; for life is power and a larger life gained is dominion gained. Darling I have sympathized with you more than you have thought, more than you knew that I could, and [*444*]sometime we will look back into all the troubled depths and wonder that such phantom fears could have appeared so real. I suppose you are at home to day -- perhaps in our old home. How does it seem to be there alone -- without me? Imagine the hours I have passed there thinking of you and writing letters to you. How strangely life's changes move us about. Give my love to Father & Mother and all my friends and to Burke and Mary. I will write again soon and hope to hear from you every day. Always and forever Your Own Crete.No. 4. Warren O. April 14, 1873 My Darling - I left Pittsburgh at 1.43 Sunday P.M. and reached [Lutunia?] at 4.20 - After getting dinner at the hotel I took livery and drove to Warren 28 miles - reaching there between eleven and twelve o'clock at night - over one of the muddiest roads I ever saw - I was thoroughly chilled through and it took one hour of contact with the bed to warm me - This morning, several friends have called on me and have talked over the salary war - and have made suggestions concerning my forthcoming letter - I go this afternoon either to Ravenna or Hiram, and shall probably hold back the letter till next week - I think the storm is abating somewhat but all my old enemies have sprung into a new and active life, and are making out of the situation, all the capital they can - Harmon's folks are well and send love - I have written these lines in the midst of constant interruption and send them only because I want to let you know how constantly you are in my thoughts - Ever & Forever your own [*140*] JamesWashington. Apr. 14th 1873 My Own Darling -- Your dear letter from Pittsburgh is just received this evening, but the one from Jack you mention having sent has not arrived. We are all better to day -- The sunshine is warm -- the air fresh and it does one good just to live and breathe. I hope you will find sunshine at home sunshine for your body and sunshine for your soul. I thank you with exceeding gratitude for your brave words in your letter. I felt that you must accept all these fierce trials as life's lessons or else you were not the man I had supposed [*445*]you to be, kind with the courage to so do, it is not of very much consequence how the fire is kindled or who pokes it up -- so that the "dross is consumed and the gold refined". I have not seen a word the past week except to praise you or at least exonerate you from all blame, and I hope the storm is spent, and that you will find a more genial atmosphere than you dared to expect. I suppose you are at home certainly this evening and I think of you with an intense longing to be there with you, just for a little while. Although I almost hope you will not find it necessary for me to take all the family there this summer. With love to all, and my heart full for you I am always Your Crete.No. 5. Hiram. O. April 15/73 My Darling -- These marks are the first I have made at my desk in Hiram, since I left here on the morning of the Presidential election in November last -- On opening the desk, I find some remnants of the campaign -- and all the reliques that indicate that then & here a leaf in my life was turned down -- and silence fell upon the place -- but the noise broke out in Washington and has echoed wildly ever since -- When I left here I was full of anxiety for you, and now my heart aches to be with you, more than it did then -- the spirit of your life and love is in me & around me every moment -- I reached here a little after six last evening, and foundyour folks all well -- After supper I went to Burkes, and sat with him till after eleven o'clock -- He has been behaving most generously and manfully towards me -- and has done what he could to [breast?] the storm of wrath -- I staid there over night and slept on his lounge in the library -- our dear old room up stairs -- You may know what precious memories were with me as I lay there so near the spot where your blessed presence has so long cheered me. -- But the face of the world has wonderfully changed here & hereabouts -- Whether I shall Ever see it again, with the same eyes I do not know -- but it seems now, that it can never again be to me what it was -- And now I shall go to work at the hard tasks which this past winter has laid upon me -- and at this moment I think of no inspiration I can bring to the work Except your love -- and that I believe will well give me courage and hope -- No letters have yet come from you, but I hope the mail will bring me the first of my treasures this afternoon Tell Rose to go to Gen. Boynton on newspaper now & get the General's letter to the Gazette in reference to the Salary bill -- & send it to me -- Tell him also to send me any paper that has any special discussion, pertaining to meI think it likely that an article may appear in The World -- I understood, before leaving that one had been sent to it by Mr. Adams the Washington correspondent -- I called at [Matt's?] a moment on my way down from Burke's -- She wrote us a day or two ago -- I hope you will get the letter, and read it -- I believe it was addressed to me -- Tell Harry & Jimmie I want them to write to me, & I will answer them -- Please ask Mother also to write me -- Love and Kisses to all the dear ones -- Ever and All Your Own James -- [*141*] No 3 Washington Apr 16th 1873 My Own Darling -- I waited all day yesterday for the letter to come that you wrote at [York?] but the mail did not come at all, and in the evening while wailing I grew so interested in Middlemarch that I let the time pass until late bed time, and did not write to the one of whom I was thinking even more than of anything in Middlemarch. You -- your life and your love --all your hopes and ambitions -- and all your struggles and trials are so braided into [*272*]all my thoughts that even my readings seem to be a part of you and I find you on every page - in every good and worthy sentiment, in truth - my darling, you have grown to be the impersonation of all that is good and grand glorious and sublime to the heart and life of your adoring wife. We are all doing pretty well The boys have concluded to send their report to you each night when I write. To night Jimmy says tell Papa his words are "aught" and "Walter" - he had a merit and has tried to be a good boy. Hal's words were "Cancer" and "cider", he says he missed ten words out of forty but was perfect in all his other lessons. Last night they were invited to drive at the Brisbane's with Miss Perkins - They had a nice time and said they behaved as well as they could. Mother was not well again yesterday and consented to have the Doctor called. He said she was having an attack of Intermittent fever - He left medicine and she has been better to day and I hope will be still better tomorrow. Will you go to Cleveland before you come home? I think if you do you had better see Carrie Mason about the nurse, and engage her if you think best. I hope to hear again tomorrow from you, and ought certainly to get the letter from York. I half suspect it has been forwarded with your mail to you. My love to all Ever & Forever Yours, Crete.Washington April 17th 1873 My Dear Darling -- To day I have been thrice blessed. Your letter from York came this morning and this evening the one from Warren and the first from Hiram & my soul yearns to be with you. I feel that I know so well all your heartaches all your doubts and misgivings as you look into the new life now beginning for you that I could help and strengthen you more than ever before. I know you will not falter in the work you have to do to regain your old strength, and I know that you will find when the struggle is past and you can dare to look around again that it will be not only not the same world in [*446*]which you have lived but that the new world wll be both larger and better than the old, and you will find to your surprise perhaps that you have no desire for the old. Mother is very much better to day although it is the day she would have been worse had her fever continued. Baby is no worse and the rest of us are usually well Hal says tell Papa that he would have written his own report this evening but that he is so tired from following the colored procession out in celebration of their emancipation - that he cannot write, but will tomorrow. He says he walked "seventeen miles". His words were "boring" and the other I forget. He missed only seven words to day and was otherwise perfect. James' words were "plaything" and "windowpane". He got his [?ent] as usual, and walked after the celebration some less than seventeen miles. They are trying to be about as good as they can but it is like trying to manage a [span?] of fiery colts. I need your strong hands and guiding will to keep them in team shape. Now a word about our affairs. I suppose we will be here a month more at least and I think you had better bring or send a keg of butter. It is 50 cts per pound here now, and not the best at that. Lizzie wants you to bring a little package for her if her brother gets it to warren before you leave. She will write him to leave it at Harman Austin's. Now my darling keep your courage and work with a cheerful hopeful heart remembering that I am always with love and prayers for you Yours Crete.P.S. I do not find any World with the letter to which you refer. I sent this morning a Boston Advertiser containing [with] a letter I thought you would like to see while there, I hope you are not delaying too long by leaving the publication of your letter to the people until another week. Yours Crete. Have you seen the Painsville Advertiser's report of the convention there and a copy of the Resolutions? [*1. Balto 2. York 3. Pitts 4. Warren 5. Hiram 6. [Hiram?] 7 Ravenna 8 Cleve - 9. Hiram 10. [Mrs?] Hiram 11. Hiram Wed 12 " Thurs. 13 " Friday 14 " Sat - 15. Sun April 27 16 Mond ' 28*]No. 6. Ravenna. O. April 18, 1873 My Darling - I have not received a word from you since I left, & I am almost grieved about it. I came out here last night & have just put my letter to press -- much changed & enlarged since you saw it. I start for Cleveland in a few minutes -- & have only time to send you a slip of my letter & to say I love you. I shall hope to get a letter from you on reaching Hiram tomorrow. Ever your own JamesWashington Apr. 18, 1873 My Darling- I have finished Middlemarch to day. I grew intensely interested in it. It touches upon the passions and struggles which have so invested and entered into our lives for the last few months that it grew in places to seem almost personal, and I can scarcely judge of the merit of it as a piece of literature so absorbed did I become in the entanglements of its characters and so in sympathy with all [*447*]their trials ----- To night I am closing up my forty first year. I can scarcely realize I am so old. I do not feel old, and our love is so fresh and full of rosy light that I can not believe we are more than lovers yet. Even our big stormy boys who have teased and worried my patience almost to exhaustion today can not make me feel that our love is old and it never shall be. The dew of immortal youth is on it. The boys have both written to you this evening and I hope you will not fail to answer them, write to mother too. She says if you want to hear from her you must write to her. Martha's letter has gone back to you I suppose since it was addressed to you. Mr. Rose is going with his wife to New York tomorrow. He was in doubt about going lest you might want him but I told him to go by all means — that you would be very sorry to have him remain at home merely because he had not heard from you. Darling I hope the sky is clearing and your heart growing lighter. Think of me sometimes tomorrow. I need not ask. I know you will, All Yours Crete.P.S. Cousin James Mason called here to see you today. He spoke confidently of the outcome of all your persecutions - that you would be found blameless. His chief regret is that when the honest men are found out all the scamps will escape under cover of their — the honest ones — innocence Hopefully yours Crete. P.S. I can attend to any business you need to have done -- in place of Mr. Rose I must ask when are we to begin to think of your return home? I am trying to be patient and will not worry you with my loneliness without you but shall be so glad when you can come. Crete.Cleveland. O. April 19th, 1873 My Darling. I write in honor of the birth-day of the dearest and best woman in the world. I did not get off to Hiram on the morning train, and shall stay here until afternoon. I am sure I shall hear from you, when I get to Hiram tonight; but you can hardly know how desolate these eight days have been made by my not hearing from you. I know however that your heart is warm and true, and waiting and longing for me. This gives hope to life, and makes me work for the future and you. I thank the Giver of life, and all the happy fates that brought you into being forty one years ago to-day. When I think of the separate paths in which we wandered so long, before knowing each other, I bless each little bush and tree that veered those paths until they met and brought us together. How many chances there were thatmight have prevented us from meeting! How infinitely greater were the chances that, having met, we might never have known each other's souls! I hope you are writing me today, to tell me you are glad you were born to be given to me. It is a grief to me that I cannot call up your face to my mind's eye, and see it as it is while I sit here in this roar of men who do not know what love is as we know it. I have tried many years to do this, but your dear face has always evaded me. I can bring you up within fifty or a hundred yards, and no nearer. You beckon me to come the rest of the way; and if I start, you recede asking me to follow to the place where your precious body lives and breathes. I hope this new birth-day had not dimmed the eye of your love, nor made your relish for love-letters, less keen. I have been your fellow student, your teacher, your friend, your lover, and I hope I am now your husband-lover more tenderly cherished than ever before. At no moment of my life, have I loved to think of you, dream of you, long for you, so much as now. Darling, can your soul say the same to me? I am sure it can; and, in that confidence, I live and work. Do write me dearest in special answer to this letter, which is not a rhapsody, but the sober deliberate, unshakeable conviction and result of twenty years of acquaintance. Were I now alone, and with an unwedded hand and heart, but knowing your nature as I now know it, I would woo only you, [alone], and use all the powers of honor and effort to win you and make you mine, as against the world. Tell me, if you would listen to my suit, and say me yes, asYou said it nineteen years ago in the lower chapel at Hiram? How strange it is, that marriage can be considered a bond - a shackle! To me it is liberty, love, life. As clouds gather upon all other phases of life, eternal sunshine settles upon our love and summer, with all its balm, reigns around the garlanded life that our marriage has brought-- Speak to me, Precious One, and tell how it is and what it is to you - Into this circle come our dear little ones, and in them, hard and difficult as the task sometimes is, we are fulfilling the high Ends and aims of life. I want them, sometime, to know what our love is. Can't you teach them a few letters of its alphabet? Do, if you can. I cannot write, this morning, except of love & you. The little poem of Anacreon, which you read to me in Greek so many years ago, is truer today than then. To Crete -- Ever and always. Your own JamesNo. 8 Hiram. O. April 20, 1873. My Darling - The house is very still, and it is that sad period of Sunday afternoon, which has been sad to me these many years. It is cold and still outside, and is deadly still in the house. No sound reaches me except the roar of the fire in the stove. That is the sound of battle - of combustion - of consumption - as are all sounds of life. My only companion is the vision of you as you stood, almost in reach of where I now sit to wed me. Blessed vision, if it could live and breathe & bring your sweet arms around [*147*]my neck the world would be warm and the spring would burst forth into flower. Your most precious beautiful and brave words of the 14th inst. came to me, or rather were here when I came last night. My Darling do you know how wonderfully you write. Burke preached a fine sermon today, from a sentence which I read him from your letter. But, Oh, precious me why had you written me but one up to the 15th? for only that has come. Do keep writing to me. I don't know how long I must stay & do do write. I get your mother in here to tell me about you as a baby child & girl and I sit and wonder in my own heart whether she knows you as a woman. I am sure she does not and cannot. The family here are really anxious to have us come here, this summer. Mother says she would like to be relieved of care and if you can get help enough to take the house & let her & father board with you, they would be glad to do so. I told her we would talk it over, that I should be guided by you in the matter. She has heard of a good cook & housekeeper in Auburn, who it is saidwould like to come to Hiram & work after three or four weeks. We will find what can be done in that way & I will let you know. In a letter of the 14th from Rose, he wants to go to New York & stay until I return. Tell him to do so. I have sent my letter, somewhat enlarged, and revised to the Dial, and it will be printed next week. I sent you a copy from Ravenna that you may know what I have sent you. I made this Mem. No 1. Balt. No 2 York. No 3. Pitts. No 4. Warren. No 5. Hiram. No 6. Ravenna. No 7. Cleveland. No 8. This enclosed is Martha's letter returned from Washington. [Lonelily?] and only your own - James Do tell me how little "Crispie" is? [?]Washington Apr 20th 1873 My Darling -- I thought I would surely get another letter from you this morning not having received any thing since Thursday but no word came and I spend the day with no communion but that of the sweet spiritual knowledge of your love, and my love for you running through all my thoughts and dropping out to you this little word to make assurance doubly sure. My anxiety concerning your success in the work you are doing makes silence [*448*] almost a torture. And were I given to imaginary woes I should let myself grow most miserable. With all my hopefulness I cannot avoid being most anxious. I want to know each day what you are doing and how you feel -- whether you are sad and despondent or hopeful. Haven't you done all that is necessary to do there, so that you can do the rest here if there is still more to be done? I want you here so much. Still I know it is better that you stay until you do all that you can, so that you may not feel restless and dissatisfied when you do come back. Every time you go away I feel how much more necessary you are becoming each year to the household, -- to me especially and to the boys generally & Generally. I think you ought to know more thoroughly your boys. The incidental knowledge you have of them is of great value to them in giving direction to your treatment of them, but a little more genuine sympathy such as you are capable of giving would help you to render them fuller justice, and help them to an earlier and larger self-control, and I begin to feel that some of your time and thoughts devoted to them would yield you a richer reward than you can ever reap even from the highest and most appreciative of public honors, We are all "usually well and in comparative peace and quiet to day: but I hope not to spend many more Sundays without you. Have you [?said] [?anything] to Mother yet about the possibility of our not coming home to spend the summer? I am more and more persuaded that it is not best to go to Father's, and perhaps not to Ohio, Still I leave that to your judgement. If you think we ought to go into the District, I hope you can find some quiet place where can have two or three rooms and board for a while without burdening any of our friends. I see from the Morning Chronicle that Gov. Dennison's son - the one in the Navy I suppose from the report - - has committed suicide. When I see the sons of such a Mother as Mrs. Dennison turning out so badly I tremble before the question, what hope can there be for mine? It is a fearful thing to live, but such examples make me feel that it is far more fearful to give life; but through all hopes and all fears I am in [?All] loving Yours - Crete.Washington, Apr. 21st 1873 My Precious Husband -- How good it was of you to write me such a dear letter on my birthday. It makes me feel that my life is not wholly valueless when I can be honored with such a grand love. More than that it exalts my life into the high realm of inspiration and glorifies it with the grandeur of your own life. Darling to be loved by such an one as you is all that this life can give, and if to be loved most worshipfully is to you any return for all you give - know that my heart yields all homage and trusting love to you. It is so sweet [*449*]to feel that the years only brighten and strengthen the fondness of our love - that we are now more lovers than ever before! It is of little consequence that the years are passing, and that we shall soon be called old. To each other we shall never be old, any more than immortality can be old. There is not a sentiment in your precious letter to which my heart does not respond most joy fully, and Darling it gives me new hope for your future. A life in which there is so much that is genuinely good, and holy cannot fail to accomplish its high purposes. - I did not write to you on my birthday. It was the children's holiday, and to please them - and myself too - I went with them to the Botanical Garden and then into the Capitol. We strolled through the deserted halls and corridors, and to me there came a feeling almost of awe in the loneliness. It seemed to me almost that something of your living though invisible presence has been incorporated into the marble and granite and that your ten years of strong active life and work there had given to the very atmosphere the fragrance of your life, and it was sweet to me to linger and rest there. We are all as well as usual and as happy as we can be without you! but all even down to little Irvin say "come home Papa." Love to Father & Mother and all our friends - and in all love and longing for you Ever yours Crete.P.S. I have written you five or six letters and hope you have received some before this. CreteNo. 9. Hiram. O. April 22, 1873 My Own Darling. This morning the trees are loaded with snow, and a white coat, two inches thick covers the ground -- It was the yesterday morning, although it wholly disappeared before the middle of the day -- The world would be very cold, but for your precious letter of the 16th which came yesterday. It was marked No. 3, but it is the second I have received from you -- I wonder where the missing one is -- Pehaps it has met my York letter, and they have wandered away together like a pair of romancing lovers -- But I hope the wanderers will each reach their destination -- Tell the Dear boys that papa is glad to hear their words and to know that they are trying to be [*146*]good. Tell them that papa will examine them in the studies when he gets home. I am very anxious to know how mother is - and shall hope to get a letter this morning - & hear that she is better. And so you thought of me when you read Middle-March? Bless you! I read of nothing good or sweet or noble that does not tell me of you. I lie in the dear bed where we first slept, and think of you and long for you, so much more than this poor old pen can describe. This morning, I read half a dozen chapters in the Apocyphal New Testament, and one of its chapters Ended with this verse - 35. "And especially the girls" and so end all the chapters of my thoughts - & you are the girl - Especially the girl- Lest I may finish this sheet, as I have done several others, without saying the word of business I have intended to say- I will here write, that when I was in Cleveland I went to see James Mason, & found that he and Carrie had gone to New York, and expected to go to Washington, before they returned, and so I hope you will see them. If we conclude to come here, perhaps we can get Carrie's girl to come - and thus have three girls to help - I don't think I will promise you fourteen again, but I will try to get three - I thinkif I make this fight successfully, I must camp down by the District this summer - I am now setting the battle in array, and it must be abandoned or fought out here. I am pretty clear in this, though not yet certain. Your No.3. is so sweetly, flatteringly precious to me, that read and reread it with a joy and pride that you can hardly understand - You do love me Darling, don't you? And you will I know whatever ill [?ide]! - This is hope and life and courage to me. You maker of sermons, you giver of life & joy - The upper heavens love you and bless you, and the Earthliest of creatures who knows you responds with his thanks and blessings -- Ever and all Your own JamesNo. 11 Hiram, O. April 23./73. My Own Darling, Yesterday brought me your precious letter of the 17th, and the Boston Advertiser, which teaches the old lesson that "A prophet is not without honor & c" - I delayed publishing my letter until this week, because my friends thought the public mind would be in a better frame to receive what I should say. There had been so much wrath that they would hardly listen with fairness until the reaction set in - Several of the district papers bring it out today & others on the later days of the week. Having set the battle in array - I await developements - In the meantime I am at work on Credit Mobil [*144*]You will see how difficult my work is, when you remember I am to address the wicked & reckless newspaper public, & to come in conflict with the Poland Committee, & Mr Ames, and must also incidentally allude to nearly every man whose name was connected with the subject - This will be unpleasant to nearly all of them for my case, being contrasted with theirs will not be flattering to them - To do all this fairly & justly - to them and myself will be no easy task - I have no words to tell you, how I long to get away to you - But I must stand by the field for a while yet - perhaps for two weeks more. I shall however make the time as short as I can. But be it a day or a fortnight it will be long, all too long before I see you again - I am sure you cannot know sweet and inspiring your letters are to me - They come to the place where I most need strength, and help me where I am most helpless. I beg you keep the lines up, and let your dear words feed me - till distance is swallowed up in sight and touch. I will see what I can do in reference to butter. It is about 30 cents the pound here. Such weather you never saw in Hiram. It snowed furiously all day yesterday - & this morning the snow was crusted over & the ground frozen - Now. (nine am.) the sun is coming out & we shall probably have a thaw - I called on Symonds Rider again last evening. He is very weak andfailing fast. He is the mere shadow of what he was. Your uncle John has been nearly dead with Erysipelas but is getting well. Mr. Wilmont has it very badly & is not expected to live. Watson Allyn is also very sick with it. Charlie Henry is here to visit me. He staid with Burke last evening and night - After I had written thus far, Charlie came down & soon after the mail came bringing me [you] a world of treasures. Your letter of the 13th also that of the18th & the two dear little boys' contributions to papa's happiness. Where can your first letter have been wandering all these days! I am wholly in the dark about Miss Vaughn's "secret commission from the "old Ohio friend"" -- I have not seen her for many weeks & I have no idea what her letter means2nd Sheet Tell the boys I will write to them by the next mail after this - my letters today seem to indicate a better tone of feeling - than any time since I arrived. I get some splendidly manly words of friendship from different parts of the District. I hope you will not construe my letters into unmanly weakness. My absence from you is now one of the hardest trials I have to bear. Your last letter (April 18th) makes me long to read Middlemarch. You say it is utmost personal to you & you. Don't you know [*145*]that nearly all true and genuine books tell a part of our story? The write of life and we have lived and are living its essence. Your reflections on the last night of your forty-first year are most true and beautiful. Do you know my Darling, that you are one of the best writers of letters I have ever known or heard of? I wish I could write as well. You knew I would think of your birthday as it passed. I hope you got my un-numbered letter from Cleveland and you will answer it Darling, won't you? Tell the boys I have just forwarded some letters to them from Louis and Earnest so they will get news f rom Hiram by the same mail that brings this to you. I will try to get you some butter. I think it can be had for 25 to 30 cents the pound. While I am family affairs I may as well tell you that I this morning discovered a five inch tear in the seat of my pants -and I know of no remedy but to send for Martha and go to bed while she "[?] them up," as uncle Amos would say - But fortunately she had an old pair of blue flannel pants of mine that you had given her and I put them on while brown ones were mendedSo you see how you came to my relief at the critical time, as you always do – And now, darling, with my heart full of love, and of gratitude for your love I close this incoherent and miscellaneous letter in which butter & breeches, birth-days and boys are mixed in great confusion – Give my love to the "goy, goy goy" – and all the precious ones – I wrote to mother, a few days ago, & hope she will write to me – Give her my love – Ever and all your own James.No. 12 Hiram. O. April 24, 1873. My Darling- Before I close this letter, as I have done many others in a vain attempt to tell you the sweet, old story, which is forever new - and always sweeter, I will try to tell you how goes the fight. Every part of the Dist. will be fully reached by my letter, and pamphlet, before the end of his week -- Many of them have already read the pamphlet & some have seen the letter - I have met and heard from a sufficient number of representative men, from various parts of the Dist - I know pretty well what the tone is now -- I have already told you that it was evident that the reaction had set in - This is more marked now than ever before, and the very violence of the feeling will help the reaction - As the case now stands I notice as among the elements in play [*A thousand thanks for your precious letter of the 20th - JAG*] [*148*]1st. The Newspapers - Excepting two of the Cincinnati papers & the Akron Beacon-- the press outside of the District have not assailed me very heavily, but some of them have positively defended me - In the Dist, with the exception of the Conneaut Reporter - and the half and half course of the Warren Chronicle, all the Republican papers are friendly and some of them strongly defensive - 2nd. The old set of malcontents, who hated me whether or no - are and will be as bitter as they can be - They are the group of men, who either wanted my place, or wanted to ruin me while I held it & failed in both, Hinc illae lachrymae. 3rd The narrow, mean men, who see a dollar more plainly than any other fact of life, were deeply offended, and many of them have so committed themselves that they will stick to their wrath sullenly for consistency sake - 4th The good, well meaning, friendly men, who had become excited generally over the corruption of public men, as portrayed in the newspaper looked upon this salary vote as a proof of further corruption - and were grieved to abandon one in whom they had had so much faith - They I think will generally come back - and will stand by - 5.th The hasty, passionate men, who see only the surface, and think if a man gets a bloody nose he is mangled to death - were sadly sure that I was dead - and seem joyfully surprised to find that I still live and breathe, weigh two - hundred pounds - and sleep's nights - and are beginning to say knowingly - "He's plucky, I tell you, he'll come out top yet - These will come back & stay till the next storm 6.th The clear-headed, unstamped menwho did not fully understand it at first, but who said wait and see. These are standing up to me, with a magnificent fighting front that makes the blood tingle all along my veins - and almost makes me glad the vow came. Here are some of the captains and heroes of this class - Halsey Hall - his father, Howells, Austin Kinsman, Frank Hutchins, Conrad Wolcott; Converse, Burke, Cannon, Morgan, Harrington, McLain, Filch Spencer - Scofield and other such - I have not gone far enough to sum up and say whether the final word will be victory or defeat Hiram, next to Warren has been probably the worst town in the Dist - I think it is now in a mixed condition of anger at me, shame at itself - and faith in me & my future; and under such circumstances, it takes it usual couse and acts silly, glum, silent - I send you a paper or two. Tell me Darling how it all seems by you - Over and above it all - & out of it all, my love goes away to you in all its stood [?] of power and sadness - Ever your own James. Washington Apr. 24th 1873 My Precious - I received your dear letter of the 20th last evening and intended to write to you after the children were in bed but it was a rainy evening and the children were so wild that I was both tired and impatient before they were asleep and I was afraid I should say something unkind of the little scamps if I tried to write: but the morning brings rest and patience with their learning I try to think that their bellowing striking and kicking are [*450*]the child way of working out the strength and activity which you have given them and which you have worked up into the grandeur of your manhood and I hope that is what ails them but I sometimes get to feel that they are the worst children ever born. When I feel this way the thought of going to Father's to take charge of the house and manage the children with Martha's three with them as they would necessarily be is really appalling. And it does not seem at any time as though I could undertake it with such a family of little children it is quite hard enough to keep my own house in a place where I can have help. I have and the least faith that we can get any reliable help in Auburn. If there is a homemaker there to be hired, she will expect to be the most important member of the family. I might get along with that in my own house: but not in Mother's. Darling I know it is a real trial to you to know what to do with us; but for the sake of the boys school I think we ought to stay here until it closes. I am really discouraged with Hal this morning. He has no ambition it seems to me for anything but to go away and I think it has been a mistake for them to expect to go away until the school closes. I am growing more and more alarmed for the influence our kind of life is having on the children. They certainly oughtto have some fixed school habits if no others, and they cannot have them when their school term is merely an uncertain period in the middle of a school year. They ought to begin with the year and finish it and their holiday be the vacation. we will discuss this more when you come home. I hope it will be very long before you can come; although I know it will be better for you to stay until you have done all you can to put the District right. I think it strange you have received only one letter before the 20th. I had certainly sent three or four and some of them long enough before to have reached you. I have written some of the every day and have never let more than one day pass without writing, but I hope you know how much I love you whether or not you hear from me. Love to all. Ever yours Crete.No 13. Hiram. O. April 25. 1873. My Darling - Your letter of the 20th (Sunday) which came yesterday, was not answered in terms in the letter I wrote you, and yet it gave me the subject of my letter to you, and of the two letters to the boys - What you said of the lack of sympathy between them and me is most true - and it led me to write them as I did - I wish you would tell me what impression my letters made on the little fellows - Another sent of your letter, which referred to my own troubles led me to write what I sent you yesterday in reference to the present situation - and though not literally, I hope it was "speritovaly" an answer to your anxiety - I have been greatly strengthend and guided by the strong true things you have written me on the subject - Whether I have or have not a sufficient reason for it. I feel very much better at the prospect than I have felt hitherto - Let me now speak of the coming summer and ourselves - I have not yet so gone over the subject, as to be sure what is best for us - But some things are clear - To make my [*149*]fight successful. I must camp down in the District, a good share of the summer - and fall. I have but little doubt that by so doing, I can carry away a victory over my Enemies - In regard to our coming here there are some strong considerations for and against it and here are some of them: 1. In many respects it is a bad place for the children - and their talk about their past winter in Washington, especially the dancing school, will be food for the narrow gossip of the town - 2. I feel very, keenly, the possibility of your stay here being a burden to your mother - who at her time of life needs rest and quiet. 3. I greatly dislike to have you burdened with the cares of house keeping during our vacation - You ought to have rest & recruitment. On the other hand: - 1. It will be difficult to find any place where the children will be free from bad influences - & we can probably keep them mainly with Matt's boys who are really good. 2. I think your mother will be a good deal disappointed, if you do not come - Joe will probably marry this fall, and this will likely be the last time, you can come to your mother's house Except as a visitor - 3. Joe would be glad to have you make the first experiment of having your father and mother as boarders in their own house, and this break the ice for Libbie. He came home last night, and has this morning, made point No three (this one) in conversation with me -- 4. To stay here, will be much the most economical solution of the summer problem - and it seems as though we might like an excursion or time, with part of the family, and thus break up the monotony of the long summer -- If we do this, I shall make this the last of our wandering and uncertain summers, if possible. Next year brings the long session, and the determination of my political future - I wrote these things for your consideration - not to be determined until we meet - and always and only by your sense & consent - I leave the next page until the mail comes in so that I may acknowledge the sweet letter which I am sure it will bring from you. Friday Noon. April 25 - The mail has come, and brought your quiet love-message of the 21st - You cannot know with what keen hunger I wait for your letters. The morning of my day, dates from the coming of your words - I knew you would answer by birth-day note - but I did not know that the rebound would bring me such a world of beauty and love - My heart blessed every fiber and nerve that makes a part of you - The mail of today, brings me a letter from E.B. Taylor, saying that he had nothing to do with the Warren resolution - and had he been in the Convention, would have opposed it to the bitter end - He also says he has not written any of the articles which have appeared against me in the paper. The Leader of today has an Editorial on my letter - which you will probably by the time this reaches you - I think the word of the wrath is over - It is too soon to say what the residuum will be - How is mother? I don't hear from her, though I wrote her, nearly a week ago - I Enclose a scrap from the Herald, which please & [?] - People seem to be surprise that I am not reduced to a skeleton - And now, parting for another letter from you tomorrow - I am all and always your own James.No. 14. Hiram O. 4/26. 1873. Precious Darling - An inch of snow on the ground this morning - and storming now - (3 p.m.) and I am half ready to cry because I received no letter from you today - But you have written my so many and such precious ones, that I will wait for the next one, and be patient till it comes - So much of my time & thought have been consumed with the Salary fight, that I have but just got at the next one - the Credit Mobilier - Last night I did some good work on it - better than any I have yet done - I begin to see my way to you - I ought to stay here till a few more points are made on the Salary now - [*150*]and until the C.M. review is ready for print - but really I don't know how to stay away from you any longer - So I have resolved to get away from here Friday Morning. May 2nd - and hope to reach you by the Baltimore and Ohio road - on Saturday this day week - You may expect me then if you hear nothing to the contrary - But you can write me one letter after this reaches you - and I will arrange to get it on the cars at Garrettsville - Please hold my mail, after this reaches you. I shall make no decision, concerning our summer - until I see you - and then it shall be a joint judgment - Joe went yesterday to Tussaranas Co. to see his Libbie, who writes that she has a bad cold - I sent by him to Cleveland to send you a pail of butter by express - I will will try to get to Solon for a day, before I leave - I ought to have done so before now, but have had too much to do - My memo from the Dist continues to be good - McLain Jr. writes me from Warren that my letter is confirming the timid & doubting - any has made my enemies fighting mad. This is a good sign - The tone is bettering here in Hiram - Some of the cantankerous ones are beginning to roost lower - I am invited to make an address to the Class of 1873. on the 1st of May - on the occasion ofof planting their class tree. This is now intend to do. Were it not for going to you, I would vail here, and attend the county convention on the 17th day of May - Howells wants me to speak in Jefferson on the 10th May - but I doubt the propriety of making speeches just now - on politics - and politics or no politics - life is too short to stay away from you so long a part of it - I will still write you, for a few days more and let you know what befals. You do not day in your last letter how mother is; but I assume she is well again - I do not hear from her - Give papas love to all the 'goys' and to Mollie and Grandma and you know I have none to give you - for it is all your already Ever [?] JamesWashington Apr. 26th 1873 My Darling I was almost hoping you would be at home today. but having received no word to that effect I suppose we must hear our loneliness some longer. It seems more like two months than so many weeks since you went away, and might seem that we had gone backward with the dismal winter it is so cold. For the last week we have needed fires almost the same as in December, and if it continues a few days more the old song "December's as pleasant [*451*]as may" will be newly verified. We are all very well. Even baby grows although he still coughs very hard. The other children are nearly well. Jim is lying on your table working examples in addition. He has just learned the process and is greatly delighted. Hal[s] was at a party at Mr. Gilfillan's last night and did not get-home until after ten o'clock, and is not yet awake. I talked with Mary McGrath yesterday about the probability of her sister coming to this country, and if she did what she would think of taking care of the children, and letting her sister have her place. She seemed pleased with the idea and said she thought her sister would come. She said she thought if you could find some place where we could board this summer that she could take care of the children. Now if we could do so, all anxiety about nurses and girls whether two or fourteen would be removed and it seems to me it would be better than to try to set up housekeeping at Father's. Have you thought of the possibility of getting board with some good friends in the District? The boys would be delighted to be on a farm some place and it would be better for them than staying where they would find nothing to do. I think it better to stay here until the schools close - in June and we can come back here by the middle of September or first of October. So there would be onlyabout three months away. Will you please ask mother to look in one of the drawers of my bureau for two linen coats one brown and one blue and white check -- and send them by you. Also if there are any pants that are good send them too. I am sorry for this blot, but I have had two or three children nearly every moment hanging around me since I began to write. The boys have just received letters from [?'s] boys. They thought surely one was from Papa, and are very much disappointed. I hope you will not fail to write to them. Darling I think you are getting back some of your old courage, and I am sure you will get into the sunshine again, but you know I love you all the same through sunshine and through storm. Give my love to all, and keep me next your heart Yours forever Crete.No. 15. Hiram. O. April 27, 1873 My Darling, At last the back of our winter seems to be broken. This is the first day for a week that we have not had snow -- the day has been pleasant, and the sun and wind have commenced the work on the roads -- after church and dinner, I went out into the woods pasture (which was woods fifteen years ago) and tried to find the spot where you sat beside me in the autumn of 1858, and agreed to be my wife -- the chill and gloom of those days have all melted into warm, glorious sunshine - and the remembrance of them make our wedded life all the dearer & sweeter for the contrast. I have been at church again this evening - have [*151*]taken a bowl of mush and milk in the kitchen with your father & Burke - he has now gone & I am alone in the wide house with your love as my only companion. Why can it not be that you can be with me to make this silence sing, and all the wheels of life rejoice as they revolve? How very long it has been since you and I have staid in a house alone! I hope it is not selfish to wish that now and then, we might be a pair of hermits - You can hardly know how wide, and large, empty and cold the chamber is where I sleep - Life was made for two - not one - I read to-day a passage from "Merivale's History of Romans under the Empire" - which gave me a thought on this subject. In speaking of the first plan of Rome, which covered only the Palatine Hill - he says: "The Palasqic fortress was enclosed "by Romulus within the limits of "the new city, which, after the [?Elms] "[?cene] fashion, he traced with a "plough drawn by a bull and "a heifer, the furrow being careful- "ly made to fall inward, and "the heifer yoked to the rear side "to indicate signify that strength and cour- "age were required without obedi- "ence and fertility within the "city" - This is a rough figure, but I wish I gave to the team as much strength and courage as you do sweetness & light and life - But it is hard to work in the yoke alone - I am reading "Hare's Walks in Rome" - and every page reminds me of our precious week among the ruins - the night, ghosts of home-The time must come, when we can again, with a new access of culture, and power to enjoy it, wander in the forum and on the Capitoline, and let the sweet air of Italy breathe upon us. This hope, and every other that [?ses] pleasure for you, with me as your companion shall never me to aid in turn the furrow on your side of the plough. I shall sleep sweetly tonight in the sure hope of a letter from you tomorrow, and in the hope that it will bring me a day's march nearer to your arms -- and here I am at the foot of the page with nothing said that is any adequate symbol or sign of the thought and power with which my heart goes out after you - But going or staying it is all yours & [?] Your own James.Washington. Apr. 27th 1873 My Darling -- I have managed to gather out of the day, [swi??t?s] enough to finish the last 150 pages of "Adam Bede." I had almost entirely forgotten the story but having just finished Middlemarch thought it would be a pleasant exercise to read the book again. Its sublime pathos and its descriptions of tender heroic sentiment, and soulfull agony make Middlemarch almost twaddle. Perhaps that is too contemptuous a word, but I wonder that anyone having produced [*452*] such a glorious piece of composition could have had the courage to try again however strong the inclination; But perhaps the writer spoke better than she knew, and counted not that she had touched hights and depths of inspiration which can be reached only now and then through the ages. The story is much more simple than that of Middlemarch: but the delineations of character, and the growth of love crime and sorrow from their beginnings to their grand or awful culminations seem to me beyond all comparison. -- We were very glad to receive your letter this morning - especially was I glad for the full and explicit account you gave me of your work and its results at home, your precious love letters have been indeed most precious - but I felt a constant anxiety to know of your success there, and I rejoice that you can see the clouds breaking, and I hope you can soon come home to us. Hal has answered your letter, but Jimmy has contented himself by sending his report. He says tell papa that after hearing his letter read he went to Sunday school without making any objection - by the way they have been every Sunday since you left home, like goodboys - and has spent the rest of the day trying to be agood boy. Before this reaches you you will see how the dispatches that Pratt's house together with all of Shepherd Row has been burned. The fire broke out in the house next to his occupied by Mr. Carpenter. Lizzie and the children went this afternoon to see the ruin, but did not get any reliable particulars. Irwin went to church today for the first time. Lizzie said often sitting still for awhile and looking about quite absorbed with the strangeness he suddenly broke out: see blinds in the church - blinds. I thought it rather a suggestive remark. Submit it to the "Pastor" for his opinion. Love to all. With all love and loving kindness Yours always Crete.No 16. Hiram. O. 4/28th 1873 Precious Darling Yours of the 24th came today. I feel most keenly and heavily the point and weight of the questions you propound in reference to our boys and their management generally, and especially during the coming summer. The question is a broad one - on which I have thought much since I left home. The worst phase of it is that my work is not of a kind that they can at present be sharers of, and that is so, to some extent of all the literary professions, but particularly so of the public service. Whatever we do, duringthis season, I don't think it will be necessary for you to leave Washington at present, perhaps not until into June - after the schools have closed -- But darling, we will go over the whole subject together, and do what seems best under all the circumstances. I have made pretty fair progress in my Credit Mobilier paper - and still think I shall reach you by Saturday next. I enclose us [you] this the entries which I want Rose to make in my journal. If he has returned, let him write the Journal up before I return, for I shall, as usual have a good deal for him to do, after I get home. Mother had a letter from Nellie today - which gives the status of their affairs up to date. Cam. left St. Louis about two weeks ago - and went to Tennessee in hopes to find employment --The Chamberlins & other friends there, are doing what they can to find him employment - and if they suceeds, he thinks of settling there, rather than in St Louis -- He returned to Akron on Saturday last, & will stay there a while to help his father close up his affairs-- My Darling, when I reflect how how hard the battle for bread is, & how many are broken down in that fight -- I think we have much that we should not forget to be thankful for - while we are thinking of our burdens -- and cares. I am very sorry for Cam, & wish it were in my power to help him.I have written to Nell & him to come out here Thursday if they can. I ought to have said, his place at St Louis is still open for him at $75 per month if he wants to go there. I staid with Burke until half past nine this evening, helping him settle a difficulty between some college boys. It seemed quite natural to me, to talk to the youngsters - and go into the details of the row. Darling you & I must trade books. You must make me read MiddleMarch, & I want you to read Walks in Rome - that you may live over that golden week we spent among all its wonders - I shall probably write you once more before I see you. I am counting the days & hours that keep me from you, as I used to when I was homesick. Ever + Always Your own James.1873 Washington Apr 29th My Darling, Yesterday I received your letter of Friday and Wednesday of last week marked 12th & 13th the 12th I received on Sunday and I think there is still another I have not received. I have some marked 10, and I feel defrauded. If I were to receive one every hour, I should be just as eager for the new hour as I now am for each new day [*453*]I wonder if my letters can be as precious to you. I hope so and your praise of them - worth more to me than the praise of all the world besides - makes me feel that perhaps they are worth something to you. You do not know how proud and happy your letters to the boys made them. Jim has not had quite the patience yet to answer but Hal pulled of his coat and sat and went to work on a large signed sheet, I suppose feeling that he could fill it without any trouble. I did not read it. and do not know what he wrote. I believe in my heart that our boys are splendid fellows, but they do torment the very life out of me sometimes. The little boys seem to be no trouble. I wonder if they are really different or is it, that having my anxiety so called out towards Hal & Jim [that] I do not notice what the little ones do? The "guy" is just as happy and funny as ever, doing some queer thing every hour. You will be surprised to see how fast little Mollie is learning to read,she is more like you in her steady application to whatever she undertakes than are the boys. She has taken a second reader at home and read it nearly through by course, never passing a word she did not know without spelling it out. She can read almost as well as Jimmy now. I hope she will be a daughter that you will be proud of. I hope you will be at home by the last of this week, but am half afraid you will not since [from] yours of 23d inst says you will probably have to stay two weeks more. We are all well and all love you and want to see you. Give love to all the friends and remember that always and forever I am your CreteNo. 17. Solon, April 30, 1873 My Darling, I came here this morning to see Mary & Hitty and have spent the day with them. I go back to Hiram tonight or tomorrow morning to make an address before the Senior class on the occasion of their planting a tree on the College grounds, and on Friday morning I start for you, where my heart has been calling me so long. I want in this letter to make a suggestion to you in reference to Harry. I stated the Case very fully to Dr. Squire, and notwithstanding he is not an Esculapius of the highest type [*154*] The first [?aleb] I have seen this spring & perched in the woods today - & send it - J.a.g.either in your eyes or mine yet he expressed an opinion in reference to the case which seems more likely the correct one, than any I have heard. He said the case had to him every appearance of having been occasioned by over work of the brain, a temporary loss of nerve force. He said there was great danger of overcrowding children at his age, & that so much of their vitality was expending in growing, that a little intellectual crowding would tell in some such way as Harry was affected. Now consider some of the facts that seem to give plausibility to this theory. He is closely pushed in school, and gets one or two lessons at home. The night before his illness, he sat up till an unusually late hour, and was greatly absorbed in the verses he was learning. The fact that he was dizzy at the beginning of his illness, was probably the symathetic affect of the brain or nerve force upon the stomach. You remember in 1869 when I was so near broken down I could study until I vomited. Think of all these things and let us ask whether we are not overcrowdingthe boy - you say in a late letter that he wants to get out of school - May not that be natures protest against one work with him I want to prove the case with you, most thoroughly. Mary & Hetty say that the early symptoms of his sickness - viz the feeling that he was falling down from the door, indicate that he came near epilepsy - and now Darling the next word after this I hope will be placed on your lips - Hetty and Mary send love to you & mother and all the family - April - your birth month - goes out in the balm of spring - Good and his angels bless you Ever your own James[*No. Unique -*] C & P R.R. near Bedford. O. May 28th 1873 My Darling - The latest chapters in the book of our delays bring us here; and we are now stopping to cool off a hot journal - stopping just long enough to prevent us from reaching Cleveland, in time for getting Mother and Mollie on the 8 p.m. train for Solon - We were so late in reaching Pittsburgh that we could not make the connection at Leetonia In fact, we ought to have taken the 5.40 train from Washington, instead of the 8 pm train Painesville. O. May 29. Dearest Crete - When I had written thus far the train started, and I could not finishthis letter - We reached Cleveland too late for 8 P.M. train to Solon & so went to Dr. Robisons and staid all night - This morning early I took Mother & Mollie to the Mahoning train and then came here by the 7:30 train, only to find our case postponed until next week, with no certainty that it would come off then - I go in a few minutes, to Little Mountain, to see what can be done for my Darlings - and shall then go back to Cleveland on the Evening train - I wrote a note this morning to Martha, telling her I would soon be there to see her about the girl, & before arriving, would see what could be done in Cleveland - I was quite sick, at the Dr's last night and vomited heavily - Am better, this morning, though I don't yet feel thoroughly well - Mollie behaved admirably all the way & we became quite well acquainted - The dear little girl fully expressed my sentimentsfor before we had reached the cars - she said it "made her kind of homesick to leave Mamma" - & the dear child nearly cried - I have rarely left you with so much childish reluctance as I felt this time - and I am now wholly uncertain when I can leave - I am strongly tempted to turn on my heel and go straight back to you - But it seems to be necessary to go to Hiram first - & it may be necessary for me to await this miserable trial - But with or without trials - here, there, anywhere & everywhere, I am now and always your own JamesHiram July 25th 1873 Darling - I opened the inclosed thinking it to be in regard to that girl. I hoped to have heard from you to day but did not and have a half fear that you had nothing to write concerning her. We are getting along as well as we can without you, but are lonely as ever and always when you are gone. I do not feel like writing to day and will wait until tomorrow to write more. Ever Yours Crete [*454*]Hiram July 27th 1873 My Darling - I don't know how many times I have sat down this morning to begin this letter but have been called up each time before having written one word, and now Earnest - Jim Mollie and Irvin are all talking around me and baby has tumbled over and bumped his head and had a good bellow since I began. But never mind. It must be good discipline to help one to be reconciled to the quiet of old age. [*455*]Now darling I will write out a little memoranda for your use at home. If you feel that you can afford it I think the walls of the library - sitting room and dining room ought to be colored. The stains repainted with at least one coat, and the grained doors made smooth and hard by some process - then the wood work of the pantries and all of the basement ought to be painted I would like the shelves of the pantries painted with the finishing coat of zinc paint or some preparation that makes a hard polished surface, and I think for all that wood work a light lead color very good. What do you think of having the large book case moved into the hall and finished with doors either wood or glass, and then have a window cut through the east library wall? You will be there next summer until far into the warm weather probably and I think such a window would add very greatly to your comfort. Suppose you [you] ask Mr. Bright or some one who would know whether the grate could be put into Grandma's room. Please see what can be done with the dining room pantry tokeep out the mice. It seems to me the corners might be deeply lined with tin and then painted so as not to look badly. I think all the basement walls ought to be whitewashed I do not think of anything more now, and probably you think it quite enough I hope you can finish up your work so as to come home by early as next Saturday. Jimmy says tell papa he went to Sunday school this morning without saying a word and is going to do so all the while now He and Mollie have each bought a new Testament like Harry's, and I think Jim went so willingly this morning so as to carry it. 28th I waited until the mail today before finishing - Have [heard from] received yours from N.C. - Glad to hear that the possibility of the Youngstown girl still exists. We are all well as usual. Irvin's neck is better butWashington July 30. 1873 - My Darling - I reached here at nine a.m. yesterday in the same sleeping car I took at Pittsburgh - The tunnel is completed - and the time between Ohio and the Capital shortened and the comfort increased - I went directly to Welchers' and took breakfast and a bath - sent my linen out to wash and came around to 1227 I. which I found fastened - and, as I had no key - left my luggage at Gilfillan's though they are all gone but the colored girl - The turf is looking better than I expected, although there is more clover than grass in it - It suffered ten day's neglect just after we left, when it was supposed that Frank was watering it every day - but instead of that he was asleep in the basement - I St. between our corner and 15th [*157*]is torn up, and they are pulling down an asphalt pavement, similar to that in our front - They tell me that more building is going on in the city than in any previous year - The street improvements are also being pushed on the same scale as last year - After spending several hours at the Capitol, I returned to the house at four p.m. and found Lizzie had just reached there from her work - She kept the house in good shape - She has darkened the windows and kept out the flies, and has made her usual raid on mice and roaches - I have found it unusually difficult to do any business here, for nearly everybody is out of town. Rose was away until this morning - The weather is excessively hot, and I rejoice that the fate of our lives has not compelled you to stay here during the heated term with our little ones - Today I have written letters, visited the Departments - sent to Mr Carstens to be here tomorrow morning - had Mr Bright here to look at the grate question - and have generally set on foot my plans of things to be done before I leave - I postponed Carsten's coming in hopes to receive your letters concerning the painting - & I shall look for it tomorrow - Your note of the 25th came this morning and with it my Friday's mail - Mary Collins was married on the 15th inst, and commenced house keeping the same night - Robt. is in the insane asylum, a raving lunatic - In one of his recent fits of roving he killed a man - braining him with a chair - I have seen Daniel - and will try to make somearrangements to have him with us - He lives only a square from us, and I think it will be the best thing we can do - I believe we have been deceived abused and swindled by Frank and that last Cook - more than by any one we have ever had in the house - I have not yet opened my Baltimore work - but shall go there tonight or tomorrow morning - and shall hurry home, as soon as I can - Every day and hour of my absence is a loss and I feel it all the more keenly here where in our house - but not our house, when you are out of it - Goldsmith line constantly comes before me to be said or felt - "My heart, untravelled, fondly turns to thee" and my feet shall follow soon - I leave this letter often - till the next mail. On reflection - I will send this off & write you again tomorrow - Love and Kisses to the children Ever & All Your Own JamesWashington D.C. July 31[0][th]st- 1873 My Dear Crete: I am too tired to write you and I suppose Rose is too tired to, but he is willing, I believe, to help me to tell you what the days work has been. First. In regard to the house. Day after tomorrow Mr. Bright begins his part of the work. He will put a grate in Mother's room; a window through the east wall of my library; will case your pantry with tin, and mend the crack in the roof which he and I inspected this. I shall take Mother's stove into my library. Second. Next Monday morning Mr. Carstens begins with the work of painting. He arrived here this morning just as I was opening your letter of the 28th, and his in- [*158*]instructions have been substantially taken from your letter. He paints the woodwork of the basement thoroughly and consents to your zinc finish for pantries and closets; paints the wooden window sills; all the green blinds; the dining room, main stairs; sitting room and library. The graining to be smoothed and the other painting to be retouched. Third. I have arranged to have two tons of cannel coal, put in now in a few days, and have also arranged for our Winters supply of coal to be put in about the 2nd of August. I have secured arrangements for Daniel so that a considerable share of his time is at his disposal during the day time. He will attend to the turf the getting in of coal, and all such matters. To day I had him clean out the coal vaultthoroughly, stack up the wood and lumber so that we are ready to receive a new supply when it comes. Fourth. Isaac put in a good days work and we removed my book case to the place you suggested in the hall and also had the walnut book case taken out and placed in the Hall temporarily until the painting is done. Fifth. I secured employment for Isaac at the dairy yard. I shall leave in the morning for Balt and hurry through with my business there as soon as I can though I fear I shall not be able to reach home this week. I had Rose stop here so that I could say a few weary words myself - I may add to the business items, that I saw Dr. Pope this evening, & obtained some medicine for Irvin's [*158A*]I will have a can of oat-meal sent by express - I pity the people that are compelled to stay here during the hot weather - Dr Pope says he would not advise any one to come back here before October unless they are obliged to - He says that the thermometer had kept at ninety degrees several nights - all night - think of that, and remember our experience on F St. in July and August 1866 - the sweat is streaming from my hand as I write. I could not have staid here, but for the thought I was serving you, and doing something to make your coming my pleasant by and by - Dearest Darling - I love you with all there is of me - Perhaps I may reach you by the time this does - I hope I may - Ever & Always Your Own James.PROTHONOTARY'S OFFICE. S. C. McCREARY, Prothonotary. New Castle, Pa., Sept. 9th 1873 My Darling - I made the Connection at Youngstown and reached here yesterday noon. The court was in session and our case, the second on the docket came on this morning - and we are now in the midst of it - It is impossible to tell how long we shall be kept - but the present probability is that it will continue several days yet - It will prevent me from going to Saratoga this week - and I shall hardly reach home before the end of the week - I greatly dislike to be away from you so long - and thus far, I have been so closely engaged in this case, that I have have not had time hitherto to write a word even to you - & I only write now, while the court is acting on some matter preliminary to the work of the afternoon session I think if you can send me a letter by Thursdays mail it will reach me. Do try it at any rate - It will be a pleasure to think [I will] that you are sending me a word -. Love to all Ever your own. James - The Phillips will feel regret that you did not [*160*]JTPhillips.Vice President. E.I.A. The First National Bank of New Castle New Castle, Pa. Sept 10th 1873 My Darling An hour after I wrote you yesterday our case was suddenly continued until the first week in November in consequence of the illness of one of the counsel on the other side - I have for the present, at least, abandoned the trip to Saratoga. & am this morning going to the oil regions with Thomas Phillips - I shall be gone till Friday night - & will be home on Saturday morning next - In haste and all love to you All Your Own James Should you need to telegraph me my address will be [mo?] Butler Co. Pa. [*161*]Hiram Sept 10th 1873 My Darling - I have received no word from you yet and know not where you are - whether at New Castle or Saratoga - but send this at a venture to the place I most desire you to be now, since you are not with me. The new girl came on Monday and is doing well. All goes smoothly and promises a month of comfort all are doing well but baby. He is still sick, but I hope in P.S. One dispatch I can't find but it was from House telling you that he and McLain were nominated. Good! Crete. [*457*]no danger. Darling I hope you will be home again soon I hope you are not feeling that I am less loving. I am sure that my heart is always full of love whatever be the word or deed [to] which seems to speak otherwise. I am trying to gain more self control and to be more patient with the children. There are two dispatches here and a letter from Virginia city to be forwarded immediately but since it is so uncertain how to reach you quickest - I keep it till you return. The Telegrams I include. All your own Crete.[*[Se 21, 1873]*] Leavith County Sunday Sept 2nd, 1873 My Darling - I reach Garretteville County one minutes after I Kissed you at the door steps - and in two minutes after my arrival the and I was away - I have now reached here at Leanwith must wait half an hour more before I get off. The train on the main branch is [a] an hour and a half late - and I have come over to the Hotel and found a place to write a few friends - I go away [my] the old Abramic is moving whither or why I gotten like him however. I have no assurance The Lord has sent me. It is quite ressiol. that call originates in the opposite quarter. It will be late in the Evening when I reach Elmira, and the day [*129*] will be a weary one, not only on account of my wearisomeness but on account of the uncertainty that overhangs my mission- But Darling, I shall remember the sweet strong words you spoke to me, before I left- I hope and believe that for the present distraction had done its worst- But better than all else is the dear truth, tha the [more?] fiercely the storms blow from without, the sweeter is the song of love that echoes within my own home - How bright & blessed are these days we have been spending together: I cannot believe that they are mortal - But then memory and power will live forever. I might to have left you some money, but forgot it- But I hope I shall return so soon that you will not need it till I come- A copy of the Chicago times was sent me, containing Thurman's Waverly speech which I intended to bring 0 Please have it preserved. The train is coming I must go- Ever & All Your Own Jamesse 1873?] 73? Darling I enclose $20 as you request - I am doing as well as I can - EverYours JaGarfield[Se 1 1873] Darling - I don't know whether to expect you to go from here to Cleveland or not. Joe says you can get there more readily the other way but it seems to me it will be as near to come this way. If nothing happens I will go this evening and will wait for you to come unless I hear to the contrary. You can send by the hack [??] if you can not come In [??] love CreteLeavittsburg. Oct 7. 1873 My Darling- I spoke in Mecca last evening - and though the evening was cold - even to wintriness - the house was crowded and I had a successful meeting - Harmon went with me, and we staid over night at the Palmer's - a good friend of mine - I am waiting for the two o'clock train - the same that you and I came from Youngstown on - It will get me to Cleveland at 3.52 - when I hope to reach the train for Willoughby in time - I am still eating well and sleeping ill - One side of my horse trots, while the other walks, I hope before long, to have the horse unified - But I [*163*]am very tired, and do so much wish I could sit with you the remainder of this week & and let the "quiet-colored end" of autumn ripen and redden around us - It requires not a little courage to go by you on the other side of the little neck of woods that hides you from the car window - I speak tonight in Willoughby, tomorrow in the daytime at Clempson (on Agriculture & lich) and tomorrow evening at Chardon - I have not yet made any appointments for Thursday - and shall not do so if I can well avoid it - but shall try to get home and spend Thursday afternoon and night with you - It is very gratifying that after all the political storm of the spring and summer, I am having such fine & enthusiastic audiences - I have no doubt that I could recapture the District if I had time to speak at the leading points I think I shall do so as it is, but not so certainly as I otherwise would. I do not yet know whether they are to have a meeting at Garrettsville on Friday or not - I wish you would find out, if you can, by the time I reach home - I must close - but my heart is full of the old, old story, which I would repeat & study forever - Always your own JamesHiram Oct. 8th, 1873 My Darling - I was counting so much on your coming home tomorrow morning that I had scarcely the courage to tell Joe that it was best for him to go to Chardon so as to be sure of you for the [suit?]. But I know it will be a relief to know that that is off your hands. We have not heard yet whether you are to be at Garrettsville on Friday [*459*]but I suppose you must know by this time. See that the little boys are taken good care of. I almost hope there will be some reason yet why it will be necessary for you to come home with them tomorrow, that is if the suit can be gained without you. In haste and love Forever Yours Crete. P.S. Thank you for your dear letter, received to day. CATLANTIC AND GREAT WESTERN RAILROAD. Leetonia Station, Oct 14 1873 My Darling - On reaching the station I found that my brief had reached Garrettsville, but I am not sure it has reached the court - and were I to lose the case, by not being on hand - it would be bad every way - & so - hard as it is I must go on - I saw Mr Stafford this morning - and he has seen Miss Rodfield again - that she is now well - and willing to with us - I told him to have her write you & you would answer her -. I said this to enable you to gain time to hear from Carrie Mason - Stafford said Miss R would like to see you or me - & he proposed to bring her to Niles that she might be seen there - but do as you think best - I now incline to think I will buy carpets & have the house put in order - while I am there - though I greatly dislike to do this without you - I think you had better go to Solon say near the end of this week - and I will come back and join you at Mary's or Henry's - I may be able to get back Thursday - but probably not until Monday [*164*]day - I will do all I can to advance our preparations for winter - and will get to you as soon as possible. I heard this morning - at second hand, from Judge Gidden that we won our case in Painesville - You can rely on it - a year ago today I cast the tenth vote that was polled in Hiram - this morning I cast the ninth - I stop here an hour - & expect to leave Pittsburgh at 6 P.M. & reach Washington at 8 tomorrow morning - In haste, but always your own most loving. James - P.S. If you have any commands - Telegraph & I obey - J.A.G.UNION DEPOT HOTEL, Pittsburgh, Nov 3. 3 P.M. 1873 My Darling, A change of time, made yesterday and today, so stretched this journey out, that we did not reach here until 2 P.M. and must wait till half past four for a train to New Castle- I don't mean to be superstitious, but while our car was lying at Harrisburg last night, I was suddenly awakened by a dream which of this terror - You and I were asleep in our chamber, and were aroused by cry of terror from Lizzie, who appeared to be in the hall - I ran out and found her only able to say "Robbers" - As I was starting down stairs to encounter them, I awoke. I could not sleep for a long time [*168*]for, in spite of myself, I was anxious for you, and if I could have done so at that hour, should have telegraphed, to know if you were all well - I hope you are writing me this afternoon, & that I shall hear from you, not by telegraph, but by due course of mail - I hope you will not fail to have Dr. Pope see Jimmie, for the breaking out on his hands is unusual and may prove serious. I enclose an article which I cut from this mornings Pittsburgh Commercial, and which is in the line of our talk on the Education of our boys - There are indications of a general waking up on this subject I hope you will get time to look into Crandall's book which Miss Marvedel sent down - I shall await, with much anxiety the issue of this weeks work with the boys in the Kindergarten - Now Darling, let me say, that I have reflected much on your life and work in the family & I feel, more than ever before, what a sweet precious power you wield among us all - Far more than you know, you are the source and fountain of the strength, courage and hope of us all - and your task is the hardest of all - Be comforted and sustained by the knowledge that you are doing so much to bless us all, and that you are laying up in store for the autumn of your life aharvest of blessings - as I believe & trust - The knowledge of what you are, is the stay, the anchor - and the inspiration of my life - I shall hurry home to you as soon as I can. Do you know that this is my 17th trip between Washington & Ohio - since Congress adjourned? My return to you will be the 18th Your sweet words, from the moonlit doorstep " Write to me Darling every day would you? have been echoing in my head ever since I left you - I shall reach New Castle at seven this evening - Give my love to all the little ones & to grandma - and for yourself, take me all. Ever your own James[*[No 3, 1873]*] A similar battle was at a later period fought out in England, where, however, the results have not yet been so wide reaching as in Germany. Still even in England natural history is at present pretty extensively taught in the popular schools. We may add that a considerable impulse was given to the reform by an experiment much resembling that of the young female teacher of Maine. An eminent botanist, of Oxford we believe, who was curate of a country parish, determined to try whether he could not excite an interest in his favorite science among the children of his parishioners. They were peasantry, mere farm laborers, and of course their children had enjoyed no great educational advantages. And yet those children set to gathering and analyzing plants and flowers under their pastor's instruction, soon manifested the most surprising interest in the subject. The progress of many of them was equal to their interest, and in fact the results were so remarkable, the effect of the study in developing general intelligence was so noteworthy as to render the experiment an affair of national importance. The clergyman who made it was examined on the subject by a Parliamentary commission. May we not expect the fine example of the young teacher in Maine to exert a quickening influence on many American Teachers, provoking them to imitation? And may we not also trust that the time is not far distant when even school directors, as well as school teachers, everywhere, shall appreciate the importance of making one or more branches of natural history and essential part of the common school course of study? A FINE EXAMPLE. ----- An interesting paragraph just now going the rounds of the press tells how a young female teacher in a rural district, near Portland, in the State of Maine, has been wont to initiate her scholars in the study and knowledge of botany and mineralogy. She tells them to bring to her the plants and stones they find in the woods. Then, either before or after school hours, she describes and names correctly the objects brought to her, and afterwards gives the children an opportunity to show whether or no they remember what she has told them. The results of this method of teaching natural history are said to be surprising to persons who have never observed with what interest intelligent children often regard flowers and minerals. Many of the little people thus taught have, without interference with their other studies, gained a clear idea of classification, and are able promptly and correctly to name and describe a great multitude of the natural objects of their neighborhood. It is less surprising to be told that a school director of the district forbade the innovation for the reason that the heads of the children would be filled with nonsense to the neglect of really important subjects. The act of the director is not surprising, we say. Reform moves gradually, and it is not remarkable that a rustic school director in the State of Maine is not wiser to-day than some of the most eminent educators in Germany were fifty years ago. In Prussia a prolonged and hardly contested battle was necessary to introduce natural history as a subject of instruction even in the higher schools, and its introduction into schools of a lower grade was still more obstinately contested. And in both cases one chief argument against the innovation was the very argument used by the Maine director. The new study would withdraw time and attention from other studies of real importance, and especially from the classics. In Prussia it was also argued that natural history was a matter of such vast and boundless compass as to be quite unadapted to youthful discipline. It would, they said, merely confuse and confound the young mind, the knowledge acquired being a chaotic mass, burdening the memory and affording no illumination to the understanding. The champions of the new study, in reply, distinguished between an extensive or exhaustive knowledge and a sound knowledge of a science. And they-Dr. RAUMER, for instance-appealed to experience for evidence that even very young students, in the intervals of other studies, can acquire a sound knowledge of botany or mineralogy. In other words, a knowledge definite and satisfactory as far as it went, a knowledge especially delightful to juvenile minds, imparting fresh and ever growing interest to familiar objects, and reacting with admirable and most useful effect upon their philological studies. [*169*]New Castle. Pa. Nov. 4, 1873 My Darling. I reached here at seven oclock Monday Evening, and found that the case had been called up and the jury impanelled, but nothing more; so that I lost nothing by my delay - Yesterday morning Early court met and we spent six hours of the day in the trial. We have only fairly begun - It will take at least three days more and it may take longer - after the adjournment of court I went to Isaac Phillips' to attend a church sociable. They had more than 100 guests at 9 PM. I came away with Wallace & Mary, who have returned from the west, and have rented an elegant new home on the hills back of New Castle. It was built by a wealthy man, to be the home of his family for life, and was Elegantly furnished three months ago - Nearly all the furniture was new - But one oak-bed stead - the first [*170*]purchase of the married pair was kept in their room for its precious memories. Two weeks after they had moved into the new house, the husband died, and the home is to be sold - I slept last night on the bedstead which the stricken wife has reserved from the general sale. Wallace has bought the rest. As the sunlight broke into the room where I slept, I awoke and took up H[amerton?] and read (p 227 these words: "A true marriage is not a mere "temporary arrangement, and although a young "couple are said to be married as soon "as the lady has changed her name, the truth "is that the real marriage is a long slow inter "growth, like that of two trees planted quite close together "in the forest..." And this p. 240: This then is my theory "of intellectual marriage, that the two wedded intellects "ought to renew themselves continually for each other" - In [five] seven days more, our trees will have numbered fifteen years of growth - and how sweetly true it is that we have been perpetually renewing ourselves for each other. I told Mary last night that her house lacked but one thing to make it perfect, that was Crete. I must go to court - Wall & Mary send much love - and I am as Ever & forever Your own James.Washington Nov 5th 1873 My Darling, I cannot tell how much such a letter as I have just received from you today cheers and encourages one. The certain knowledge of my shortcomings makes me know that the half you have said is but one of your illusions concerning one, still to know that I am something to you and to the family more than any other person can be makes me alive with new hope and courage. I am glad to be able to say that before I had received your letter I had by [*460*]start resistance nearly overcome the whole train of despondencies that had beset me before so that I did feel a little more worthy your praise than I did on Monday evening, and now I will say what is far more the truth than anything you have said about me, that you are the strength and light of our house, and our need of you is always so great. Now a word about our boys. They are growing contented and happy in their new school and say they do not want to change. Miss Marwedell thinks she has found a person who can instruct them in reading, and I believe that with the other instruction they will receive there they will do far better than in the Public or any ordinary Private school. Mother and I visited the school today and although it was the last hour, it was surprising to see the spirit of work in the whole school. Irvin seems as docile as a lamb there, and he is really a better boy at home since you have been away this time than I have ever known him to be. He and Hal both are much more easily managed than usual. I have taken one short step myself in the way of intellectual culture. I go down into the parlorand shut myself in from eleven o'clock to half past and read, and short as the time is you have no idea how it is revolutionizing my whole day. It is a solid half hour of time set like a pivot on the firm rock and the whole day revolves smoothly around it. I hope to be able after a little to take an hour at least, but the one little half hour is an outpost gained which gives me hope that I may yet be able to storm the citadel and put order where chaos has reigned. Darling it is you who inspires me to everything that has any good in it, and it is due to you and the book you were reading to me that I have commenced this new work. I hope you can come home before our anniversary arrives. With loving hope and trust Yours Forever CreteNew Castle Pa. Nov. 7. 1873 My Darling, I have hardly been away from you five days without writing more than two letters. But I have been so constantly at work since I reached here, that I have been unable to write more. The case has taken from 9 a.m. till noon and from 2 to 6 P.M. of each day. The Court house is a mile away from Thomas Phillips where I have been staying, and our whole time mornings and evenings has been absorbed in studying the Many entanglements of the case - I commenced my speech at 4 p.m. yesterday and spoke [*165*]until six. This morning I began again at nine and spoke for about an hour and a half. The other side consumed the time in argument until nearly four this evening. When the Judge spent more than an hour in his charge to the jury. The Jury is now out, and we shall not have the verdict until tomorrow morning at least Tonight I am very very tired - Tomorrow I shall go to [Hiram] Warren & probably to Hiram. I will hurry home to you as fast as I can. What day I can get home it is now impossible to say. But you may be sure I shall not stay away from you a moment longer than is necessary - I ought to arrange [Ma???s'] matters before I return if I possibly can. Your dear note of the 3rd came to me in Court, and was a great comfort to me, but I grieved to know that you were having the load of the boys' trouble upon you. I hope they will see more light on their problem by the time I reach home. Tell them to hold on & do just as Mama tells them, and whenPapa gets home and will look the whole matter over and try to do what is best for them - I fear from the tone of your letter that they were dissatisfied with the school - But they had been there but one day - & could hardly form an opinion of its merits in that time - I looked for another letter from you to day, but it had not come - Most Precious one - I know you are carrying me about in your heart and that keeps me warm - With all there is of me - I am all yours JamesHiram. Nov. 9. Sunday - 1873 My Darling, Yesterday morning at 9 oclock the Court announced the verdict of the Jury at $30,000 - The verdict in Philadelphia in 1871 was over $62,000 - My work is considered very successful, and was much complimented by the bench and bar - It gives me additional hope that I can earn a living when I quit Congress - I left New Castle at 10 a.m. went to Sharon & thence to Warren, where I supped until the evening train - & then came to Garrettsville - I had received a letter at New Castle from Burke, asking me to come [*166*] I wish I could tell you when to expect me - I will come at the first feasible moment - I have had but one letter. I am ever your need not until again - till I see you - J.A.G.to his house, and so I drove directly there - and spent the night - I came down here after breakfast - and found your father and mother well - but Jo was away on the road - A few minutes after I got down here he came also - He had heard in Cleveland last night that I had come to Hiram, and came out - He brings news that Sweeney has applied for a new trial - and that it will come on this week - I shall go to Cleveland tonight with Jo - & if possible, make arrangements such, that I need not stay - I have just been to meeting - and again to Burke's, & have now come down here from dinner. I have opened the desk, and used the first pen full of ink to write the beginnings of this letter - More than ever before in this house and this town desolate without you - I feel more strongly than ever before, that we have left Hiram for good - Mrs White has only been here two or three days - The house is nicely cleaned up stairs, but is all torn up below - Mrs White cannot finish till after another week and things look dreary enough - Your mother has failed to find any other help - Darling out of all this horrible and dreariness that have beset us for the past year - let us look forward to an earlyfrom the cares of a public station — and a life more devoted to ourselves and our little ones — But yours has been thus devoted in a most perfect way - Let me get where I can share more of it with you - and if possible make the load lighter - Jo's marriage has been set for Dec 2 - and I think it will come off then - Nellie is no better, in fact is not quite so well & is homesick - Mother says they will try to have her come home & spend the winter - All send love - None shall join me - for I want to send you mine by itself over you [na?] James.Blank No. 1. 115. 305R THE WESTERN UNION TELEGRAPH COMPANY. The rules of this Company require that all messages received for transmission, shall be written on the message blanks of the Company, under and subject to the conditions printed thereon, which conditions have been agreed to by the sender of the following message. THOS. T. ECKERT, Gen'l Sup't } New York 31 WILLIAM ORTON, Pres't } New York. GEO H. MUMFORD, Sec'y Dated Ravenna Ohio Nov 11 1873 Received at N. E. cor. 14th St. and Penna Ave 3-PM To Mrs J. A. Garfield 1227 1st NW Shall reach home tomorrow. Tried hard to reach you this day and with you. complete fifteen years. J.A. Garfield 17DH Stamp By 7 [*167*]Dec 24, 1873 My Darling. I found none of the Committee but Hale at the Depot and he & I & Smith the House Reporter came on to New York our and weary journey through the snow storm - Wilson and her troupe were on the train & thus our car was much crowded - At New York we left our baggage in the charge of Smith, with orders to get our sleeping berths for Boston while we went to the new Hotel the Windsor for dinner - We reached the train just before starting time and found our berths engaged but no Smith or baggage - So we came on to this [*171*]place - reaching here at 6 - & an hour later Smith came with the luggage - I had a hard time - suffering from the malady which began to afflict me the day before I left you - and also from my sleeplessness which the night ride exaggerated - A breakfast was given us here at 9 this morning - and before noon we were at work on our investigation - We have done a good day's work and I am very tired and lonesome though not sleepy yet I wish I were - Hale has gave out & I am here alone - Would that you were with me - My Darling beloved: The husk of old Puritanism still clings to Boston so tenaciously that we can do no work tomorrow & so, I must stay away from you all the blessed Yule time - & not forward my work It will not be possible for us to finish our work before Saturday evening - I deeply regret this - but I shall hasten to you the first moment I can - Give my love to all the dear ones - and tell them how earnestly papa deserves to be with them - Ever & All Your own James -Blank No. 1. 248 1030 THE WESTERN UNION TELEGRAPH COMPANY. The rules of this Company require that all messages received for transmission, shall be written on the message blanks of the Company, under and subject to the conditions printed thereon, which conditions have been agreed to by the sender of the following message. THOS. T. ECKERT, Gen'l Sup't,} WILLIAM ORTON, Pres't, } New York. New York. } GEO H. MUMFORD, Sec'y, } 144 MC Dated NYork Dec 28 1873 Received at N.E. cor. 14th St. and Penna. Ave. 1014 am To Mrs. J. A. Garfield 1227 Ist NW Have just reached here shall be home tomorrow morning J.A. Garfield 9DH stamp V7 [*172*]Forty-first Congress U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. Washington, D.C. Jany 29 1874 My Darling - I suggest that you arrange for inviting Gen. and Mrs Pope to dinner on Tuesday next - All their days are engaged until then - Please call my attention to this when I reach home - Will you do me the honor to accompany me to the Burris Festival [*174*]Pay of Army 21.866.513.80 90.000.00 1.593.242.00 2.3.549.755.80 this evening? Please reply by bearer - I revoke the last sentence, suddenly remembering that I am to send this by the Ethiopian Prophet who daily serves food to our young ravens. Ever and always yours - desiring to be no less than three feet of you &a [telchin?] of you now and then JaGarfield1 1/2 [P?] Monday - Jany 1874 My Darling I have mailed Mr & Mrs O.L. Wolcott of Farmington to dine with us at 5 P.M. I have to go out at 7. so please have the dinner at sharp 5 - I have bought tickets to Chas Kingsley's lecture tomorrow. because I love you forever James [*173*]HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES COMMITTEE OF WAYS AND MEANS Washington D.C. March 5 1874 My Darling - We are in the midst of a struggle over the Franking privilege & I may be pushed off for 3/4 hour - but I think I shall speak - without fail - Bless you for coming - I wish you were nearer Ever Your Own Jame [*176*]Forty-third Congress U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. Washington, D.C. March 30 1874 My Darling - Do you remember the man from Ravenna who called late at night and asked for money to get home to Ohio, & I lent him $15- A man of similar appearance called on Woodworth last night, & on a similar pretext borrowed $10 - Will you please [see] look at my letter book + find [*177*]the fellow's name - and also the name of the man who he said was his uncle. I wrote to Halsey Hall, the next morning - or the next but one - + told him all about it - I think you will find the letter under date of last Monday - All I want is the fellow's name + the name of his uncle + then I want you to tell me he the chap looked - He gave his name to Woodworth as Burgess - I am glad to have any chance, to send a word to you + wait for an answer - Ever Your Own JamesHOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES COMMITTEE OF WAYS AND MEANS Washington D.C. March ? 1874 ? My Darling - Judge Krusman and Harmon Austin have arrived and will be with us at Dinner I am as Ever Your Own James [*175*][*179*] Sunday May 10/74 My Darling -- When you are away from me by never so small an interval. I feel a sense of loss, and I hope you will be glad to have me try compensate myself for the loss I now feel in consequence of the [?invening] distance, by send you this message of love -- I write now to ask you to take with Early and Earnest consideration my revelation to you to be my companion for a voyage of rest and pleasure sometime in the month of July or August. We will go by lake to the falls of Niagara -- & thence down the Sta week or two with the Howells. We can there buy our summer outfit of clothing and thus unite business & Economy with rest and Enjoyment. We might come back by way of New Hampshire & bring Mother & Harry home with = Do this & let me read to you among The Thousand Islands - & shoot The Lachine Rapids with my arm around the waist of my Fanny my Psyche, my darling - my wife - And now, only loved one - tell me when we meet that you will accept the invitation of your lover James A.G.House of Representatives, ? ? Washington, D.C., May 10,1874. My Darling - I have arranged my business so as to get away to the Harrisburg meeting in accordance with my promise to Gen McDowell - I will reach home by 4 1/2 o clock - & would like a bite of dinner before I go - Will you please put up some shirts & the last two volumes of Miss Austen's "Pride & Prejudice" - I dislike to be away from my dear Psyche so long - but I cannot honorably disappoint Gen McDowell - Do write me a word by the bay. Ever and Always Your J A Garfield [*178*]Committee on Appropriations, House of Representatives, Washington, D. C., May 29th, 1874. Precious One I have tried to get away to you, but have not been able. Do you Know that it frightenes and unmans me to know that you are sick. Your health is the continent, the solid land on which I build all my happiness and hope. When you are sick I am like the inhabitants of counties visited by earthquake. They loose all faith in the eternal order and fixedness of things. Your sickness is my Earthquake. It shakes down all my walls and overturns all my foundations -- Do write me by the way an assuring word. Thanks for the message by Rose But didn't you make it more rosy than the reality for mysake? Tell me all. for you are my all -- the light and hope of the house -- Ever and Ever Your Own James. Mrs. Garfield [*180*]My Darling I write a word to tell you how much I love you - and how anxiously I feel for your health Dont fail to talk freely & without reserve to the Doctor in regard to all the facts & symptoms - It is hard to stay away from you all day - and feel that you are ill and would be glad to have me with you - Love me & keep your self as far from work & worry as possible - Ever and Always - Your own James Wed. 11 1/2 am June 3. 1874. [*181*]Ashtabula Ohio, July 29, 1874. My Darling - I have reached here, by the six o'clock train, and find Charley Henry awaiting me with political notes and queries - The day in Painesville was one of tug and discomfort. Geo. Parue a brother of Holbert's has become furious against me on the Pavement question - and has written a slashing [Editorial] article against me & demanded its publication in the Telegraph - a party of friends & enemies assembled in the Hotel and I talked with them on the situation - The shape of things looked better when I left them when I went - I went to Geneva on the Six PM train - & was met at the depot by a score of friends - They have organized a Garfield Club in that town & & very Enthusiastic for me - I attended their meeting in a Social Way - & had a good time - The atmosphere of friendship is refreshing after the last few days of slings & stings - [*184*]I came here and shall spend the night - and shall go to Warren tomorrow - you may hold my letters until I see you - I will try to reach you by Friday Evening - possibly not until Saturday - If you need to send any telegrams to me, send to Warren Care Harmon Austin - I may stop in at Hiram before I return - Out of these depths & darkness, I look up at the sweetness & light of precious love, that dwells on at No 34 on Little Mountains As Ever & Ever Your own JamesWarren, O. Aug 22. 1874 My Darling, I found on reaching here that Judge Kinsman had made great preparations for us - & though he received your letter day before yesterday, yet he insists on my staying a few days so that his plans may still in part be carried out. Much as I regret to be away from the Mountain just now, I have concluded to remain over until Monday - I will by that means excuse the failure of the visit we intended to make, and enable you to postpone your part of it until we are ready to leave the Mountain for the Season - I will also write to the boys, who will [*185*]be expecting me at Solon today - & tell them I will see them Monday Morning. I had a good audience last Evening & would write you more at length but, breakfast is waiting - I think you had better have Father & Mother come to the Mountain next week In haste but with all my love I am as always Your own James.Solon Sept 10th 1874 My Darling -- It came to me yesterday after you left me that it is only a week from today that Sister Nellie starts for St. Louis and I see no other time to go and see her unless we go over to Akron on Sunday morning and stay over night or come back to warren on [the] Sunday evening -- provided there are trains on Sunday so that we can do so. Now if you can go with me at that time I will go to Warren on the Saturday Evening train. I think now that I will do so unless I hear from you to the contrary or unless I should find something at home to prevent. I am going home this afternoon and will send this to you by the Conductor. [*461*] hoping you may receive it in time to write to me. If you do not have time to write and do not think best to go to Akron will you send a dispatch so that I need not start unless we can go? It is very warm and I pity you ever at Burton. By the way I can't understand why you do not go to Hiram this evening and go to Warren on Saturday from there. However I suppose you have some reason for it, whether I approve or not. Mary and I have bene making Hetty a visit to day. We are all well, and hope to see you soon. Darling I love you and am lonely always away from you. Always and forever Your Own Crete. HARMON AUSTIN, President WARREN PACKARD, Secty & Treas. OFFICE OF THE AUSTIN FLAGSTONE CO. Warren, Ohio Sept. 11 1874 My Darling - Your note came last evening - too late for me to answer by the mail train. I will try to get this all to Garrettsville by this morning train - I find it necessary to go into the Campaign at once, and with vigor. A small squad of sore headed Anti-Garfield men, met here yesterday and nominated a Methodist Preacher from Willoughby as Candidate for Congress - and last Evening Judge Tuttle of Painesville made an Exceedingly mean and bitter speech in the Court House against me - The Democrats made a straight nomination in the then Convention yesterday and would not join in the Dotting Movement. I reached Burton at seven o clock Wednesday night and yesterday spoke an hour to an audience of 3000 people - and then came here on the narrow gauge road last Evening - I shall spend most of the day here, at the Inn, seeing [*186*]men in reference to the meetings I am to hold in various parts of this County. I shall try to go up home on the Evening train - and spend the night and part of tomorrow with you - We will then arrange the Akron visit - I fear it will be difficult for me to go with you, but I will do so if I can - I am to speak at Newton Falls Saturday Evening - and probably at Garrettsville Monday Evening - I caught a severe cold on the way to Burton & my speech yesterday has left me in a very hoarse & uncomfortable condition - Loving you, with all my heart - and anxious to see you - I am always your own James P.S. If it should be Entirely convenient please let one of the boys meet me at Garrettsville this evening. J.A.G.OFFICE OF S.A. NORTHWAY. Attorney and Counsellor at Law, Jefferson, Ashtabula Co., O. Jefferson, Oct 1 1874 My Darling I have had a hard few days work since I left you - and a cold ride of eleven miles from Baconsburg - a two hour speech at Eustans - Yesterday morning in the rain an ugly wagon ride of 17 miles - a speech at Andover - and then a colder wagon ride of 16 miles to this place, and a speech of two hours among enemies - in reply to an ugly two hour attack made here the night before by Judge Tuttle of Painesville & a cold cheerless night at the hotel. This brings me to morning - & near to the train time to go to Conneaut to speak again among Enemies - Nearly a ton of Copies of the N.Y. Sun has been brought into the District & are being peddled through all the townships - This is politics as I find it this fall - You can imagine how cheerless and thankless a task I have on hands - No hope of seeing you. After three more speeches in [*187*]the one bright spot is the prospect of the week - after speaking at Conneaut This evening I must sit up until 2 o'clock to take the train for Norwalk - I shall look for you at the Forest City House - Please bring my letters with you there - I am standing the strain better than I expected to - and hope to come through without a breakdown - But I have learned to husband my strength better than used to do - But age becomes conservative of strength - and I suppose it is a law of life that men save their fuel - The only thing worth living for is your love - & that worth a thousand times more than it costs to endure "the slings and arrows of outrageous "fortune" - with all my soul I am so ever and more than ever, Your own JamesDELOS W. CANFIELD ISAAC N. HATHAWAY Canfield & Hathaway, Attorneys at Law. Chardon, Ohio, Oct 7 1874 My Darling - Two days of my weeks work are ended, and I am in better condition of voice than when I left you. My meeting at Painesville was one of the best I have ever had - Tuttle & his crew were there -& he ventured to question me - I doubt if he [knew?], when I left him whether he was hash or jelly - my Darling, had you been there, I think you would not have been ashamed of you husband - the questions made the meeting longer than it might to have been, viz their hours, but it ended the force of the opposition there - I came here, & at the Close of Friday's meeting I spoke for about an hour - I go to Montville tonight - & to Willoughby tomorrow night - & then to Trumbull County - I am now feeling the strain of the work - upon my nervous system somewhat - but I think I shall be [*188*]be able to swing through the week without serious injury. My voice got better before I finished my Painesville speech, and I really came through in pretty good voice. The good angels & chief of these, you, seemed to be with me, helping my voice, while I punished the villains who have been assailing me. I go this morning to Thompson to make some visits, & thence to Meadville to the meeting this evening - In all the love my heart can hold - I am as Ever Your own James -Painesville, O. Oct. 8./74 My Darling - After writing you at Chardon yesterday I drove twelve miles to Thompson, where was a great Fair & Judge Tuttle mounted on a wagon howling to such as would hear him, against me - I treated him with the scene of silence and he raved on alone - In the afternoon. I went to Montville & spoke two hours in the evening to a very large and enthusiastic audience This morning I returned to Chardon - & thence came by cart to their place - The Echoes of my meeting here are still singing, and my friends think I surpassed myself - My voice is better than when [*189*]I left you - but the nerves are beginning to show the effect of the strain - The Stute Bros. drive me to Willoughby this afternoon. Where I am to have another tussle with the Enemy if they dare to show themselves - I shall probably come back here tonight, so as to get the Early train, Either to Cleveland & thence to Warren & Brookfield - or from here to Warren direct by the narrow gauge - I am thankful for Every day that brings me nearer to the end of the struggle & nearer to you - I cannot yet tell whether I shall be able to get home Saturday night or not. I cannot see you until Saturday Evening - If you do not see me sooner, please have the horse sent for me to Garrettsville for the Sunday Evening train going west - The Enemy are making speeches at many points against me - & doing all in their power to reduce my vote - but we shall know the End soon - Always lovingly As Ever Your Own JAGarfieldForest City House, Clevel. Oct 13, 1874 Most Precious One - What jealousy seems always to dwell in true love - I, sorry, troubled, grieved, and fearful, because Friday came, and went and brought me no letter from you - You, fearing, lest I were sick or offended, because the mail did not bring you my letter so soon as it ought! - I was glad and thankful that this fearfulness - this shadow of unreal danger falls into the vision of each - It would never come except to the Eyes of love - And, still, I ought to have written you sooner - But I was in a continual whirl from the time I left you, until I arrived at Hiram, on Thursday - I came here last night to get the news of the Election, and to consider the question of our future work & life in Cleveland - Before this, you have read of our great victory - & you know how sincerely I am rejoicing at the triumph of truth over Error. I have worked very hard since you [*190*]left me, and have done some of the best speaking of my life. Weary as I am today, I look forward with pleasure, at the prospect of relief from the burdens of public life. And yet I have found shadows across the path of my proposed partnership - I am afraid that Mr. Eslep's habits will be a serious drawback to the success of the plan - In every other respect, he appears to be just the man who would meet my lacks, and help me to be successful. I am thinking fast, for I must reach a conclusion before I leave for Washington - I am going to ride out with Dr. Streator to see that house which you and I drove by. I do so wish you were here to converse together on this deeply important question - Dr. Robison offers me the half front of Altrie's lot being 75 feet front by 800 feet deep for $15.000. - nothing to be paid down and no payment except 6 percent interest until I please to pay the principal. This would give us a good orchard and room for a fine garden. It would be nearly an acre and a half of ground - now I must say I very much desire a home of our own, rather than a rented house. I will look the field over very carefully; but will determine nothing until I see you - If we could settle upon the kind of house we want, and make the arrangement this fall, we could have a house of our own to go to when we leave Washington the next time - Think of this before we meet, and we will talk it over when I come. I want you to know that I have carried out fully the programme I proposed last year - 1st to defeat my enemies (which was done last fall) & 2nd to demonstrate to them that I can do it again (which I have done this fall.) It now remains to show people that I can lay down an important office for the sake of myself and family - All this has been made possible, because I had a dear precious wife whois more to me than faime in any form. I do so much wish you were with me today, that we might go over the whole case together - I was grieved to hear that the boys were not behaving as well as they ought - Please tell them for me that as well as I love them, I shall be severe with them, if they do not obey mamma promptly and thoroughly. I will go to Toledo tomorrow - and, as I now see it, I think I can leave here about Tuesday next - In order to save coming back to testify in the Sweeney Case I must be here on Monday next to give my deposition in the case. I may be compelled to stay later than Tuesday but I hope not. Do let me hear from you as often as possible. Love to all the dear ones - & know that I am as Always and forever Your Own James65-1231 pm Blank No. 1. THE WESTERN UNION TELEGRAPH COMPANY. The rules of this Company require that all messages received for transmission, shall be written on the message blanks of the Company, under and subject to the conditions printed thereon, which conditions have been agreed so by the sender of the following message. THOS. T. ECKERT, Gen'l Sup't, } WILLIAM ORTON, Pres't, } NEW YORK. GEO. H. MUMFORD, Sec'y, } Dated Butler Pa Nov 26 1874 12:30 pm Received at N. E. cor. 14th St. and Penna. Ave. To Mrs. J A Garfield 1227 I St Washn DC Shall reach home Friday morning ask the family to remember me at Thanksgiving dinner J A Garfield 14DHpass or f [*101*]CAPTAIN A. F. ROCKWELL, A. Q. M., U. S. Army. Office of National Cemeteries, Washington, D.C., Dec 19 1874 My Darling - I have gone with Rockwell to play billiards which will be a good substitute for my horseback ride - Tell the boy I will not ride today - Tell him to come at half - past four - Tomorrow I shall be with you at dinner - Bless you my Himpson [?] - my able bodied Hercules [?] - Ever Your James - 192[*1874?*] My Darling - This is a great question, with vast passions heaving underneath it - The man now speaking is Mr. Scudder of N.Y. A very able lawyer - You know the President has taken the violent side of the question - Poland - Chairman of the Com. leads the opposite view - The debate is very significant - I have not made up my [*193*]mind - have read but little of it. But lean to Scudder + Polonde as the little man on horseback - at the other end of the avenue - Listen + help me judge - Ever Your JaGarfield - Paster says the same -86 35[?] Blank No. 1 THE WESTERN UNION TELEGRAPH COMPANY. The rules of this company require that all messages received for transmission, shall be written on the message blanks of the Company, under and subject to the conditions printed thereon, which conditions have been agreed to by the sender of the following message THOS. T. ECKERT, Gen'l Sup't,} WILLIAM ORTON, Pres',t } New York. New York. GEO. H. MUMFORD, Sec'y, 17 Dated Newport Jan 1 1875 Received at N. E. cor 14th St. and Penna. Ave. 354 PM To Mrs. J A Garfield 1227 I St NW WashDC Am leaving for Newcastle will reach home earliest possible moment Blessings & happy new year to you all J. A. Garfield 18 DHstamp O-2 [*194*]WASHINGTON,D.C. MARCH 26,1875. MY DARLING: I REACHED HOME THIS MORNING AT TEN O'CLOCK, AND FOUND ALL THE FAMILY WELL. I HAD TELEGRAPHED TO MOTHER,FROM WELLSVILLE,THAT I SHOULD REACH HOME FRIDAY MORNING; SO THAT THEY WERE EXPECTING ME. I DID NOT QUITE DARE TO COME HOME WITHOUT YOU,AND NOT ANNOUNCE THEIR DISAPPOINTMENT IN ADVANCE. SO THEY WERE GLAD TO GET A SMALL INSTALLMENT OF WHAT THEY DESIRED,AND SEEMED GLAD TO SEE ME,EVEN ALONE. I REALLY THINK THAT OUR ABSENCE HAS BEEN A GOOD THING FOR THE CHILDREN;FOR IT HAS NOT ONLY PUT THEM ON THEIR RESPONSIBILITY,BUT IT HAS SHOWN THEM THE VALUE OF THEIR PARENTS,ESPECIALLY OF THEIR MOTHER. GRAND-MA SAYS THEY HAVE BEEN EXCEEDINGLY GOOD CHILDREN,NEARLY ALL THE TIME. THE BABY IS DOING WELL IN ALL RESPECTS. I CAN ALMOST SEE THAT HE HAS GROWN SINCE WE LEFT HIM. ON MY WAY HERE,I WENT OVER MOTHER RUDOLPH'S SITUATION,AND WHILE I HAVE SOME HOPE ,I HARDLY DARE EXPECT THAT SHE WILL RECOVER. I SHALL LOOK FOR YOUR LETTERS AND DISPATCHES,WITH THE GREATEST ANXIETY. I AM SURE,DARLING THAT YOU WILL NOT FAIL TO LET US HEAR FROM YOU EVERY DAY;AND THAT I SHALL NOT BE FORGOTTEN WHILE I AM IN CONNECTICUT. IT DOES NOT SEEM TO ME AS THOUGH I COULD STAND IT HERE WITHOUT YOU,BUT FOR THE FACT THAT I HAVE SO MUCH TO DO. THE LETTERS WHICH HAVE ACCUMULATED SINCE I LEFT,FILL THE DESK WITH A CUMBERSOME LOAD. ATWOOD AND THE PRESIDENT'S BROTHER CALLED BEFORE I HAD BEEN HOME HALF AN HOUR;AND NOW THE RUSH HAS FULLY BEGUN. YOST AND HIS PARTNER WERE AWAITING ME WITH GREAT ANXIETY,AND SO I SHALL HAVE MY HANDS FULL TILL I LEAVE FOR CONNECTICUT,SUNDAY NIGHT. BEFORE I REACHED WELLSVILLE, THE [?] HAD [?] [?] [?] [?] PATCHES OF SNOW IN SIGHT BETWEEN HARRISBURG & BALTIMORE; BUT HERE, THE AIR IS BALMYAND FULL OF THE FAINTNESS OF SPRING. I HOPE, MY PRECIOUS ONE,THAT YOU WILL REMEMBER THAT YOU HAVE LONG BEEN AWAY FROM THE RIGOROUS CLIMATE OF NORTHERN OHIO,AND WILL BE EXCEEDINGLY CAREFUL OF YOUR PRECIOUS HEALTH. YOU WILL, WON'T YOU? SEVERAL LETTERS HAVE COME FOR YOU IN YOUR ABSENCE,SOMEOF THEM,I SUSPECT, ARE FROM OUR PENSACOLA PEST. PART OR ALL OF THEM, I WILL ENCLOSE HEREWITH. I DROPPED A POSTAL CARD TO YOU FROM ALLIANCE, IN REFERENCE TO DR. ROBISON'S GAITERS. IT WAS VERY FORGETFUL IN ME,NOT TO TAKE THEM WITH ME; FOR WHEN HE GAVE THEM TO,HE SAID HE SHOULD NEED THE AT THE CLOSE OF THE WEEK. I WISH YOU WOULD MAKE SEARCH FOR GILES' HORACE, AND BRING IT,IF FOUND. ALSO BRING WHATEVER MAIL ACCUMULATES AT THE HIRAM OFFICE.I KNOW YOU WOULD DO ALL THESE THINGS WITHOUT MY SUGGESTING THEM,BUT I LOVE TO DRAW OUT MY LETTER FOR THE PLEASURE IT GIVES ME TO HOLD YOU IN CONTEMPLATION. I THINK OF YOU,AND ALL THAT PERTAINS TO YOU, WITH THE DEEPEST PLEASURE. THERE COMES TO MY MIND, A [LINE] COUPLET I READ FROM COVENTRY PATMORE,WHEN I WAS AT MR.CHASE'S,IN 1862. IT RAN THUS: "NO FOLD OR WRINKLE OF HER DRESS HER DEARNESS DID NOT GLORIFY". AND SO I THINK OF YOURM'GREGOR PLAID, AND ALL THE DEARNESS IT HOLDS, AND LONG TO HAVE YOU WITH ME AGAIN. .....JUST AT THIS POINT,MOTHER CALLED ME TO WEIGH THE BABY,WHO IS THREE MONTHS OLD TO-DAY. I HOOKED THE LITTLE FELLOW UP,AND FOUND THAT HE WEIGHED JUST SIXTEEN POUNDS...FOUR MORE THAN HE WEIGHED ONE MONTH AGO. FEEL AT REST ABOUT THE CHILDREN,AND HILE YOU DO ALL YOU CAN FOR YOUR DEAR MOTHER,DON'T FORGET TO TAKE THE THE UTMOST CARE OF YOU SWEET SELF. I LEFT YOU MY CONNECTICUT ADDRESS, BY WHICH LETTERS WILL SPEEDILY REACH ME WHILE I AM IN THAT STATE. I FEEL SURE YOU WILL WRITE ME EVERY DAY OF ME ABSENCE. MOTHER HAS COME IN AND MADE ANXIOUS BY SAYING THAT IT IS A RISKY EXPERIMENT TO DRY UP THE MILK SUDDENLY,AS YOU ARE DOING; THAT IT WAS APT TO BRING ON A FEVER. YOU WILL THIN OF THIS,WON'T YOU,DEAREST,AND VERY CAREFUL. THE CHILDREN WERE DELIGHTED WITH YOUR LETTER,AND WITH THE SUGAR YOU SENT.IN RETURN, I ENCLOSE NOTES FROM MOTHER AND JIMMIE. AND YOU KNOW. DEAREST THAT I AM,AS EVER, AND FOREVER, YOUR OWNEST OWN, James.Hiram Mar 26th 1875 My Darling: I hope you are safely at home with the little ones before this time and that you find them all well and doing well. I have just received another letter from Mother written the 23d inst. They were all well there and Irvin had found a name for baby. He says call him "Restes." We might call him John Orestes, at least I like one syllable of it. Rest. I thought of you yesterday and last night so many - many times, and with such sweet tender love, how [*464*]don't you go to saying to yourself, "it's 'cause I'm away". You know better[s]. You know my precious darling that I do truly and genuinely love you every hour, and if I do think more positive thoughts of my love for you when you are away from me it is because I am so lonely without you. I sat up with Mother last night and to keep myself awake I ran off into plans for a house should we ever build again. But true to my extravagant instincts my plans were too large and expensive. Still I had the pleasure and excitement of drafting to keep me awake. I tried to put down on paper a smaller one somewhere near our range but it was just like so many other houses that I lost all interest in it and finally went to sleep in my chair. Mother slept very well and passed a tolerable comfortable night and this morning seems better. The doctor said yesterday that, for the first time he felt that there was a possibility of her recovery, and he said that if she does get better he believes he can cure her cough. If that can be done she may pass several years of comfortable old age. I feel very anxious to be at home still if [she] Mother gets better I want to stay just as long as I can or at least until she is past dangerI hope however that I may be able to meet you at home when you have finished your campaign in Connecticut. Pardee failed, It is too bad: and Edmunds made a speech in the Senate against him. Poor Don will be more disgusted than ever with political management. Darling write to me every day and remember that I am always loving you. Ever and Forever Yours Crete.WASHINGTON, MARCH, 27, 1875. MY DARLING: I HAVE FINISHED A HARD DAY'S WORK, AND NOW, AT ELEVEN O'CLOCK, BEFORE GOING TO BED I WILL PRINT A FEW words TO THE BEST WOMAN I EVER SAW. I BECAME DEEPLY INTERESTED IN THE CASE OF MR. YOST, AND WORKED ON IT UNTIL NEAR MIDNIGHT LAST NIGHT; AND THIS MORNING, I CONTINUED STUDYING IT UNTIL NOON. AT HALF PAST TWELVE, I COMMENCED THE ARGUMENT BEFORE THE COMMISSIONER OF PATENTS, AND SPOKE ABOUT AN HOUR AND A HALF. I DO NOT, OF COURSE, KNOW WHETHER I WON THE CASE OR NOT; BUT MR. DENSMORE, THE N.Y. ATTORNEY, THINKS I HAVE. I DON'T KNOW WHY I AM SO EASILY EXHAUSTED, BUT I CAME HOME TO-NIGHT SO JADED THAT I CAN HARDLY CRAWL. I BEGIN TO FEAR THAT I HAVE PUSHED MY CONSTITUTION SO FAR THAT IT WILL NEVER AGAIN RECOVER ITS OLD TONE AND STRENGTH. IF WE WERE ABLE, I WOULD TAKE YOU AND THE CHILDREN TO EUROPE AND STAY THERE A YEAR TO REST AND RECUPERATE. IN ALL MY FORECASTINGS OF THE FUTURE, I HAVE CALCULATED UPON MY HEALTH AND MY GREAT POWERS OF ENDURANCE. IF THESE SHOULD FAIL ME, THE CHIEF HOPE OF SUCCESS WOULD BE GONE. BUT I WILL NOT BURDEN YOUR ALREADY OVER-BURDENED HEART WITH APPREHENSIONS OF NEW TROUBLE. I WISH I COULD BE WITH YOU THIS MORNING, AND KNOW HOW ALL ARE AT HOME. . . . .SUNDAY MORNING. JIM SLEPT WITH ME LAST NIGHT, AND I HAD A PRETTY SOUND SLEEP. BUT I AM QUITE SORE YOU DO NOT KNOW HOW EMPTY AND DESOLATE THE HOUSE IS WITHOUT YOU. OF COURSE, IT IS FULL AND NOISY; BUT YOUR ABSENCE MAKES IT DESOLATE TO ME. I GO TO CONNECTICUT TO-NIGHT: SHALL I LEAVE NEW YORK AT TEN [*202*]O'CLOCK TO-MORROW MORNING, FOR NEW HAVEN, WHERE I HOPE TO FIND A LETTER FROM YOU; AND FROM THERE; GO TO A PLACE CALLED "WINDSOR-LOCKS", NEAR THE MASSACHUSETTS LINE, TO SPEAK TO-MORROW EVENING. THE SUN IS SHINING [A] BRIGHTLY THIS MORNING, AND I HAVE THE WINDOW UP IN THE LIBRARY. THE BOYS[S] ARE GETTING READY FOR SUNDAY-SCHOOL. IRVIN S SITTING ON ONE OF THE WOODEN BOXES IN THE LIBRARY, SUCKING AN ORANGE; ABE HAS JUSTBEEN IN WITH A LUMP OF THE SUGAR MAMMA SENT HIM, AND SAID "PAPA, TATE". . . . AT THIS POINT CARRY CAME AND TALKED "PICTURE", FOR FIFTEEN MINUTES, WITHOUT CESSATION. SHE CONCLUDED BY SAYING "I WON'T SORE YOU, BUT I MUST TALK OF THE PICTURE ONCE IN A WHILE". HOW CAN WE LIVE WITH THAT PICTURE ANOTHER YEAR? I ENCLOSE THE JOURNALS WHICH THE BOYS KEPT WHILE I WAS GONE TO OHIO. THEY BEAR SOME HOPEFUL MARKS OF A SENSE OF RESPONSIBILITY, WHICH I THINK WILL PLEASE YOU. I WILL ASK THEM TO CONTINUE THIS WORK UNTIL YOU RETURN. WE CONFIDENTLY EXPECTED TO RECEIVE A LETTER FROM YOU THIS MORNING, BUT NONE CAME. THE MAIL ARE VERY SLOW. I HAVE A LETTER FROM FORD, THAT THEY HAVE A NINE-POUND GIRL WHICH THEY CALL "ELIZA LUCRETIA". BLESS THEM FOR THE LAST NAME. YOU MUST WRITE TO MARY, ABOUT HER LITTLE "CRETE". ATWOOD HAS BEEN HERE THREE TIMES SINCE I WROTE YOU LAST. MRS. VARNEY HAS ALSO BEEN HERE, AND I HAVE EXCUSED YOU FOR NOT OPENING HER NUMEROUS LETTERS TO YOU. I HAVE GOT RID OF HER, FOR AT LEAST A WEEK. AND NOW, DARLING, GOOD-BYE, FOR TO-DAY, AND GOD BLESS YOU. As Ever Your Own James -Hiram Mar. 28th 1875 My Darling I suppose you are getting ready to leave the little boys again, and I feel so sorry for them that [I feel as though] I can scarcely content myself here. I am afraid too that Mother's recovery will be very slow, and I can not leave her while she is so low. Her symptoms all grow more favorable but she does not gain any strength yet. Monday morning I had only the above written yesterday, and Joe has just announced that he will go to Cleveland to day so I will finish up and send it since you it will reach youtwo or three days sooner. Mother's symptoms are still better this morning. She rested well last night, and her diarrhoea is nearly stopped. If she can only begin to gain strength I shall feel very hopeful. Darling I hope you will try to care for your health while away. I feel very anxious lest you get down entirely, and what could I do with you sick in Connecticut and Mother here. Last night I dreamed such troubled dreams about home that I almost feel uncomfortable about them this morning. Joe says stop so good bye and all love and blessings for you Ever yours Crete. [*465*]Hiram. Mar. 29th 1875 My Darling I sent you off a hurried slip this morning by Joe to mail at Cleveland so that it could reach you the sooner, but the morning's mail has brought me your dear precious letter from home, and I will commence this as a conclusion - or rather continuation for nothing which bears the trace of love can ever be concluded with us of this morning's note. It is ever sweet to know that you feel that I am missed at home. I felt that your arrival there would so satisfy them all that I would scarcely be missed [*466*]and if you had dared to tell me would not that have been the truth? So, I am wrong. The little boys would miss Mamma a great deal I am sure. I [they] know they all love me, and I often feel, a great deal better than I deserve to be loved. They are all dear precious boys and my mother-heart is very proud of them - Proud of them for what they are first in a dearer sense proud of them for that of your life which lives in them. Do you know baby is the largest one of the seven at his age. Harry had always borne the palm, but he only weighed 16 lbs. when four months old. We ought to give him a name. I fully realize all the doubts you expressed concerning Mother's condition. She puzzles us continually. Her symptoms are all better still she must have a continual fever. or else she would not suffer so with heat, and have such rapid pulse. I shall not be surprised if when her fever leaves her entirely - she drop away very suddenly. This slow fever will I fear burn out all the vitality she has left. The snow is all gone and the sunshine is full of that balmy dreaminess, which only comes to a Spring day in the country, and which sends the blood with a faintly conscious thrill through the veins. The few years we have been away from our Northern Springs were pushing the earlier years into forgetfulness and I am glad to revive the old impressions, and live over the times that have been, and verify "The thing which hath been shall be." Darling you will think often of me whilethis temporary separation is dragging itself slowly away, and we will meet as we parted loving each other with the young lovers' love, and holding the continual presence as sweetly sacred as the truly wedded ever must. Write to me every day. You will have some new adventure or circumstance to tell me of each day. With me the days do but repeat themselves, and I will have but one new thing to write to tell of the love ever new. My heart and thoughts are with you and with the dear children every hour. All send love. Mollie read your letter to me, and whispered to herself looking up shyly at me "My precious one". I hope our love will be a sacred inheritance to our children. Ever and Forever Yours Crete.Hartford, Conn. Mch 30. 1875. My Darling-- I left Washington, Sunday Evening - reached N.Y. at six, A.M. Monday, left there at 10 A.M. Stopped at New Haven for two hours - but did not find a letter from you - & was thereby greatly disappointed - I spoke last night at Windsor Locks - [got] I speak tonight at New-Britian, Wednesday night at Putman, Thursday night at Norwalk, Friday at Norwich, & Saturday night at New London. On my way through New York I met Gen McDowell - and have promised to [*203*]dine with him on Monday Evening - I shall go over to Washington, on Tuesday unless I hear that you are still in Ohio, and will be leaving for Washington about Wednesday or Thursday - In that case, I shall be strongly tempted to go home & be your Escort - I should love to do so, very much. You can hardly know how anxious I am to hear from you, and to know how mother is and how you are - I have no doubt I shall hear from you in a day or two - I left word at New-Haven to have any letters forwarded to me - I shall be in New Haven again on Thursday, so that I will catch anything that may come by that time - They are having a stirring campaign here, & the result is doubtful - We shall make some gain, but I fear, not enough to overcome the Democratic majority - I write in haste, & must close to take the train Ever Your Own James -THE CAMPAIGN. GENERAL GARFIELD AT NEW BRITAIN. A Rousing Speech by an Eloquent Orator. SOUND TRUTHS THRUST HOME. (Special Dispatch to The Courant.) NEW BRITAIN, March 30. The large audience which crowded Turner hall to hear General Garfield, showed plainly that New Britain is aroused to the importance of the political issues of this campaign. Jos. L. Barbour, after reading a humorous poem relative to your sick senator, introduced General Garfield, who was received with enthusiastic cheers. From the beginning to the end of his speech, General Garfield held the unwearied attention of the audience in a most admirable manner. He compared the two parties in their professions and practices; showed the fallacy of the opposition by the democratic party to the civil rights bill, making it plain that the law is simply one of justice, and designed not to place one race above another, but to give equality to all citizens. He eloquently maintained the republican financial policy, its treatment of the southern question, showing up the white league in its true light. The transportation question, of vital importance to New Britain manufacturing interests, but never before so thoroughly elucidated here, was handled in a masterly manner, proving that the republican party alone favors and urges measures in the interest of the laboring and producing classes. He closed his speech with a strong commendation of General Hawley's course in congress, claiming that he is an able and independent legislator and one that neither Connecticut nor the country can afford to see displaced. The meeting closed with rounding cheers for the ticket and the speaker. Business Department. [*[Mr 31, 1875]*] The [Cou?] HAWLEY, GOODRICH & [?] HARTFORD, [?] My Darling - A few minutes [?] you yesterday, and just [?] train for New Britain, [?] letter of the 26th, which [?] New Haven - It [sweeten?] [?] journey on the cars [?] Ever since. I know [?] me most tenderly; [an?] [?] distrust your love - [?] & prize it so highly, that I must talk of it. & constantly reassure myself that it is wholly mine. I am so glad to hear that your precious mother is better, and that we may now hope for her recovery - - I had a very enthusiastic meeting at New Britain, last Evening, and made a much better speech than that of the previous Evening - It brings back some of my old force and [*204*]ORGANS The beautiful ESTEY ORGAN cannot be excelled by any other Organ in the world We have also the GEO. WOODS ORGAN, with the piano solo stop, with which very pleasing effects can be produced. New Stools and Covers of the latest styles and patterns. Second-hand Pianos, Organs and Melodeons taken in exchange. Pianos tuned and repaired. feb13 S. T. BISSELL & CO., 65 and 67 Asylum street. If You Want the Best Business Department. The Cou HAWLEY, GOODRICH HARTFORD, CONN., March 31 1875 [*[MR 31, 1875]*] My Darling - A few minutes after I had written you yesterday, and just before I took the train for New Britain, I received your dear letter of the 26th, which was forwarded from New Haven - It sweetened and blessed my journey on the cars and has warmed my heart ever since. I know Darling, that you love me most tenderly; and I do not doubt or distrust your love - I need it so much, & prize it so highly, that I must talk of it, & constantly reassure myself that it is wholly mine. I am so glad to hear that your precious mother is better, and that we may now hope for her recovery - - I had a very enthusiastic meeting at New Britain, last evening, and made a much better speech than that of the previous evening - It brings back some of my old force and [*204*]enthusiasm I speak, where there is not a crowd of mean men, carping at me for personal reasons of maliquity and selfishness -. It helps to reassure me, and make me feel that I have not lost my power over men - After the meeting was over, I found, at the Hotel, a history of New Britian, in which was given the old families and the numbers names and dates of birth of their children - I sat up till half past 12 - reading it and transcribing from pages full of manuscript - to show you when we meet - Please dont forget to call my attention to it - for I have some reflections to suggest to you - I returned here this morning, and in a few hours shall start for Putnam, where I am to speak this Evening - I find myself hoarse and tired, & shall be glad when the week is ended - Loving you with all there is in my heart and soul - and longing to be with you, to enjoy the blessedness of voice, sight and touch - I am as Ever Your honest own James.Hiram Mar. 31st 1875 My Darling - I have just received yours of last Sunday, and as Charlie Henry is here to day and will take letters to the mail this P.M. I will send another line hoping it may reach you before you leave Conn. I think Mother gains a little every day still it is so slow that I scarcely dare think when I can go home. I am really feeling some symptoms of home sickness, and when you go back to our home I shall scarcely know how to stay away contentedly. Yesterday Burke had a severe attack of neuralgia in one of his eyes. He was better toward evening but I have not heard from him today [*467*]Last evening they had a spelling-school at the College, and Miss Hinsdale and one of the students spelled all down, and finally Mrs. H missed and the student carried off the prize- a copy of "Alice Brand". Mr. H. was appointed Referee, so escaped the trial. I tell him his letters are no evidence that he spells correctly, for the arthography depends entirely on the one who can read them. If you should go into that part of Conn. about Norwich, remember it is the ancestral home of the Masons, and think of the little wife you are pleased to call good. You are so good, that the eyes you see her with, give her the little light she seems to have. Is not that true? I hope not entirely so and yet I fear it is truer than I would wish. Dearest & Best think of me as always and forever Yours, Crete. P.S. Darling - I hope you are taking care of your health, and that you will; and that I believe you have so broken it down that you will become prematurely old as you sometimes think, but you need to husband your strength, and not so rashly waste it as you have been sometimes led to do. Do not be robbed of your sleep by political garrulity, and do not make such long speeches. I wish I could do some of your work for you, but if I were with you I could only lighten the load a little with my love. Remember how much we all need you and gardez bien your precious self. Thine Crete. [*468*]Hiram Apr. 1st 1875 My Darling I have just received your letter from Hartford, and am, as always, glad to hear from you. You write that you are to dine with Gen. McDowell on Monday and I send this hoping it may reach you. Mother is gaining very slowly and I know she will be glad of every day I can stay with her, and if you will need to come to Ohio again very soon perhaps I had better stay until the last of next week. Then you can come and attend to any business you need to look after and then be able to [*449*]stay in Washington until we leave for the summer. This all of course if we get no bad news from home. I feel very anxious to be there still if they continue to get along well a few days will not make much difference. I know Mother will be very anxious to have you go immediately home and if you think it better to do so I will join you there as soon as possible. On second thought it may be you will need to come to Ohio again early in May, for I do not think it would be best for Mother to stay in Washington as late as we will probably stay. And it is quite hard enough for you to [go] make the journey as many times so it is absolutely necessary to [fo] do so. However I will leave the decision entirely with you. I shall be only too glad to have you come now, and should you decide to do so, please telegraph from New York so that I may not have just started away when you should arrive. That would be too dreadful. I am glad you have given me your appointments. I have felt so lost all the week not to know where you were each day. My love and kindest regards to Gen. McDowell and family. All join in love to you. Ever and Forever Yours Crete.Norwich, Con. April 2./75 My Darling. Do you know how rich I feel today? - Let me count the treasures that have come to me in the last three days - On Tuesday I received your letter of the 26th yesterday, while passing through New Haven, Mr Harrison brought your letter of the 29th; and today as I came back through New-Haven, he brought me a most precious package, containing the following: Your letters of the 28th and 31st - and your postal cards of the 27th & 30 - and a letter from Mother enclosing your postal card to her of the 26th - So that I have a message from you, every day from the 26th to day before yesterday inclusive - On my way here I arranged them all in chronological [*205*]and re-read them - & again drank in all their delicious sweetness - You are a wonderful letter-writer - and a man who did not appreciate you would be a clod - The man who is loved by you, would be a brute if he were not happy - And I know you do not think me either a clod or a brute - After speaking in Putnam on Wednesday night - & spending the night there, I arose in the morning & wrote a long letter to Mother & the boys, telling them of my travels - and telling the story of Gen Putnam and the wolf - which was enacted in the town of Pomfret adjoining Putnam, and also the battle of the frogs in Needham, in 1664 - I then took the train to Hartford & stopped there until 2 p.m. when I took the train for Stamford where I arrived at seven p.m., and at Eight o'clock, our meeting began - Frye of Maine was with me, and we had a magnificent meeting, which lasted until nearly eleven o'clock. I think I have improved in each of my speeches - and though I have suffered a good deal from cold and hoarseness, but am better today. This morning, I came on to Hartford, and this afternoon, came here. I [have] reached here at 5 P.M. I am stopping at the Wauregan House. Hale was to have been with me this evening, but has just telegraphed me that his voice is broken down- andso I must go alone to the work - Tomorrow, I shall try to look up the history of the Mason family who were notable people in this town - I will write me the result of my studies on the subject - I am glad that the campaign is so near over - and that we shall so soon meet again. Your news about mother, is cheering, and I hope [they] she will continue improving, till her feet are again on the solid ground. Give my love to dear little Mollie, and tell her that Papa hopes she will always think of her Mamma as "our Precious One" - And now, Darling, I must go to the hall - The brass band is playing & calling me - As ever & Always Your Own JamesNew York. April 5. 1875. My Darling. I reached here this morning, and have spent most of the day in Brooklyn, attending the Beecher Trial - I did not reach the court-room until a quarter past eleven - The trial was in progress, and the room very greatly crowded - I sent in my card to Judge Fullerton - (Knox's partner, and the leading counsel for Tilton) and he came out to the door, & took me in to a seat by his own table directly in front of the Judge & the Witness Stand - I had become so much interested in the development of the case, and specially in Mr Baker's testimony, that I was anxious to see the parties, and get the scene more vividly impressed in my mind - I had an excellent opportunity to let the whole formulate itself fully, so that I shall always carry the picture with me. In the Judges' Stand [*206*]sat a large number of the leading judges and lawyers of N.Y.; among them David Dudly Field whom you know. At the two tables fronting the Judge's Desk - were the counsels, Tilton and Moulton sandwiched between Tilton's lawyers - The witness stand is an elevated seat at the corner of the Judge's desk - & immediately to the right & front of the witness is the Jury Box - Outside the railing which encloses Court, Jury & Lawyers are the seats for the audience - I was greatly moved by the appearance of Mrs Beecher - Her hair is almost perfectly white, her face is pale and bears evident marks of feeble health; but her eye is lighted with the unmistakeable gleam of faithful love for her husband, in this supreme crisis of his fate - When recess came - Ingersoll (one Williams friend. introduced me to her - I asked after her health, & she said she [did] was standing the strain far better that she expected to; that she only desired to have it hold out till the struggle was over - & then she did care - She knew her husband would triumph, not because he was true - Her daughter sat beside her, and looks strikingly like the father - I had time to study the face of Moulton, who is to me the most mysterious and sphynx-like character in the tragedy - I am half persuaded to adopt Tracy's description of him - a few lines of which I copy from Tracy's opening speech - After descending Da Vinci's picture of the last supper - he says: "In the most striking portrait of that group - "of Disciples you will recognize the "startling likeness between the red matted "hair, the low forehead, the sharp, angular"face, the cold and remorseless eye of "Judas Iscariot, and the same features "in his legitimate successor, "the mutual friend" - Here on that consecrated "wall, the portrait of Francis D. Moulton "has stood, waiting for his birth, 400 "years, & will stand for twice four hundred years after this resurrected Judas "shall have sunk into eternal infamy"- His picture is somewhat exaggerated, but there are points of resemblance, between Moulton & Da Vinci's Judas. Busher bore himself grandly and beautifully on the stand - I could see the indignation work on his face as the questions of accusation were read to him - There was a strange blending of solemnity, feeling, power, pathos & humor on his remarkable face - He held in his hand a small bunch of wild violets, of which he occasionally exhaled the odor. His replies were frank, direct full, careful, characteristic - & he carried the spectators with him, by what seemed to be an irresistable tide of trust & sympathy - it does not2nd Sheet [?in] possible that he can fail to carry the Jury - Though there is one man who seems to have an almost idiotic stare, & who, I am sure, has no comprehension of the case in any way - At the recess I spoke with him, and then accepted Mr Evarts invitation to dine with him & his brother lawyers on the defense - If I can possibly find the time, I mean to come on here, and hear Evarts closing speech - I dined here with Gen McDowell and then went with him to Booth's Theatre to hear Henry the V. by an English Company - Your dear letter of the 1st I found awaiting me here this Evening - I am somewhat in doubt what to do - I very much want to go to Ohio & come home with you - [*207*]but I fear my 6th St. Presbyterian Church case will come up in the Supreme Court before I could get round - I will telegraph to Washington in the morning - & find out, & then will at once determine. Much as I want to see you - I want you to stay with mother as long as you can - Gen McDowell is very much determined that I shall stay with him two or three days - Indeed he has engaged me to dine Tuesday evening at Mr Potters - I will wait till I hear from home, and then if I find I cannot go to Ohio, I will stay here until Wednesday evening & go home to Washington - Come to us when you think you can be spared. I have agreed to go to Lexington Mass. April 19th to attend the Centennial Anniversary of that battle. I want you to go with me, to celebrate your own birth - Darling, please do accept my company for that occasion - The week's work in Conn. has been very hard, & the issue is close and doubtful - I think I have done them some good - but I have remembered your admonition, & have not made so long speeches as usual - the probabiilties are that I cannot go to Ohio - I write this with that expectation - I am not able toto tell you, how hungry I am for the sight of your blessed face -- Give my love to little Whack, and tell her, I thought of her when I saw Beecher's daughter -- I hope she will love her Papa, most as well as her mamma, but not quite -- Remember me affectionately to all the family -- the family here send you love -- As Ever & Always, Your ownest James.Baltimore Depot. Wash. April 17. 11-30 P.M. [*1875?*] My Darling - I am glad that I forgot to leave you my Express pass - for it gives me an excuse for a word - I shall always forget when leaving you - Indeed, I am even now, so soon amazed that I could have left you at all - I dare not let you know how much of a child I am - since your last kiss sent its sweet thrill of love to my heart. I will not write of it - I Enclose the pass in this Envelope which the boy promises to deliver on his return - He will ring at the door - before you have wholly retired - & you will read this in our room - in the robe of white which is only a faint & poor sym- [*208*]boly of the pure soul it covers - my trunk is checked to Chicago (Check No 282. & easily convertible into 42) and I will be off before the wheels of the driver have rattled a minute on New Jersey Avenue - And now most precious, don't think of me as all boy & baby, but as a man, strong in the strength of love - Let me feel that in the two days I shall wait at Chicago - a dear letter, is flying like a dove beside me to light in my hand when I enter the Golden Gate - Ever & Always Your Own J.A. GarfieldWashington Apr. 18th. 1875 - My Darling - "He asked water and she gave him milk; She brought forth butter in a lordly dish." This morning I came into the library and found your Bible lying open on your desk - left by the boys after studying their Sunday school lessons - and I said to myself I will read the first verse my eye falls on for my darling and the text with which I begin this letter was the one, and I hailed it as an omen that the grand, large- hearted, queenly Occident would receive you kindly. When you left me last night my heart was full of sobs, andcould scarcely choke them down. I went through the rooms putting out the lights so that no one should see how full of tears were my eyes. I almost wondered at myself that I had had the courage to say to you go without me. I undressed and went to bed as soon as I could and fell asleep thinking how long it [will] would be before I [shall] should hear your voice or look into your eyes again, and feeling almost as though I must fly after you and call you back again. Suddenly I started up with an impression that the doorbell rang, I waited a moment and surely it did ring again. I sprang out and opened the windows - there was the driver with your dear note. I told him to slip it under the door and I ran down and got it: I felt the moment I heard the bell that it announced a message from you, and it seemed to bridge the chasm of silence which falls between the voice, the embrace, and the communion which the letters establish, where we take up our loved ones into the interior life and give to memory and hope ourselves to be comforted. This morning we slept late and Hal got up cross grained, and did not get straight until after Sunday school since then the day has passed comfortably. I have allowed him to print more than half the time to keep him quiet, and he is learning to run the machine quite rapidly. I am not sure that it will not be a help to him in learning to spell. It is like winter again. I did not get to church but have spent a large part of the day in your Library with Harry & Jimmy. This evening I read to them a couple of chapters of "Roughing It," and told the children that it was the story of a journey made through the same country you were going to travel over. I hope you will not be detained very much bythe floods, but from accounts soon the Director's car will not be able to pass through and you may have a good many miles of staging it in the old fashioned way. The children are all in bed now, and I am alone by your table too lonely to dare think of it, but I hope I may turn your absence to some advantage. Monday evening Apr. 19th The forty third birth-day has passed very pleasantly. The children have all done very well and I have attended to all the affairs you requested me to attend to to-day, and Emma sent a birth-day surprise to the dinner table in the form of a beautiful cake. Irvin insists that he peaked through the key-hole and saw Emma making it, and kept the knowledge all to himself. If it were one of the other children it would be past belief, and it has somewhat the appearance of romance as it is. We half expect you toP. 5 give up your trip and turn back to us, the papers represent the condition of the road so wretched. I shall scarcely know whether to be glad or sorry. I shall be afraid that you will be so disappointed and broken up for the spring that you will be almost restless, if not miserable at home, Still if you could be happy and contented, with your California trip postponed I would try to help you to some enjoyment here this coming weeks that we remain before we take our summer flight. Big good natured Hal sits at the type machine telling you of his trials over Mama's prohibition to play in the "new house". Jimmie is curled up in your big chair wrapped in our double- gown and says "many a little boy would be glad of such a nice warm [*451*]place to sleep." Mollie is wrapped in another coat on the lounge. Irvin is in our bed to sleep with Mama to night. Little bright Abe went off to bed after a rolicking play, and little nameless is asleep too. Mother says tell you that not many waking moments have passed since you left that she has not thought of you. How we all join in love to you you already know much better than words can tell. If this ever reaches you I fear you will cry enough, and ask me to be less diffuse hereafter. I hope you will send me back a letter from every Post, so that I may be able to keep my thoughts near where you are during the journey. Always give me your progress as many days ahead as you can so that I may know about where you are each day. With all-loving love Yours Forever Crete.Crete No. 2. Toledo, O. April 19. 18 My Darling - I ought to have stayed with you to celebrate this day - which 43 years ago - so benignantly gave you to life - Then you began to wait for me, though I had already been waiting for you five months - I cannot doubt, that our Merciful Father designed, that we should bless each other, & that in uniting our lives, we hae fulfilled His Will concerning us. I did so much want to go with you to Lexington and celebrate the great event of 1776 - but sweeter yet, the still greater event of 1832 - On the cars yesterday I read Shakespeares Henry V. and Enjoyed it very much - At a hundred places, I read aloud to you - & how much I wanted you by me to hear! When will the time come that we can pursue our culture together? I feel sure it will come - Indeed, we are doing so, all the [*209*][?] not to the extent I desire - Darling you must try to put off more work upon your help - & take more time for reading - Do. do, do. On the way, I thought of a few things which I will mention - if any body presents any bill that you have any doubts about - refer them to me - I don't know that there will be any such, but please remember this as a matter of good business habit. - I don't know that I have mentioned that our safe is not fire proof - if a fire should occur, dont fail to take out all there is in the safe. Its contents are the chief of our possessions - The box of wine should be put into the cellar - I ought to have done it long ago - You will not think it like me, to have stopped over here last night - but as I was going away for health, I did it as a master of self restraint, & to get recruitment as the French would say - And now - Darling, I leave you again for a day & night - but my love takes no recess. As Ever Your Own James - [*Lucretia R. Garfield.*]294-1250 A Blank No. 1. THE WESTERN UNION TELEGRAPH COMPANY. The rules of this Company require that all messages received for transmission, shall be written on the message blanks of the Company, under and subject to the conditions printed thereon, which conditions have been agreed to by the sender of the following message. 51 G WILLIAM ORTON, Pres't,} NEW YORK. GEO. H. MUMFORD, Sec'y,} Dated Chicago Apl 20 1875, Received at N. E. cor. 14th St. and Penna. Ave. 1244a To Mrs J. A Garfield 1227. I St Wash DC Freshet between Cheyenne and Salt Lake will delay me here till Saturday morning write me to Grand Pacific Hotel Chicago - J.A. Garfield 19 D H Stmp Bscd [*210*]Crete No. 3. THE GRAND PACIFIC HOTEL. CHICAGO, April 20 1875 My Darling. I left Toledo at noon yesterday, and reached here at nine o'clock last evening. I intended to stop at the Potter Palmer House; but on my way from Toledo, I found Judge Tibbetts on the cars, who was stopping at the Grand Pacific, & I came here with him. This morning Mrs Ralston and her party arrived I have not met her yet; but the two gentlemen of her party are Gov. McCoock of Colorado, and a Mr Hart, to whom I once gave a letter of introduction to Bingham, our minister to Japan. The telegraph brings us word that the freshels on the Platte, and Green roads have swept away the bridges on the road between Cheyenne and Salt [*211*]Lake, so that we may be detained several days - We shall soon get fuller information; and that will determine our programme. This forenoon, I found Major Hubbard, my old comrade of the Army of the Cumberland, the man who has had charge of my lots here in Chicago. He is so much embarrassed in his business that he has not paid the taxes on them this years and I must arrange for it before I leave - I drove with him to see them - for the final time. They are close to the boundary of the City, and near Milwaukie Avenue - I don't they they will be very valuable for a long time, though the city is growing steadily in that quarter; but the fire, and the depression in business here, have very seriously affected the price of real estate - It is best to keep up the taxes, and hold on to them for some2nd Sheet THE GRAND PACIFIC HOTEL. CHICAGO, Apr 20, 1875 years yet - I think in eight years from now they will bring $10,000 - At the present time they could only be sold at a serious sacrifice. This marvellous city is always a new surprise to me - In spite of its great calamities, its growth pushes forward at a rate which no one would dare predict - Since leaving you I have read two of Shakespeare's plays - Henry the V and the 1st Part of Henry VI - The former is very powerful, and in Shakspeare's best vein - but the latter is the least powerful of any of his plays with which I am familiar - I am disposed to believe that what you and I were saying of Scott, is still more strikingly true of Shakespeare - that he has given the cue to English History. [*212*]The popular estimate of the English sovereigns, & [battes?] , is substantially as he painted them - and the Historians have not been able to change his verdict - This is very high praise. Do you remember that in 1865, I started for California with Colfax, Bowles & others; and went no further than Chicago? It would be strange if this trip should end at the same place - Darling, I almost fear I am surfeiting you with letters - but I know you will be glad to hear from me - I think of you hour by hour, and imagine where you are, what you are doing, and try to see your sweet face, with look of answering love - I am sure you cannot know what a power you are in my life - I want you to know that you are the chief element that runs the machine of my life - and that all there is or is to be of me is your own - How I long to hear from you! As Ever and Aye - Your Own James -Crete No. 4. Chicago, April 21.1875. My Darling. How very trying it is to stay here, perhaps five days, when I might have remained with you, and still have reached San Francisco as soon as by waiting here - The time is too long to spend here, and to short to go back to you - and return yesterday afternoon the superintendent of the road telegraphed that our train had not better leave here before Saturday morning unless we had different orders sooner - If I knew we should not leave before Saturday - I would to to Cleveland - and spend a day, or would go to Michigan and see brother Thomas - But the break in the Union Pacific Road may be repaired sooner than is now expected and so I must stay here - and lament that I cannot be with you - or on my westward way - I telegraphed you last evening, so that I might hear from you [*213*]once, at least, before I leave here. Today, I have had a long visit, with Frank Palmer, late a member of my Committee, but now the Editor of the Inter-Ocean - and a still longer one with Joseph Medill, the Editor of the Chicago Tribune. with whom I discussed the question of the next Presidency - and especially Blaine's Chances. He told me a curious thing which I never heard of before - He says that Halstead of the Cincinnati Commercial and Patterson of the Louisville Journal, are strongly inclined to support Blaine, but that a circumstance occurred in his early life which is likely to be brought out against, him, in case he is a candidate - to this effect. It is alleged that when he was school-master, in Kentucky, many years ago - he met a Yankee school - marm and there warm blood led them to anticipate the nuptial ceremony - that thereupon he took her to Pennsylvania - his home and married her - that they went thence to Maine - to begin life in a new place - and that there their first child was born about five or six months after their marriage - It is said that the editor of the Cincinnati Enquirer, has quietly been procuring affidavits of these facts ! and will publish them in case Blaine is nominated - How does this story strike you? If it is true, should it have weight with the people in the Presidential Campaign? - Please give me your thoughts on the subject - I think I ought to write to Blaine on the subject; and yet I hesitate to do so, There may be nothing in it - and it is not a pleasant thing to write about if there is - Last Evening I met Mrs Ralston - and her party - which consists of an old lady named Mrs Petty, a young Miss Leland, daughter of Warren Leland, late of the Metropolitan Hotel, and two otheryoung misses, who go with her - The invitation is so very cordial, both from her and her husband, who has telegraphed on the subject. and also from the manager of the road that, I think I will accept their offer - If we were to go at once, I should be glad, for I am in danger of getting homesick by this delay - I enclose a few pages of my Journal for Mr Rose to enter on the Diary - I may conclude to keep a book as I go, but for the present I will send it back in installments - Now, Darling, please remember our talk ab& out writing me the letter and great particulars of your daily life - Take enough time from your daily duties to tell me what you are doing and thinking - Tell me of what you read, and let our minds & hearts keep track of each other - Life will be too short to tell all our love - so let us seize the hours as they fly & make them yield the sweets of love & life - as Ever Your Own James.Washington Apr. 21st 1875 My Darling- I have just this moment received your dispatch from Chicago and hasten to send off a letter to you in the hope you may receive it before you start again. It is so aggravating to know you are awaiting in Chicago when you might have been at home with us a whole week -- or nearly a week -- longer, still it gives us a chance to reach out a word to catch you on the way and make us feel that you have not quite escaped us. It seems now like a long time since you left and I wonder how long the time will grow to be before your face is turned home-ward again. [*452*] I have answered all the letters that have come to you since you left that needed answers. One from the chairman of Com. at Salem inviting you to address them on Decoration day. Another from Mr. Hawley inviting you to be their guest while at Detroit to deliver an address on Social Science, and one from Mr. Arvin Wilson of Hiram inquiring about his pension. To all I answered "Gone to California". Darling the morning mail has just brought us your letter from Toledo, and started us in the history of your journey. I hope you will continue to send back to us just such packets by every mail. It will make the time pass so much more rapidly to us. I am glad you have for once undertaken to do with moderation even a journey. The only thing I regret is that I can not enjoy it with you. You don't know how heartsick it makes some to be with you to read your dear words about your readings and your desire to have me enjoy them with you. But darling I am not going to fill up this absence with repinings I have determined to be brave and make it count some good to me in some way. We are getting along very well. Jim will break out of the [traces?] occasionally but he is the strong vigorous workful boy that can reach results, and master difficulties, and remember your letters will be a strong rein to hold him while you are away.This same mail has brought a letter from Giles Harber. He has arrived at home, and says a pair of vases will come on the steamer "Lackawanna" to San Francisco to be forwarded to you. He is to report here on the 5th May for examination. and hopes to find you. I will drop him a note telling him of your absence. I don't quite want to invite him to be our guest, unless you feel that I ought to do so. It has been very cold since you left. - but the sun shines again to day and I hope it will be spring again. It will not be so lonely if I can have the windows open and let some of the outside world where you are come in on the fresh air. I started a long letter away to San Francisco, for you on the 19th and I will continue to follow you with some of the words to which my thoughts would give wing. I hope this letter may reach you to start you anew with our blessings from Chicago. With [?] love [?] Crete.Crete No. 5 Chicago. April 23, 1875. My Darling- Still the delay drags on, and I am as near homesick as I have been for many years - I confidently expected to hear from you this morning - but the noon mail has come with no message for me - I telegraphed you Tuesday night, and have counted the days since then, thinking that you would surely send me a letter Wednesday evening - and that it would get here this morning - I shall still hope to see it before I sleep again - We expect to start tomorrow (Saturday) morning - Although there is some probability that we may be detained, at the break in the road, a day or two - I have, this morning, met Senator Allison, who goes to Washington this Evening - and I [*214*]will send this letter by him, because it seems a little more like seeing you, to put the letter in a hand that will place it in yours - He says he will call on you Sunday - I send some letters to be filed - One, is a memorandum from Hubbard in reference to the taxes on my lots here - Please place it in the safe, and call my attention to it soon after I return - I can't spare the money to pay it now, but it must be done soon - Just before I left you, I laid a letter from Victoria Howells on your bureau - I wish you would answer it for us both, as soon as you can - & tell her, we will try to visit them before the Summer is over - I think you can get away! and I know it would be very delightful for us to make the trip - It would be "our Wedding Journey" - over again. I send you two slips from "The Inter-Ocean" of this morning, to show you that I still have some intellectual influence among my fellows - Day before, I spent two hours with Frank Palmer, the Editor- in-Chief, and as usual did a large share of the talking - These articles are a very fair reproduction of the views and illustrations I gave in my talk - I am pleased to see this, not as a matter of vanity, but as an assurance that I amnot yet struck with intellectual "Dry-Rot"- Yesterday, I took a long drive with young McKeever, the student who crossed the ocean with us in 1867 - He gave me the story of his life and success, and showed me his wife & baby, in a pleasant little home, near the boundary of the City. The sight of their cozy nest made me long for you and our precious ones - I hope our boys are behaving like noble fellows - I know they have got the stuff in them, & I think they will do well Kiss all the dear ones for me - Tell mother to write to me, and do keep the carrier pigeons flying westward - With all my heart, I am Your own James.Dear Crete, This lady sent her card to you -- supposing you were with me -- Bless her; she Knew you ought to be -- J.A.G. Mrs Medill. Omaha, Nebraska Sunday, April 25. 1875. My Darling - Though the break in the road near Salt Lake is not yet mended, we left Chicago, at ten o'clock yesterday morning, by the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Rail Road - The day was pleasant, and our well furnished car needed only you, to make the arrangement perfect - (As I have but a few minutes before our train leaves for the plains - I will write this to you all) and the boys can trace me on the map - and write out their answer & the geographical questions you will ask them). We took dinner at Mandota, about two oclock - passed through Galesburg, and several smaller towns - traversing a very rich & beautiful prairie country - and watched the Mississippi River at six p.m. and crossed it on a very fine [*216*]bridge, a mile long to the city of Burlington, in the State of Iowa - About seven p.m. we had a fine supper on the car - which has a kitchen at one End, sleeping berths in the centre, and a dining room and sitting room at the other End - We have a good cook & waiters on board, such as you and I had, on our way from St. Joseph to Leavenworth in 1872. During the night, we crossed the State of Iowa, and a beautiful, rolling, prairie country it is - At 9. this morning we reach Council Bluffs, on the banks of the Missouri river, five hundred miles above St. Louis - The eastern bank of the river is skirted by a long line of high bold bluffs, and at this point Lewis & Clark came on shore from their canoes in 1803, and held a Council with the great Indian tribes that lived here - Hence they called place "Council Bluffs" - The river is very high, and sweeps by in huge muddy swirls - The low banks at the foot of the bluffs are overflowed to a great distance. Several years ago, Congress authorized the building of a bridge at this place, and, it is one of the finest of its kind - It is made of iron; and each pier consists of two vast cylinders of wrought iron, which have been driven into the Earth at the bottom of the river, in some places to the depth of 40 feet - The bridge is high enough for Steamers to pass under it, and it is nearly one third of a mile long - We waited at Council bluffs nearly an hour, for the baggage to be transferred, &then crossed the river to this place, Omaha, the Capitol of Nebraska - (I am I right in this, boys? Is it the Capitol?) Only a few years ago, this was wild prairie, & the home of wild Indians - Now it is a city of nearly 20.000 inhabitants - and a great rail-road town - There are nearly 2000 emigrants here, waiting for the trains to go west to California, or some other of the western territories - Most of them are Americans, who have suffered from the grasshopper plague, and are seeking homes further west where land is cheaper, and where hope beckons them to better fortune - As our car is a special one, and as Mr Hart is anxious to reach the Steamer at San Francisco, on the 1st of May - which goes to China,2nd Sheet we shall go forward, at least as far as Laramie, so is to go forward the moment the road is mended - As we shall be out of the reach of supplies, some of the time, we are taking on a lot of provisions for the journey - Tell Marinda if you write to her that I have been thinking of her boy; and if I had time, would make inquiries about him. Half an hour before we left Chicago, I was made glad and happy by receiving your very dear letter, and those of mother and the children - Thank them all for writing me - I shall look for good reports from our little scholars, and I want them to report to me faithfully, just how they do - Some day, the boys will be men, and travellers, and as papa is now doing, they will be writing letters to their friends - I want them to become [*217*]such good scholars, that their letters will be better written and more interesting than papa's now are - They all write nice letters now; but they will spell a little better, by-and-by- Thank little Mollie for her cute letter, and tell her to send a few lines to papa, when ever she can - My Darling, I am sorry to trouble you with so much work as my correspondence will entail upon you; but I think it will be a good thing for you write business letters, and I shall be glad to have you tell me each time what letters you have answered for me - Tell the boys that I am now 503 miles beyond Chicago, and though by my watch, which is still set at Washington time, it is 27 minutes past [twelve] one o'clock, p.m. yet by the time here, it is just noon - Let them take the rule I gave them in my Toledo letter, and find out how many degrees of longitude Omaha is west of Washington. Let them also, from that letter, from me of my Chicago letters, and from this, find how many miles I have travelled since I left Washington - I am in good health, am eating well, & sleeping tolerably well - I read up the history and character of the country as I pass through it; & try to make my mind familiar with those subjects that will be of most importance - I almost fear I shall weary you with all these details, but if they serve no other purpose, theywill show you, how constantly you are all in my thoughts; & that I am trying to have you enjoy the trip with me - Tell Irvin, that just before we crossed the river, there was a group of Indians, and among them a little Indian boy about his size who had a bow and arrows and was shooting at a mark - How glad papa is that his little Irvin, (his "man-person") is not going to grow up like the Indian boy - Kiss the dear fellow - and also Abe and the nameless baby for papa - I hope mamma will find time to write out some questions from this letter for Harry & Jimmie & Molly- and let them write on print out the answers - And now our train will start in a moment, and I must get this hurried letter off in the mail - I hope it will reach you about Friday next & I wish I could tell you where I shall [?] With all love - as ever your J. A. Garfield.Washington Apr. 25th 1875 My Darling - Another Sunday has come: with sunshine but with quiet and loneliness to my heart. I have not written to you since Wednesday. Your delay in Chicago made the world stand still, and I felt no courage to write a cheerful letter, and I did not think a cheerless one would add any thing to your happiness. Now even that you are speeding away from me I am happier for it is hastening your return. It is now near eleven A.M. and I presume you must have reached [*453*]Omaha and perhaps passed beyond it. I hope you will encounter no more delays though I much fear you may from accounts of the snow still falling in the West. Yesterday morning I went out feeling that it was too warm for any wrapings. Before noon I was hurrying home through a fierce wind and by three o'clock it was cold enough for furs. It perplexes all the weather-wise to account for this strange season, or to tell what the Summer may bring forth. We have received all your letters up to the 21st inst. Last night brought the one of that date. It was a queer piece of gossip you gave me of Mr. Blaine. I scarcely believe it; But if it is true, it ought not to affect the [?ist] very much unless it would have been considered more honorable by the majority to have abandoned the woman - seduced. My opinion of Mr. Blaine would be rather heightened than otherwise by the truth of such a story! for it would show him not entirely selfish and heartless. I can scarcely understand though how such a strong, positive self asserting intellectual nature as Mrs. Blaine's could have been tempted into any such unwisdom. I would sooner believe the story which it seems to me I have sometimes heard - that they were secretly married more to gratify some romantic fashion than of any other notion. It seems to me there is very littlenow to tempt a man to go into the contest for the Presidency. If it could be possible for any one man to so tower above all others in true manliness and Statesmanship that the people should demand him for their head such an one might accept the place with some gratification, and feel that he was in a true sense honored. Darling it may be only a wife's fancy for the man she truly loves, and knows to be worthy of honor, but I have a very deep feeling that if there is such an one in the wide world you are that one, and I somehow feel that both the real - or intended - and the accidental occurrences of your life which seem almost unkindly sometimes to hold you aloof from so manyP. 6 political circles are all in a quiet way singling you out from the wrestling struggling throng. Carrie thought you were neglecting a great opportunity in giving up Lexington, and when you were held in Chicago it did seem as though an adverse fate [was conspiring] had prevented you. But to me it seems rather the benign care of the far-seeing spirit guarding you from the temptations to throw yourself into the scramble for place and power, and preserving you for that time when you shall become "The pillar of a people's hope "The centre of a world's desire." love you have left here in your house for you Ever and forever Yours Crete. [*454A*]Evening - This P.M. Mr. Allison called and delivered your packet of letters. I seemed almost to have touched your hand again so lately has he seen you. Carrie happened to be in the parlor, and under his lead the conversation drifted into a pleasant chat on art and her picture; and I am glad to say to you that I think she did herself credit both by her modesty and by her sprightly recognition of the skill and genius of other artists. I am both glad and sorry that you are homesick and lonely, but I am sure you will grow interested in your journey as it progresses and while you may miss one somewhat you will not be entirely inconsolable. The children have some of them been writing to you almost every day and I gather up all the scraps knowing how precious they will be to you although they do seem of little account. The boys do tolerably well, though I do not believe as well as when I was away from them. I asked Hal one day why it was that they were better boys when we were both away. His reply amounted to this, that there was no one to think for them then and nobody for them to tease, so it was easy to act like men. A letter came from Mr. Carpenter on Saturday which I will neither answer nor send it to you, but I will ask Mr. Rose tomorrow tosay to him that you are away. A few letters I send to you, that, I think you would like to see. Mr. Rose and I answer all we can, and a few do not need answers. A card from Harry Rhodes last evening announced the birth of a daughter on the 23d inst. Letters from home report Mother still gaining, Libbie sung at Cleveland and writes she was very kindly and pleasantly received. She expresses a great deal of thanks to you for her brother's appointment. Now, my darling remember how lonely and bereft I am here, and don't fail to send off as much as you have time to write each day. May all that only the good the true and beautiful attend & bless you on your way, and bring you safe to my arms and keep you in the memory of all theCrete No. 7. Rock Springs, Wyoming Ter. April 28. 1875. My Darling - I closed my last letter, (addressed to the children), just after we started from Cheyenne - on the 26th - I hope, by the time this reaches you, you will have received a time table and map, from which the course of the journey can be traced - After we passed Sherman, (the highest point on the road) we began to descend toward the valley of Salt Lake - For one hundred miles, we passed through the Laramie plains as they are called - where thousands of cattle flourish summer and winter, on the wild grass - After that we struck the Alkali plains - the most desolate of anything I have ever seen - as far as the Eye can reach, you see nothing but waste & crumbling bluffs, & reddish rock, and the low lands [*218*]white with alkali, as though a heavy coat of potash had been spread over them- No vegetable life in sight, except sage brush, a low stunted, craggy shrub that grows not more than thrice or four feet usually only two - Tell the boys that I got up Early yesterday morning, and from the rear platform of our car I saw a great flock of antelope- perhaps 150 of them. They are a kind of deer, with white tails, and they run as gracefully as anything you Ever saw- About 10 a.m. yesterday, we arrived at this station. We had to move slowly over the last twenty or thirty miles, where the road had been reparied- and we went down near to Green River where is the only remaining break in the road. The floods caused by the sudden melting of snow in the mountains, had swept off many small bridges and had washed away miles of Embankment & track- But there have been hundreds of men at work- and before noon of today we expect to cross the last of the new bridges and go on- We have staid over night here, at this station (Rock Spring, which is 801 miles from Omaha and though we have had good meals on board the train- & a pleasant time with books and games, yet the scenery is most desolate- There is a little village here, and a coal mine- & the RR. Co have some chaps here- but there is nothing to live in but whatis brought in on the R.R. Even the water they drink is brought from a great distance - and is sold for fifty cents per barrel - We now expect to leave here at nine o'clock this morning (It is now half past eight -) and then I hope we shall soon be over the bad road - If so we shall pass Salt Lake this evening - and arrive at San Francisco, Friday night or Saturday morning - I am constantly wishing you were with me to enjoy the scenery - for even the desolation is enjoyable - I am quite well, and the air of these heights is very bracing - I see I must close for the colored man is bringing in coffee & I must leave the table - Remember me in love to all the family Tell Carrie, I hope she will [?] take their trip - for artistic purposes - It is a rich field for studying forms & colors - As ever, Always your own James -1875 Washington Apr. 28th My Darling: I was so hoping to get a letter from you today sent back from some point on your journey. But the long rainy dreary day has passed and I am still starving. I think you must be beyond the Rocky Mountains before this time if no bad fortune has befallen you. Our days go on, one just like another, occasionally a turn of the kaleidoscope throws out a brilliant combination to enliven [*454*]liven our monotony. To day Irvin came walking into Grandma's room very seriously with "Roughing It" under his arm. I asked him what book he had. He answered in his dramatic style "Kind Summer Dream". I laughed, and he opened to the picture of the young traveller in the midst of his dreams, and said "there don't you see"? Harry and Jimmy had been very good for the last twenty-four hours until this evening, But Jim has been mad all the evening because he could not draw a map of the state of Pennsylvania to suit him, and Hal, had gone to bed angry because I would not let him take Jim's Sunday school book when Jim wanted it himself. I am not sure but [?ing] over the "wash outs" with refractory smiles is more enviable than holding in rein a pair of such willful headstrong boys. But the hardest task of all is to be master of myself. That attained neither boys nor their long eared companion pieces would trouble me I think. I inclose a letter from Lexington asking for the "What might have been". I think Mr. Rose answered that you were absent. Last evening a letter accompanying one from Mr. Lewis was receivedfrom Montana including two drafts of one and two hundred dollars. They were payable only to you so I have put them in the safe until your return, and I have written to Mr. Lewis acknowledging their receipt We are all very well, having but one want--the want of you. I am glad that you are these days nearer your return to us than you were when I was last writing to you on Sunday, and if it would hasten the time any faster I would not write again for a month. In the quiet of the night I now send my thoughts love laden away to you hoping that over the hundreds of miles that intervene little winged messengers are scattered hastening with their precious freight to my eyes and heart, Darling with kisses and love Good night. Yours forever Crete.Washington Apr. 30th 1875 My Darling, The house is quiet for a moment. The sunshine has drawn all the children out into its warmth and brightness even to little baby and I will begin a letter to you, and first [I will] in regard to your letters. I have sent all to you that it was necessary for you to see immediately. A letter and petition from the people of Mountville was received a few days ago asking a change of Post Master, Mr. Rose put them on file at the P.O.D. and wrote to Mr. Whitney that you were absent. Also Mr. Rose has attended to a letter from West Farmington in [*456*]I don't know which and I am afraid I dont care. I confess to a malicious delight in sending back word to all demands in regard to Post Office and Post Masters that you are away and possibly will be for the next three months. I think I should have a real feeling of triumph if you could be at home with me for a month or six weeks, and have all these people discover at the end of that time how much time they had lost. Dont stop to think - please dont - what a contemptable spirit this is to indulge. Last evening I opened a letter addressed to "John A Garfield" and found it a letter from some woman's attorneys giving you notice that they were to collect a bill of $185.00 for rooms used by the "Capital Club." I did not believe you belonged to any such[*LRG TO JAG 1875 Ap 30*] club, and noticing the envelope again I found it was directed to 717 14th Sts. consequently I wrote on the cover "missent and opened by mistake", and put it in the letter box. This morning a letter came from Mr. Atkins with which Mr. Rose says he cannot do any thing intelligently, and has written to Mr. Atkins of your absence, and the letter I inclose to you. Last night I received your letter from Omaha and read it to the children and Mother. You cannot be too minute in your details, I would love to have each moment photographed so that I would not have to fill up such long blanks with fancies, No book can be of such precious live interest to me as are your letters. By the way I am trying to read a little. I found advertised in the "Nation' - which I am trying to read - a new book by one of our late Consuls who [*456A*][Denmark] Copenhagen G.W. Griffin - "My Danish Days". I sent for it but have not read enough yet to know what it is worth, but any thing concerning the old Scandinavian world has a fascination for me something like that you feel for Old Greece & Rome, Thor and Odin are so kingly and grand, and the old Horsemen lived lives of such cool self reliant satisfaction, and made all their triumphs so masterful that I very greatly admire them and am more fascinated by all that pertains to them than with any other people. It seems to me our little Irvin belongs to them. His quiet independence, and the alone way in which hammers and works out his own plans and projects, devising his own ways asking no favors - no advice but quietly appropriating whatever he needs without asking - is all very like the old viking[*[Ap 30,1875]*] 5 He expressed his delight at the story you send to him of the little Indian boy by looking on the map and saying "Show me the place where he saw him." He is spending the afternoon sweeping the gutter in front of the house with a paper bag he has tied on a stick. Saturday evening May 1st Precious Darling - Your may day offering is just received, and how glad and thankful I am both to you and for you. I said to Mother this afternoon I hope James will telegraph to us as soon as he arrives it will be such a relief to our anxiety to know he is safely there. But I can never over reach you in thoughtfulness, and you are the best man alive. This morning your letter to Hal sent back from [Larramie?] was received. It camevery soon I think, and your telegram has bridged all the intervening floods and debris of broken roads and I am as happy as I can be with the ache of 2000 miles between us. I have waited all day to day to see Mr. Rose again and be able to tell you what he had discovered in regard to the Atkins letter. After I began to write yesterday he found a letter of yours to Mr. Atkins explaining this one and said he would try to learn from the Solicitor whether the papers mentioned had been sent to the District Attorney, But Mr. Rose has not been here to day, and I will not wait but tell you what he learns in the next. Last night a letter came from Alex. Campbell asking that you look after the papers of Mr. Miller in the War Dept. asking his appointment to a Lieutenantcy. I answered that you were away but would give it early attention on your return. I wrote to Prof. Berry that I would forward his letter so that you might be able to respond before he should sail. These are the only letters I need to mention. The children have the Gilfillin and Youngs children here this evening and are so full of play that I am afraid Papa will be neglected notwithstanding all their resolutions to answer all your good letters. This morning Abe came down looking very roguish and pretty, and I said dont Abram want to see Papa, No he said. I said to Abram shall I tell Papa to come home, "No tell Papa not come home", but this afternoon as I was about starting out he said "Mamma dont go off gain". I said "Abram dont want to see Papa, Mama go find Papa." Yes Mama go find Papa he answered and opened the door to let me out. Whether he wanted me to go and stay or go and bring you back is a question. But the older boys say O how we wish we could be with Papa. To day they have had their hair shingled and have bought themselves some shoeshow is [?] in school, Jim was plunging around as usual this morning and went down the outside basement steps head first, but escaped without any broken bones. I got a pair of buttoned shoes for Irvin to day and he was so mad because they did not lace instead of button, that I had to switch him before he would hold still to have them tried on. After he had gotten over his anger, he said to me in his queer way "wasn't it funny the fight we had". I thought it was decidedly funny. The children are all writing now, and I will wind up any small donation. I hope you will enjoy every thing even more than you hoped, and send us back all that you can spare the time to write. I don't dare think how much I want to be with you, but for now Good night and a thousand blessings, on your precious head. Ever and forever Your Own Crete. [*457*]Blank No. 1. 253-645R THE WESTERN UNION TELEGRAPH COMPANY. The rules of this Company require that all messages received for transmission shall be written on the message blanks of the Company, [?ander] and subject to the conditions printed thereon, which conditions have been agreed to by the sender of the following message. 49 G Cala WILLIAM ORTON, Pres't , } NEW YORK. GEO. H. MUMFORD, Sec'y, } Dated San Francisco May 1 1875 Received at N. E. cor. 14th St. and Penna. Ave. 6 45 P To Mrs J A Garfield 1227 I St NW Wash DC Arrived Safely last night Found yours of the nineteenth greeting and Love to all. Direct letters to Grand Hotel - J. A. Garfield 19 DH fak & cd [*218*]Crete No. 16. Yosemite Valley. May 18, 1875 My Darling, I have not been able to write you since Sunday, for two reasons - first that I have spent the whole of each day in travel, and have come back each evening too much fatigued to write; and second, as I mentioned in my last, I have not hither to, so far mastered this valley, as to be able to write intelligently - I crave your charity, for my lack of ability to give you any adequate view of it; but I must try - Remember then, that from the Pacific Ocean, the high Sierra Nevadas are reached by a series of steps - First is the coast range of Mountains - not far from the sea - Second the Sacramento Valley, a broad and beautiful valley, but a few hundred feet above the sea lying between the coast range, and a parallel range called the Contra Costa range - Third, a belt of country - perhaps 800 to 1000 ft. above the sea, lying between the Contra Costa and the foot hills - and finally the Mountain steps that lead to the high sierras, which stretch away from Alaska to Mexico - in a vast chain of peaks, ranging from 10,000 to 15,000 feet hight - Near the Centre of the California coast - the San Joaquin River enters the sea after having escaped from the snows of the sierras where it was from, & having burst its way through all opposing obstacles - and making for itself a valley of the most varied character - In its upper reaches, the valley is wild & bold in the highest degree - Between the foot hills and the sea, it is a vast plain, nearly 100 miles [*235*]broad, rich and beautiful, and destined to be a garden of agricultural wealth - In the midst of this broad valley but not far from the foot hills, the San Joaquin receives its main tributary, the Merced River - from the north east - The Merced and to small affluents are literally snow-born - or rather born of the snow and the sun - on the peaks & slopes of the high sierras - The smaller tributaries dwindle to nothing in late summer and autumn, but in early winter - in Spring & early summer - they are furious and mighty torrents - Now imagine yourself in the broad valley of the San Joaquin, where the Merced enters it - You are there about 800 feet above the sea - You follow the Merced upward, by a tortuous path among the foot hills & lower mountains nearly 100 miles - until you stand in the vestibule of the main range -in the narrow valley of the Merced - at the foot of the Mariposa trail There the river is 4000 feet above the sea - at the point where it emerges from the Yosemite Valley. From that point conceive yourself as passing, by two colossal steps, to the top of the high Sierras. The first, of [five] four thousand five hundred feet, brings you to the top of the Yosemite plateau - and the second, [and the second] of nearly the same height to the serrated ridge of the main Nevada range - Now imagine that some Scandinavian Thor, with one blow of his club has made a cleft [eight] seven miles long, by two or three miles wide, and nearly a mile deep - That cleft is the Yosemite Valley - and as Thor struck, not upon a plain, but upon a rocky & irregular Mountain plateau, so the upper edges of the cleft, are gigantic, serrated cliffs with gorges and ragged pinnacles in every variety of fantastic shape - The sides, in most places, are nearly perpendicular walls of granite - with a huge pile of debris, of rock & earth, covered with trees, at the foot - Between these two lines of debris, lies the flat, green ribbon of verdure - the beautiful bottom of the valley, and winding through this in calm and peaceful flow, is the Merced, a stream of forty to fifty feet wide, and from six to ten feet deep, clear as crystal, and ice cold - The valley is so level, that, through its main length, the river falls but about 35 feet - Into this cleft, we poured down at various points, a dozen or more rivers & smaller streams which find their source in the high Sierras, farther East - And these streams come down in every imaginable shape - some in the form of hurrying rapids, rushing down the slick ravines among broken rocks; and others pouring, in unbroken cataracts, over the perpendicular sides of the valley - Some are actual rivers in volume - and from there, the waters are graded down to a mere ribbon of spray that moistens the cliff and leaves a dark green path of lichens from summit to base - In making this vast cleft, Thor seems to have struck with a three pronged club - (perhaps he borrowed Neptune's trident) for at the head, thevalley is divided into three canyons, each named after its principal stream - The north canyon is called the Tenaya: the central, the Merced; and the South, the Illilhouette - and through each can be seen the snow peaks beyond - When it is added that the great cleft was not made with a straight club, but with a very crooked one - you can imagine the infinite variety of grand and awful forms - which sit like gods in council, around the rim of this valley - Amid the snows of the high Sierras sit the supreme Jove & his immortal comrades, looking down complacently upon this their lower council chamber - When it is added that all the gentler deities, oreads, dryads and water nymphs, have been busy these many thousands of years in decking every peak, cleft, gorge cascade & stream with all the beauty of verdure, of delicate wild flower, and great forest tree - I shall have done all I can in this general way, to convey to your mind what is this miracle of height and depth, of water & rock and sky. In another sheet, I shall try to point out the special places of interest, and give you an account of the various journeys I have taken since my arrival - I have seen no sight, received no impression of grandeur or beauty, that was not hourly marred by the fact that the best half of my soul was not with me - Ever & All Your Own James.Crete No 16. Continued - Yosemite, Cal. May 19. 75 My Darling - I found the mails were so slow that this letter would not reach you any sooner by leaving it here in the mail, than to keep it till tomorrow, and taking it with me - We leave tomorrow - morning - by way of Coulterville, to Merced - where I shall mail it on the evening of the 21st or the morning of the 22nd - I have had a glorious time - notwithstanding the discomfort I have suffered - but I am anxious to get back to San-Francisco - so as to hear from you again - It has now been eleven days since I have heard a word - but I am [*236*]sure I shall find several dear letters awaiting me frm you and the children. As I have said in this letter, I have not been able to tell you the story of my stay here, but have made notes - I will tell you in later letters - or when we meet - I am wholly dissatisfied with my letters since I came here - but will try to make amends for it when I can get down to a table once more, With all love - I am as Ever You Own JamesCrete No. 17. Yosemite, Cal. May 20. 1875. My Darling - I suffered as much pain, during the night, that I slept but little, and so I am up early, and will begin, a letter, which I do not propose to finish till I reach San Francisco, and read some [???] messages from home - But I will try to make up, in part, for my failure to write while I have been here - After the general description I gave you in No. 16 - of the relation of this wonderful gorge, to the Mountain system, you can better understand the grand objects that presented themselves as I entered the valley - Its doorway consists of two vast cliffs nearly a mile apart - but not appearing half that distance - That on the [left] right, is called the Cathedral Rock, and rises 2260 feet above the river, like a huge cathedral. At the western foot of its spire, a large creek pours down, in an unbroken cascade of 700 feet - It is called "the Bridal Veil fall" - the most lovely single fall I have ever seen - It strikes the broken rocks high above the foot of the cliff - & dashes down, in tumultuous spray, till it reaches the green fields - and, in a beautiful pine forest, peacefully weds the Merced. [*237*]at the Cathedral door - On the left hand, stands "El Capitan", a vast mass of rock -rising sheer and white, 3300 feet above the river - Its western face is half a mile in breadth; and the sun flashes back a dazzling splendor from its granite face which looks the very embodiment of [of] solemn and awful majesty - No words of mine can picture this stupendous door way, to this grand temple of God, built without hands - (and I might almost add) eternal, in the heavens--Please go down to our little parlor, (how I wish I could go with you!) and look at Bierstadts picture - In it, you see this doorway and some of the glories beyond - When you have entered the doorway, the valley enlarges somewhat - and discloses a series of battlements, arranged on so grand a scale, and with such infinite variety of forms, that you can, with difficulty believe, that it was not a work of titanic art, deliberately planned and executed, so as defy the competition of man forever - I have lately heard of a new book, in which the theory is propounded that the pyramids and the Giant's Causeway - were works of art, built by the unfallen sons of Adam, while God was yet in open & visible communion with them - If this were true, I should believe, that some of these sons were the architects of the Yosemite - Passing through the doorway[,] a mile - & looking back, you see two elaborate and colossal spires, on the inner side of the Cathedral - and you find also that the line of El Capitan's white walls, extends a mile inward from the doorway - His western & southern face measure a mile & a half - Were he isolated from the fortress of which he is the buttress, it would require a girdle three miles in length, to encompass his granite waist - Apparently close by El Capitan, but in fact, two miles from his front face--stand three peaks - Called by the Indians--Pompompasus (Mountains playing Leap Frog) but now knownas "The Three Brothers"--They stand side by side, their proud heads rising 3830 feet above the valley--On the other side, and a little farther up the valley, about 2 1/2 miles from the gateway--and directly behind Black's Hotel where I sit, stands "Sentinel Rock" a sharp, needle like pinnacle, 3043 feet above me--Its spire is as delicate and graceful, that it seems much higher than even the three fifths of a mile of its sublime top--in the sky--On the left side of the valley--directly opposite the Sentinel--& straight in front of our hotel, the Yosemite river is pouring down its flood of water, at the rate of 150,000 gallons per minute, in three awful cataracts--The first seems to come down from the azure sky, and falls at one plunge 1600 feet--Then it dashes in a wild & furious torrent 334 feet--and [then] finally [at] a single bound, makes its [final] last plunge of 700 feet, to the green field of the valley--Think of it: 2634 feet of fall--sixteen Niagaras in perpendicular height--And now as the early sun transfigures it, a thousand rainbows dance & rejoice in the "wreaths2nd Sheet of tangled water smoke", and clothe it in garments of unspeakable glory - How my heart goes out in longing to have you here by side to take in, with me, its matchless splendor! But the horses are being led out to the stage - The gray of morning has fled before its God - and I must [I must] suspend this weak attempt to tell you what I see - Out of this circle of supreme grandeur - across the mountains & deserts, beyond the echoes of these cataracts - is your heart - whose echoes come back to my soul - "and go on forever and forever - I salute you with good morning & love - All Your Own James. Dudley's Hotel, Mariposa Co. Cal - Thursday Evening May 20/75 My Darling, The stage has brought us out of the valley - and over the mountain 42 miles from the spot where this letter was begun - We crossed the Merced in the valley and went down its left bank, by a route north & east of the one by which we entered it - We have stopped for the night in a beautiful valley - whence we go on again at [*239*]six in the morning - I will try to bring up the arrears of my tours in the valley - In Sunday morning, May 16th our company of 12, mounted on Mexican mustangs, and led by a guide started up the valley - For nearly three miles, the road was level and beautiful, along the banks of the Merced, the huge cliffs towering, clear cut against the sky on either hand - Then we turned to the right and wound up the wild & rocky cañon down which the Nevada river rushes in splendid fury - Great pines, cedars and laurels, threw their deep shadows upon us - We crossed the Illilouette, and saw, on our right, its slender stream foam down like a white scarf from the sky - and then we commenced the ascent of the craggy side of the central cañon - Soon we were shut, in on all sides by the cliffs - And though the distance from the mouth of this cañon at the end of our journey was not more than two wides, yet by our zig-zag path it was not less than five - At the end of this path, we stood at the foot of the Nevada Fall - In reaching it, we had passed round the Vernal Fall a strong & beautiful cataract of 350 feet - yet now we stood at the foot of the upper fall - known as the Nevada Fall - which [flowed] came down at our feet, at a single leap of 700 feet - At its [right] left, rose a vast, white, conical rock called the "Cap of Liberty" - 2000 feet above the foot of the Fall - and at its [left] right - but farther back from the Fall stood Mount Starr King, crowned with snow, 3600 feet above the foot of the fall - and 5600 feet above the Yosemite Valley - or more than a mile higher than our hotel - On a naked rock near the foot of the fall, stands a rude hotel kept by Mr Snow a Vermont Yankee - There we rested our horses - and took dinner - After rambling two hours among the rocks we trailed slowlyback to the hotel - took supper - & slept among the deep shadows of the valley - lulled to sleep by the slumbrous roar of the Yosemite fall - On Monday the 17th, we took the same route as that of the day before - until we reached the point where the Valley divides - Thence we turned to the left - and ascended the northern cañon, along the bank of the Tenaya river. On the left, as we entered this cañon, stands a conical rock called the North Dome. 3568 feet high - and on the left - in the angle or forks of the north and central cañon, stands the South Dome - 4737 feet above the valley - Both these [domes] are smooth, white domes of naked granite - the last one wearing a crown of snow - Ascending the north cañon about two miles by an easy grade, we came to Mirror Lake - a small but beautiful sheet of water, very deep, but clear as crystal--We sailed3rd Sheet across & around it, in a skiff: and saw in its clear depths, the perfect picture, in recesses of the cliffs & sky- Just beyond [?] at the head of the Canyon, was Mount Watkins, 3900 feet above the lake: - while to the right and a little farther off, stood "Clouds Rest" 6034 feet above the valley. I know that these dull figures can give you no adequate idea, of the things they vainly attempt to measure - But great as the heights are, you must remember that they represent the heights above the valley, and that the bottom of the valley itself is 4000 feet above the sea - We returned to the hotel at noon - and after lunch, and an hour's rest, we started for the foot of the upper Yosemite fall - directly across the Valley from the hotel - I seemed very near to us; and perhaps, in a straight line, was not more than two miles - But our trail was built along the side of the cliff- & by its tortuous course we travelledfive miles & along to reach the foot of the upper fall - There we looked upwards 1600 feet to the top of the fall, and downwards more than a thousand feet to the bottom of the valley - We reached the hotel before six oclock - while the shadows of the great cliffs were lying in heavy masses across our path - On Tuesday the 18th we made a journey of six miles and a half to Glacier Point and Sentinel Dome - Our trail lay along the side of an apparently inaccessible cliff - and when we reached Glacier Point 300 feet above the river, the whole valley every [lay below me like a map and] every peak, and every prominent water fall Except Bridal Veil, lay in plain sight beneath us like a map - Men, horses and stages, in the valley below were mere moving specks - The roar of the cataracts came up in a subdued & mingled murmur, like the softened melody of a hundred great organs - We then climed to within a quarter of a mile of Sentinel Dome, hitched our horses - and went, on foot, across a great snow-drift four of five feet deep, to the naked top of Sentinel Dome - [in the centre of which] where stood a gnarled pine tree which [we] several of us climbed. There ascended [to us] from the valley 4500 feet below us, the deep, solemn, muffled bass of the many cataracts; and around us, on all sides, were the ground, silent snow-crowned, sunlit mountains - It was more than Rigi - in its awful surroundings - only less than Rigi, because you were not with me - In the midst of this immensity, I felt the infinite littleness of man when in the presence of God's might architecture - Slowly, and in awed and hushed silence, we descended the mountain, and welcomed its shadows, that vieled such greatness from on sight - Late, in the evening, the moon, like a silent angel, was in [cloudless] splendor - above the cliff -and sailed in cloudless majesty through the deep blue sky - draping with purestsilver, the Yosemite Fall, and flooding every gorge and cliff, with serene and awful beauty - But I must now sleep and be ready for tomorrow's journey - I am to sleep in a little cottage which standing in the midst of a great field of barley - A brawling stream goes singing behind it, and the mountains stretch out, silent and beautiful before it - under the mild light of the full moon - In our sweet room - at home, by this time you are asleep--probably with the queer, [?eions?] drawn beside you - May the God of these skies, & this beautiful world keep you & all our dear ones, in blessed peace - Ever and All Your own James-- Merced-Friday Eve. May 21st My Darling - We took the stage at six a.m. and passing through Coulterville, over the foot hills - among mining camps - and across the wide plains of the San Joaquin valley - reached this place at 5 p.m. fifty one miles from our resting place of last night - I rode in the outside, with the driver and drank in the great prospect that stretched away into deep, misty blue on all sides - Here I mailed my last letter, No 16. that I might reach you a day sooner - that it would if I were [to avail?] [*240*]4th Sheet - till I arrive in San Francisco - It only remains for me to tell you of our last day in the valley - We had done so much during our first three days - that all were weary - & needed rest - But on Wednesday, Mr. Hutchins, an old man, who strongly reminded me of Jefferson in his Rip Van Winkle - offered to go with us on a quiet trip to the foot of "El Capitan", and to the "Bridal Veil" - He has been here since 1856, and is indeed the "Old Man of the Mountains" - He is cultivated, has studied the valley with loving enthusiasm, & has written a book upon it - He gave us many of the quaint and touching legends with which the Yosemite tribe of Indians, (long the masters of the valley, but now extinct,) clothed the peaks and waterfalls - of these I will tell you when we meet - or you can read them in the book which Hutchings gave me - It was pleasant for me to remember that one of the first votes I gave, after I entered Congress, was to set this valley, and the big tree tract about to be a public pleasure ground, and that this was done, mainly on the representation [*241*]sentation of Mr Hutchings--who was the first to announce the special wonders of this region--The old man tendered me the use of his best horse, during my stay in the valley--and won my heart by his kindness and enthusiasm--After we had returned from the trip with him, we made down to the Photograph Gallery-- and had a picture taken of the party on horseback--chatting-- visting, & smiling--& a bath ended the day; and I retired early, to make ready for the return journey next morning-- And now, my Darling, I shall never atone for the sin of leaving you behind, until I have taken you and some of our children over the scenes I have just visited. I saw, at the Valley a Mr. Shoemaker of Cincinnati whom I have known for many years. He had with him, his wife & son and a daughter of fifteen--I thought, when I saw them, that probably the time would come, wen I could follow his example--and see my precious Molly, riding a horse up the sides of the mountains as gracefully as Miss Minnie Shoemaker did-- When we do go, I shall hope to be able to play guide to my own dear flock of tourists, & show them the spots where I stayed, and gazed in the year of grace 1875--And now, Darling, I ought to apologize for keeping so busy a woman as you, so long engaged in following my pen; but it is sweet to know that you will follow me with interest and love--& for this reason, it is a pleasure to me to write--Though I have passed the two days in the stage, without much discomfort; yet tonight I am suffering greatly, and am resolved to have some responsible physician examine the case, and take decisive action upon it, when I reach San Francisco-- And now, good night--and love to all the dear group at home--Ever Yours James Sat Eve San Francisco, May 22, 1875. Most Precious One, I arrived here at half past One, this afternoon, and found your three thrice welcome letters of the 6th, 9th, and 10th also one from Rose of the 7th and several from Ohio friends-- I have come so near to you, by returning here, that I seem almost in reach of you--Tell the dear Children that Papa is so glad to have them remember him and write to him--He will answer their letters pretty soon. Tell them, to say in their letters, whether they received the letters that Papa wrote them about the Chinese--and about the fig trees. That will give them something to write about, and will, at the same time, let Papa know that his letters have reached the little fellows. It must be that a later letter than yours of the 10th is soon to come to my hand--I beg you to write very, very often--I have a few things more to see, & then I shall set my face homeward--I will write more about my plans, in my next. I thank Mother for her good letter--To be so afflicted away here, is almost to be homesick, & these letters revive me--and protect me. Increasing years do not prevent me from being very much of a baby--Ever & All, lovingly your own James. N W E S Merced River El Capitan Three Brother Yosemite River Tenaya River Lake [Was?] South Bald Clouds Rest Cap of Liberty Nevada River Bridal Vail Creek Cathedral Rock Sentinel Rock Glacier Point Ilillouette Cr Stage King Sentinel Dome Outline of Yosemite Valley -- J A G. Del Perhaps this rude sketch may aid you in understanding the relation of points to each other. J.A.G. [*238*]JAG 1875 Washington May 23d My Darling - Another Sunday has come warm dry and dusty. I hope it is your good fortune to be the guest of the Ralston's again to enjoy the freshness, at least, of the country. I imagine from your letters however that you do not have that excessive all-day heat that we have here even in San Francisco, and we begin to appreciate - through the want of it here - the delight of the cool night breezes. It gives me great pleasure to know you are so kindly received wherever you go. The old world is not so blind yet that it does not know its king. Now don't laugh, and say that is altogether 466 but all the family are with me in sending love to you, with dearest truest love, Yours Crete.too Mrs. Tiltonian for it is Thomas Carlyle speaking and not the poor little abused woman of Brooklyn. Have you seen Judge Porter's argument yet? Em Reed had been reading it to me, or else perhaps I had not. I have not the patience to read anything more of the trial, and would not listen ever to anything more if it were not on Beecher's side. to me Mr. Beecher is a true and honorable man and I will not listen to anything to the contrary. Argument on both sides might be continued till doomsday and no one be one whit nearer the truth than he is now, not one thing has been proven against Mr. Beecher and if faith is worth any thing in this world it is of worth when given to men and women who for [???] reason have become the victims of persecution. The frank avowal of religious and social opinions which Mr. Beecher has always made instead of convicting him in my eyes on account of their liberality make guilt seem to me the more impossible. To his nature concealment was not possible. Openly and boldly he said all he had to say and did all that he would do. Had he been one of the straightlaced orthodox preachers I should be much more easily convinced that he might secretly sin. As it is my innermost consciousness tells me that he is innocent, and I will not listen to any argument to the contrary. I am no judge of the strength of Judge Porter's argument, for he says so exactly what I believe that it is truth to me however weak or however strong. Yesterday we had for the first time green peas and strawberries, and to day it is genuinely hot. Will you be with us three weeks from to day? O how much I hope so. Darling I believe your absence has perhaps been of some use to me in self subjection. But you must live and save your life to help me with these boys. I am really afraid that on the whole Jim will sum up a more imprudent and reckless boy than when you went away, and Irvin is learning of him as fast as a child can learn. Don't think I am disheartened, I am not, and I believe we shall bring them through all right, but we have got to learn all the wisdom that head and heart can learn, and then learn how to use it wisely. But we can make it a sweet soul cheering work, in our loving sympathy, and through the conflict win crowns, and teach them in turn to win. I am alone in the Library at this momentCrete No. 8 Grand Hotel, JOHNSON & CO. PROPRIETORS San Francisco, Cal. May 1. 1875. My Darling. Day before yesterday, I wrote to mother from the heart of the Great American Desert, in Nevada - and gave her an account of the journey from Rocks Springs where I wrote you last - Thursday. the day I wrote mother, was a monotonous one - a succession of Alkali plains & sage-brush - & in the distance, snow covered mountains - About midnight, we had reached the western limit of the Desert, and began the ascent of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. [*219*]The ascent was very rapid, as you will see by noticing the column of altitudes on the time table I sent a few days ago - The sides of the Sierras are heavily covered with ominence & beautiful pines & firs - and the Truckee River which we ascended is a wild & beautiful stream - filled with trout and dotted with saw mills. At seven o'clock Friday morning we reached Summit, & looked out upon Domes Lake - one of the loveliest sheets of clear blue water I ever saw - The snow lay deep around us - and the air was crisp & bracing - The sun shone gloriously on the snow peaks & lake - & the view was grand defying description - Then we began the descent - and by now we were among the gold mines - and the gardens peak & redolent with spring flowers - At [four] three o clock P.M, we were at Sacrament City - where the broad, deep & beautiful river of that name, sweeps a vast commerce down to the bay & the Ocean - Thence we turned southward - along a vast level plain, as lovely as you ever saw - abounding in rich fauna - The Farmers were in midst of haying, the wheat was evenly ripe, and the air was sully with mid summer, until the mid-afternoon, brought the cool - almost cold breeze from the seas - By tracing the route of the Rail Road as laid down on the map - You will see that we passed to the South of San Francisco, & then crossed the Coastrange, and sweeping northwest, entered Oakland at half past Eight - In an hour, we had all our passengers & baggage on board a splendid ferry boat - and before ten, we were in the Grand Hotel - The reason of my Change in place of stopping, was that Warren Leland, Engaged rooms here yesterday morning, & came out 30 miles to meet us - & so Gov Mc Cook & I are here - I sent to the Lick House - while I was taking a bath, & when I jumped into bed a little before midnight, I held in my hand your most precious & dear letter of the 18th & 19th and read it again & again, with [a] heart & eyes overflowing with gratitude - My Dearest I think I know something about2nd Sheet - the power of language, & I know you have rarely if ever, seen any thing so sweetly eloquent and beautiful as the first page of your letter. My heart blesses you for it, every hour since it came - both waking & sleeping - My trunk did not come from the Depot until noon - & I staid in bed till nearly that time to make up for lost sleep - & to get a clean shirt - Senator Sargent called on me before I was dressed, and about the same time, Mr Ralston sent a letter inviting Mr McCook & me - & Sargent to go with him to his Country house 20 miles out & spend Sunday I am about leaving & so close this hurried note & start it east to you - I will 220write again very soon-- I am sorry, this hurried note must be my first letter from this coast--I sent you a dispatch to let you know I am safe arrived-- Love & blessings to all the dear ones--& a thousand kisses to your precious self-- As Ever & All Your Own James Crete No. 9. Grand Hotel, JOHNSON & CO. PROPRIETORS San Francisco, Cal. May 3. 1875. My Darling, I returned last night from Belmont, (Mr Ralston's Country residence) and feeling more than usually sleepy, went to bed a little after nine o clock - and did not get up until Eight this morning - This long sleep has brought up the arrears of the journey - and I am feeling in accord with the bright sunshine that pours into my windows from the East I think of it as a messenger from you across the mountains - You saw it about three hours and ten minutes before I did - but the same ray that glances through the sky over you [*221*]head, reached me probably a second after it left your sky. Would that these beams could be messengers between us! I am really afraid I shall weary you with my letters--but there is so much I want you to see and know of this wonderful country, that I must run the risk of surfeiting you with letters--More and more, each day I regret that you are not with me, to take in, and enjoy this new and unique experience--I have so long been with you; and we have so long shared the experiences & culture of each other, that I feel myself almost incapable of enjoying new scenes alone-- My letters have seen such patchwork & piece-meal affairs, that I now want to give you, if I can, a more connected view of the continent across which I have travelled, before I say much of this coast itself-- I write it, not for you only, but that the family, and especially the two older boys may get an idea of the country over which I have passed, on my way here. To get a comprehensive view of the general features of the route, I will group it, so as to exhibit its [grand] leading [feature] characteristics. I. The Atlantic Slope--from Washington to Grafton near the summit of the Allegheny Mountains, a distance by rail, of 280 miles--In ascending this slope we went along the north fork of the Potomac and its smaller tributaries-- II. The Mississippi Valley--extending from Grafton, West Va--to Sherman in Wyoming Territory--a distance of 1644 miles--This vast valley represents the breadth of drainage of the great river--as meas- ured by the path I travfelled-- The distance from peak to peak, in an air line, would, of course, be less--In crossing that valley, I descended by one of the tributaries of the Allegheney river, crossed the Ohio, ascended the Muskegon-touched Lakes Erie & Michigan--descended the waters of the Illinois river, crossed the Mississippi at Burlington--the Des Moines at Ottumwa, the Missouri at Council Bluffs & Omaha-- and ascended the North Platte-- and its tributaries, to their source in [until we reached] the springs on the heights at Sherman-- more than 8000 feet above Washington-- III. The Rocky Mountain Plateau, (and its included valley)--extending from Sherman, in Wyoming Territory, to Summit Station, in the State of [Nevada] California--a distance of 1156 miles. 2nd Sheet p.5. Grand Hotel, Johnson & Co. Proprietors San Francisco, Cal. The Eastern battlement of this vast plateau is called the rocky Mountains proper. Its western cliffs - are the Sierra Nevadas - or the Snowy Mountain a little more than 7000 ft above the Seas - Between these two heights is a shallow mountain valley, where central basin is Great Fall Lake, which is 476 miles west of Sherman and 680 miles east of the Nevada Summit - The surface of the lake is 4200 feet above the level of the Sea - In reaching it we cross the Green River, a tributary of the Colorado which empties into the Gulf of California, and we cross the Bear, and descend the Weber, both of which [*222*] I forgot to mention in its proper place, that the difference in time between here and Washington is about 3 hours and eight minutes. [When] I reached the hotel here say at 9 PM. It was eight minutes past midnight at Washington. J.A.G.empty into Salt Lake - This lake has no outlet--& thence, probably its saltness - From Salt Lake, our path lies across the Great American Desert - For nearly [three] three hundred miles we follow the sluggish course of the Humboldt river, (a stream embittered by the alkaline dust that whirls in vast, choking eddies over the desolate plains) - until at last it looses itself in the dead lake called "Humboldt Sink" - & disappears from sight either by evaporation, or by some subterranean passage to the sea - From the Humboldt, we ascend the Truckee river to its springs near the top of the Sierra Nevadas - By the map I send you, you will see lakes Donner and Tahoe, which are nearly on the Summit, and feed this beautiful river with pure, clean water - It descends with tumult and dash, among the cliffs & precipices - & along [the] mountain sides, covered with the noblest pines - IV. The Pacific Slope, extending from Summit to San Francisco a distance by rail of 243 miles - but in an air line, probably much more than 150 miles - From this height, [of] at Summit, we descend more than 6000 feet in the first 50 miles. Keeping between & near the American and Bear Rivers - and later, descending the Sacramento - which empties into the bay of San Francisco. These four groups united, make the length of my journey from Washing to San Francisco, 3323 miles - and the last 2458 miles of it, was done in one car - the Directors Car of the Union Pacific R. B.I wish you would have Daniel go to the Library of Congress and ask Mr Spofford, if he has a duplicate to send you a copy of "Nordhoff's California"-- I took a copy with me, and I fear it is the only one in the Library. But if you get it please look on page 60, where there is a fine birds-eye map of the route from Chicago to San Francisco. [on] The book abounds with sketches of the striking characteristics of this Country-- This general grouping however, will enable the children to get some idea of the greatness of our country-- and to follow me, in my wanderings-- I told you in my last about the season here; but I will try now, to give you my idea of the cause of the very great difference between this coast and our own in respect to Climate--p.9. The prevailing minds in this hemisphere are from the Northwest, hence the eastern shore of the continent gets but small advantage from the effect of sea air - The coasts of Spain, France & Great Britain enjoy the ocean influences - & hence are far more sunny and fertile, than the corresponding latitudes, on the Atlantic Coast of the United States. The Pacific Coast, is open to the influences of a greater ocean than that which Europe enjoys - & has high mountains near the sea, hence it has a remarkable mixture of tropical and temperate zone products - Here are the cereals of the north, growing side by side with oranges, lemons & figs - I visited several places yesterday where lemons were hanging in abundance - nearly ripe, & where the oranges were half grown - I saw large fields of almond trees, bearing such nuts as we have on our tables - There is the strangest mingling of the Seasons into one--While the haying [*223*]10 is nearly done, & the wheat almost ripe--the roses--& magnolias are in full bloom, and one orange tree is full of blossoms, while another, in the same field is loaded with half ripened orange fruit-- The morning opens warm, and by noon it promises to be a sultry day--About two o'clock a breeze comes in from the sea, and blows fresher & fresher, and at evening it is almost chilly. Heavy woollen blankets are comfortable on the bed, the year round, so they tell me--In my next letter, I will give you an account of my visit of Saturday night and Sunday to Belmont--I have not yet made my plans of travel--but shall soon do so--There are many places of interest--I want to see--but I am determined to do it as leisurely as I can. With all my heart & soul--full of love to you all--I am as ever Yours James. P.S. May 3. 1875 My Darling-- Your note, without date enclosing letters, has come to hand. It hurt me to receive only a line from you, among so large a package that I cared so little about - I hope, my precious one, you will not feel that any, even the smallest fleck of the old shadow is still left - for on my part, I assure it is not - You ought to have endless letters, for they told the sad story of Mr Cole's insanity, and brought over me the chill of fear, which I could least endure of all earthly sorrows - Several of his family have gone down to death in the same way - and he has, for years, lived in the expectation that his mind would give way, when he became an old man - & now he has fallen, and was carried away to the asylum [*224*]a raving maniac--How much more terrible than death is such an affliction! Precious one, I beg you, make me sure that no shadow is over you--for if there be one, it will over arch the continent and make me see only winter and tempest here on these golden shores--Do write me, Darling-- and bring back the light to my heart--for you are my sun, the central orb around which all my life and hope revolve-- Ever, All and only Your James. Crete Crete No. 10. San Francisco, May 5. 1875. My Darling-- To-day I have been made glad and happy by the arrival of your most precious letter of the 25th April. The time between it and its predecessor had begun to lengthen out till a kind of faintness came to me with the lapsing hours - But "now is the winter of my discontent made glorious summer" by the light that came into my heart from the full envelope of messages from the children and yourself - Tell each one of them, for me, that papa thanks them for their good little letters - that he is so glad to know how they are doing in school - in music, and in play - and that he is so anxious to have them good children at home, so as to make it easy and pleasant for mamma - I want them to keep smiling; and even if they should be so unfortunate as to be naughty, once in a while, I want them to tell me of it - [*225*]For myself, I am almost ashamed to write to you for the old schoolboy reason, that your letters are so graceful and perfect in matter and manner, that I am ashamed to have mine placed in the comparison-- I know you will turn up your little nose at this; but it is true, and if you could look at me, this minute, you would see a little touch of that timidity which I had when I first started out to school-- I was greatly interested in what you said of the Blaine gossip-- I have not been able to see how it would hurt him, unless it might be that the threat of publication who dissuade him from being a candidate for Mrs Blaine's sake. I think it extremely doubtful if any Republican can be elected to the next Presidency--and I agree with you that striving for the place is not a very safe means to secure it--I, at least, have been successful in keeping that maggot out of my brain-- I am glad to hear what you say of Caune's interview with Allison-- It was unlike most I have known of, and was in the right direction--Speaking of pictures, the people of this city are raving over a painting called "Elaine" by a Jewish artist, a resident here--whose name I do not at this moment remember-- It is a scene from Tennyson's Idyls of the King, & represents the barge bearing the dead body of "Elaine"--I shall try to visit it and write you more fully about it. In that connection, I ought to say, that Californians claim that their atmosphere and sky are even superior to those of Italy - In this I cannot agree with them, although the air is very clear, and the sky deeply and tenderly blue - The effects of constant breezes from so vast an ocean blowing across a narrow plain and slope against so high and cold a range of mountains does, indeed, produce many of the meteorological elements that one found in Italy - But I think the climate here is not so mild - though it is, perhaps, a even - But I intended to devote this letter, more particularly to the people of this place, and their spirit, so far as I have seen it exhibited. Remember that the discovery of gold, in 1848 by the law of natural selection, called out from each community of the East, the most daring & enterprising spirits - and these settled California -2nd Sheet-- Thursday, May 6. 1875. My Darling- Since my arrival, I have been whirled away, through so many scenes that I have fallen behind in my account of them; and I will now try to bring up part of the arrears - In my last or perhaps, next the last, I stated that I went to Belmont - If you look at a recent map of California, you will see a rail road running south from San Francisco, along the Shore of the bay - A ridge of high hills, - a part of the Coast Range, - hides the ocean & the road winds along among beautiful slope that touch the hills on the west and the bay on the East - Belmont is a little station twenty miles from the City - and half a mile back from it, nestled among the hills, is country residence of Mr Ralston - He has there about 400 acres of hill valley and ravine decorated with every variety fruit and ornamental tree, and [*226*] [???] the midst of it--excepting Chatsworth,the finest country house I ever saw - He frequently entertains fifty guests - with the most familiar and open handed generosity - In his stable I counted 25 magnificent horses - and his grounds are a marvel of beauty - He is not yet 50 years old - was from near Mansfield Ohio, and came here, a poor boy in 1850 - He has the reputation, & I should say justly, of being the most powerful business intellect on this coast - The amount of work he performs daily is something enormous. He rises at six; works incessantly, and with the utmost rapidity, is the President and soul of the Bank of California, an institution whose operations are larger than all & these in this city combined. He is the chief [???] in several of the great rail roads fore is the owner & manager of a very large real estate - & is personally superintending the building of the Palace Hotel which is much the largest Hotel in the world - His wealth is away up in the millions, and he manages the whole with such keen, prompt decisive effectiveness, that I look upon him as one of the very most remarkable men I have ever met - His only recreation is at Belmont - He leaves the city at 2 P.M. each Saturday, spends the night at home, drives or rides on Sunday - and in the evening, returns to the city to resume his week's work - He received me with the greatest kindness - and treated me as though we were old acquaintances - He has one iron habit, which probablymakes his career passable. He goes to bed not later than 9.30 p.m. no matter how many guests may be visiting him-- His wife is a woman of strong sense, and fine qualities--& between them, they have the faculty of making their friends feel the utmost freedom at their home--Everything is rich, generous and what is more striking, in severe great taste-- The kitchen is in keeping with the rest of the house, and is kept in the most perfect order, by their Chinese servants--Billiard games, music, pictures & statuary make the house brilliant with attractions--As Mr Ralston bade us goodnight, at half past nine, he said there would be a cup of coffee ready at seven in the morning and at half past seven, carriages would start for a drive--At that hour he took the reins, and with 13 people 3rd Sheet. in his four horse carriage - we drove 12 miles & back after visiting some places of rare beauty - All doors were open to us - and we came black [las?] with the richest flowers that bloom in these semi-tropical gardens - We returned at 11 a.m. and at 11 1/2, sat down to breakfast with 25 at the table. I led Mrs R to breakfast - I read her the beautiful first page of your letter of the 19th April - & told her, that she & her husband had fulfilled the prophecy of the text you quoted - At 2 P.M. we drove ten miles more, towards the city, stopping at several beautiful places and at 4, we tookthe cars for the City - Among the guests at Ralston's was Jno. T Young (& wife) a son of Brigham Young I had a long talk with her in reference to the Mormon faith, and especially in reference to polygamy which I will tell you of when we meet. You will understand better the nature of the this society when I tell you that the energy of its people and the wonderful resources of this country have made an unusual number of rich men here - It is said that there are more than 200 millionaires in this city, and there are perhaps a dozen or twenty men who are worth from 10 to 40 millions Each - They di not make their money slowly, by those small methods which make men narrow and penurious; but they did it partly by great boldness in enterprise & partly by the lucky accidents which attend a mining country - Hence they are generous and broadminded - I find it necessary to brace myself against the inclination to rebel against the fate that place me in such a narrow groove in reference to business and property - But after all, I come joyfully back to this solid fact, that with your love I am richer than they all are - Bless you Darling - [*227*]On Monday, Sargent went with me to the Mint, and we spent nearly four hours, in going through that great building, and examining the processes by which the silver and gold of this state are turned into the coin of Commerce - On Tuesday, Mr Hart took me through the great Steam Ship--"The City of Peking" - the second largest Steamer in the world - and at 2 P.M. we started on a four hour trip through the Chinese quarters - which I must spare you until another letter - In that I will try to write something that will be of interest to our dear little ones - I am very well except that the Hemorrhoids have visited me again, with savage fury notwithstanding my buckeye I have however gained one pound in weight since I left Chicago - If you know how I longed for your letters you would not hesitate to make your letters long & frequent - Ever & All Your Own JamesJAG Washington, May 5th 1875. My Darling: I am waiting a few moments for another to get ready to go down to Carrie's and I will begin a letter to finish at leisure or else you would never from me again. I do wish I could imbibe some of your spirit of order and classification. Mother is ready in afternoon. The day is warm and with a faint breath of summer. My trip down street was as delightful as marketing & shopping would admit. I reached home a little before noon, and have spent the time since finishing two or three pieces of sewing, combing my hair- washing my feet & dressing them [*458*]in a pair of the new Balbriggans- your gift, and putting myself in respectable shape for company at dinner. Just as I had finished Mrs. Bristow called. She made pleasant inquiries after you, and said I out to have picked up and gone with you, agreeable but very tantalizing intelligence. Our guest for dinner is your young friend Harber. He arrived in town Sunday morning - called her in the evening, and said he expected neither to eat nor drink until his examination was over to day - [th??] if he did not fail he would come and dine with us. We expect him of course as failure is not one of his habits. Yesterday I received you letter from Rock Springs and since Mother went away this morning one has come to her. I am impatient to have her come home to open it. Every word you send back is a priceless jewel. Darling you ought to be very proud and self-sufficient with all your wonderful power to charm and captivate, and with your goodness and worth to hold the respect and esteem of every one who comes to know you, and especially have you reason for self-respect that your wife so thoroughly and entirely esteems you. Very many men may be loved devotedly by wives who know them to be worthless. But I think when a man has a wife who holds him in [the] large esteem, who knows that in him there is no pretense nothing but the genuine then has reason to believe in his own worth. And if ever a man had reason to have faith in himself then have you; for I, your wife - know you to be the truest the noblest the best - the largest hearted, and with the deepest widest thoughts of any man I have ever known, and assuch an one I yield to you all the homage of heart and soul that I have to give to anyone other than the All-wise and the All-loving. The days creep- but they are [poising?] and I almost begin to count those that still like between us. I don't want you to hurry in the least thing. Try to leisurely enjoy whatever you undertake, and let your mind broaden out into the new fields until you know their true value - until you know whether thee is anything in them of more value to you than in your present life and work, and let your whole being take in a new installment of life and healthful vigor. The children are doing very will, Jim is the only one over whom I am not quite sure of the mastery. There is something so near defiance in his nature that I tremble lest I lose my hold on him. Sometimes I am afraid that I have. But I must not and perhaps he is the child to5 [*LRG to JAG 1875 MY 5*] teach me greater self control, for in that lies the whole secret. Write me some helpful word. You don't know I much I need them. Thursday morning: I left you last evening to visit with Harber. He passed his examination successfully and was in fine humor. His three years absence have bronzed and matured him somewhat, but he is the same good-natured bright boy he was three years ago. He has the offer of a place at Annapolis which he considers very complimentary but don't know whether he will accept it. Harry asked him dozens of questions, and just now is crazy over the [story?]; Last evening a letter came from Horace Steele recommending strongly the young man concerning whom you had written to him as an applicant for the vacancy at Annapolis. He returned your letter on the back of the one sent by the young man, and I had Mr. Rose take all to the Navy Dept. this morning. I am afraid this is the [*459*][?] you had written to the Dept. to [?] But perhaps it has not yet been done. I enclose this letter from you cousin so that you may answer if you think best. While I was out this morning a dispatch came from Warren asking your address. Grandma gave Mr. Rose the direction you had give her and sent them "the Occidental Hotel" instead of the "Grand" so you had better inquire there for a letter. People are beginning to find out you are away and that letters are fewer. Mr Hudson of the Detroit Tribune sent a letter asking for [the] your address on social science, [I gave him your ?] some other paper to publish in their Report I suppose. You will probably hear from him as I told him your address in San Francisco. Mother says tell you she will write next time. So will the boys. Irvin feels the largest man in the house since he has printed his letter to you. He wouldn't tell you that Mamma held his hand, and he was quite determined I should not put my letter in with his. He said his letter was so big there was no room for mine. We all remember you morning noon and night. And all write in truest love for you. [ ???] Yours CreteJAG Washington May 9th 1875 My Darling It is a warm summery Sunday, and has come so suddenly on that we almost begin to faint before the swift-coming summer heat. Your telegram on your first arrival is the last intelligence we have of you, and we at home, began to feel that a long silence has fallen between us, I know it is scarcely time for a letter to have reached us, still I shall feel the shadows coming if a letter does not appear tomorrow. I was at church today and heard a young man pour out his wisdom in a long discourse on this text "without the shedding of blood there is no remission" [of sin"] [*460*]when will our "coming preacher" be found in other pulpits than those of Beecher and Errett and a few like them. Why cannot our young men at least see that the world is ready for something better than a harvest of doctrines. I just finished last evening Mrs. Stone's last story "We and Our Neighbors" It is full of the best religious thought of today, and in one place she says something like this--why call the world more wicked and sinful than formerly? Is there not a more sweetly spiritual prevailing, a stronger spirit of labor for others good than at any other period of the world's history?--And in service to one what we want to hear from our teachers is not a talk about ordinances and doctrine but words of cheer and guidance in the work of growing to be more like Christ and of helping others in that work. Darling I must make a confession to you which I am afraid will surprise you. Last night when undressed and ready to turn out the light involuntarily I turned and kissed a good night to you--now the confession is that not once before since you went away have I done that nor have I ever thought of it; I cannot understand it except that the stern work of adjusting myself to the command of myself and of these boys is so unlike the tenderness and thoughtfulness with which you invest my whole life when with us that for a time everything but the loss of you was forgotten. It made me feel almost that you had turned homeward to find my spirit taking up again one of our love-habits, and I fell asleep with it wandering away into all the tenderness of your arms. Since I sent off my last letter--on Thursday last - no letters of importance have come. One from your old friend Geo. Dunwell lies on the table to file foryour return. Just now Hal, Jim & Irvin, Kitty Mabel and Mollie started out for a walk. Hal begins to show the boy. When I suggested that they all go together he laughed in an embarrassed sort of way and said maybe the girls don't want us to go. I said O, yes, don't you girls. Kittie said "yes," so they started, but when I looked after them the boys were tagging on behind. I expect they soon caught up when out of sight. Irvin went to church but after a few moments he began to grow restless, and looking up said in his queer way "when will they bring round the bread?" I don't want to begin to tease, but somehow I feel as though I must ask if you are thinking anything when you will be home again. I will start this packet away to you hoping it will bring me something to answer. You never can know how much I want to be with you, but darling we will go sometime there together I hope. With all-loving and ever abiding love yours Crete.Crete No. 11- San Francisco, Cal. May 10, 1878 My Darling, My last letter to you was dated May 5th; the last to the children was of the 7th. I should have written you sooner but for the fact that a considerable portion of that time at home been flat on my back with the piles from which I have suffered very greatly. I have consulted a physician, and he is inclined to perform some surgical operation, cauterization or something if that kind. I would have it done, were I at home where I could afford to be laid up. But here I am trying palliatives and lie on my back. I am better today & hope I shall soon be well again. It is very provoking, beside being a torture to the flesh to be so disabled when I want to be out in the air and on the hills. I went to Belmont again on Saturday with Mr. Ralston and though suffering from my malady, spent a pleasant night and Sunday. Among the guests was Junius Brutus Booth (brother of Edwin & son of the great tragedian) who was a very genial and brilliant man. He told me a great many anecdotes of his father and of other actors whom he had known, and we also talked of the various character in Shakespeare. Sunday was a perfect day The Sunlight [*228*]lay soft and bright over the beautiful landscape of bay valley and mountain; and the air was laden with the perfumes of a thousand beautiful flowers. You can hardly know how almost guilty I feel, to be enjoying these beautiful things without you. If I ever come here again, you must come with me. I am strongly impressed with the belief, that if I had come here ten years ago, we should have made this coast our home. Perhaps we ought to do so now, but I think it is probably too late. I kept quiet most of the day [until] Sunday until 2 P.M. when we drove after a glorious span of horses, about ten miles, as a road that was simply perfect, skirting now the base of the mountain now the centre of a level plain, and now the green shore of the deep blue bay. The sky was that deep Italian blue, which you & I so admired, as we passed from the Appennines to Rome. At the little village of San Mateo, we took the train to the city, and I hurried home to the hotel, and sent to the Lick House for a letter from you, but none came. I went round to Mr. Ralston's city house and took dinner with him. At my request he gave me the recent financial history of this state, which, in connection with the great earthquake was to me of the deepest scientific interest. Don't forget to remind me of if when we meet. I have rarely met any man who has taken so strong a hold of my admiration as Mr. R. If he had turned his attention to statesmanship, or war, he would have been a Napoleon. I particularly desire to be reminded of this when we can spend an hour in uninterrupted talk. I came back to the hotel a little after nine, and sat down to write to you, but my thorn in the flesh burned to a demon again, and, after sitting in the bath tub for half an hour, I went to bed to sleep away the pain. This morning, I awake at seven and opening the door, to get the morning papers, I found with them your precious May day message, postmarked May 2nd. I went back to bed, and read all its dear words and talked to you & to the little ones as I read, and arose almost feeling that you had wrought a miracle of healing upon me. Bless you, darling, for your most precious letters. If I thought mine could be half so dear to you, I would write one each half day. I am glad you are having the experience of answering my letters, although I know it must be a heavy business for you. In regard to the letters you mention, you have done right, & I want no change in your arrangement unless it be in reference to the Montville R.R. I am inclined to make the change asked for. Please tell me, when you answer this, how many names are signed to the petition asking for the new appointment & the name of the man to be appointed. (I mean the one requested by J. V. Whitney.) & if there be a remonstrance, or a petition for another man give me his name & the number of his supporters. The letter from Atkins, Rose or you can answer, by having Rose call on Mr Wilson the Solicitor, and procuring the desired information I may need to have some more money, though I hope not.If I do, I will telegraph you to send me out of the Montana Drafts-- At nine o'clock this morning, I took a ride with Dr Ellinwood, Superintendent of the Marine Hospital here, to visit the New Hospital we are erecting-- As I had made the appropriation for it. I knew all about it, and was glad to see that the work was being well done. We drove to the westward about six miles You will understand the nature of ground, when I tell you that a range of mountains, was parallel with the coast up the San Francisco peninsula, and juts out boldly upon the Golden Gate. A portion of the city lies in the eastern slope of this range--On the heights is a beautiful park, much larger the the Central park of New York, being several miles in circuit--When we reached the western limit of the park, we looked down upon the broad and placid expanse of the Pacific The bracing air was full of balm--And the white sands lay like drifted snow before us. We drove down to the beach which stretched away miles to the southward, its white hand-packed sand looking like a broad boulevard-- The tide was retiring, and had left the beach as though it had just been watered by [with] a bountiful shower. The surf was breaking in long rolls of foam, like solemn battalions of soldiers [dressed] in white uniforms - and the [solemn] deep anthem of its roar came over miles of of lonely distance, like the voice of the Infinite--Far out in the horizon, great ships, under full sail, were silently bearing in towards the golden gate, or away toward the forests of Oregon. We drove down, until the water washed the hoofs of our proud horses--& then [sirted?] along the hard floor of the beach whose expanse of sand was broken here and2nd Sheet by the fragments of wrecks, which the great sea, in some moment of rage, had dashed against the shore-- We drove to the Northwestern corner of the peninsula, and there ascended by a road cut in the side of a commanding bluff, to the Cliff house--built upon perpendicular [the] rocks fifty or seventy five feet above high tide--against which the great waves dash with grand music--We stood upon the grand piazza which looks out over the sea--and saw a sight which I wanted you all to share--A few rods from the foot of the cliff, are three small rocky islands, the highest of them rising about forty feet above the water--around these islands the water was darkened with seals--and upon them, on all the crags & to the very top of the highest one, hundreds of little & great seals lay basking in the sun, wallowing in a lazy rolling way, striking out with their great flippers, and barking with the deep mouthed bay of bulldogs, or hounds in full chase--Some of them must have weighed a ton--and looked like great bulls or maneless lions--They are precisely like those you & I saw pictured in Elliott's report of the Alaska Islands--Except that these have hair instead of fur--The great good nature creatures, who only fight each other, are protected by law, and are very [*229*]tame--They seem to know that they are observed, and are always on exhibition--By one of those mysterious laws of nature, they sympathize with the storm--and as the tempest rises their barking increases--And by this weird sound the sailor is often warned & guided to the harbor, when the fog obscures the [light] [in] the lighthouse--on the cliff above--Show the pictures to the boys, when you read this letter to them--Tell them that papa is so glad to get letters from them, that he feels disappointed, when they write such short ones as they did on the 1st of May--I want them to tell me a little each time about the country I pass over & what I have seen so that I may know whether they are enjoying my letters--Tell mother I thank her, for her good letter. By this time, she has probably received the one I wrote her, from Elko--I have spent most of the afternoon in my room, since I came from the Cliff House--for I want to nurse my malady, and be ready to travel--In my next, I hope to tell you of a visit I have made to the Army Head Quarters, and some very remarkable pictures I saw there--This afternoon, D.P. Rhodes of Cleveland called on me and spent two hours--He & his wife and daughter have been on this coast since last November-- He is very anxious to have me settle in Cleveland. Gov. McCook is still with me--We have a parlor together--And now, most precious one--good night--With all my heart & soul I am all and forever your own JamesWashington May 10th 1875 My Darling: This morning your first message to me from the "golden gate" was received and I feel that communication is again established between us. I sent off [a] letters to you yesterday but the inclosed note perhaps you will prefer to answer yourself: though I do feel almost like saying for you that [*461*] I am sure you will not wander away again even as little way as Iowa. I think now that my eyes once more on you I will not allow you to escape me again for never so long. We read that the snow fell two feet deep at Salt Lake yesterday, and it begins to grow cooler again here. I have just used the last of the $500.00 you left with me. But all debts are paid except the Coal Bills, and our [are] accounts are entirely square up to this date. I have been trying to economize but the expenses will count up to just about the same amount each week in spite of me. We are all pretty well. The children have colds but are not really ill. I had a letter from Father this morning. He says Mother is gradually improving. He says he hopes you will get back for commencement. That will be four weeks from next Wednesday or Thursday, I think. Carrie is getting along very nicely with Mother's picture, and I think she intends to finish so as to go to New York next week. She wants me to go and spend a few days but I think not. I prefer to put in whatever time and means we can afford to go with you some place this summer. I wrote yesterday and send thisbecause I can't feel quite happy to send off an envelope without something from my own hand and heart for you. I hope to hear from you every few days now, and hope you will remember that you will have so much to write each day while the most I can do is to repeat again & again the same story like the children's reports, "Got up in the morning and ate my breakfast -- went to school and played till supper time", only mine would be even more repetitious -- "Loved you in the morning -- loved you at noon -- love d you at night and love you all the time, and so I do and so I will forever With love from us all Ever Yours Crete. Crete No. 12 San Francisco, Cal. May 11. 1875. My Darling. No mail from the East to day! A new break on the road! These words greeted my inquiry for letters this morning, and showed me how dependent, after all, this coast is upon the old eastern home - for much of its social and business life - The telegraph announces each morning [day] the names of passengers enroute, & to arrive in San Francisco in the Evening. The arrival of the overland train is as marked an event here, as the arrival of an European Steamer at New York - In fact, this Coast seems like an island, bounded by a desert of water on the west, and an equally wild desert of land on the east - To-day I have written letters, visited the Rail-Road men, and have made preparations to visit the Yo-Semite Valley, whether I shall start with a party, tomorrow if my piles will let me - While I was down at the Rail Road office, I was surprised to find William Rhodes, Harry's brother, who you will remember was so very homesick at Hiram, a few years ago. He is holding an important subordinate position in the R.R. [*230*]office, and seems to be doing well. He told me, he had quarrelled with Harry, a year and a half ago, on some business matters, and didn't know as they wold ever get right again. He gave me the particulars, which I will tell you sometime, as another illustration of Hal's unfortunate way of doing business. In my last, I told you I would say something about some pictures I had seen here. I had heard of them in Washington some months ago, and intended to see them, but the owner lately brought them here to his new pact of duty, and I saw them last week. They are the property of Gen Robt. Allen, one of the Quartermasters of our Army, who is recognized on all hands, as one of our brightest and ablest officers. For many years past, he has devoted much time to the study of the so-called spiritual phenomena, & has become a most earnest believer. He has long been preparing an elaborate work on the subject which he does not expect to have published till after his death. For this delay he assigns the reason that the time is not ripe, but is coming when his worth will be received. He is evidently a calm and sincere believer in his mission; and, whatever we may think of his doctrine, we cannot refuse to admire the spirit in which he pursues his studies. He does not, at all, seek to proselyte, is not ostentatious in his opinions, but seems to work in the love & few of the truth. To illustrate his work, he claims that the spirits have drawn for him, the authentic portraits of the leading characters of the old and new testament history, and he undoubtedly believes that he looks upon the precise images of these men as they appeared next on the Earth 1800 and [2000 to] 3000 years ago. He claims that the mediums, through whom this work was done, is a house carpenter & his wife, common people, who have no special knowledge of art, and that each of the portraits was produced, in less than thirty minutes, under a table, through the hands of this man & his wife. I dismiss all this, without knowing whether to believe it or disbelieving, & without caring for it. But the pictures (which are only shown in private) I have seen, and of them I speak. They are all remarkable, and striking pictures & in execution unlike any I have ever seen. They are done with a pencil, on card board, or Bristol-board, and, at a distance seem more delicate and airy than the finest engravings. The details of fine work upon the features and theare very remarkable - but the portraits are nothing less than marvellous - [Four] Four of these pictures stand out in my memory with special distinctness - The first was "Moses veiled", when he descended from Sinai. It is [was] full of majesty & awful beauty - which the veil enhanced rather than diminished - The second was baron - a marked resemblance to Moses - yet so different as to enable you to read the characteristics of each - The third was the Savior. I do not forget the Last Supper by Da Vinci, nor the Transfiguration of Raphael, when I say that this pencilled portrait appears to reach a higher plane than any I ever saw. The features are Jewish, as those of the old masters, are not. The face in full of wonderful sweetness, but added to that is a dignity, and lofty breadth of intellectuality & spirituality which none of theirs possesses - Fourth, is Mary, whose face is that of her son softened into the Sweetness of womanhood. I verily felt that it was God made manifest in woman. In the two faces, you could trace the likeness of mother and Child; the one all woman - the other all man - both all divine - I do not hesitate to say that this pencilled Mary, was to my eye vastly higher, sweeter, more perfect than any Madonna I have ever seen. Explain this mystery Who can. Tell me what you & Carrie think of what I have written -. I may wholly overrate these pictures - but I shall never be satisfied until you can see them with me, and tell me what you think of them - And now, most precious woman since man, and more precious to me than all the Marys that ever were of Goodbye until - tomorrow - while the angels fly between us Ever Your own James.Crete No. 13. San Francisco, May 12, 1875 My Darling It is now the third day since I have heard from you, and the thought that I shall not hear again for seven or eight more, makes me almost homesick - I have made preparations, & purchased tickets for the Yosemite and our party of 12 are to start at half past three this afternoon - By looking on the map you will see the direction I am to take, when I tell you that I start back on the Central Pacific as far as Stockton, and thence turn off on a branch road to Merced - where we take stages to the great valley - I don't know whether I shall be able to get off letters to you, during my absence; but I shall try to do so - It will be my only compensation for not hearing from you. I had thought that I was nearly well of the piles, but this morning [*231*] [*I received a note the other day from the the agent of the Pacific Mail Co. informing me that he had just shipped two Japanese vases to me at [Huding?], from Giles Amber - Perhaps you had better write to Geo. P. Udall at Garrettsville to ship them to Washington by freight - J.A.G.*]the pain returned, and I fear my trip will be made uncomfortable by them. I am to part with Gov. McCook, who will leave for Denver before I return - I have become very well aquainted with him, and like him much better than ever before - The party with whom I go to the Yosemite, is Gen Burn & family of the Army - and enough more to make twelve - Burns is an Ohio man & his wife & two daughters are pleasant people - The sight of a man with his wife makes me feel that much less than the half of me is going to the valley - The fact is, Darling, that I am nothing - and nobody without you, and here, among these very rich people, I feel it more than ever before. If you were here I should be richer than them all. Last evening I dined with General Colton, one of the magnates of the Central Pacific R.R. He has a palace of a home, in the top of California hill, full 500 feet above the water port of the City - and was very generously hospitable. While at his table, we were discussing the value of silver, and the question arose how much silver, in value, could be piled in his dining room - which was 42 x by 22 feet & 16 ft high - After dinner, we figured it out & found that the room would hold a little more than 71 million dollars of silver - and nearly 20 times as much in gold - This helps to illustrate the preciousness of these two metals - A day or two ago, a young man came here from Warren, bringing letters of introduction some from Harmon Austin, & Mr Thompson, and asking to get him some employment - So you see they find me out wherever I am - This morning I met Mrs Harmon, & her little daughter, and was suddenly reminded of Little Mountain, by the little girl asking me if Mollie Garfield was with me - Theyhave been here since January--& will stay till June--They gave me a file of the Cleveland Leaders up to & including May 4--They told me of the accidental death of Stillman Witt on shipboard--en route to Europe in company with his daughter Mrs. Harris--Poor man his two millions could not give him good health. I am writing this letter under difficulties, for a dozen people have called since I began it--Perhaps it is fitting that it should be so, for you see it is No 13--not a fortunate number--It is now 3. p.m. and we leave at 3-30--I take only my sachel--& leave me trunk here at this Hotel till my return-- which will be about the 20th or 21st. I shall feel that you are here awaiting me in letters--& this will hurry me back--Darling, I hope you will give me all the time you can in the way of letters, for they are my food and medicine--my joy & hope Kiss the dear ones for me, & tell them I carry them always in my heart--As ever & forever your own James. Crete No 14 Mariposa. Cal. May 13. 1875 My Darling- The party, of which I spoke in my last, consists of Gen Burns and wife & two daughters; Mr Hardenbaugh & wife; Mr Wells & wife; Mrs Benton of N.Y. & little Lev - Mr. M Farland of San Francisco; a young gentleman from Boston whose name I do not remember, and your husband without his wife - We left San Francisco wharf at 4. P.M. yesterday, and took the Central Pacific R.R. to Lathrop - & hence by a branch Road to Merced - 165 miles from San Francisco - We arrived at Merced, at half-past ten last night, and stopped at a very large, fine hotel - capable of holding 500 guests - This morning we took breakfast at half past five, and at six o'clock, our party were loaded on a stage - five on top & the rest inside - & were galloping away, across the San Joaquin Valley - (pronounced wa'-keen) - It is a valley of immense breadth, with the low-lying peaks of the coast range on the west - and the grander heights of the Sierras on the east - Our route lay to the north east - or nearly east - and we [*232*]galloped to the first relay, a distance of 6 1/2 miles in 35 minutes - During the next hour the route became rougher, and by nine oclock we had reached the old adobe, Mexican town of Honitos (Ho-nee'-tos) at the base of the foot hills, and among the old placer mines - The first method of obtaining gold in this country was by washing the dirt in a pan, or rocking it in a trough, and washing away the earth - leaving the gold dust at the bottom of the dish. In this way thousands of gold hunters, armed with pick, pan and shovel, traversed the vallies, beds of streams and hidden ravines of this state - Their tracks are seen in all the hill country of this part of California - This mode of mining, called placer mining is now nearly obsolete - Two new and more comprehensive methods are now in use of which I will tell you by & by - At noon we reached this place distant from Merced 42 miles - & are to stop thirty minutes - I can take dinner, and fill two or three pages for you, before the stage horn will blow - This place is in the center of the great Mariposa track which Fremont took up, soon after the Conquest of California. Across the street from where I nowpage 3 write, Fremont erected an adobe house in 1848. His fortune was then in the ascendent, and his name was gathering that glamour of romance over it, which made him the standard bearer of the young & hopeful Republican Party in 1856 - He laid out this town, built its first house - brought his Jessie here - to share with him the stirring & roseate hopes and aspirations of that golden dream of 1848-9 - which did not culminate until "The Path Finder" failed to be elected as President in 1856 - Before 1856, this was a bustling mining town of 3000 - The fortunes of mining like those of Fremont have drifted away in other directions - & Mariposa is now a decayed village of 800 inhabitants - The horn is blowing & I must close. I am sorry to tell you, that for the last hour - I have been suffering torture from a return of my malady - so that nothing but my love for you could enable me to sit at a table & write. Thursday Evening, 8. P.M. May 13. My Darling. For an hour and a half after I finished the above, I was faint with pain, & I really thought I should be compelled to leave the stage and lie down - but as we ascended the mountain, the air grew cooler & my pain nearly ceased -Forgive me, Precious, for distressing you by a [*232A*] reference to my trouble -It was so present with me that I couldhardly help it--Mariposa is at the foot of the Sierras--and on leaving it we commence to wind up the long slopes of the mountains--which rose in majesty away to the north, south & front of our line of travel-- For five hours we climbed zig-zag up the sides of the Sierras--and at six P.M. were on the summit-- from which we looked back upon the San Joaquin Valley--and the blue line of the coast range far beyond--From the summit, we plunged down at an exhilarating rate, at at 7 1/4 p.m. we reached a fine homelike group of cottages where we are to spend the night--It is called Clark's-- and is 26 miles from Mariposa, and 68 miles from Merced--which we left at six--The cottages here, are full to overflowing; and, in addition to those who have staid over from yesterday, two stage loads besides our own came from Merced today--I am to weary to write more and, must try to get some sleep and rest, for the further journey tomorrow--And now, my Darling, I send you, out of this wild mountain retreat, my love--the expression of my great need of you-- and the hope that you are well happy and that you are very frequently sending me messages of love--As ever, & forever your own James.Washington May 14th. 1875 My Darling: I have just finished answering three letters for you. One from William Clapp inviting us to Arkansas - one from me. Demanon inviting us to Ann Arbor and a third from our old friend Israel Curtis. I answered all as kindly as I could with the understanding that you would write for your return. A few others have been received but Mr. Rose will attend to them. My precious I think are all neglecting each other. For three days I have not written, and for three days have received nothing from you, although your second from [*462*]San Francisco was received a few hours later than my last was sent off, so that I have really been holding an unanswered letter for three days, but I have been making over a dress, and that is excuse enough for almost any misdemeanor. Irvin was watching the transformation and [observing] recognizing the dress said "why mamma that is the old dress you tored up," I said yes I am making a new dress of it; "well" he said "that is a heavy way to make a new dress," and I quite sympathize with his statement. He was in quite a demonstrative mood just then and giving me a very sweet kiss I said "Irv you do love mamma don't you?" Yes-- he answered--"we are all loved in this house", Then he said in a confidential way "Don't you think, Emma has got a beau and he writes letters to her just like a lover", Em has been sick with chills for several days, and we tell her that Irvin has discovered the trouble. This P.M. Mrs Rockwell came with a carriage and took mother and me to a long drive. We went out to the Soldier's Home then to the District boundary on seventh street and back on fourteenth. It was a delightful afternoon and we enjoyed it very much. Mrs. R. is very sensible and bright--not so cultured as her husband and with not so refined a nature, but humorous and very agreeable. Darling we must learn to know people better. I could not help but feel in reading Mrs. Stowe's new story that there is so much both sweet and charming in almost every nature if we only knew how to discover it and draw it out, that it is a shame to live such unknowing unappreciative lives. It is so easy for you to divine the good in everyone and to forget all their faults that I want you to help me to a little of that same power. May 15th My Darling, Your most precious letters of the 7th & 8th inst. are received. I did not know that trains ever came through in less time than eight days but your last to the children [mailed?] the eighth was received this morning with yours to me of the day before. I cannot tell you how glad they make me, and I have read them all through to mother and thechildren putting all the dear sweet words in the plural that I could so that I might not appear ungenerous by appropriating so many treasures all to myself. I don't want to be selfish but it is very sweet to find a sheet slipped in that I can hide away and have it all to myself. Darling I am very glad that you find so much to enjoy in that wide land, and your descriptions are so graphic that I almost seem to live them with you; and you could not write too much nor too minutely. I wish I had your gift to picture a living hour so that I might add to your happiness by giving you more of our home life. But the scenes and incidents which I know when they are [*463*]passing would amuse you slip away from my memory so easily. I am finishing this to start it away to you this evening so that you need not wait too long. I am trying to get the children to write, but it is Saturday and to Papa's absence they are growing enough accustomed to not feel it so important to write. Have you seen Mr. Baumgrass? He is in San Francisco, and Mrs. B. called a few days since to inquire where you were stopping so that she might write to him to find you. Do you suppose we could grow so accustomed to a separation again that you could stay there two or three years? I hope not. Darling the letters I have been sending you I am sure have answered your post-script in your second S.F. letter, and to attempt to answer it now might prove like all my efforts in that direction, only the undoing of all that we would have ended. I do not intend to allow so many days to intervene again between my letters, and I shall hope you will not fail us. With all my heart full to overflowing with love for you I am always and forever yours Crete. Irvin's mark while making one of his divesCrete No. 15. BLACK'S HOTEL, A.G. BLACK, Proprietor. Yosemite, Cal., May [*[15?]*] 1875 My Darling. My last was written at Clarke's, and addressed to the children. It was a hurried letter, giving an account of my visit to the Big Trees - five and a half miles away from Clarke's. While I was writing that letter my malady returned again with a good deal of pain, and I left a blank page of that reason - I passed an uncomfortable night, but awoke in the morning feeling pretty well - Our party had been increased by two, as I mentioned in my last, and the remainder of the stage journey to the Yosemite is so rough that the stages are smaller, holding only nine persons - so that it would require two stages for our party - We were awakened at half past five - and breakfast was to be ready at six so that we could start at half past six - As the day, yesterday, was [*233*]one of adventure, and some peril, I state its history somewhat minutely - When I came out of my room it was beginning to snow, and by half-past six, one of the heaviest snow-storms I ever saw was raging - The stages were delayed till after seven - and by that time several of the other members of the party said it would be dangerous to make the attempt to go through - as there was no house between Clarke's & Yosemite, and we might be snowed in on the mountains - Several of the party's resolved not to go - and one of the stages was taken back to the barn; but the other had to go back to the end of the stage route towards Yosemite - While the matter was being debated, the old Scotchman quietly took his seat in the stage, and Miss Palmer of Steubenville, who had gone with us to the Big Trees also took her seat - I thought it would hardly be manly to let her go off alone - & so I entered the stage - At this, Gen Burns & his family concluded to go - and also Mr McFarland - These eight took seats, the carte were buttoned down, and a little before eight oclock, we started off on three inches of snow, and the air full of the largest flakes I ever saw. I was not without some doubt whether we were not committing an act of fool-hardiness - but the novelty of the thing - a wild snow storm on the 15th day of May - made it attractive We commenced slowly to climb the mountain and in an hour & a half there was eight inches of snow on the track, and the pine trees were loaded under its weight - It really began to look as though we were to be blocked By half past ten, we had made not quite ten miles, and there we were met by a horse man from the end of the stage route, who had been sent to order [the] all stages back that may have started from Clarke's and the first we knew, our driver had wheeled around, and was headed for the return - It was offensive [for] to us, to have him thus turn us back, without our consent - & we remonstrated - He was stubborn, & we threatened to put him off the seat &untie the reins ourselves - I looked the case over as well as I could, & concluded it would be nearly as bad to go forward 15 miles as to go back ten - and so I told the driver and the agent we would be responsible for results if they would obey our orders - and that we had resolved to go forward - They finally gave in and the agent galloped away to order saddle horses up from [Mariposa] Yosemite to the end of the stage line - which was on the mountain five miles from Yosemite, and 20 miles from Clarke's. We then started on, and in half an hour, we were surprised, and delighted, but somewhat embarrassed by the arrival of three of our party, and a guide on horseback. When they saw the snow storm cease, and the sun break out they were unwilling to remain behind, and tried to get the other stage to take them & follow us - But the driver said it was too late. Then they got saddle-horses and a guide & followed us - When they overtook us, it was found there was not room in the stage for the additional three - who were Mr Manning of Boston & Mr Wells & his wife - (a gallant little woman, born in Greenville Pa - just over2nd Sheet the line of my District - and resembling you) - She was drenched with the melted snow - and so all insisted that she must get into the stage - Mrs Palmer the Ohio lady offered BLACK'S HOTEL, A. G. BLACK, Proprietor. Yosmite, Cal., 187 to take her horse - & I took her husband's horse - Manning kept his own - & so we three - with the guide rode on - In a short time we had reached the summit of the mountain, and the sun made the snow covered trees a most glorious sight - It was strange to feel the the warm, almost summer rays of the sun & see them flashing back from the snow - till you were nearly snow blind - Soon the snow began to melt & drop in heavy masses from the overhanging trees - From the summit, we descended again for two or three miles, only to climb another equally high mountain ridge - While crossing the latter, another snow-storm came which raged grandly for half an hour - & was succeeded by a glorious sun-burst - at a quarter past two we reached the end of the stage road - where was a Chinese encampment - We were, perhaps an hour ahead of the [*234*]stage, having galloped rapidly wherever the nature of the road would permit it-- (for I found Miss Palmer an excellent rider) and then, from the brow of the second mountain I have named, we commenced the long descent to the valley into which the waters of the Yosemite empty--Our path was a mere bridle-path--very steep which zig-zaged down more than 2000 feet and over a distance of three miles before we reached the foot--Just before we reached the foot, we met the agent with a train of saddle-horses, going to bring our stage companions down, when they reached the end of their stage journey--After reaching the river Merced--we rode into the valley two miles more to this hotel--which was so full, that it was only by appealing to the gallantry of the gentlemen guests, that I obtained rooms for the ladies of our party who were to arrive later--We three, & guide, reached the hotel at four and a quarter--having encountered all possible vicissitudes of weather--the last chapter being a thunder storm & heavy shower as we entered the jaws of the valley--and closing with a splendid burst of sunshine against the great Yosemite fall, just as we reached our hotel--where the meadows were bright green with no flake of snow upon them--We had ridden on horseback fifteen miles--A little before six P.M. our comrades arrived some on horse back--and some in the stage that had gone out to the jaws of the valley to take such as were overwearied with the horseback descent--In this latter number was the old Scotchman, who said that this donkey he rode to the Big Trees the day before had "well nigh broken a' his bones" So after all, we saved the day, had the satisfaction of carrying our point, & were not a little praised, for a plucky, though somewhat plucky and imperious crowd-- I am glad to tell you, that all day, I have almost wholly escaped any pain-- After getting supper - I took a hot bath, and, there being no room at the hotel a single bed was made up for me in a bath room - & I slept soundly and well close beside the bath tub - I am writing this on the little washstand, while one of my knees rests against the bed & the other on the bath-tub - I will not, in this sheet attempt to say a word about the Valley itself except this, that it one of the very few things I have ever seen that is far beyond all I ever heard said or sung about it - I know, I can give no adequate account of it - and I must study its awfully grand lessons, before I can begin to interpret them into written words - Think of me Darling, as being confronted by a volume so full of glorious meaning, that I must first study its glossary, before I can read its pages - I do really feel, it is almost a crime, for me to study it without having your dear hand in mine - With all my love - Ever & all your own James -Washington May 16th [*[1875]*] My Darling I have written to our little friend Jule to day letting her how to address you at San Francisco and that I may not forget to give you her[s] address I will begin a letter now. She is at Placerville a town I find laid down on the map at the terminus of a R. R. leading out from Sacramento. I hope you will see her for she would feel quite neglected to know you had been so near and not to have seen you. Another thing I have in my mind now which I have forgotten to write about each time I have [been] written. You spoke of getting a necklace for me if you found any thing to just suit you. Now I know you cannot afford to buy dozens of things we would like and I would prefer to have you omit that now, and if you have [*464*][*[ANY]*]thing to spare use it in getting something pretty or valuable for Mother and each of the children. That will make them all so happy and any happiness will be complete if you will only come safely home to me with health improved and your spirit well toned. Hal is visiting the Dungans to day, He is doing very well indeed, and gives me very little trouble except in being too stubborn sometimes about taking his lessons at the right time, and failing to be as thorough as he ought. I think too that I am managing Jim and myself better too. I am trying to humor his super abounding fun and merriment more than I have done and I find it better than repression. The steam escapes easily though nonsense while the high pressure of restraint keeps him in a constant state of explosion. Last night the children all got after me to play with them. I tried to put them off, but Hal said such a sensible thing about it that I put all my work away instantly and joined them in a game. He said "Mamma do play with us and let's be like a family and not stores!" Jim was bubbling over with fun and went off into such droll pranks that we laughed ourselves nearly sick. I am sure he has in him the elements of a first class comedian, at least in gesture and facial expression. Just before dinner to day Jimmy ran a chair round into his eye, and it is hurting him badly. I cant see that the ball of the eye is injured but I am afraid the back side of the cavity is bruised, as nothing appears on the exterior of the lid, I am keeping it bound up with warm arnica and water and hope nothing bad may come of it. I must go and read to him a while to keep him quiet and will finish this tomorrow. I started a letter to you last evening.May 17th My Darling, I am so lonely today that a faint sick feeling almost comes over me. Had I the courage I should surely be superstitious. The very sounds in the air and the noises in the street seem in the minor key, and my spirit sinks down as before the portent of some great woe. Darling do you know that never before did so many miles lie between us? And they stretch out to day so interminably my very thought grows tired in trying to reach through them. Perhaps I am not well, and do not know it, and all this misery is due to a disordered stomach. I hope so. I would rather be sick in bed than be so spiritually sick as I am now. I would not write to you in such a mood but I felt that I must tell you, and may be, telling would relieve me, and I think it has. I have for so long a time been near you, to lean on your strength and be 5 [*LRG to JAG 1875 May 17*] comforted by your love that I scarcely know how to be brave alone against the ills that the sprit is heir to. But I will stop this lamentation and imagining you just across the table try gossip for a cure. The Sunday Chronicle yesterday made some sharp drives at Pratt for his continual praise of Clara Morris. The writer is represented as overhearing a colloquy between two young ladies. One asks [if] her friend if she is going to buy the "Sunday Clara Morris", That is perhaps the wittiest thing [it says] said, but doesn't it appear to you that D.P. is playing the part of a rather silly lover? Clara may be bright and pretty but I don't understand that she exceeds all the stars who have shone in the Past or Present. I just heard a man calling out very angrily "get out of there". I went to the window and found that Jim was in some mischief over at the new house. [*465*]I had hoped he would give him a switching, but I was amused at Mollie. She was hopping mad at the "old man" as she called him for talking so to her brother. My right ear is beginning to burn like fire, and I imaging you are thinking about me and wishing I were with you. Just one month ago this time I was busy packing your trunk and resolving myself to send you off bravely. I hope when another month has passed you will be safely home again. The time will not seem so long now that we have started on the last half. Maybe I am too fast. Perhaps you will want to stay longer. Well you must if you do want to, for I can surely do as well as I have done for a few weeks more if it is better for your to stay. I hope we shall hear again by tomorrow from you. With all love yours forever Crete.Crete No. 18 San Francisco, May 24/75 My Darling - Since I sent you my endless letter no. 17 - I have almost felt, that it would be a one to you I wrote very soon again; but I cannot sleep tonight, without acknowledging the preciousness of the letters that were awaiting me, on my return from the Yosemite; and epecially the dear message of the 15th that reached me Sunday morning - You are kind enough to speak in high praise of my letters to you - I wish I could believe they were half as beautiful as yours are. But first, I will notice the business maters to which you refer - In reference to the appointment of a Naval Cadet, I have written Mr Rose today, quite fully - I have asked the Secy of the Navy to appoint the young man C.H. Green - recommended by Horace Steele - When I mention it, you will remember that I told you a few minutes before I left you - that I expected a letter from Steele, [*242*]and that the name he recommended was to be filled in to the blank nomination which I signed & left on the Desk - I am glad this fact passed out of your mind, for I am flattering myself that you were thinking more of our coming separation than of the business before us - I have answered the Iowa letter, & declined to speak there on the 4th July - I cannot help my Garfield cousin - at least for the present - & so will not write her - I have written a letter to Irvin which I hope may please the Dear Little Duffer - I can understand how your expenses keep up - for I am having the same experience here - It is expensive business to travel - especially on this coast - where a dollar is a very small thing - I have today had myself examined by a surgeon, and he tells me there is an internal prolapsus of nearly two inches - and that mucous membrane is abraded and raw - He says there is no permanent cure, except by a surgical operation, which will require me to lie in bed two weeks - the examination was very painful - and his opinion not at all comforting to man 3000 miles from home - I told him, I could not have the operation performed here - but that he must give me temporary palliatives. which would tide over my absence - When I am at home again - I shall take the case up in earnest. Dont be troubled about it Darling; for I shall hope it is not quite so serious as it now appears - If I do not get better soon I shall shorten my stay - & see you soon - I had almost concluded to go by the Isthmus, and round to New York - for the Sea voyage - but I have nearly abandoned that plan, and now think I shall start about the first of June - and take the Geysers, the Nevada mines andSalt Lake City on the way-giving a day to each - and if I find that Fort Fetterman is not too far off - go there for a day - and perhaps stop at Fort Leavenworth and see Swain for a day or two- I now think I shall telegraph you, tomorrow or next day, to change the address of letters to some point further East - so that I may not starve on the way home - I beg you write as often as you can - I rejoice at what you say about going somewhere with me the coming summer -or is it now summer? I dont know- I would start home at once, but for the fact that I should hereafter regret that having come so far, I had omitted so many important places - It seems to me now that I will never again attempt to travel without you. It is nearly midnight & I send you kisses & love - now & always when I put out the light - It is too bad that you must work so hard - Precious one Goodnight - Ever Your JamesCrete No. 19. San Francisco. May 26, 1875. My Darling, Just as I was closing my last letter, yours of the 15th came to hand - and made me very happy - You can hardly imagine how strange and sweet is my communion with your letters, here alone - and how fully my mind and heart follow you in all your thoughts as they speak to me from the page - as I read - Do you know, that it has often occurred to me, that you do more intellectual work when I am away from you - Perhaps your life is more self-reliant - and independent - Much as I wish all good things for you - I don't know that I have nerve enough to aid your growth by making my absence last much longer - But I am glad to see the Evidences, which your letters show, of enlarging scope & power - Your probation from Mrs Beecher Stowe's books, is quite in the line of a talk I have lately had with Gen Burns - He suggests that natural religion, ought [*243*]to be taught first, to children, & revealed religion later - That the real foundation of morals and character should be based upon the natural relations we sustain to God & each other; and that when this is once fairly established in the mind, it will remain as a part of Everyone's being - Dogma's may change - but such changes will not sweep away the normal convictions which have been based on the natural laws of being & life - My reflections, & observations, since I have been here - accord with your observation that we have not paid enough attention to other people - When we retire from public life, I fear we shall not leave very many really intimate friends in the old circle - And yet we have had opportunities for knowing well, a great many large minded and worthy people - I am glad you had a pleasant time with Harber - I admire him very much - I see in him a great deal of that youthful buoyancy of spirit which I once had, but have lost - Help me Darling to regain it - I enclose a letter to Jimmie, which it was hard for me to write - But it may help you - & do him some good - Do as you think best about reading it all to him - In your letter of the 17th, which came yesterday, I see you have tried a new device with him, at the suggestion of one philosophical Hal - That boy is frequently getting off some solid chunk of wisdom - and that about playing with them is one of them - Let us not forget it - I am grieved to think that you [were] so dispirited on the 17th Do you know, I am almost superstitious about it, for at that time I was suffering so much bodily pain that it did not seem I could stand it - and stay alone - Iwas strongly inclined to start home at once - I hope, My Precious One, that the light of buoyant spirits is again shining upon you - I am trying to bear up under the discomforts and anxieties that have pursued me - I am almost ashamed to have mentioned my pains - which can only annoy you - But they have very seriously diminished the value of the journey - Yesterday - I lay in bed a good share of the day - but in the evening went to the Chinese Theatre - and am some better today - Dont forget to have me tell you of that strange performance - which represented a civilization not less than 6000 years old - Mr Baumgrass has called on me - He is looking well, and think, he has enriched his art by his stay here - he will be in Washington before the End of June - Today I went to San Rafael by steamer & narrow gauge R.R to visit Gen Rosecran's family - The Gen is away in the mines - and unfortunately his wife had come to city & I missed2nd Sheet her - One daughter was at home, and I stayed at the house half an hour - Religion has thrown its black shadow of that home - The walls are covered with portraits of priests & bishops - His oldest son is a priest, & his oldest daughter has entered a convent - Why not as well let the Juggernaut crush children at once, as to have them thus swallowed! I came back here at 4 - p.m. and have been making preparations for abridging several of the plans I had formed - I telegraphed you this morning - to send my letters to Ogden - until the 30 - Until your last came, I had seriously contemplated going home by the Isthmus; but it would be a hot - and long journey - & if I were to have the return of my trouble, it would be serious - I fully intended to go to Oregon - but I do not [*244*]think it prudent to risk the long stage ride which would be necessary--& so that must go over--It was just like your unselfish nature to say what you did in your last, in reference to the necklace-- I have looked at every thing in that line, but in each case closed up with the conviction that the specimens were not good enough for the dear neck-- I fear I should be compelled to accept your advice, for want of means. But it is only postponed--I will do what I can towards carrying out your suggestion in reference to the others-- I regret that I did not sooner think about Julia Wilson--I don't think I can go to Placerville-- now--so near the end of my sojourn here--I will however, write to her--Darling I fear you are ill. Do tell me all about yourself. You have not answered a little French query I wrote on the margin of a letter--more than two weeks ago. Please answer--ever, anxiously--& lovingly your own James. 114. 121 rm Blank No. 1. THE WESTERN UNION TELEGRAPH COMPANY. The rules of the Company require that all messages received for transmission, shall be written on the message blanks the Company, under and subject to the conditions printed thereon, which conditions have been agreed to by the sender of [the] following message. 1 pG WILLIAM ORTON Pres't, } NEW YORK. GEO. H. MUMFORD, Sec'y. } cala Dated San Francisco May 26 1875 Recieved at N. E. cor. 14th St. and Penna. Ave. 118 Pm To Mrs J. A Garfield 1227. I. st N.W. Washn D.C. Until the thirtieth mail my letters to Ogden Utah where I shall be June fourth love to all J AGarfield [18 DT&frank Jr [*245*]Washington May 27th 1875 My Darling - It made you seem very near to receive your telegram yesterday telling me to send my next letter to Ogden. It almost seemed as though you had already started to meet me though I suppose you really will not start for a week yet. Yours to the children written at Clarke's Ranche is the last letter we have received from you but I hope by tomorrow or Saturday to get another from San Francisco on your return from the Yosemite. How your description of your horse-back ride up to the Mariposa grove remind [we] - the of our ride up Riga, Darling I sometimes fear I did not know how blessed were those days while they were passing. But perhaps it is more blessed that [*467*]they live so beautifully in memory. This morning the three older children started with Emma & Lizzie Ladd down the river for Glymont, on the grand school excursion of Mr Young's school. I hope it will be a pleasant trip for them for they have been counting on it for the last month, but it will be a wonderfully quiet day without them here until ten o'clock this evening. and I wish you were here to enjoy it with me. It is getting so warm that it is very hard for them to keep in good temper. 11 a.m. your letter written by the bath tub has just come and I have just finished reading it. After listening to the account of your adventures in the snow-storm mother said, "If Jim climbs to the mast-head to day and jumps off into the river we shall know who he takes after," Darling it is too bad that I cannot be with you. Still you do make me look through your eyes [as] so perfectly that I feel as though I had almost been with you, and it is very sweet that you think of me and miss me so often. We are alone now. Carrie started for New York on Tuesday morning. The evening before she started we had a little talk about next winter and I found she was not really expecting to come back here, at least she said she would not force herself on us as she knew she had done this past winter, and for many reasons she said it would be better for her to be nearer her studio, so I think we will be able to arrange to be alone and that too without giving her any offense. She went away feeling very well I think-- The bitterness of her disappointment having passed measurably away. Col. Squire of New York has bought her bust of Gen. Thomas for $500.00 so she feels relieved for the summer. One or two very pleasant notices of her studio were made in the city Papers before she left and some acquaintances made which I hope will prove valuable to her. I scarcely know how to write to you this morning. I feel the silence of waiting falling on me and sealing up my lips and imprisoning my thoughts until you come. Perhaps I may go out to meet you again, but if I should not--you may know that all is well. Darling how glad I shall be when you really take me in your arms again and hold me near to your loving heart. All join in all love to you Ever yours Crete.Crete, No. 20. San Francisco. May 28. 1875. My Darling - I am in no mood to write a letter, and I fear it will be selfish in me to do so; for I have an unaccountable feeling of despondency which has been growing on me for the last two days - I have tried hard to shake it off but it wont leave at my bidding - To be among busy people, in the whirl of their work, and to have nothing to do, indeed to be among them for the very purpose of doing nothing - is not consoling to one's pride, nor does it make life a very cheerful thing - I had two or three plans of travel - some short trips I wanted to take, but wishing to recover my tone of health & not aggravate my trouble of body I have loafed around for two days in the most aimless & idiotic way - Every busy man has been a reproach to me - and every man that was pursuing some definite plan has seemed to be my superior -This day, especially, has hung with peculiar heaviness upon my hands - The only way I have been able to make it tolerable, was by going around to the stores to find a few little things to take home - Even in this my will has vacillated like that of a child - I have resolved, unresolved and reresolved, a dozen times - Then purchased some thing & was disgusted that I had done so - And now it is half past 5 P.M. and I have come back to my room foolsome, all out of sorts, wishing it were night - only that I may then wish it were morning - I can perfectly understand the feelings you had when you wrote me on the 16th and 17th - I suppose that all people who think much must now and then have - I dont mean to be childish about - & I know you wont, for you are much braver than I am. A card comes up - & I will go down & see what is wanted - Ever your own James. Darling - I have had a great temptation since I wrote the last page - The agent of the Pacific Mail Co. called and wanted to take passage to New York - leaving here tomorrow noon - on one of their five steamers. She touches at Acapulco - in Mexico, and after a day at Panama - and crossing the R.R. on the Isthmus and a stop of six hours at Aspinwall - another steamer would take me thence, via a port in South America - four hundred miles south of the Isthmus - & thence direct to New York - in 25 days from now - I told the[m] agent I would let him know tomorrow morning - In the meantime - I will think it over and let you know the result on the next page - I go out to a gymnastic exhibition this evening & so for now will say good night Half homesick and all your J.A.G.Sat - May 29,1875 - My Darling. I have gone over the sea voyage proposal, as well as my infirm will, permitted me, & have declined it - I have concluded to start this P.M. at 4 for Sacramento by Steamer - Spend a few hours there, tomorrow and tomorrow at 2 P.M, take the train for the East - I shall stop - about two days at the mine in Virginia City - probably take a short trip of a day to lake Tahoe - and go thence to Salt Lake City - Neither my thoughts nor my experiences of the last day or two are worth describing - & I will enclose this sheet hoping to add something to it at Sacramento. Since, it cannot go east till tomorrow - More letters from you are near me - I am sure - & I have arranged to have them brought to me at Salt Lake - All your own James. [*246*]Sacramento - Cal. May 30./75 My Darling - I took the boat for Vallejo, at 4 P.M. last evening, & and steamed up the bay 30 miles and as I stepped off the boat at Vallejo, and was about to step onto the train for Sacramento, a gentleman who knew me, insisted that I go over to Mare Island - where the U.S. Navy yard is. - and spend the night - Finding I could do this, and still get the same train the next day, I accepted the invitation. The naval officer with whom I spent the night was Commander Preston, a grandson of the last Gov. Crittenden of Ky - and a fine fellow - His mother & sister were visiting him - and they all make me feel very much at home - I visited the various points of interest around the yard and in the evening, Admiral Rodgers - and several of his officers called on me, and we had a pleasant visit - This visit did something towards slowing my [*247*]tone. I felt that there was something [???] of me, than when I began the first sheet of this letter. This morning, after a pleasant buggy ride around the Island, and a good Ky breakfast, the sailors rowed me across to Vallejo--where I took the 10 A.M. train for Sacramento--As the train for the through line east would not arrive for two hours, I called on Mrs Crocker. (Harry Rhodes' Aunt) by whose family & herself I was cordially welcomed. They showed me through their fine picture gallery; and, after dinner, drove me to the train. And now, at 3 P.M, we are on our way eastward. The motion has helped to drive away ennui, and every moment brings me nearer to you. Tomorrow morning I shall hope to be in Va City among the mines. I shall mail this on the train. With a heart full of love--I am forever and all your own James 1875 Washington May 31st My Darling The closing day of this Spring of 1875 has brought me first your telegram from Colfax Cal. telling me that you were really on your way homeward bound, and the evening has brought your long but never too long letter finished on your return to San Francisco from the Yosemite, But so much good fortune could not come unladen, and so a very provoking little disaster hangs its vexatious weight onto our joy, The pretty vases brought to us by our friend Harber also arrived - one smashed, and the other broken, He made the [*483*]mistake to have them sent as freight, so there is no redress. I paid $12,55 - the freight charge, and on unpacking them found them in this ruined condition. The ware is very heavy and I will see Mr. Boetler tomorrow, and perhaps the one at least with only a few pieces broken out may be repaired, but I am afraid the other is beyond remedy. It is too bad, but since there are so many things so much worse which might have happened I will not complain. How much I would love to meet you at Leavenworth. Remember me with very much love to Col & Mrs. Swain and to little Marine. Remember me also to Gen & Mrs Williams and Gen & Mrs Pope, and any others of our acquaintance there. I think I never found a more delightful six weeks than those I spent with Mrs Swain three years ago. Are they never coming to see us? Tell them they owe it to us. I sent two letters to Ogden - the last on last-friday evening. I do not know how much you are to loiter by the way, but since you were at Colfax yesterday I presume you may pass Ogden before our letters reach there. I hope you will return through St. Louis and see Camden & Nellie. Cam's place of business is "512 north second street" and I know they will feel very much disappointed if you do not see them. Since this will not start to you before tomorrow evening I will leave this to finish tomorrow, hoping we mayget another from you tomorrow. Irvin is getting quite impatient that Papa does not answer his letter. I hope you had received it so that the answer shall come in the next packet. With all my heart yours through the coming night and henceforth & forever Yours Crete. Darling--Yours to me and Irvin came this morning. Irvin was so delighted that like his Mamma he could scarcely keep from crying. I have been sick all the afternoon with colic but am enough better now to sit up and finish this to start [this] it away to the sunset to meet you. You never can know how precious your letters are to me until you know how all of life you are. Darling there will be so many things to talk about when you come home that I am almost glad you have been away a little while. Come soon and let me nurse you and help you to recover from your malady. Forever Your Crete. 2nd Sheet [*[My 1875]*] also at Painesville and Chardon have written letters asking for the appointment of Mr. Whitney's nephew. Mr. Rose will know what had been done in regard to it. A few nights ago just as we were about retiring there was a ring and I put my head out the window to ask what was wanting. A gentleman inquired if you were at home and when I told him where you were he said that a gentleman from Chicago wanted to see [him] you. I asked if he had any word to leave. He answered no, and went away without leaving even his name. He was an ordinary appearing man, and I couldn't tell whether he was the gentleman, or only a servant sent to inquire. It is very remarkable how cool it keeps yet. I was down town this morning with a thick dress on, and only just comfortable even in the sunshine, we need a fire to sit by nearly all the time. Mrs. Spencer has sent me a note inviting me to go with them to one of their church social meetings this evening, I don't [*455*]think I will go, and still I would like to meet some of the persons she says are to be there; but somehow I feel it is easier to remain with our present relations unchanged, and there is no half way ground with Mrs. S-. I can excuse myself on the ground of chills threatening, and consequent stupidity. I am not very brave I know. Little Abe is just the sweetest little child this Spring you ever saw, but the mischief is beginning to crop out even in him. Little nameless is growing some, and is getting to be very pretty but not so large as he promised to be. The spiritual pictures you mention must be very remarkable, but what opinion can one have about them? I should surely like to see them, but I a great skeptic in regard to their spiritual origin. With blessings and love which goes right on through all the hours I am ever yours Crete.Crete No 21. Carson City, Nevada June 1. 1875. My Darling- After leaving Sacramento, where I finished my last letter No. 20 and put it on the train--I started eastward--at 3 P.M. It was the hottest day I have seen on this coast. The sun beat down fiercely, & the sea gave no relief, as it does at San Francisco every afternoon. I put on a linen coat & then sweltered for two hours. But the locomotive was bringing relief, for we were very rapidly climbing the mountains, into the cooler air--All the way from Sacramento, we saw in the deep blue distance the serrated peaks of snow; and by 6 p.m. we needed overcoats--The snow water was leaving down the sides of the road--clear & cold as Glacier streams on the Alps - I went to sleep near the western summit of the Sierra Nevadas and when I awoke, our sleeping car, had turned off from the Pacific Road at Reno, and we are near Carson City. There we changed to the day car - and went on by the wildest & most crooked R.R. I ever saw - to Virginia city - the seat of the Great Silver mines. In a straight line - Va. City is not more than 20 miles from Reno - By the wagon road it is not much more - By the RR it is nearly 60 - and we climb 2000 feet in going over the line. I stopped at the hotel - built on the steep slope of Mt Davidson and from its balcony look out upon a wild, treeless country of mountains & valley - Around me, was a city of 20,000 inhabitants - half the population of the whole state - and probably not one person in the place who intends to remain here - In fact, it is a mining camp - And yet in sight - indeed under my feet - lay the richest body of silver & gold yet known in the whole world - The energy, the great ability which which are in active exhibition there every day, is one of the marvels of our American life - This in the country made famous by Mark Twain in his "Roughing It" - Just across from my hotel was the Newspaper office where he began his career as a writer - Out of this state, work less than one quarter of the population of my Congressional District, have gone out Nye, Stewart, Jones & Sharon.and, what has been of vastly more consequence to the country there go out annually not less than 40 millions of gold and silver bullion - Just now, twice that amount is going out - The tales of Aladdin are here more than realised - I came on the cars from Sacramento - with an Irishman, who was poor, two years ago - but a man told me yesterday - that now his wealth would exceed 60 millions before the End of this year - If it be only a tenth of that sum, it is wonderful enough - To give you an adequate idea of the richness of that place let me say, that running north and south through Mount Davidson is a vein of quartz - from one hundred to 500 feet thick - & averaging from $50 to $5000 per ton. I takes a [lump] cube only 3 ft on a side to make a ton - & they have explored the vein to the depth of 2000 feet - & as yet find no bottom - [*248*]2nd Sheet - I wrote the foregoing in my room, before the people were stirring. I am writing this at the office, where I can put it in ink - I left off with some general reflection on the character of Nevada & its enterprise - After I had taken breakfast, yesterday morning, I went to the mills & the mines - The superintendent took me with him through two of the best mines - the Consolidated Virginia - and the California - We stripped of all our clothing - and put on a flannel shirt, woolen pants & socks - heavy shoes - & coat & a slouch hat - and then were led down 1500 feet perpendicular - into the mine - It grows very hot as we descend - and but for ventillation a man could not live two minutes in the lower trenches of the mine. In reaching the bottom, we laid [*49*]off our coats - and entered the drifts which extend hundreds of feet in exact right angles, north, south, east and west from the shaft - After the shaft enters the quartz vein, they make lateral drifts, at each 100 feet; so that the mine, is a vast series of stories one above the other - & each of 100 feet in height - A lateral drift is run out one hundred feet - east. another 100 feet north - & from the two ends of these, drifts are again run at right angles, so as to meet, and form an exact square of 100 feet on a side - The same thing having been done, on the the level, 100 feet above - They thus surround a cubical mass of ore, 100 feet on a side, & then blast & pick it out - They are taking out 600 tons per day - and from it, are melting and shipping over 1.000.000 dollars gold & silver per month - I mean from this one mine, the Consolidated Virginia - whose property is but 600 feet long in the vein - The miners work naked, expects that they were hats pants & shoes -The thermometer stands at 100° to 130° - & the perspiration poured from us all - in streams - I picked out some pieces of ore - that are said to be worth $10.000 per ton - From this hurried & imperfect sketch, you can form some idea of the stupendous fortunes that lie in the "Comstock lode" as it is called - I remained in the mine an hour and a half - It was the best sweat bath I ever took - I went through [y] the great quartz mill,where the ore is crushed--and then through the assay & refining offices where it is put into bars of bullion--When I get home I shall be glad to tell the children all about it--The story is too long for a letter--At four o'clock I came here--& in the evening visited the mint in this place, dined with an old Washingtonian-- and took a good night's rest--from the activities of a very busy, but a deeply interesting day--I believe my nature was made for mountain life--The blues which infected my last letter have all dissipated in this wonderful air--& the wheels of my intellect sing as they roll--If you were with me--I would stay here a week But soon after breakfast I shall take a ride of 16 miles to lake Tahoe--whence I will write you again--With a heart full of love--& lightened with the hope of seeing you--before many weeks I am all and always your James. [2]Crete No. 22. GLENBROOK HOUSE, LAKE TAHOE H.M. VESEY, Proprietor. Lake Tahoe, June 1. 1875 My Darling- It is a curious fact, that since I left Chicago, I have not been left alone, at any point in my journey until tonight and since I cannot have you with me it is a luxury to be left alone--Even now, I have been alone, only since seven oclock this evening. At Carson City, I found that the Chief Clerk of the Mint was a Washington boy, who used to know me in 1868-9--His history will interest you, as it has me--His parents are Germans-- and they live close by us in Washington. His father is a Mr. Hoffer--a bell- hanger, and his shop is on N.Y. av. near 12th St--This boy ran away from school when he was not quite thirteen years old, and hired out as a telegraph messenger boy on 15th St. opposite the Treasury-- He worked away until he learned telegraphy--He was then for a while an operator at the Capitol-- Being a bright, active boy, he at the same time kept books for some one in the city, after his day's work was done as an operator--His activity attracted the attention of the Superintendent of the Carson Mint, who happened to be visiting Washington and he offered him a clerkship if he would come out here--[Irving?] [R????] was then (1869) sixteen years old--He came here and worked as a copyist at $1400 per year--At the same time, he got work outside the Mint, which gave him about $50 per month--He has gradually risen to the second place in the Mint-- $2,500 per year--and by his industry and shrewdness--has become a member of a firm of stockbrokers--and is now worth not less than $25,000. He is but 23 years old; has a nice wife, and a little baby, just one day older than our baby-- and is thoroughly respected by the people of Carson City--When I get home, I must see his father, & let both father and mother know how well their boy is doing. Ask Hal & Jim, what they think of this, & what they propose to do about it - So much by way of preface - The Superintendent of the Mint being away, young Hoffer, showed me through it, and was very intelligent about all its operations - He remembered me, and asked me to take breakfast with him - So this morning, about eight o'clock, he called at my hotel, and took me around to his house, a pleasant little Cottage - and I took breakfast with him and his wife. Then we visited the Mint, again & saw it in operation - I will tell the boys, when I get home, all about how gold & silver coins are made - Then he got a fine pair of horses and a carriage, [*25*]2nd Sheet GLENBROOK HOUSE, LAKE TAHOE and drove me to this place, [*H. M. VESEY, Proprietor.*] and stayed with me till nearly seven o'clock this Evening - when he left me and [*Lake Tahoe 187*] drove back to Carson City - That, as I have already said, leaves me here alone for the first time, since I arrived at Chicago on my way west. The trip today has been very full of interest to me. The distance from Carson to this place is 16 miles by the wagon road, which leads up a wild and rugged cañon, by a steep zig- zag road - a part of the old stage route to California - Stages still run here; and I saw, on top of one of them, the celebrated HankMonk, who drove Horace Greeley from Carson to Placerville about eleven years ago - Please go to my book shelf, and get Mark Twain's "Roughing It", & read the story to the boys - I think it is told in that volume. On my way here, I saw a most remarkable example of the enterprise, and resource of our American people - when placed in new and difficult situations - Remember, that the soul, and center of Nevada life is the mines - that they are of most extraordinary richness, and that they are located among the most desolate mountains, where no tree grows - & scarcely a touch of vegetable life exists. The great problem is how to extract the precious metals from the Earth, & as incident to that how to feed, clothe and warm the men who do that work - and also how to supply the enormous mass of timber & wood needed for the mines and mills. When I tell you that the single mine I was in yesterday uses 50,000,000 feet of timber per month and that each quartz mill consumes 25 cords of wood per day - you will see the importance of finding means of getting these articles to the mines - In the beginning, it was about ten miles to the nearest timber - and the mines had not been long worked until it was twenty or thirty - The Rail Road was built from Reno to Va Cityand for a time, aided to solve the wood & timber problem - But soon, the wood near the R.R. was exhausted - Still there were millions of acres of beautiful forest - but it stood on tops & in the wild cañons of the high Sierras - at points so distant, and so inaccessible as to make it cost perhaps $100 a cord to cut it & haul it to the mines - The measureless richness of the mines, became an over whelming motive for finding a solution of the problem Necessity, presses upon the human mind with tremendous force - They smite upon each other like flint upon steel - and the fire must be lighted - It was lighted in this case - And the solution of the problem was no novel, so [*251*]3rd Sheet GLENBROOK HOUSE. LAKE TAHOE H. M. VESEY, Proprietor. Lake Tahoe, so effective, so American, that I know you will be interested in it - Whose brain conceived it, I do not know - but it was done here on these heights, a few years ago - I wonder that no one has written about it - I imagine I see the hardy lumber man, standing near [one] some peak of these high Sierras - three or four thousand feet above the great mines - and twenty-five miles away from the possible reach of a rail road - Around him on all sides, is the boundless forest of pine, cedar & fir - Down the cañons below him, roar the torrents fed forever by mountain lakes - & perpetual snow - The thought flashed upon him, to harness these torrents - and make them drag [*252*]the forest to the plain below - The result was this - He nailed two [bards] planks together thus, [drawing] , making a triangular trough, about two feet on a side - This he set on trestle work, or in a ditch dug in the side of the mountain - and extended, down steep cañons, across deep gorges - to the rail road station and at the top, & at various points[,] lower down, turned in a part of the wateres of the mountain - This gave something something between a canal and a cataract, with the controllability of the one, & the speed of the other - This new thing he called his "Flume" - and into it he tumbled his wood - his timber and his lumber - which went swimming down its current with the speed of a fish - I have today, ridden fifteen miles along such a flume - & have seen the wood and the heavy timber, some of it 30 feet long and six inches square darting fast, at the rate of 15 miles and hour with a dash of foam at the bow of each heavy stick - gleaming above it like a banner of triumph - The flume along which I rode, is twenty-two miles long - & has as many miles more of branches that come in from the several cañons of the mountains - This flume costs about $3500 per mile - is Easily kept in repair - & by means of it, Carson City is supplied with much wood at seven dollars a cord - I fear this may notbe as interesting to anybody else as it is to me; but I assure you I have seen nothing in this wonderful country that has impressed me so much as this simple strange, rude but perfect contrivance by which a vast industrial problem has been solved- It is to me a new illustration of the immortality of the mind - The cañons & mountain sides echo the din of hundreds of saw mills & the choppers axe breaks the old silence of the forest - to feed these flumes with freight I must go to rest by the shore of this lovely lake of which I will tell you after I have crossed it tomorrow- But even here, by its deep blue water I am 7600 feet above the sea -From these heights I sen you a heart full of love and Goodnight. Ever Your Own James.Central Pacific R.R. near Summit Cal. June 3. 75 My Darling - After writing the preceding three sheets, I had a solid rest, woke early enough to see the sun rise on Lake Tahoe - and after a breakfast on Mountain trout I started at 7 1/2 am, and rode more than half the circuit of the lake on a little steamer - Arrived at Tahoe City, on the California side of the lake, about four oclock & took the stage for Summit, via Truckee, a distance of 25 miles - It was a splendid ride up and down - through snow & down cañons - of which I will tell you soon - I arrived at Summit, at 8 pm. and at 9, took a good dinner - and at 11-30 - took the train for the East - I write this in the cars to let you know that I am now on the way homeward - I shall mail this bulky letter on this train - and shall stop at [*253*]Salt Lake for a day or two, & shall expect to find a letter from you, awaiting me at Ogden--The day at Lake Tahoe, was a lovely one, of which I will say more in the next letter. The jiggle of the cars, will account for most of the bad chirography in this letter--The thought that every revolution of the wheels brings me nearer to you, makes the journey pleasant. I shall reach Ogden at 8. a.m. Friday-- and shall spend not less than one day--& not more than two at Salt Lake--& then on to Ft Leavenworth-- I am quite well now, and not withstanding my malady, have gained five pounds since I left Chicago with all my love, as ever your own, JamesCrete No. 23. TOWNSEND HOUSE, JAMES TOWNSEND, PROPRIETOR. Salt Lake City, Sunday June 6th 1875. My Darling. I believe the longest gap in my correspondence since I left you, in between this letter & the last - It has been simply impossible for me to get alone long enough to write sooner - I rode in the same train with my last letter until I reached Ogden; It was a hot dusty ride; but I found several acquaintances - In the morning after I took the train at Summit, I found Mr Tisdel, of Painesville, who brought to me from the Grand Hotel at San Francisco yours of the 24th May - which was a light to my heart, across the Great American Desert - I arrived at Ogden at 8 a.m. Friday, and was surprised to find a large company of gentlemen from Salt Lake, awaiting me with a special car, to take me to the Mormon City. The party, consisted of the Governor - the Allegale in Congress, the Mayor & City Council - and the son of Brigham Young whom I had met in San Francisco - Every moment since - I have been visited & excursioned & now, at [*254*]eleven oclock, Sunday night, I am left alone - I have started this letter because I cannot sleep happily till I have paid my devotion to you - I enclose two editorials from the papers of this morning, which will, in part give you an account of my stay here - But as I must be up at five tomorrow morning, to take the train for Ogden & thence East - I must sleep - for I am very tired I have a world of things to tell you & cannot even begin them now - My heart goes out to you with tenderest love and with a growing impatience to see you. I received, at Ogden, your two precious letters of the 27th & 28th May - the latter, enclosing one from Harry & one from Jimmie - Bless the dear boys - I hope they are trying to do well - Kiss them all for me - & now, out of this strangely beautiful valley - from among the strangest people I have ever seen - I send you a heart full of love, Ever & all your own - James -TOWNSEND HOUSE, JAMES TOWNSEND, PROPRIETOR. Salt Lake City, Monday 5.15 am June 7. 1875 My Darling, I am dressed, packed & ready for starting, & will spend the remaining moments in writing to you - Green River, Station. Monday. 7. P.M. June 7- Darling. When I had written thus far - I was called to go in and take a coffee; and when I came out, the carriage was waiting, and I left immediately for the Depot, where a special car, and a few leading citizens were waiting to take me to Ogden - There I took the train, and we have been been steaming eastward ever since - I have telegraphed to Swain, that I will go from Omaha Wednesday afternoon to Leavenworth - He has telegraphed me, that he would meet me in Omaha - I have given up the hope of attending the Commencement and Reunion at Hiram - for though I greatly desire to be there, I think I owe more to my health & the opportunities which this trip afford than to Hiram - Except for the very bitter antagonism between the gentiles & the Mormons - (for which - at least, at present, the gentiles are far more to blame than the Mormons) I have had [*255*]an unusually pleasant visit at Salt Lake. The fact is, I have seen and heard so much of that strange people, that it would take me more time and space than this hurried mode of writing on the cars will allow to give you a satisfactory account of it - I think I must reserve it, for the face-to-face method - of Communion - when I hope you will not forget to remind me of my desire to give you a detailed account of it all - I mention here, however that I visited a Mrs Hyde and her daughter. The mother was Oravinda Johnson, a sister of Aunt Canot Rider. The daughter resembles Mrs Rider very much - They know all about you - and seemed very glad to see me - They made many inquiries about Hiram people - and sent love - The daughter, Mrs. Miner, visited her relatives in Hiram, a few years ago - I saw also Bishop Snow - who was a Portage Co man - My excursions in company with so large a number of Mormon men & women gave me an opportunity to talk very freely with them - and to learn the state & tendencies of their minds on the questions that most nearly affect their future as a people - You will not think that the use of a pencil indicates any lack of respect; for it is my only means of writing, & I write while others are out eating - The train is moving, and I must close - with a loving good night - Ever, all, & only your James.TOWNSEND HOUSE, MON PAC LEADING HOTEL OF UTAH. JU SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH. JAMES TOWNSEND, Pro'pr. U.S. POSTAGE U.S. POSTAGE THREE 3 CENTS THREE 3 CENTS Mrs J. A. Garfield 1227 I St N.W. Washington D.C [*259*] I am travelling with a Mr & Mrs Sage of California - very pleasant people - who will be in Washington, before the close of June I want them to dine with us JA.G [*259A*]3rd Sheet Cheyenne, Wyoming Ter. Tuesday. 2 P.M. June 8./75 My Darling - The alkali plains are passed, and we have commenced the slow descent to the Mississippi - The day has been very beautiful - and the light, pure air, which makes makes many bleed at the nose - is very delightful to me. The vast[y] snowy peaks of the Rocky Mountains shift away to the north & south of us in unearthly beauty - I have lessened the distance that separates us - by the amount of 1400 miles since I left San Francisco - Every mile increases my anxiety to be with you - At Laramie Station, while at breakfast, this morning, I received a telegram from Gen. Mason, saying that he would meet me, at Medicine Bow, Wednesday - with a military escort to take me to Fort Fetterman - But I find it will be a journey of [*256*]nearly three days, & I telegrammed him, I could not go. If I had the time, I should be glad to make the journey through the Indian Country - The train is about to move again, and I will stop but leave this envelope open until I reach Omaha, and send it on from there - I shall look to Leavenworth, for the gift of letters from you - How I wish I could find you there, to go home with me, as you did three years ago! -Ever Your James Schuyler, Nebraska Wed. 12 m. June 9. 1875 My Darling - We are now within three hours of Omaha, and to ensure this letter's going on to you, without Question. I will mail it on the Postal Car here - among the beautiful green prairies - washed by the second shower I have seen since I left you - Ever your own James [*256*]Crete No. 24. Headquarters Department of the Missouri, OFFICE OF THE JUDGE ADVOCATE, Fort Leavenworth, Ks., June 11th, 1875. My Darling- Soon after I posted my last letter, began at Salt Lake, and finished a little way out of Omaha - I arrived at the latter place at 3 P.M, where Swaim met me - We spent the night at Omaha, and took dinner with Gen & Mrs Crook, and several of his officers. Yesterday morning, we took the train at six, and came down by the same road that you and I took in 1872. We arrived here a little after four yesterday evening - where I found yours of the 31st May awaiting me - It came to me like balm, after so long an absence from the points when I had been receiving letters from you. [*258*]I find the Swaims in good health. Maurine is a fine fat-girl, and weighs 65 pounds - Gen Pope and the Major, have planned a trip into New Mexico which they want me to take with them, but as they do not start till July, I shall not give them a formal answer until after I have seen you. It was very stupid in me, not to insist on you coming here to meet me - Pleasant as it is here, it makes me homesick to be here where you were, & yet not see you. I think I shall leave for St Louis tomorrow and spend part of a day with Nellie, and then leave for home on Sunday Evening. This will bring me to you sometime during the day Tuesday I was in hopes I should find some later letters from you; but my dispatch from Colfax, probably led you to expect I would be at home by this time - You will have seen from my late letters, that I spent more time than I expected to, at Virginia, Carson City, [&] Lake Tahoe and Salt Lake City - & so arrived here several days behind the time set down in my programme June 11, 1875 My Darling - Before I had finished this sheet my piles returned with a fury that have scarcely ever been equalled. I passed yesterday afternoon and till near midnight in exquisite agony - I could not sit to finish this sheet: near midnight, I fell asleep - and slept well -Today, they are not so bad, but I am still suffering greatly - Swaim goes with me to St. Louis - & Ibe compelled to stay there a day longer than I would but for my pain--I will send this poor scratch off-- though I hope to see you as soon as it reaches you--perhaps sooner. If anything could take away this pain, the prospect of seeing you so soon, would do it. But at the moment, I cannot write without torture-- As ever & all your own James. Blank No. 1 168 1255P THE WESTERN UNION TELEGRAPH COMPANY. The rules of this Company require that all messages received for transmission, shall be written on the message blanks of the Company, under and subject to the conditions printed thereon, which conditions have been agreed to by the sender of the following message. 44B WILLIAM ORTON, Pres't, } New York. GEO. H. MUMFORD, Sec'y, } Dated Columbus Depot June 14 1875. 12 55 PM Received at N. E. cor. 14th St. and Penn. Ave. To Mrs J A Garfield 1227 I St NW Washn DC I left St Louis last evening shall reach Washn via Balto & Ohio half past Seven tomorrow morning J A Garfield 17 D.H. Stamp JAG [*257*]My Darling Washington, D.C. June 15, 1875. AFTER FIFTY-NINE DAYS ABSENCE, I SIT DOWN TO THIS "TYPE-WRITER" ON A DISTRESSFUL SEAT, TO INDITE MY FIRST LINES TO THE EARTHLY SOURCE OF ALL MY JOYS. J.A.G [260] Hiram Wednesday morn, July 9th [*[1875]*] My Darling Jamie I received yours of the fourth yesterday, but no dispatch. I am going to Solon this morning and shall go to Garrettsville to see if there is any dispatch there and if there is I have my arrangements so made that if Mary can stay here I can go. I think $150,00 will be enough to leave. I dont know how much we are owing Dan but think that would answer. The dread of breaking it to Mother if I go makes me almost willing to stay In haste your own with my whole heart If you go write me very often an love me all the while. Joe goes to Ravenna today to get money from the Bank if possible. He has tried every one [*469*]he could hear of without success I told him to send the note to you at the Metropolitan I dont want to stop lest this be the last word before you go but must stop again. Yours forever Crete[*[JL 20 1875]*] House of Representatives, Washington, D.C., Tuesday 8.20 PM, 1875. My Darling - Perhaps you will remember that I had a letter from the President last evening & I think I put it in the upper north drawer of the eastern end of my desk - Please send it to me on messenger & oblige Ever your J.A.G. [*195*]Ocean Grove July 28 1875. My Darling: I failed to get a letter off to you last night. I was so busy and tangled in my occupations that it seemed as though I could not write, but when your two precious long letters came this morning I did feel condemned. I think though that alone as you are you have hours to write where I have minutes. I shall not be so busy though as soon as I can get this sewing off my hands. I am sorry for [*470*]Mary McGrath and think Mrs. Spencer may send for her but cannot tell surely until Mr. Spencer comes this evening. I dont quite feel like setting up tent-keeping. It is bad enough to live in a boarding house, but I am sure I should have a dreadfully turned-out-of-doors feeling in tents. I am not sure that the Sumner's had better come here. I certainly would not have come had I known what the place is. There are so many places where there is so much more comfort than there is here that it seems provoking to be spending so much money and getting so little for it. I would love to have Mrs. Sumner come here for my sake because I have determined since I am here to vary the summer through rather than go to the expense and trouble of breaking up and moving: but I shall change my mind very much if I ever come back here. The children continue to do very well, and I have no complaint to make of them and on the whole I am having not a bad timeand my complaint is that the place offers so little inducement to cultivated people to come here, and at the same time makes just as large a demand on ones purse as other places where there is something like a show of comfort. I suppose it would not be quite so bad if it would rain: but the dust and sand of a week ago has been exaggerated by all that the wind and sunshine could do since. I will write again this evening after Mr. Spencer comes. until then I am thinking of you all the while and longing to see you. Ever Yours Crete.Solon, Aug 18. 1875 My Darling - I found the Doctor greatly in need of my help; not so much because of the state of his affairs but because he was in a fit of despondency and also was nearly sick. He need sympathy and the impulse of another will to nerve him - He also needed to have somethings said to some of friends that he could not say himself - I drove to East Cleveland to see Dr Sheater for the Dr - but he & Mrs Sheater were away at Chautauqua Lake - I have telegraphed to come and see me on his return, that we may devise some means to keep our Quintinkle brother in good heart - I hope you and I will never get so wedded to any idol that we cannot bear up under its [*261*]Jimmie & I came here last evening and were greatly disappointed to find that Harry and Mother were in Newburgh-- In the evening Jimmie was taken very sick with the sick head-ache. He lay down after supper, and slept for half an hour--and then woke with a sudden fright and frantic with pain. I thought for some-time he would go into convulsions. He called for you most piteously, gripped his hands to his head & bowels, and, quivered in every limb with pain. In about half an hour he vomitted heavily, and soon fell asleep--This morning he was quite well again--He told me he dreamed that you & Harry were dead; & this, I suppose, accounted for a part of his frenzy--I have never seen him so sick--Mary thinks he is not in a good condition, that his blood is badly out of order--This is the day for the Sunday School picnic at North Solon, where I was to speak--Great preparations have been made for a large gathering; but it rained nearly all night, and till after nine this morning--and when they sent a carriage for me, I thought it would be imprudent for me to go, and so I am here to see that Jimmie does not get sick again--& shall wait till the afternoon train to Hiram. I had a long visit with Mary last then woke with a sudden fright and frantic with pain - I thought for some-time he would go into convulsions - He called for you most piteously, gripped his hands to his head & bowels - and, quivered in every limb with pain. In about half an hour he vomitted heavily, and soon fell asleep - This morning he was quite well again - He told me he dreamed that you & Harry were dead; & this, I suppose, accounted for a part of his frenzy - I have never seen him so sick - Mary thinks he is not in a good condition, that his blood is badly out of order - This is the day for the Sunday School picnic at North Solon, where I was to speak - Great preparations have been made for a large gathering; but it rained nearly all night, and till after nine this morning - and when they sent a carriage for me, I thought it would be imprudent for me to go, and so I am here to see that Jimmie does not get sick again - & shall wait till the afternoon train to Hiram - I had a long visit with Mary last evening, which gave me many thinks to tell you of when we meet - She speaks in high praise of Hal, and says he gained in health & flesh since he came here - You can imagine how much I am disappointed at not seeing him - He may be at the pic-nic, & I have sent for him to come from there - [*261A*]Mary made some very suggestive reflections on his character as related to the summer and fall of 1863, which please don't forget to remind me of when we meet. By the way, Mary says you wrote a beautiful letter to Mary Ford, from Hiram, in March acknowledging the compliment of the namesake; and she says they habitually call the child "Crete." Draw on me for $25--for any present you may wish to give to the child so previously named--I lay awake till midnight, reading a new book by O.S. Fowler, which has many messages for us--I will deliver some of them 'on the mountain, apart'-- I shall try to be with you by Saturday evening; though my coming may depend upon how my Pegasus ambles after I shall have mounted him-- Keep the little ones in mind of papa; and I know their mamma will constantly carry me about in her, where alone I rest in perfect peace--and am all your own James-- Blank No. 1. THE WESTERN UNION TELEGRAPH COMPANY. The rules of this Company require that all messages received for transmission shall be written as the message blanks of the Company, under and subject to the conditions printed thereon, which conditions have been agreed to by the sender of the following message. WILLIAM ORTON, Pres't., } NEW YORK GEO. H. MUMFORD, Sec'y} DATED Painesville O Sept 13 1875. Received at First National Bank Building, Pittsburgh, at..........M To Mrs. J A Garfield Union Depot Hotel Come to Burton Depot by narrow gauge Road tomorrow my voice failed today at Chardon J A Garfield 15 DH Stamp [*262*]Washington Oct. 5th, 1875 My Darling: We reached here this morning at 9.10, and found all well and expecting us. Harriet and Mary White were here, and had a good breakfast ready. They have been very diligent in putting the house and yard in order. The fine arrangements are all put in order except a little to be done in Mother's room. Daniel has finally succeeded in getting some rose [*471*] vines planted beside the lattice. He has washed all the windows and to day is polishing the stoves. Mary has washed part of the wood work, and I can now have the house in order very soon. We came through very comfortably. Charley Henry came as far as Pittsburgh and was very kindly helpful. He told me the story of his brother Ed's strange course and of his own anxieties and troubles about him. It is pitiful and I am very sorry for him. The odor of the steak comes up to announce dinner and I will close this up so that it may surely start away for you this evening. The boys seem to have been doing very well. Their report stands for each Deportment 9. Recitations 9 1/2. I find they are really taking hold of Latin in good earnest and they seem inclined to be orderly. I have only seen them a few minutes however. It is lonely without you, and it seems so strange to be here without you. I did not realize before how much your sick hours here in the summer had consecrated and endeared these rooms to me The very perfume of your presence lingers about, and I feel that those precious hours when you were not too suffering to read and talk were thesweetest of my life. I almost want you just a little sick again. No, but I do want you to have for the future some hours for rest. When we can have all the delights of such sweet intercourse without the hindering pain. Darling I want you to come just as soon as you can, and yet I want you to make the visit to Gov. Cox and do whatever is necessary for next summer. Daniel calls now, and so good bye. All send best love to the best of papas Ever your own Crete. Love to all.Washington Oct. 6th 1875 My Darling: I forgot in the hurry of last evening to send the inclosed letter which has been lying here a week. I find potatoes here range in price from 90 cts to 1,50. Now will it cost more to ship them than the difference in price? The barrel of turnips Lather engaged for me I hope you will attend to. We can get nothing like them here. Jennie heard from her Mother to day that she could probably live only a few days, and I allowed her to go this P.M, out to see her. [*472*]I am afraid we may lose her entirely, although she thinks her sister may be willing to stay with the family this winter and let her stay here. Her mother wants Jennie to have the charge of the family and she says that she has been so good a step mother to her mother's children that she feels she ought to take care of her children is she does not live. I must go now with Hal to get a pair of shoes; but will write again in a day or two. Love to all. I hope to hear from you tomorrow. Ever yours Crete.Hiram O. Oct. 8th 1875 My Darling I came here from Ravenna yesterday Evening, having pass safely through the week's work thus far - I spoke twice in Ravenna, with Dawes, afternoon and Evening, and my Ravenna friends, insist that I made the best speeches there I have ever made - I am very tired, but think I shall come through without injury - I waited till the mail came in today, before writing, in hopes I should hear from you - But no letter came, & so I write to let you [*264*]know how I am. I am so anxious to know how you are and how you found the boys on your arrival. My Darling, I have felt very anxious about your health since the Evening you were so tired. I do not mean to be so thoughtless as to have you walk as you did in Cleveland the last day we were there; and you will remember not to allow yourself to become so overworked again- I begin to realize for myself what overwork is & I can not bear to have you suffer from it. I had a very pleasant time, with Sheldon & his wife at La Grange. They have a fine farm of about 450 acres and are going to build a fine house on it next year- I go to Cleveland tomorrow and speak there tomorrow Evening. On Sunday I shall be here a the dedication of the Church; and on Monday afternoon, shall make my final campaign speech at Newton Halls. I do not yet know when I shallleave for Washington - But think it will not be before the beginning of the week after Election. I will be a great job to clear up my books and papers here - & I have several days work to do in Cleveland - But I am now, & shall continue to be homesick until I see you again. I have not heard from mother - but will stop in Solon tomorrow, over one train. Do write to me very often - down as late as Friday next - Love to all & all my heart to you - As Ever JamesSpecial Dispatch to the LEADER. RAVENNA, O., October 6. THE MASS MEETING held here to-day to hear Dawes and General Garfield was very successful. Large processions attended from Kent, including the Black Hills' cavalry from Garrettsville, Charlestown and Streetsboro, the three last taking the prizes for largest delegations. The meeting was organized in the Court House Park, but the people were driven to the Opera House by the rain. Dawes made a fine impression, and Garfield's speech was the best campaign speech he ever made here. Both gentlemen are speaking to a rousing meeting at the Opera House tonight. General Garfield closes the campaign at New Leon Falls Monday afternoon. [*265*]Hiram. O. Oct 10, 1875 My Darling It is after ten o'clock Sunday evening, and all is silent in the large, live house - Jo & Libbie are asleep up stairs, your father and mother below, Saturday I emptied the book cases, and they stood beside in a kind of lovely way, as if they sympathized with me. On my way to Cleveland yesterday morning, I received your short note of Oct 5th in which you said nothing of your arrival, or health, and I was still anxious about you - This morning, on my return, I found your precious letter of the 5th, and was greatly cheered and blessed by it - You do not say that you are well and [*266*]rested, but I hope you are - I spoke in Cleveland last evening to an immense audience, following Senator Sherman, and I think I did no discredit to myself nor to my dear wife - A slow drizzling rain was falling all the time, but the audience stayed and cheered as though they enjoyed it - I came home by the early train, & have to-day attended the dedication services of our new church - Everything passed of well, and I helped Burke raise $600 to pay the balance due on the work - It was all raised, [and?] few dollars to spare - I subscribed $45 in addition to $30, I had subscribed a few weeks ago - The Church is now the most elegant one I know in any country town like Hiram - I stopped at Capt Henry's yesterday, on my way to Cleveland, & I have engaged him to get me a supply of potatoes - I will attend to the turnips as you suggest. I called a few moments at sister Mary's before taking the train yesterday afternoon, and found mother who had just returned from Zanesville - She is well and anxious to go to W - I speak tomorrow afternoon, and then I am done - I am very tired, but my voice has held out well - Wallace & Mary Ford have beenbefore [ten?] of the evening. And are spending the night Alva Udall's - I shall go to Cleveland immediately after the election, and shall have a conference with Mr Estep - I also think I will go to Toledo - But I shall hurry away to you as soon as I can get my necessary work done - I am glad to hear so good an account of the work the boys are doing - Give them my love - I thank Mollie for her nice little letter. She is a good thoughtful girl to remember her absent papa - It was most sweet and precious in you, to speak to tenderly of our life together last Summer- I hope we may have many happy renewals of that kind of intellectual and heart life together - With all my heart & soul I am all your own James -Washington Oct. 10th 1875 My Precious Darling I feel almost hurt that not one word have I received from you yet. I sent you letters both on Tuesday & Wednesday after my arrival, and since then have been so busy, and disappointed at not hearing from you, that I have postponed day by day to write again. You know it was only a sense of duty that brought me away from you, and I am paying dearly enough for it too, for I [*some of you remember us soon at least with a postal card if nothing more. All send love. Ever yours Crete. Jimmie has gone to four o'clock church or else he would add his write too*] [*474*]believe the boys think I had no other purpose in coming except to humor all their whims as a reward for their abstinence when they had no one to tease. I am not writing to complain of them though, for on the whole they are I think a little - just a trifle improved, at least I think there might be a balance so finely adjusted that the scale would turn in their favor, but they are not the most perfect patterns of obedience yet, unless I am so fortunate as to ask them to do just what they were on the point of doing. and it takes more than my ordinary foresight to know always just what that may be. However I am writing especially to day to ask of you a favor for them. Tomorrow is Hal's birth-day and next sunday is Jim's, and Lizzie Ladd says if you are willing she will go with them to Fortress Monroe on Friday evening next to return on Sunday or Sunday night. I was in doubt whether you would approve of it and did not like to consent without your approval. I have nearly run out of funds too. When Jennie went homeI paid her twenty dollars, and it cost me more to get here than you estimated - perhaps because I paid for Mollie half fare. Then there has been wood to buy - and expressage on butter and freightage on box so that in one way and another all is gone except about six dollars. I got a black-board and some book bags for the boys which I might have waited for until you came, but I can run through the week on credit unless you think best to let the boys go to Fortress Monroe. Now, darling, I hope you will write to me. I have had a half fear that you were sick still I am sure you would let me know if you were, and I console myself that you are only punishing me for coming away. If Phebe gets the box of salve down to Father's before you start dont fail to bring it. Irvin's foot does not not heal very rapidly, although it does not seem to hurt him very much. One thing I forgot to talk to our people about. Joe is talking of building a privy in the wood-house. I have been thinking that it might be a cheaper and better arrangement to put one of those "earth closets"; into a little room in the wood-house in the place of digging a vault Suppose you suggest it to them. I want to know how Mother is. But you are all so silent. I hope you willMahoning Train. Oct 12. 1875 Dearest Crete - Yours of the 10th, came in the midst of the election. I have telegraphed you, and now write a word, while on my way to Cleveland to hear the result. I am sorry my letter did not get to you sooner It ought to have reached you by Sunday. Tell the boys I have allowed them to go to Fort Monroe only on condition that they obey you more fully and faithfully - If they do not, my permission is withdrawn - Draw for what money you want on the Supt-at-Arms. Most anxious to ask you & to hear how your health is. I am as Ever Now your James [*267*]US POSTAL CARD. U.S. POSTAGE ONE CENT WRITE THE ADDRESS ON THIS SIDE--THE MESSAGE ON THE OTHER Mrs J.A. Garfield 1227 I St N.W. Washington D.C.Washington Oct: 12th '75 My Darling: I have just received yours of Sunday last, and yesterday your first came. I am so glad to hear from you again and I hope you will continue to send me something each day to shorten up your absence and help me to be strong and patient with the boys. I did not write you about my health because I was feeling so miserably; but I am better now, so you need have no anxiety about me. Hal is learning Latin just as he did music. He declines and conjugates with so little trouble that I [*476*]am afraid he will go on with very little thoroughness. Jim has to work to learn it, and will have it thoroughly. He prints the conjugation of each word and learns each form arbitrarily. Hal catches at similarities, and goes by his sense and when he makes a mistake insists that he knows how any way. I know how it will be when they begin to read. Hal will guess at the translation and half of the time not be able to give a single reason for it. Jim will labor over it and never be satisfied unless he can give the rule for each translation. The two together would be equivalent to James A Jun. with the little added that I have put into their composition. I hope you will get my letter of last Sunday so as to send me some money before the end of the week. I have not seen Mr. Rose yet and the boys say that he has not been here since you left. I am puzzled to know what it means. I see Mollie has written that Irvin's foot is nearly well. but it is only a little better and it seems to me it heals very slowly. Dont forget to bring Phebe's salve. The carpets are to be put down tomorrow, and I shall be ready for you to come just as soon as you can finish up your work. Yours Lovingly forever Crete.Love to all the family at home.Cleveland, O. Oct 14, 1875 My Darling - Just as I was going in to breakfast. Your precious letter of the 12th was brought to me by the carrier. It was so gratifying to find a message which had left your hand only 36 hours before it touched mine, and to know that you were thinking of me so tenderly & constantly - My Precious one, I cannot allow you to keep any illness or discomfort concealed from me - I can never be at rest about you - unless you faithfully and fully inform me of your health - Do promise me that hereafter you will never keep me ignorant of the exact condition of your precious body - I am writing this in Jas Mason's office, while he has gone to make some confidential inquiries in reference to Estep's habits - I really believe, if you were here with me, and had a week's leisure, we should conclude to build a house, on the Cittie lot, and put the work under contract [*268*]this fall - I think we can build a house as good as ours in Washington, for $7000. and for $8000 - can build one that will please us a great deal better - The Screw Co. have carried their case - They were greatly pleased with my argument - and have paid me $1000 - This is a good omen for my work here - Darling, I love to earn money - not for its own sake but for you - and the children. The sketch you gave me of Hal & Jim, is very able & just. We must try to add thoroughness to the one, & confidence to the other - I suspect that Mollies combines the good intellectual qualities of both - Phebe brought the salve - & I will bring it to you - Give my love to the dear little burhil dog - & to them all - It is very good in our little daughter to remember her papa, by such good letters - Thank Hal also for his letter - I do not hear from Jimmie lately - Tell him Bonus puer frequenter patri epistolam scribat - With all my heart - I am as Ever Your sweet own James.Toledo. Oct. 15. 1875 My Darling - I arrived here last evening - at eight, and visited with Cox until after midnight - He introduced me into a world of new and beautiful things brought out by his microscope - with which he is spending his leisure - I never visit him, without feeling a new impulse in the way of culture - and the pleasure is heightened by the fact that the impulse is not from one side alone - His nature and mine are in singular contrast with each other - and yet with so many points in communion, as to make & keep us friends -Mrs Cox is in Oberlin, [*269*]lin, and will probably not return while I am here. Nellie is looking better than when we saw her. Dolson, the tallest of the family, has completed his seven years apprentice as an iron manufacturer, and is new at home waiting to commence his career as a business man. I greatly admire the pluck and good sense that have held him to his work until he has made a success of it. I should be glad if one of our boys shall take such a course of life. Kenyon is studying and practising art, and is applying to it all that dreamy student habit of his--Charley is now six feet two inches in height, and is in the chrysalis state in regard to a career-- The baby is with Mrs Cox-- The family are living in a pretty house, and seem to be comfortably situated--& the sight of them, has increased my desire to have a home where we can build up our own society as we desire. I have not yet told Cox my purposes in reference to quitting Congress, But shall do so when he returns from the office. He has left me here for a few minutes, and I take the time to gossip with you, and to tell you how sweetly & tenderly all my thoughts turn to you--I see no house but that I think how it would please you--See no household, but I think how much sweeter is the light that illuminates and blesses mine-- Before I left Cleveland yesterday, I had a long talk with James Mason, & he consulted Judge Andrews, and several of his friends on the points referred to in my last letter--The result was that Estep & I have agreed verbally to form a partnership to begin next spring, but not to be finally adjusted, and its details settled, until next April--It is virtually settled--but not irrevocably. I am quite anxious on the house question--and shall want your best thoughts when we meet--I think it will not be later than Thursday when you will see me--perhaps--a day day earlier-- Ever & all your own James. Washington - Oct 15th 1875 My Darling, I feel really condemned that I have so neglected you this week and especially since you have sent me so many remembrances. When I received your dispatch on Tuesday I fully intended to answer on wednesday, so as to leave you in no doubt about my having received it, but wednesday morning Mollie went directly after breakfast to take her first music lesson and [*475*] [*and to Mother too. You say nothing about Mother's health so I imagine she is pretty well. Give love to all. Tell Mother I brought away her knitting needles, and never thought of it until a day or two ago. You had better get some more for her, if she needs them, instead of my sending hers, Come as soon as you can. for I want you with all the life of my love and all the love of my life. Yours Crete.us soon as it was over went with me to do a number of errands. The excitement of the lesson and the fatigue of walking so far gave her a severe sick-headache so that I had her to take care of all the afternoon together with the confusion of six men putting down carpets, and before I thought the time for mail had passed, to my dismay, yesterday I supposed it would be impossible for me to forget it again, but with so many things to think of [and so]. I did sure enough forget it again until far into the evening. This morning your long good letter from Cleveland came both to reprove and to bless, and I am improving the first moment after starting the boys on their trip to make whatever amends for my neglect that a letter at this late date can make. I took your dispatch to the Capitol on Wednesday and would have drawn but part of it, but Mr. Fuller said I had better take all the dispatch called for, I did so, and put it in the safe. I do indeed wish I could be with you in Cleveland. The offer Dr. Robison makes you is surely worth considering. I feel it would be such a luxury to have such a lot. I am tired trying to live in the street as we do here and do by the children as I would like to. They must either be shut up in the house or run on the pavement where they meet every sort of creature, and what--I begin to think is even worse--become so accustomed to carry on all their plays in the eyes of so many people that they lose all fear of having their conduct criticised and get rather to feel that it is smart to be rude and impolite, and attract all the attention possible. Then too a garden might give the boys some employment. You see I incline to room and to have an acre and half in the city seems like a wide place. I am so anxious to see you. It seems like a long time since I came away. Tell Libbie I will write to her soon Washington Oct 16th 1875 My Darling, Yours of the 14th is just received, and an idea which strikes me as rather bright has occurred to me. I wrote you yesterday expressing my delight at the prospect of such a lot as Cetie's ; but I did not quite feel like recommending a house to be built this winter and ready for occupancy when we return next summer. Now it occurs to me that we might take the lot if you think you can [*473*] [*not disappoint me. Ever yours lovingly Crete. Love to Dr & Mrs. Robison and all the family. Mollie was delighted with her letter, and is now sitting opposite me by your table writing out her Latin exercises. Irvin and Abram are playing Railroad over by your lounge and all join me in love to Papa.*]afford it, and this winter look over plans as elaborately as we please--decide on what we want--and have the building commence as early as practicable next spring. Then we could rent a house--as cheap [a] one as you please--put our furniture in without carpets and live there while our own is building and so be able to superintend it and be able to have a house of our own before another winter. Now how does this please you? I send this to Cleveland as you wrote you would be there on Monday, so that if this plan would help you any in your decisions you can have the benefit of it. Darling you do not know how much I am indebted to you for all that is dearest and best in my life. It seems to me that every bright hour every moment of exaltation is due to some influence sweet and precious of yours over my life. It has been raining and blowing dismally all the morning and I am afraid our boys excursion will not give them much pleasureespecially if they get right seasick down on the bay. What you write of Mollie I think is true. Mrs Summer says she never saw a little girl so quick to understand her music lesson as she is. And I find that she will work over a hard place until she learns it, She can learn her Latin lesson too but she does not like it as well and I shall have some hard tugging over it with her, but I can get her to learn if I can only be both firm and patient. I shall look for you on Wednesday morning. And hope you willAddressed to PLEASE RETURN THIS WITH YOUR REPLY. Case No. C. E. HENRY, SPECIAL AGENT P. O. DEP'T. From Office Special Agent, POST OFFICE DEPARTMENT. Cleveland, O. 187[*5?*] Mailed No. R. L. No. R. P. E. Darling, I find Charlie here and he will meet you on Saturday morning or else go out to you in the morning. I forgot to tell you the bank books are in the top of the trunk, also some where in the trunk you will find a pair of black silk gloves. Dont forget to put them in your satchel when you come to Hiram. I wonder I did not forget my bonnet and shoes. In an awful hurry Yours forever Crete [*462*][*1875?*] My Darling - I have just met E. L. Craw & wife. She was Julia Soule - They go to N.Y. this Evening at 9 - I asked them to call and see us - at six - & said that if I could get away in time, I would to to have them come sooner - I now [*197*]now to suggest, if it is at all convenient, that you send down to Willards and invite them to drive with as at 5 -- If you conclude to do so-you can send by the page who carried this. Ever Yours J. A. Garfield Please answer.Committee on Appropriations, House of Representatives, Washington, D. C., [*1875.*] My Darling I have written to Prof Newcomb to come & dine with us and will try to have Selencia Garfield also I have not found a third man yet, but will if I can - Ever Your own James [*196*][*1875*] Darling: I think I might go [&] if you really want to do so I will be ready, but how shall I know? Will you be at home before starting? I will get ready however to go, so that we can if you think best. I am not at all anxious to go unless you [*463*]want to, knowing of whom the party is made up. Yours as ever Crete.Friday, WELCKER'S, 727 FIFTEENTH STREET, [*1875 ?*] 5.45. PM Dear Crete - I am driving out & must go by Caucus soon after I eat - I cannot tell what time I shall get home - but am always your own J.A.Garfield [*198*][*To JAG*] [*[1875]*] So we must wait. Mr. Cowles telegraphs to Mr Chase that he cannot come this week which quite upsets their plans. I have said to them to stay here, and I will make it as comfortable as I can, I do not know what to do about Mary. If we can have the house I want her to bring the things if not I want her here now to help us get along. I hope you will not fail to be here by Thursday night for if we do not keep the house you must come to get a week at least at the Centennial, and if you think best to try some other arrangement why then you can while here. I am very [*550 1/2*]very tired and will not write any more to night. Hal too has just come down to my room threatened with another sick night. I hope you will come just as soon as possible. Darling dont fail me I want you so much. Ever and all yours Crete. I am so selfish to night that I like to have forgotten to tell you how anxious I am to hear about your day tomorrow. And of the primary meetings on Saturday night last. I hope you will write me all about them or better still come soon to tell me. Crete.BREVOORT HOUSE, Fifth Avenue. Brevoort House - N.Y. March 4. 1876 My Darling. I arrived half an hour ago, and write hurriedly so as to get a word to you tomorrow morning - On my way over, I found Prof Henry of the Smithsonian on the train, who told me of some very interesting experiments he is making on sound as related to deafness, and [he ask] I told him the peculiarity of Mr Cowles [*276*]2 deafness, in which he was much interested - and he wanted me to ask Cowles to write out a statement of the facts for him - and whenever he is again in Washington, the Prof wants him to visit him at the Smithsonian + help make some Experiments on the case - Please ask Mr Cowles to take the time before he leaves Washington to write out the facts [*276A*]3 pretty fully - stating what class of sounds he can hear, & what he cannot - Ask him to leave the statement with you, and when I return, [Prof] I will give it to Prof Henry, who by that time will have returned to Washington. Poor Wheeler was on the train, with the body of his wife - It is so short a time since I left you [*276B*]4 that I can hardly realize that I am 240 miles away - I shall hope to find a letter from you in Keene, not later than Tuesday morning - Ever + all your own James. [*276C*]1876 Washington Mar. 5th My Precious Darling I catch a moment away from Jimmie while he is sleeping in one of his sick-headaches to hurry a note away to you in this evening's mail. A little past midnight last night I was started out of bed with a cough among the children which I knew instantly to be croup, I ran up stairs and found [*health, and remember that we are loving you and hoping for your return every hour. Forever Your Own Crete.*] [*478*]it was little Abe. In as little time as I can write it I had a dose of medicine down his throat and and cloth saturated in hen's oil on his chest. Ive gave him medicine every fifteen minutes for an hour. He was easier then and I went to bed and left him with faithful Mary who gave him his medicine through the rest of the night. He has been running about all day and seems very comfortable but I shall take him in bed with me tonight and keep close watch of every symptom. If you get no dispatch from me before you receive this you may know he is better. Our friends were here for dinner to day as we had planned. Mrs Ward impresses me very pleasantly. Think I shall like her very much. I received your note from N.Y. this morning and your request before Mr. Cowles. He says he will write out the statement for Prof. Henry & that you ask for. I have been so busy since you went away yesterday morning that it seems as though you had been gonethree [f]or four days. The children have done very well. Hal waited on the table to day and was very handsomely complimented by Mr. Cowles. My delightful cousin was on hand as usual, but managed not to make herself very disagreeable. I did feel cross though when she came in. Darling do write to me every day and make your stay just as short as possible. I don't think I asked you how your head was when you left and I thought about very anxiously after you had gone but it was aching as badly as it was the night before. Take care of yourHanover. N.H. March 7.1876. [*[MR 7,1876]*] My Darling. I spent Sunday in New York with Wm M. Evarts, who came for me soon after I had taken breakfast, and drove me for two hours in Central Park. Of course, it is not a favorable season to see the park; but the weather was fine, and it was a pleasure to listen to the brilliant talk of the great lawyer - We got out of the carriage to see Quincy Ward's Statute of Shakspeare, which is really, very fine; and a sitting statute of Walter Scott, copied from the one which you and I saw in Edinburgh - [*277*]From the Park we drove back [*[burgh - FROM]*] to Mr Evarts house in the city, where we took a sort of lunch dinner; & talked incessantly until half past five oclock. He gave me a minute account of this two journeys to Europe during the war, which he undertook for Mr Seward to prevent complication & perhaps war with England & France; and then he gave me the interior history of the part he took in the great argument before the International Tribunal at Geneva. His wife & two of their daughters were at the table; but we did not remain long with them, nor did we join them after dinner - It was really a great treat to listen to Mr Evarts, and to measure my mind by his - I suspect that no amount of brilliancy in a man can make his egotism altogether agreeable; for pleasant as it was to listen to Evarts, I could not forget that he was making himself & his own achievements the centre of nearly seven hours of talk. Is that my way when I talk to people? Don't fail to tell me so if it is. At six p.m. we went to the Brevoort House, when Evarts had arrange to give me a dinner, in company withsome other gentlemen; but I was able to sit with them but half an hour; and, at seven I took the train for Springfield, Mass. where I arrived half an hour past midnight, and stopped at the Massasoil House, where I slept [the] a night, twenty-one years ago - (I ought to have mentioned that I went to Booth's Theatre, and saw Shakespeares Julius Caesar superbly mounted, and wonderfully well performed, especially Davenport's part as Brutus) - In the morning, I found Fry, who had preceded me to Springfield, and2nd Sheet we spent the fore noon reading and visiting. I found my classmate Bowles - and two other Williams men - At half past two - Fry & I went to the Depot, and while we were waiting for our train to back down into the Depot - we had the mortification to see it move off and leave us sachels in hand, and no means of transportation - I found the Superintendent - a genial old man, who fired up and engine and taking us about and managing it himself, ran us nine miles in ten minutes, and enabled us to overtake the last train at Holyoke - [*277A*]Being wearied by want of sleep--& much reading--I fell asleep--and on awaking found we had passed South Vernon Junction, and looking across the snow, I saw the train for Keene steaming away to the North East, while I was being dragged up the Connecticut Valley on the Vermont side. On reaching Brattleboro, I left the train, and hired a livery man to drive me across the mountains to Keene, twenty miles away--We left at six p.m. in a sleigh, and passed over a beautiful road, after crossing the Connecticut on the ice; and, among the deep woods of birch and maple & pines, and under the bright moon we swept with exhilarating speed; and in just two hours, I was in Keene and beginning a speech to two thousand people. Tell mother, that Mr Barden & his boy were there, and sent love to her & Harry--This morning, Aunt Ruth Harkness called on me, and sent her love to mother. At Eleven thirty I took the train, and came to White River Junction & thence to this place, the seat of Dartmouth College-- now in its 107th year-- I am to speak here tonight, tomorrow night at C[h]arlesmont, Thursday p.m. at Milford. Thursday evening at Nashua, Friday eve at Farmington, and Saturday evening at Exeter--whence I hope to go to you as fast as steam can carry me. I am beset with calls from professors and students--& have written this amidst constant interruptions. I was greatly in hopes to hear from you at Keene--but shall still hope to hear soon--Love to all--& ever & always your own James. Washington Mar 7th 1876 My Precious Darling: I have just received your dispatch from Keene and infer from its nature that you have not received the letters I sent you on Sunday. I thought I should surely get another letter from you before this: but if you are half as busy as I am I have no heart to blame you. Abram has gotten over his symptoms of croup but is nearly sick and the crossest little scamp you ever saw. Mollie and Neddie too are half sick with colds and Jimmie has a [*479*] [*of a speech you are able to make with the air so black with revelations and rumors of revelations blacker still. I think you must feel as though you were suffocating mentally as we all feel here to day with this hot stifling wind blowing our very breath away. With all love Your Crete.*]bad face - swollen and I am afraid gathering. Mrs. Lacy is on hand too with her pitiful importunities. Their flour barrel is empty her husband's boats are so nearly off his fret that he cannot come to the city even to ask for work. To gratify her I did go to Mr. Smith and ask him if there was a vacant messengership in his office. I thought you would not object to that. Of course there was no such vacancy, and this morning I gave her a note of introduction to Mr. Stowell. What a pitiful thing the struggle of life is to the average human creature. Surely I ought to thank our kind Father every hour that I am so blessed in the place given to me through your love and protection. I am told by several persons that the rumor on the street and in some of the papers is that the war Secretaryship is to be tendered to you. Mr. Smith asked me about it when I saw him last night and said he hoped you would not accept it if it were offered, chiefly I think because he feels you are more needed in Congress, but partly because he feels that you could do yourself little justice to help finish out and administration which has become so odious.This perhaps would be a selfish reason for there was surely even more said that honest men in some way become the leaders. I doubt however whether the President would want you for unless he has grown much less self reliant than formerly he does not want any one near him so capable to advise, and whose advice he would be so compelled to heed. I send you the letters now on hand but I doubt whether you will receive any thing better than this. My letters are always so slow to reach you. I hope you can send a few lines each day. It helps so much to rest me from the variances of living without you. All join in love to you our dearest one. Tell me what kindClaremont. N.H. March 8. 1876 [*[MR 8, 1876]*] My Darling. I arrived here at 2 p.m. and found your dear letter, which had been forwarded from Keene - What a blessing has our dear little Abe that he has such a vigilant and intelligent mother to lead him through the perils of the croup - and the very sound or thought of which I shudder! Bless you darling, & thank you for your care - Not having read any telegram, I assume that the dear little fellow is well; Tell him to say "Lazy Sheep" for papa, to you when you read him this sentence-- At Hanover, I staid with Ex-Senator Patterson, whose sad experience you will remember in connection with the Credit Mobilier - He had, at dinner, several of the College Professors, who received me very kindly, and staid until it was time for the meeting - At 7 1/2 p.m. I went to [*78*]the old church which was filled with the faculty, students and citizens - a fine, intellectual audience; and I spoke an hour and a half - taking a line of historical and philosophic argument, which I felt assured carried my hearers with me - There was a world of fresh and glowing enthusiasm - & I felt the echoes of my thoughts coming back to me at every turn of the discussion - I have not often been received as enthusiastically - The venerable President Dr Smith complimented me in a very hearty & earnest way. Before the meeting several students called on me, among a junior who said I held him on my knee in Illinois in 1864. He was the son of Charles Willis--a brother of Mrs Slosson & Mr Madarena--& was Sullivan, in Illinois, when Dr Robison & I went hunting there in 1864 - How soon will our brave Hal & Jim be in College? This morning, Pres. Smith called on me, and took me with him to Chapel, at eight a.m. It was an old time chapel very like the one I sat in at Williams - And in it, (the Dartmouth Chapel) sat as boys, Danl Webster, Rufus Choate, S.P. Chase, George Ticknor, and many more who have made their names, and that of their College illustrious - Tell this to our boys, and let them know how much, I want them to work and be strong and brave - They may be able to do far more than their Papa has done, for the have began earlier and have better opportunities - My meeting at Dartmouth was underthe auspices of the college boys-- and the gave me a handsome serenade, at eleven o'clock-- This morning they drove me to the station, and one of them rode with me about twenty miles, as an escort--I was touched by the enthusiastic attention they gave me, & yet was saddened to feel how far I have drifted away from their young enthusiasm-- I don't think the fall of Belknap is going to affect seriously the fortune of the election--The behavior of Democrats in the House yesterday, is losing the advantage they gained last week--The people here are pressing me to stay over till the election; but if I find I can reach Boston Saturday night from Exeter, I shall go there--& thence, by first train to you-- Give my love to our mothers--& to the dear little ones--And you, you know you are regina animae meae, forever & forever--All your own James-- [*2*]1876 Washington Mar. 9th My Darling: Your letter from Hanover has only just reached me, and if mine of Sunday sent to Keene was so long in getting there it seems of not much use to send again; [to] still I will venture, and also send of nearly all your letters now on hand so that if they do not reach you at Exeter they will not at least be here to demand your first attention [*480*] [*Until then with all my love I will think of you and wait. The children are all better and I hope our home will be out of hospital when you come ever Yours, Crete.*]on your arrival home, I sent of a batch on Tuesday directed to Nashua, and yesterday two lone records. Your letter was just soon enough to save me a fit of flames. I felt your silence had reached the extremest limit that my loneliness could bear--not from any unhappiness but from sheer loneliness, and the heart-craving desire for you, or at the very least, for something from you. We can scarcely realize the possibility of your sleigh ride from Brattleboro to Keene, for it was warm here--almost oppressively at that very time We have had no fire in your library for three days and I am sitting here now quite warm enough. The report comes from the House every day that they are in a state of great excitement. It seems as though Mr. Belknap's fall is considered chiefly as affording a valuable occasion for mean and petty assaults on persons as well as parties. Is it not possible that in this vast Republic enough really noble and good men can be foundto at least take the lead in the management of affairs? Never so much as now have I appreciated your preeminence and never have I been more anxious that you maintain it. With a President and cabinet made up of such men I believe our Government could be lifted up to a grandeur the world has never yet seen. But can such a combination ever be effected? Who can tell? Then I may look for you home on Monday morning may I? I do not mean if you or anyone else can answer my question but anyway will you be home on Monday,Tremont House, GILMAN SCRIPTURE, PROPRIETOR. Nashua, N. H. March 10, 1876. My Darling - I rode about 70 miles by rail yesterday, and 20 by carriage. Spoke twice - once at Milford and last night here - where I made something like a furore with my audience - Will tell you about it when I get home - I have kept well, except the dreadful taste in my mouth with which I awake every morning - That seems to get worse and worse - I go to Farmington this morning at 9. a m, and so have only a moment to tell you that I found our letters here yesterday morning, before I went to Milford - and in default of them to write you, I sent a [*279*]telegram after I reached, Milford - the news that little Abe is well again gladdens me, and lifts a load from my heart - The Committee are exceedingly anxious that I should stay over & speak Monday - & they have announced me for that evening at Manchester; but I shall not stay - but shall get to Boston on Sunday & shall hope to eat dinner with you on Monday - With all my heart and soul I am all your own James -Farmington. N.H. March 10/1876 My Darling - After writing you the little note at Nashua this morning, I took breakfast, and then came by the cars about sixty miles to this place which is about three miles from the line of Maine, and not far from Lake Winnipissioqee - The sleighing which had thawed out at Nashua, is quite good here - I arrived here about noon, and after dinner, went to the town hall, and, for two hours watched the proceedings of the board of Select Men, who were admitting voters to registry, preparatory to the election of next week - It was really a court, where oaths were administered, evidence taken, and nice questions of municipal law were determined - It was a very interesting sight to me, to see these Yankees [*280*]taking up, with so much earnestness, the nice questions, and really training themselves in the science of government. I am confirmed in my old opinion, that the New England town meeting was the germ of our National Institutions. I do so much wish you were here with me, to study this interesting and peculiar people. I am glad to have been descended from them, & to have inherited their traditions; but I am also glad that I was not born and reared in the narrow ways of their life--which is, I am sure, very dwarfing in its inferences, as compared with the larger and more generous ideas of the Great West. I wish you would tell the boys and Mollie to learn a Geography lesson for me, so that when I come home they may recite it. I will put down some of the questions here, for them to answer--when we meet-- 1. What state did papa cross and enter after he left Washington, & before he returned? 2. What [rivers?] and bays did he cross and see? 3. What cities and large towns did he visit? 4. Find on the map the following place, Baltimore, Philadelphia, Trenton, Jersey City, New York, Springfield, Brattleboro, Keene, Bellows Falls, Claremont Hanover, Concord, Nashua, Milford Farmington, Exeter & Boston. 5. Near what lake is Farmington N.H.? and near what Mountains? 6. Between what states & cities, & across what river (on the ice) did papa ride in a sleigh on Monday last? I saw by your last letter that the shadows of the Belknap horror was still hanging over you all in Washington. So it was over me when I left; but it is a relief to see how the life of this Northern Country lifts the fog--I don't believe we shall lose a hundred votes in New Hampshire on that account. To this people, it is a single case of personal wrong doing--for which the criminal should be punished--& that is all--You can hardly conceive the minuteness with which these Yankees have worked up the political elements of their state upon the issues. For nearly six months they have devoted themselves to the work, and neither party expects to carry the state by more than a thousand majority--I am homesick this afternoon, and long to get away to you & home--I see by this morning paper that somebody in Washington is trying to stir up the pavement question again. I had hoped that they would let me alone, after a full knowledge of the whole case, which they had two years ago. But I suppose they are anxious to drag me down--With all my heart full of love to you all--I am as ever & always, your own James. [*March?/76?*] Dans - Friday Morn. Dearest - I forgot to give you the Draft - Here it is entrusted to the hands of Harry - Most precious One - Good by - I hope to return Sunday night - Ever yours J.A.G. [*275*][*March 76?*] My Darling The Consular & Diplomatic appropriation bill is up and will keep me all day - I am very sorry I cannot get away to go with you - I hope you will attend the wedding - & make my excuses to Mr Conger & his bride - I find that the ceremony is to be performed at 2 P.M. As Ever Your own James - [*274*]Friday 1 PM. April 21. 76 My Darling. It appears probable that our Insurance Cases will be reached in the Sup. Court between two and three o'clock this afternoon - Please send by the bearer the following documents - which I think you will find in next to the bottom drawer in the Southwest corner of my desk. 1. Two pamphlets, being the Transcripts of records in Sup. Court in the Cases of The N.Y. Life Insurance Co. vs Wm C Statham & Parnelia Dudley. & also The NY. Life Ins Co vs Charlotte Sayms. The printed Nos are 462 - & 463. [*281*]2. A copy of my printed argument in The Insurance case in 1874 3. Copy of Judge R. B. Curtis' printed argument in the same case - (Tate) If these last two pamphlets are not in that drawer - You will find copies of them, among a pile of pamphlets on the top shelf, south side of my closet - Please send at once & oblige Ever Yours J.A. Garfield [*281A*][*[My 27, 1876]*] [May 25 Saturday Morning My Darling - I confess to a little anxiety about you this morning - The light in the Tholus through the night told us - why you did not come and bad as it was to know you were in session the live long night - still it was better than the doubt I now feel since the daylight has put out the only beacon. It seems strange if all is well that [*482*]you do not as least send a line to tell us why you do not come. May 27th Prematurely anxious Crete.[*[May 27, 1876]*] Saturday night 9. P.M. Darling - I am so sorry for you, and is there any thing I can do? Shall I send a clean shirt? or is my sympathy all you need? You can have both - the latter you cannot escape. I have just concluded a waterloo, [and] [our] not as your favorite - but the "Iron Duke". I thank fortune, and as the result sweet sleep folds all the little ones in her dewy arms, and I - victor - am alone with my honors. I wish I were with you, or better still I wish you were here with me, I hope it is not [*481*]an all night of work before you and worse still an all day tomorrow. I shall watch the Tholus hoping to see its light die - But if you cannot come please find an agreeable messenger by whom to send me word. News from you are always welcome, but there are some persons whom I prefer not to receive them through unless such persons are a dernier resort. With pity and kisses and love I sit alone and think of you - "so far and yet so near". Don't call me to can account if I misquote. Frank has been waiting ever since I began to write so again good night. Ever and all yours now and forever more. Crete.Garfield.WEST PHILADELPHIA DINING ROOM & RESTAURANT, P. R. R. DEPOT, WEST PHILADA. THOMAS R. HALEY, SUPERINTENDENT. UNION DEPOT HOTEL, PITTSBURGH. E. J. UNGER. SUPT. BRYN MAWR HOTEL, BRYN MAWR, PA. P. S. ATTICK, SUPT. CRESSON SPRINGS HOTEL, CRESSON. J. D. McCLELLAN, SUPT. LOGAN HOUSE, ALTOONA. J. D. McCLELLAN, SUPT. JERSEY CITY DINING ROOM & RESTAURANT, P. R. R. DEPOT, JERSEY CITY. C. V. FEDDERSON, SUPERINTENDENT. Keystone Hotel Co. UNION DEPOT HOTEL, E. J. UNGER, Superintendent. 8.40 A.M. Pittsburgh, June 20 1876, My Darling, I slept soundly from 10 last night until 6 this morning - As in Tom Moore's case a jolt gave me the word. I think "prestige" will do - When I remember how gallantly you worked over that tedious manuscript & that we were both to busy talk, & that I was obliged to keep the dear children away from the Library almost harshly - it mars the happiness of my journey - I did not even have time to tell Harry & Jimmy of my plans - Show them this letter, and tell them that papa and mamma have long proposed to take them to Williams - & I shall hope to meet them with you on N.Y. [*282*]Unless you hear from me to the contrary I will meet you at the Brevoort House Saturday morning - You had better go over on the day train Friday, or the night train Friday - Perhaps the latter will be best - & I will meet you Sat morning in time to reach Williams that evening - Please bring my letter mail - and "Greene's Historical view of the Revolution", a small volume I have been using in preparing the Williams Speech - Bring me also the Cong. Record of today (June 20.) and my letters & telegrams - Have Develin find the bottoms of the new pants & bring them together with my dress suit - Mother has stood the journey exceedingly well - On my desk is a half sheet (this size) of Congress headed paper, with some notes in pencil from Lord Brougham - Please bring it - With all love as ever & forever your own James.[*[JL 15, 1876?]*] Blank No. 1. THE WESTERN UNION TELEGRAPH COMPANY. The rules of this Company require that all messages received for transmission, shall be written on the message blanks of the Company, under and subject to the conditions printed thereon, which conditions have been agreed to by the sender of the following message. 14P. WILLIAM ORTON, Pres't, } A. R. BREWER, Sec'y, } New York. Dated Washington DC 15 1876 Received at To Mrs J A Garfield Have telegraphed Cowles you will delay till next week will try to spend a few days with you Ocean Grove J. A Garfield 20D71. Dc3 [*283*]Washington. Monday pm July 24 1876 My Darling - I arrived at the corner of 13th & I, at half past six - and found my empty nest full of sweet memories of the sweet bird that makes it so happy when she is here - I have sent the telegram ordering 40 yds navy blue, at not more than 30 cents per yard - I have spent two hours on [*284*]my mail, and am now at the Treasury, & while waiting for results of my visit spend a moment in writing to you. The only solace I have here is hard work, & the happy thought that you are out of the heat - Though I regret to say that yesterday, & so for of today, it has been bearably cool - or rather not intolerably hot - Em Redfield got off Friday evening - I have not heard from Mary McGrath - I turned over to Mary White the dirty clothes. I make memoranda of things to be answered as follows - 1. Tell me if your P.O. at Ocean Grove is a money order office - 2. What clothes & other articles do you want me to send or bring? Mary White thinks you want all sent back that I brought to Wash - 3. Tell me what to order & how much for my dinner - for I don't know? You wouldhave laughed to see making the order this morning. It was thus, 2 pounds sirloin steak - 1 pound butter, 1 can sweet corn, 1 quart black berries - How is this for a first attempt! Please give me your criticism - I send Lena's letters herein, and also one paper in [by] separate wrapper - And now Darling - I shall be hungry for the daily bread of your letters Tell Jimmie I was very sorry he went away so that I did not see him, Ever & and all your own James.1227. I St. Washing Monday 6 p.m. July My Darling. I begin to see what a desolate old age is like - I left my Library at 11 A.M. having thrown upon the floor a bushel or two of newsp &, on my desk, sundry of letters & documents. I have just returned to the room and find every thing just as I left it; and, remembering the catastrophes of spilled ink, diffused gum-Arabic - torn letters &c. which you know sometimes met me, & made me howl, you may think I was [*285*][?] the undisturbed [?] But no; it seemed the [?] death; the undisturbed [?] the grave - For a [?] a pang shot through my heart - at the thought that there was no one in the house who cared to enter the Library even to look in upon my disorder - and it would have been a joy to have seen Brewster bedaubed with ink, and old Burton gummed from head to heel - and so I sit alone, and confess to you how wicked a thing it has been in me[y] to find fault with the disturbances that flow from the superabounding life our little ones - and I now feel as though I should never again have the old feeling in reference to their raids upon me - But I hear the step of Mary White ascending the stairs to call me to dinner, and out of deference to your known wish that I be prompt to go when called, I obey her call and ask you to accept it as vicarious obedience to yourself - Ever and all your own James. Tuesday July 25. 1876 My Darling - I worked at my desk till a late hour last night, and then shut the windows of our chamberand slept under blankets - though was not quite enough of them to keep me warm - How provoking that the heated term should last till just after you went! But do you know what it is to sleep alone in your house? Bless you Darling. I hope you will not need to do it - I am not whining about it, but you have spoiled me for living without you - My hands are too full of work to allow me to get very blue, but the thought of you comes in at every interval of rest and I want you so much. Kiss all the dear little ones for me - & let me know what you all do & enjoy ever your own James [*What a comment on my reference to "Brewster", the ink just spilled on the letters.*][*1876*] Ocean Grove July 24 My Precious: the first twenty four hours of your absence have passed and I am glad to tell you have passed very comfortably. Hal and Jim have not yet done one unmeritorious thing. They have been just as good as I could have asked them to be, and the other children have done very well too. We had a little excitement with [*484*] [*You forgot to take Mary's shoes - shall I express them to you?*]Mrs Abbey this morning. It seems Mr. Crawford before he left told Miss Crosselt that he must take his family away if the whooping cough children staid and something that you said too induced Miss Crosselt to tell them this morning that they must either take rooms outside and not eat with the other boarders or else find another boarding place. The first intimation I had of it Mrs Abbey came blustering up on the piazza and said to someone "we are going away. We are not going to stay where people are running around saying they cant stay where the whooping cough is. My children have not got the whooping cough They had it two years ago, and I should think that anybody who has been in Washington all summer would know that these children have only the cough that every one else has." I felt decidedly shot at but said nothing nor appeared to notice it: but pretty soon, Abe, to defend him-self from - one of hers lifted his bucket and hit the boy's lip cutting it so that it bled, I got out first but out she came demanding who the boy was who had done the mischief. A young lad explained to her how it happened but she said her boy was not in the habit of striking. I expressed my sorrow and she turned on me and said she thought it very strange that General Garfield should demand that they be turned out of doors when it was so hard to get rooms. I replied that I did not think you had done so. She said yes you had this morning before you left you went to Miss C and said your family must go if they did not. I saw she was too excited and unreasonable to talk with and left her, but a little after I saw her husband and told I was very sorry to have them disturbed and that I did not know what you had said: but that we suffered from what had been said that the children were just coming down with whooping cough. That we had not heard thathouse gossip. I am sure I shall never undertake to tell any more it takes so much room and mind. I am feeling very well today, and it is so cool that I almost needed a blanket shawl sitting on the piazza before dinner. I do hope you find it a little cooler at home. Do hurry that Congress to its adjournment and come to us. Hal cannot get a boat until Wednesday and has to pay four dollars per week for it then but he expects to make it pay. and I don't think best to discourage him. Until you come I merely live to wait for you and I hope you can come soon. Ever all your own Crete. [*485*]5 they had already had it two years ago. He was very gentlemanly and said he did not understand that we had made any complaint That the children had had a cough two years ago which they thought at the time might be whooping cough but that about two weeks ago they began to cough again and they were afraid it might be the whooping cough - had consulted a doctor who said he could not tell at present but thought it was not. They got rooms else where and I think all the family are glad of it for she showed herself such a fractious unladylike piece. So much for boardingOcean Grove July 25 [*/76 76*] My Darling: We are all well. The flannel came all right this morning but without the bill. Mrs. Spencer came about the same time with two sick children and without a nurse thinking she could readily get one here: but cannot have one until tomorrow morning. Yesterday they moved me into back parlor which seems very spacious. and Mrs. S. has my old room. I am in an awful hurry with each child waiting for his suit, but have time to think [*486*]about you and love you every five minutes by the clock. We all join in love to you and while we are glad that it is cooler in Washington are just as anxious to have you come here. In haste and love Yours forever Crete.Ocean Grove [*/76*] Wednesday, July 26th My Darling: I have just received your second precious letter both received since I posted my last scrawl last evening. I am quite ashamed of my pencilled almost illegible "affairs" but it has seemed as though there was neither time nor place here to write even the shortest note. Hal and Jim have not given me the least trouble yet, and neither you nor they can know how much it lightens my load when are so good [*487*]This P.M. they got possession of their boat, and earned thirty cents before they came home to tea and they were off again as soon as tea was over and have not yet returned. It is indeed very provoking that it could not have turned cool soon enough to have kept me until you could come! Still we have the advantage of living through all the worry and annoyance of first experiences and I hope may get settled into something like sensible enjoyment before you come to stay. Today we have finished Hal's Jim's and Mollie's bathing suits and they have had their first bath in them. The others are begun and I hope to get through with the sewing before many days! At least be ready to enjoy the sea-side with you when you come. In answer to your inquiries in your first, I have forgotten to ask about the money order; but will when I post this letter. As to the clothes I sent home I think none but Abram's are needed unless it beMollie's aprons. Tell May White that she need not send my calico dress. That it is so cool I do not need it. Your third query I shall leave unanswered: for I am sure at your present rate of providence you will not starve. 3 and 4 lbs of steak is the most I ever order when our family are all there. Some eleven persons more than you are now expected to feed. Did you find any thimble and pin-cushion and sleeve buttons in your satchel? If so please bring them when you come. Now, darling I have just one wish and one thought that you will keep well and come here very soon. It makes me lonely to think of you, wandering through the house alone, and my prayer is that neither of us may be left to wander alone very long. I hope the good Father may keep us near together. The boys have just come in - tired enough and having gotten but ten cents since tea, but it is fun yet. All and each one of us send love and sympathy to you, and wait and long for you. Ever and forever yours Crete.No. 3. Washington. July 27. 1876 My Darling- Yours of the 24th came to hand yesterday morning soon after I had sent my second letter to you - Say to Harry and Jimmie for me that I am exceedingly glad to hear that they have been able to get along without any quarrel - and I earnestly hope they will make it possible for you to send a like good report hereafter. While I regret that you had any annoyance from the peppery mother of whooping cough, yet it is a good thing to be rid of her sharp tongue - All I said was to Miss Crossett, that [*286*]2 it was not just to her, nor to her guests who had small children that the whooping cough should be brought into the family--But I see in the whole case, another example of the sweet and masterful way in which you meet a difficulty--The vixen could not unsettle the self-control which made you so superior to her rage-- Did the flannel reach you Monday & wasn't it what you wanted--I have a letter from Stewards that it was sent. The Sumners and a party with them are going to Ocean Grove--about the tenth of August--and 3 from what Mrs Spencer told me yesterday - I presume she has already gone - so you are likely to carry a colony of Washingtonians with you - I have been very busy since my return - with work in the House - I am pressed to make speeches on a number of topics, & must on some - The canvass in the 19th Dist is boiling - My friends hold a consultation at Cleveland tomorrow - to arrange for calling out a full vote at the primary meetings which are to be held Aug, 19. Northway has been invited in a card signed by 140 Republicans of Jefferson, to come to the front - The card says "the time has come when the office ought to reek of the man" - As a commentary on this doctrine Northway is riding through the district to give the office a chance to find him - The movement may be more formidable than I imagine; but I don't see on what ground Northway builds his hopes. On the whole I am glad to have him come out - He has been saying that if he had come out in 1874 he would now be in Congress - Let him by his strength now and be sure how the case stands - But the contest fills my desk with letters,5 and annoys me with the little spite of little men - Stanhope & wife and daughter of Hiram, were here yesterday - Centennial visitors are calling almost every day - I congratulate you that you are not to be trolled round the Capitol sights by them - The argument on the impeachment closed yesterday - and the case is now in the hands of the Senate - Some thought we should have a decision today - but Senator Caperton of West Va. died last night & the Senate will probably adjourn over this morning without doing any business - Send Mollies shoes - and anything else you need to, by Adams Express [*287*]6 [*July 1876*] I will send you some money tomorrow morning - Mary McGrath is quite sick. She was here yesterday, though I did not see her - Mary White says she is looking badly and is in low spirits. She eats but little, and is thirsty all the while - She called on Mrs Edsen day before yesterday, & got some medicine, & was discouraged yesterday, because it had not helped her - She is to call & see me this morning - & Mrs Buckley, has been sent into the country for her health - I shall hope to have letters from the boys & Mollie - It will be a good thing if the boys can make enough money by ferrying, to pay for the rent of a boat - Kiss all the little ones & receive all my love. Ever Your James -No. 4. Washington July 27/76 My Darling - I enclose you a money-order for $50- to which you can get cashed at the Post Office at Ocean Grove - Soon after I had mailed my letter to you this morning your second letter came, and about the same time, Mary McGrath came in - She is looking quite pale & bad; and never having been sick, much, is evidently discouraged & somewhat alarmed - She said she didn't believe she should live through the [*288*]season if she staid here. and that she came to ask us to take her back with us - Of course I treated her very kindly, but told her I could not answer till I heard from you - At the mention of Abe's name, the tears poured down her cheeks Before I left for the Capitol, Lizzie Ladd called, and I asked her to go & see Mary - She has called this p.m., and says she found Mary in bed with a high fever - Lizzie says Mary is dreadfully homesick - and upbraids herself for ever having left us - Now two things occur to me. 1st as Mrs Spencer wants a nurse let her take Mary until we return to Washington - 2nd - We might rent two large tents, and a frame kitchen such as we see at Mr Stone's, and board ourselves - & then save enough to afford to have Mary ourselves - Think these things over & write me soon - for Mary is worse from homesickness than from ailment of her body - If we were to adopt the latter plan, you might leave her and Rena there with thesmaller children - and take Mollie & the boys to the Centennial - I beg you darling not to accept any proposition I make -because I make it - I chiefly desire that your summer shall be as pleasant and free from care as possible - Take time to write me fully - I cannot tell when it will be possible for me to visit you - but I will be with you at the earliest moment - The flannel bill was sent here - Senator Caperton of W. Va. died last night. & we have no session today - &c I am at work here earlier than usual - Lovingly as Ever Your, JaGarfield [*P.S. I sign my full name because there is money value in the letter - & if lost it can be identified - J.A.G.*]No. 5. Washington July 28/76 My Darling Yours of the 26th came to hand this morning - and it rejoiced my heart to know that our dear boys were doing so well, & that you were all in so good a shape - Tell the boys I hope they will persevere in running their boat enough if possible to pay for the rent of it - I was so much in hopes I could get away tonight and spend another Sunday with you - But it will not be possible; for I am looked to constantly [*289*]to lead our side in the critical last days - & tomorrow I must speak in defense of Robeson. It seems settled, though not yet absolutely certain, that I must speak in Akron on the 12th Aug. Please tell me what your ideas are in reference to the summer or fall - I begin to doubt the wisdom of taking the family to Ohio at all, if Congress sets here much longer - If we put the boys back into Mr Young's School - they will need to be here about six or seven weeks hence; and if you were all to go to Ohio, it is probably that I could be with you but very little - However, much will depend upon how you all like it at Ocean Grove after the novelty is worn off - I am called upon to go to N.Y. on the 31st to meet the Veteran Soldiers Committee, & aid in organizing the Boys in Blue of which I am now Commander-in-Chief, but it is doubtful whether I can get away - I beg you, darling, to speak to me freely out of your own wishes - for I hope youit is my first and strongest desire to do what will be best & most pleasant for you and our precious little flock. Mary White says you left a number of Ned's clothes here which she thinks you need. also your own & the boys handkerchiefs - Tell me what you want sent or brought - Your pin cushion & sleeve buttons are here, but not the thimble - Have you my cuffs? I do not find any of them - The Contest in the 19th Dist is Eliciting much interest in the outside world. Next to success there, is the pleasure of knowing I am looked after with interest - in the country -2nd Sheet I sent you a Portage Democrat this morning - You will recognize in the Editorial on the Silver bill, my midnight letter which you were good enough to approve. My friends - a few from each county of the Dist. are to hold a consultation in Cleveland to day - in reference to the campaign - They are fighting not so much for victory - as for the measure of victory - Sat Morn. 8 a.m. My Darling - It was too late to get this letter in the mail last evening, and so I left it over for a word this morning - While I was at breakfast Mary McGrath came in looking most forlorn and dejected. And said: "General [*290*]I want to ask a great favor, and I hope you won't deny me - I want to come and stay at this house - I am sure I can't live if I stay at Buckley's - There are so many coarse low people around there" - I told her to come & be welcome - and I would have Daniel get her trunk this evening - She was very grateful, & added I shall never want to leave Mrs Garfield again - A more thoroughly homesick child I never saw - and though she is quite ill. I think she will soon pick up - I hope Mrs Spencer will want her - If not, I may be able to find her a temporary employment until you return - The whole matter will be a good lesson to her Kisses & love to all Ever Your own James.Ocean Grove July 28 1876 My Darling: Woman like - I suppose you will say - I forgot in my letter to day to tell you that the money order was received and that I have obtained the cash without any trouble.. Thank you for your ever thoughtfulness and care for me. The Democrat you sent on Monday only came to day. I read Helsey's editorial and think he has managed to use your letter very successfully. I am glad too for the way he [*488*] [*Is Rebecca Selleck in Washington, and has she been at our house? I dreamed about her all last night. Crete.*]treats Northway. In the long run it will tell to your advantage that your supporters are the hightoned gentlemen who can treat fairly every one without yielding at all their support of you. I want the people of the 19th district to speak out their minds so clearly that both you and Mr Northway may know just what they mean and whom they wish to be represented by. If it is Mr. Northway let them have him: - if you - let them show Mr. Northway that they have not been cheated out of having his so desirable services; but that they have you, because they prefer you. Is it possible that you are not to adjourn before the middle of August? If you are to be cheated out of this stay by the seaside we shall have had all our discomfort in vain. You - more than any member of the family would be benefitted by a stay here, and I cannot be reconciled to any arrangement which can prevent you from coming and staying long enough at least to feel the change. Mr. Spencer came this evening;but I do not think they have decided any thing yet about sending for Mary. Tell Mary for her comfort if she cannot come that it is not half as pleasant here as at Little Mountain and she may thank her stars that she is not here. Tell her too that all the children when they heard your letter to day said. "It is too bad that Mamie is there sick. Do send for her to come". I feel so too and still I am afraid she would not be contented here. I will finish in the morning after I have seen the Spencer's again. It is too bad that you are not here. It makes me lonely to think of you in our house so alone. Good night with kisses and love and our Good Father's blessing. Sat. Morning. The Spencers have decided to go home this evening so they will not want Mary, and tell Mary I think she will not be sorry: for I think she would not like to be here and I doubt whether she and Mrs. S. would agree, and I would prefer that she get disatisfied with others than our friends. Ever Yours Most lovingly Crete.Ocean Grove July 30th 1876 My Darling: It is raining delightfully and the only drawback is the enjoyment of it is that it is Sunday and the children are all obliged to be in the house. The three oldest ones are up stairs reading now, and I take this opportunity to write before any outbreak occurs so that I may tell you that Harry & Jimmy have given me a week of genuine enjoyment with them. If they have quarrelled they have kept it [*489*] I sent Mollie's shoes by Mrs S If you exchange them remember that the trouble is they are too large around the ankle. They do not fit nearly as well as the highest priced shoes. Crete.all to themselves, but I do not think they have from appearances and they have given me no occasion to speak to either of them in the dining room Harry sits at the table with those two old ladies from Philadelphia and the young lady who was sitting on the porch reading a week ago while you were here. They are Episcopalians and very agreeable intelligent ladies and Hal is quite on his good behavior with them. They chant and laugh with him and put him quite on the footing of a young gentleman. One of the ladies has raised five sons so she quite sympathizes with me and says Hal sitting beside her makes her feel as though she had one of her little boys again. Jimmy sits at another table where the guests are constantly changing but he is very quiet and orderly. The Spencers went away last evening, and were glad to go I think. Mrs. S. did have a hard time. Coming without her nurse the baby would not let her put him out of her arms without screaming and she was literally worn out withhim. I am afraid the Summers will not be satisfied here simply from the lack of improvements to make the place comfortable. I am told that at other places the bathing houses are at the waters edge, and with abundant accommodations for getting about. This wading about in the sand is simply dreadful but I hope this rain will make it easier. Darling when are you coming? It makes me so homesick to think of you at home alone. It does make the children seem almost like a fetter; but darling how fearfully we would miss them if taken from us. Your letters are my chief solace and yesterday I did not get one. I shall look eagerly tomorrow morning. Ever and forever yours Crete5th Av. Hotel N.Y. July 31. 1876 My Precious Darling. You can hardly imagine the disappointment I feel at not seeing you here - Late on Saturday, I received a dispatch requesting me to come here today to meet the soldiers National Committee, and aid in organizing the "Boys-in- Blue", of which I have been made Commander- in-Chief, for the Presidential Campaign. I did not see how I could be spared; but during the day yesterday, I arranged to have my notes parred for Monday, and also to have some questions postponed until Tuesday, and so telegraphed you last night, to meet me here, as early this morning as possible - I took the 9:30 pm train, and fell asleep in the half hope that you would be able to get here in time to take breakfast with me - But on reaching the hotel, they told me [*291*]you could not arrive till ten o'clock. Not doubting you would come, I took a fine large room - and hurried through as much of my business as I could, so as to give the day to our own selves - and, at ten, came to the room and waited for your dear footsteps. But you did not come - Then I thought perhaps the stupid piety of Ocean Grove had kept their telegraph office shut till the morning train had left for N.Y. But I was careful to ask the operator at the Washington office to have the dispatch sent to you at once - & so I was certain you would get it in time for the 1 p.m. train, & I waited & listened, and hoped for a whole hour - when there was no more hope of that train - & I went down the street more sad & lonely than I have felt for many a month - I came back at 5 p.m. thinking it barely possible that you might come in on the last train - but it is now nearly six - and I so lonely in this large room, that I feel the old desolation of boyish homesickness. I did so much want to see you. Your last two letters made me sad and anxious. If the situation at Ocean Grove is not pleasant you shall not stay - It is my full wish and purpose that your vacation shall be as pleasant as possible - I called on the Spencer's yesterday, and Sara said you looked sad when [you] she left you - Write me all about it Darling, and keep nothing back - We can go to Deer Park - or to Little Mountain - or possibly to Hiram - By the way, Mary McGrath was some better when I left - She wanted me to tell you that she was willingto go anywhere you wanted her to, & to work - She thinks she should feel better if she had something to do - I brought a sachel full of things for you, & will send it to you from here by Express - Mollie's shoes came last evening but of course I had no chance to get them exchanged before I left - I go back at 9-30 tonight - I will go to you the first moment I can - If Congress holds over next week, I will try to get away & spend Sunday with you - I am so afraid you are sick. I have just telegraphed to you to know - Do you know Darling, how completely you are the centre of my life, & of all my thoughts and hopes? Don't let any dreams trouble you - The only lady staying in your house is your Cousin Em - who came just as I was leaving last night & wanted to take one of the upper rooms for a few days - The one you refer to, I have not seen for twenty two years - You never had so whole & complete a power over all my heart as you have now - & I shall be greatly grieved if you don't tell me all about yourself - If you are not comfortable at Ocean Grove - come home to Washington darling& and make me glad - Do write soon & often - Ever & all your own James-July 31st Ocean Grove My Own Darling: I never was more nearly homesick in my life. We might all die here on Sunday and none of our friends would be allowed to know it. This sanctimonious place will allow us neither mail nor telegram, and so your dispatch of yesterday did not reach me until eleven o'clock this morning Just too late for me to go to N. Y. on the morning train. I telegraphed to you to know if I should go on the next train to reach N.Y. at 4.30 P.M. but heard nothing from you since. I half hoped you would come here this evening, but [*490*]the last train is in and last hope of seeing you to night- gone. It is very well I did not go away however: for Mollie has been very sick since three o'clock. She was eating sand after dinner just for bravado, and I think that was the occasion for each time she vomited she threw up a quantity of sand. She is better now- at eight P. M.- and sleeping quietly. Hal and Jim have been to the depot hoping to meet you but they are consoling themselves having a merry time in the parlor with the ladies. Tell Mary White that she may send Irvin's night gown and Neddie's too and any pocket handkerchiefs she can find. I found my thimble here; but the sleeve buttons and pin cushion you may bring. I quite agree with you in thinking it not best to go to Ohio with the family this summer. I shall get along here very comfortably, and I think more comfortably than I could in Ohio. We will go to Philadelphia whenever you can go with us and then to Washington. I do not believe it will be uncomfortable there by September. Your dispatch from N. Y. is just received, and I judge from it that you did not get mine but this will explain. Darling do write to me every day and dont fail to come this week. I shall be heartsick indeed if you do not comeOur Philadelphia ladies went home today, and there are no others here that I care for. I hope Mrs Sumner will come if she can be satisfied! but if you will come all the world may go and nobody else come. We all send love, even little Weddie looks brighter when he says "papa". With all my heart yours Crete. Washington Aug 1, 1876 My Own Darling, Now at home again, and have just received your dear letter of [Saturday] Sunday, which somewhat relieves my anxiety in regard to your health - though I am still anxious to know if you received my telegram from here, of Sunday evening, & that of yesterday from N.Y. I am so glad to hear that you & the children had improved in general health since you left Washington; for that was the chief end to be gained - I am quite well, & have had no return of pain in the stomach. My only want, is to be with you - but so long as I know [*292*]you are well, & not overburdened with work, I am happy - I beg you not to feel anxious about me - Every word from you & the dear children is manna & rest to my heart. and it is a good discipline for me to learn to bear the selfish desire to be with you - But I shall go to you the first moment I can get away - We had a wonderful rain here on Saturday night and Sunday - one of the finest I have ever seen - It has cooled the air, & swept the streets as clean as a floor - & the weather is really pleasant and enjoyable - of course it may not last; but we are grateful for the respite it gives us - It is probable that the impeachment verdict will be given today - & then I think we may expect an early adjournment - perhaps by the end of this week - I have finished the first volume of "My Novel" - & one third of the second - It is really very powerful - Have you read Romola? Take time for it. Thank Jimmie & Harry for their good letter, & tell them I will write to them soon - xx I have just been upstairs to see Mary - She was quite well yesterday; but this morning, she has a high fever again - The worst thing in hercase is that she has no appetite - I will see Mrs Edsen and write you more fully about the case - Please let me know if the Sachel reaches you safely - I sent it by Express from N.Y. last night - I put an Express plain p frank upon it, so there ought to be no charge to you - I enclose a letter from your mother, which I have read - I hope you bathe frequently - I am quite sure it will do you good - Tell me about it - Does old Benton brave the waves of the briny deep any more - & Abe? - Thank them all for me Ever & all your earnest own James.Ocean Grove [July] Aug. 1st 1876 My Darling: I received your precious letter from N. Y. this morning, and it makes me almost sick to think how anxious and desolate you were all day yesterday, and robbed and abused I was in being kept away from you. I believe they were afraid to send my dispatch to you letting you know by it how defrauded I had been by their silly piety. I have not yet received the things you said you had sent by express, but I suppose they will come. The very comfort I get out of [*491*]our yesterday's loss is that it may in some way help you to get to see us sooner. Is there no hope that Congress may adjourn this week? Today the weather has been most delightful. The heavy rain of Sunday has thoroughly packed the sand and gravel of the streets, and to day the sunshine and cool air have been [most delightful] - well-charming. A party of us ladies went to Long Branch this afternoon, and enjoyed it thoroughly. Our house is almost empty again, but visitors are so transient. Scarcely anyone thinks of staying more than a week or so. I hope almost that the Simmons will come. I dont know what we can do for your Mary, except to leave her in the house. If she will embroider some chemise bands - enough to pay her board I will be satisfied. Mollie wants to write to papa and I am sure you will be glad of any change from this miserable scrawl. Ever yours Crete. Dear Papa Mamma was writing a letter to you - so I thought I would finish up. I hope that you will come and see us Mama went in bathing and I went with her it was splendid it was not to hot or to cold. I went out riding and we went in a park and and thair was a walk that was beautiful I must now and go to bed. from your dauther MollieWashington. Aug. 2. 1876 My Precious One - Your dear letter of the 31st July came this morning - and relieved me of much anxiety - How provoking & hateful is that stupid and cast iron piety, which only fools believe in, and hypocrites praise - But I blame the Telegraph Co. as well as the followers of Wesley, that my dispatch was not delivered to you sooner - I somehow don't get over my disappointment at not seeing you in N.Y. You know I prize the selfish pleasure of seeing you alone, when no others than ourselves have [*293*]any claim upon our time-- And that I lost in N.Y. but I shall hope to find another chance sometime to have you all to myself-- I am so sorry for little Mollie--I am sure she is better, or you would have dispatched me--I suppose the Saints by the Sea, would allow a telegram sent on a secular day in case of serious illness. The Com on Ways & Means, yesterday agreed to report a resolution to adjourn on Monday next, & it now seems probable that this will be done. The Belknap impeachment trial closed yesterday--35 votes for guilty, 25 not guilty--not two thirds--so he is not convicted-- Though legally acquitted, it is a virtual conviction; for nearly all who voted "not guilty" did so on the ground that they had no jurisdiction to try him. I am sorry to tell you that Mary McGrath is still quite sick. Dr Edson says she has some typhoid symptoms--I will keep you advised of her situation from day to day--Tell me how the bathing agrees with you--Dr Edson thinks it will do you much good-- I know your sweet nature is somewhat shocked at the rude battle which the surf offers--but brave it, Darling. for I am sure you will come out of the fight stronger for having dared them-- It is possible yes probable that I may go from Ocean Grove to Ohio. Please tell me what things I shall need to take with me from here--I will do them up in a paper, & get the sachel when I see you. If we adjourn Monday-- I will wait till then before going to you--When you have looked over the sachel-- write me what other things you need from here--If you need more money before I come telegraph me. And all the days, & nights & hours & minutes & times--I am all your ownest own James. do so hope you will be able to come to stay at the end of the week. All send love, Ever and forever Yours Crete. Ocean Grove Aug. 2nd, 1876 My Darling Precious One Your letters are indeed my food and drink and the very air I breathe ; and it is so good and so - just like you that you never let me starve. I am troubled about Mary McGrath. I wish I had any need of her here for I have no doubt the air here would do her very much good. I presume she needs some change [,] but you must do [*492*]what you think best about her. Give her my love, and if she really gets sick I shall surely go home and take care of her. I find some of Irvin's and Abram's clothes are needed and it may be they are in the satchel which I have not yet received. Hal & Jim are going to the express office this evening. I must say for your comfort that is of some comfort to me. I went on the piazza a few mornings since where [there] were gathered five or six ladies. One of them said to me Mrs. Garfield you have the best lot of children I ever saw; and another of the ladies said yes we were just talking about it when you came out and we all think you have the best family we ever saw! And I began to think that perhaps they are not so bad as we sometimes think they are. The boys give us their boat this evening. It has been so rough this week that they have earned only one cent. But they have gotten a good deal of fun running it with a sail of their own manufacture. There is another boat they can have for tendollars a month and I am not sure but I had better let them have it. It gives them occupation and amusement, and they will earn a little each week that will pay in part for it. Their whole earnings last week were $1.54. That much each week would amount to six dollars, and would make the boat cost them but four dollars for the month. They can not have it until Friday and if you think it not best that they take it, write immediately. Old Benton came near being a victim to the Sea yesterday. He went to the beach with Mrs. Crawford's nurse and their little boy. While she was bathing they ventured in so far that a big wave caught Irvin - threw him down and was rolling him away as fast as possible when she caught him. She said if she had not been there he would surely have been drowned. Abe I cannot coax out at all, so his bathing suit and Neddie's have not been of much use yet. I see from the morning paper that the Belknap trial is through and I do so hope you will be able to come to stay at the end of the week. All send love. Ever and forever your Crete. Ocean Grove Aug. 2nd 1876 My Darling Precious One Your letters are indeed my food and drink and the very air I breathe; and it is so good and so - just like you that you never let me starve. I am troubled about Mary McGrath. I wish I had any need of her here for I have no doubt the air here would do her very much good. I presume she needs some change but you must do [*492*]Washington. Aug 3. 1876 My Darling, Your precious letter of the 1st, came to hand this morning. and I should have written before I went to the House, but for the fact that one of those occasions has come which it seems to be my lot to meet - Yesterday, Mr Lamar made a speech of nearly two hours in length on general politics, making a very able, and what is considered a dangerous attack upon the Republican party - It was a speech he had prepared weeks ago. [*294*] [*Mary is some better today, & the Dr hopes to avoid typhoid fever J.A.G.*]and in the main had committed it to memory. It was delivered with great effect; and by common consent, I was expected to reply to him - I took the floor, but it was so late that the House adjourned; and I hurried away this morning, to make preparations to reply. I have been kept all day by intervening business; but expecting every moment to get the floor - Having failed to do so, I come home, to the anxiety of an undelivered speech, from which much is expected, & I now find myself settling down into the despondent feeling, that when I do get the floor I shall not succeed - But I shall have no peace of mind, until I fail or succeed - How much I need you, Darling, to tell you my plan of speech & ask you how it will do! I feel a real intellectual need of you more than I [know] am conscious of when you are here - Whatever the result may be, I will send you the speech, if it gets made - I am so gladyou are having a pleasanter time than at first - I must have a few more of those glorious baths - Tell the boys to keep me informed of their boating business Thank Caction for her nice little letter - I hope she will bathe and grow strong. Why doesn't that Old Burton send some word to me & my Bah-Bah - He is old enough to send some little message to the man that sometimes holds his hand to his ear to listen to his "Ole Dabe" - I can hardly expect the Ursine Brewster to say anything now - but I hope he's something bruin (brewing) - But always in saecula saeculorum I am your own Jamesevening. Until tomorrow good bye. With love wholly your Crete. Ocean Grove Aug 3d 1876 Dear Papa This is my birth-day. I am six years old. Darling - Irvin has been asking me for several days to write a letter to you for him. I thought this was the day, and called him in; but he has another project on hand, and after dictating the first two lines he got impatient and said "O shew! I'm getting cross," and marched off. I suppose he wants you [*493*] [*P. S. I am taking time to read "Romula" now and am much interested in it.*] to know that he loves you very much and wants to see you etc. etc. but thinks Mamma can write it without his help. Your letter of yesterday was received this morning. I am a good deal anxious about Mary McGrath. I am more afraid of Typhoid symptoms than of any others. I hope Miss Edson will attend to her faithfully. I almost feel that I ought to go home: for I don't see how she can have the care she needs. One of Abram's feet was badly swollen this morning but I have been giving hime medicine for hives and have kept it bandaged with water and tincture of lobelia, and this afternoon it begins to look better. It is not so red nor quite so swollen. The rash that was on him when he came has nearly disappeared and it may be his blood is left somewhat disordered. If you think of it ask Mis Edson what I shall give him. I have give him Rhus today. The only things more that I think we may need are the two checked shirts of the boys and a white dress of Mollie's. I scarcely know what you will need for yourself. I think your old shirts that are so worn Mary had better wash and leave them without starch so that I can repair them when at home again: You will not want your heavy suits at present: and if you get away - as I hope you may- to be at the Centennial with us in September, will it not be time enough then to get your Fall clothing? I hope you can manage to not go to Akron on the 12th. If you do not adjourn until Monday next you will not probably get here before tuesday or wednesday and saturday is the 12th. That will give you no time at all here. Darling my chief desire to come to the seaside was that you might have the pleasure and benefit of it, and I cant be reconciled to your going away into the campaign without it. I send you a good letter we had from your Mother last evening. Until tomorrow good bye. With love. wholly your Crete Ocean Grove Aug. 8d 1876 Dear Pappa This is my birth-day. I am six years old. Darling Irvin has been asking me for several days to write a letter to your for him. I thought this was the day, and called him in but he has another project on hand, and after dictating the first two lines he got impatient and said "O shew! I'm feeling cross", and marched [*P. S. I am taking time to read "Romula" now and am much interested in it.*] Ho. Reps Washington. Aug. 4. 1876. My Darling I am still on the anxious seat in reference to my speech - and am every moment hoping to get the floor - I will take the time to say a word in respect to your good letter which came this morning - & to tell you how happy I am when your words & love are brought me each morning. Mary McGrath is some better, and Dr. Edson says she thinks the typhoid symptoms are almost gone - and she now hopes for a speedy recovery - Don't be troubled about it, [*295*]for I want you to be as free from care as possible. I enclose Draft on the U.S. Asst Treasure at N.Y. for seventy five dollars - You can get the money at any of the stores or hotels - Answer me if it comes safely - and if you have any trouble in getting it cashed - Why do you never ask me for any thing when you are away? Bless you darling, and forgive me for this brief word - It is no reply to your dear letter, but only an acknowledgement of it - and a kiss flung towards you on the eve of battle - Love to all the dear children. I wish I could set the time when I could leave for your arms & theirs - Ever & All your own J.A. Garfield[*release him at the end of the hour. He informed me that his face was dripping with sweat he had cried so hard, but he concluded to stop when he heard my threat. Ever & always your Crete.*] Ocean Grove Aug. 4th 1876 My Darling: I have been thinking of you a great deal to day wondering if you are making your reply to Mr. Lamar, and hoping if you are, that you may be your best self in every way - waiting to be with you, not for any help I could give except by any sympathy and love, but for the sake of being near you with all that sympathy and [*273*]love when you need it most, and to enjoy the high pleasure of being borne by you into the [exalted] realms of intellectual exaltation where you live and move. Darling it is so my loss that I cannot always be with you. I shall get a paper tomorrow morning, hoping to get a word in it about you, and shall await your letter tomorrow anxiously. Do you know that your letter written last evening reached me at 10 o'clock this morning? I hope Mary McGrath is s till improving. Ask Mary White if one of Abram's white dress shirts is at home. I cannot find it here. Tomorrow morning the last one of the ladies who was here when we came goes away, and I feel same as you do in the House- that I belong to a former generation, and I am afraid I shall not get up much interest in the newcomers that the Camp-meeting next week may bring. Darling you must come and stay with me awhile after the adjournment or I fear I shall get very lonely and discontented. Please bring the boys' account books - in the seconddrawer of the addition to your table. I dread next Sunday very much without you. I was so hoping you could be here: The children all send love Burton is sitting in a rocking chair just out side my window on the side walk and says tell Papa to bring him a "bowl arrow". He is crazy for one: but I dont think it best to get [him] [one] it so he appeals to you. He has been under lock and key today for an hour which I found to be a terrible punishment. The first half hour he screamed himself nearly hoarse. I then told him that if he did not stop I should not release him at the end of the hour. He informed me that his face was dripping with sweat he had cried so hard, but he concluded to stop when he heard my threat. Ever & always Your Crete Ocean Grove Aug. 4th 1876 My Darling: I have been thinking of you a great deal to day - wondering if you are making your reply to Mr. Lamar, and hoping if you are, that you may be your best self in every way - wanting to be with you, not for any help I could give except by my sympathy and love, but for the sake of being near you with all that sympathy andWashington. Aug 5, 1876 My Darling - Soon after I finished my hurried note to you yesterday, the floor was awarded to me, & I spoke in reply to Lamar. I spoke nearly two hours, & came home greatly exhausted, & every garment soaked with perspiration - How I wanted you to sit beside me, & tell me how I had done - for I never know at the moment - A speech is like a new born baby - the mother [who makes it] and the speaker must wait the the child is dressed before they can tell whether [*296*]it is a proper child or not - As I have not yet revised my [repo] notes, I can only judge by what others say - I may tell you, Darling, that I have probably never had such attention before, and my friends say I never made so able a speech - You will probably see notices of it in the N.Y. papers of today - My friends applaud me with very great enthusiasm - I shall spend Sunday in revising it - So you see how I am kept - I have telegraphed to the State Central Committee, asking them to postpone my Akron speech until the 18th. - If they do so, I will spend a week with you which not only my heart but my body needs - I was surprised, and not a little troubled to find how greatly I was exhausted by my speech - I need rest & the sea - but above all you - best & most precious,I was so tired that I could not sleep until nearly 2 a.m. and awoke at six - Mary McGrath is better, & Dr Edson says you need not feel anxious about her - Cowles is here and says we can have his cottage, all furnished, six bedrooms, for $5 per day - We might take it & keep house, & use our own help - What say you - to that plan of seeing the Centennial? Your dear letter of the 3rd is just read & stowed away in my heart which is all and only your own James.Ocean Grove Aug. 5th 1876 My Darling: Your dear letter with the draft has just arrived and I will answer for the P.M. mail or else nothing will be started to you until monday. Why do I never ask you for anything? Because you never give me any chance. I should have to make rapid serach for wants to find one not already forseen [*491 1/2*] [*I am glad Mary is better give her love from all of us.*] [*How I do wish you could be with us tomorrow. Let your good spirit brood over us and help us to pass the day in peace. Forever Your Crete*]and provided for from your generous heart and hand. The draft you send this morning is nearer unwelcome than any thing you ever sent for it tells me that you cannot be here yourself. I got a Tribune this morning. They can't give you unqualified praise; but I have quite as much faith in your judgement as regards the points to be made as in the opinion of any of the reporters. I hope you will send me your speech and Mr. Lamar's also. The Tribune thinks their is no prospect of immediate adjournment. I hope it does not know. xx I have just returned from a bath. The water is warm and the bathing delightful. I am really beginning to enjoy it. "Old Burton" has been in twice this week and is getting to like it too, but no amount of persuasion can coax Abe in. He had on his suit this morning and went with us to the beach, but would not go near enough to get his feet wet. After we had been in a few moments I missed Irvin and began to look around in somealarm, when I discovered him in the most brotherly manner leading Abe home. On his return he said he heard Abe cry and went to him. Abe said he wanted to go home so he took him in the gentlest manner home. I am glad to see him show so much kindness towards Abe. Harry and Mollie are perfect fish, and take real delight in the water. Jim - gets sick every time any of the salt water gets into his stomach. You must come and enjoy it with us. It would do you a world of good I am sure. Do you hear anything new from the District? I begin to feel very ignorant concerning you and your interests. Send me anything that concerns you. How I do wish you could be with us tomorrow. Let your good spirit brood over us and help us to pass the day in peace. Forever Your Crete. Ocean Grove Aug. 5th 1876 My Darling: Your dear Letter with the draft has just arrived and I will answer for the P.M. mail or else nothing will be started to you until Monday. Why do I never ask you for any thing? Because you never give me any chance. I should have to make rapid search for wants to fine one not [*I am glad Mary is better Give her love from all of us.*]Washington. Aug 6/76 My Darling- The day has been intensely hot, and I have spent most of it in the slow work of revising my speech - Towards evening, Senator Sherman came & ask me to ride with him, & that was the only touch of coolness I have had - I find that I made a very foolish & serious mistake, in taking a bath so soon after speaking - It gave [*297*]a severe cold which seemed to settle all over me & I have not thrown it off yet. It is not yet possible to see the end of the session, though I shall be surprised if it does not end before this week closes - Your two most precious letters of the 4th & 5th came this morning - and they were my manna & nectar for this lone Sunday - How precious to my eyes is the sight of an envelope from your dear hand! & how tenfold more precious are the dear wordswhich tell me of your love! So far as I have gone over my speech I think it reads well - The letters are pouring in upon me from all sides - My friends talk like crazy men about it; & I am sure its reading cannot come up to their high expectations - I am holding it back until Lamar's appears - which will be Tuesday morning as I hear - Lamar himself told me he would prefer to have his go in a separate number of the record - because he wanted to send it away where he would not like to have mine read in connection with it!! Now precious Darling keep up the blessing of your letters, and know that every hour I am longing to go to your arms Mary McG. is slowly but surely gaining - Dr Edson says Rohns & Lobelia were just right for Abe - You did just what she would have ordered. How is the little "soot"? Love and kisses to all & all love to you Ever & aye JamesOcean Grove Aug. 6th 1876 My Darling: It is a most perfect day here: but I am afraid it is very warm in Washington. It would be warm here if the sea breeze had not started up. I undertook to go to church this morning, but was too late and there was no place to sit near the speaker and I had not-quite the physical courage to stand so came home again. Is there any hope that [*494*]you may adjourn tomorrow? I called on Mr. & Mrs. Cutler last evening and he told me your motion to adjourn was laid on the table by the Senator I am almost growing weary of writing letters I am so impatient to have you come. 3 o'clock P.M. I put your letter aside this morning to quiet the little boys who were getting uproarious. Now dinner is over Harry and Jimmie have gone to Sunday school. Mollie is at the beach with a playmate who came last night watch the sea which the wind is covering with white feathery caps and tossing into beautiful white spray along the beach. Last night I went with the children and sat a long time on the beach. It was a wonderfully beautiful night. The air balmy as spring! and as we sat watching the slow moon creep up from the water's edge and gradually brighten the earth and the sea it seemed to me your grand and loving presences was about us lifting me up into the sweet exaltation of our pure and perfect wedded love. How I wanted you there! The day has been passing in most remarkable I called on Mr. & Mrs. Cutler last evening and he told me your motion to adjourn was laid on the table by the Senate. I am almost growing weary of writing letters. I am so impatient to have you come. 3 o'clock p.m. I put your letter aside this morning to quiet the little boys who were getting uproarious. Now dinner is over Harry and Jimmie have gone to Sunday school. Mollie is at the beach with a play mate who came last night watching the sea which the wind is covering with white feathery caps and tossing it into beautiful white spray along the beach. Last night I went with the children and sat a long time on the beach. It was a wonderfully beautiful sight. The air balmy as Spring! and as we sat watching the slow moon creep up from the water's edge and gradually brighten the earth and the sea it seemed to me your grand and - loving presence was about us lifting me up into the sweet exaltation of our pure and perfect wedded love. How I wanted you there! The day had been passing in most remarkable quiet, and I almost feel thatinvocation to your spirit in my letter yesterday has been answered by you. I begin to feel that the large and noble nature which inspire your life and teaching is beginning to be developed in our older boys & that you have planted the seed from which a good harvest is to be gathered. This summer gives me [more] a surer hope than I have ever felt before. Hal and Jim are really becoming very manly boys. I hope tomorrow to get the glad word of your coming. Until then, and forever after Yours most lovingly Crete. Ocean Grove Aug. 6th 1876 My Darling: It is a most perfect day here; but I am afraid it is very warm in Washington. It would be warm here if this sea breeze had not started up. I undertook to go to church this morning, but was too late and there was no place to sit near the speaker and I had not quite the physical courage to stand so came home again. Is there any hope that [*494*]Ocean Grove Aug 1st, 1876 My Darling: Another warm bright day to make me feel how much you need to be here. The paper this morning says you may adjourn on Wednesday or Thursday. Will it stretch out to the crack of doom? If you stay much longer you will need to bring a trunk for every day I discover the lack of something left behind. Today I find [*495*] [*Give my love to Emily and tell her that since I am writing to you every day I think you all hear enough about us. Crete.*]that two or three suits of Irvin have been left behind, and it is so warm that he needs them. Tell Mary to please hunt them up: but that the white shirt I mentioned of Abram's we have found. I am very glad to hear by your morning letter that Mary McGrath is better and not in danger of typhoid fever. From the summary of your speech in the Republican I don't see that it is so objectionably partisan as the Tribune correspondent would insinuate. If the letter I saw was from White it is no marvel however since his sympathies are all with the Democratic Party. We had a bath again this morning. Irvin says tell Papa that he goes in every time Mamma does and that to day a wave gave him a nice ducking. We cannot coax him in very far but Jim held him to day until he got a good swashing. Is Emily Reed at our house now? I must tell something funny. The evening you left here I took up the testament to read a verse for you. I opened and my eye restedis so warm that he needs them. Tell Mary to please hunt them up; but that the white shirt mentioned of Abram's we have found. I am very glad to hear by your morning letter that Mary McGrath is better and not in danger of typhoid fever. From the summary of your speech in the Republican I don't see that it is so objectionably partisan as the Tribune correspondant would insinuate. If the letter I saw was from White it is no marvel however since his sympathies are all with the Democratic party. We had a bath again this morning. Irvin says tell Papa that he goes in every time Mamma does and that to day a wave gave him a nice dunking. We cannot coax him in very far but Jim held him to day until he got a good swashing. Is Emily Reid at our house now? I must tell something funny. The evening you left here I took up the Testament to read a verse for you. I opened and my eye rested on the verse telling of the man who took unto himself seven other spirits etc. When you told meEm & Mary M - had come to you for a place in the house I began to think my text might indeed be a prophecy. I hope Mary White will see that the rooms are properly closed and the flies kept out. How is the dining room? and have you thought to have the cedar floor repaired? I know you feel worried and used out, and wish I could go and stay with you. The morning paper thinks you will not have a quorum much longer. If not what can you do? all join love to Papa the best papa in the world Ever Yours Crete. Cedar Grove Aug. 1st 1876 My Darling: Another warm bright day to make me feel how much you need to be here. The paper this morning says you may adjourn on wednesday or Thursday. Will it stretch out to the crack of doom? If you stay much longer you will need to bring a trunk for every day I discover the lack of something left behind. Today [?] [*Give my love to Emily and tell her that since I am writing to you every day I think you all hear enough about us. Crete.*]Washington. Aug. 8th. 1876 My Darling, I had not suffered from the heat more any day this season than I did yesterday - The only consolation it brought was the thought that you and the children were not here to scorch under its fierceness - You know how slow and painful a process is my work of revising a speech always is - This time, it has been an unusually severe trial - I spent [most] part of Sunday, a large share of yesterday and until two hours past midnight - [finishing the] in verifying my facts, [rev] revising my notes & reading the proofs. [*298*]And though I got but four hours of sleep last night, I have a feeling of grateful relief not unlike that which I have seen in you after labor-- For a time, I felt pleased with my speech--and some of its passages surprised me. They seemed not my own--but the words of some one who had seen my thoughts more clearly than I had myself--I held the report back till Lamar's speech should appear-- Since I began this page the morning mail has come & brought the Record, but far better than Record or any speech of mine, it brought your most beautiful, most precious letter of Sunday. As I read it, I felt the cool breezes of the solemn sea fanning my face, and a new revelation of your sacred love filling my heart. Precious One, what have I done to merit such a blessing! God & you have united to crown me with priceless love--Let us hope that time will be gracious & bring me soon to your arms. Still the adjournment hangs and falters--The salary question is again in the way-- the purpose--the party purpose-- to cut down our own salaries by the paltry sum of $200 or $500 a year-- I send you a letter from Mr Cowles, stating more fully his offer of his cottage. I hope you will be pleased with it; for it seems as though you could see the Centennial, &, at the same time enjoy home comforts - I send you a Record - & when we meet, shall be glad to hear your opinion of the Debate. Of course I had not seen Lamar's Speech in full; & much of it he did not deliver - I do not give up the hope of seeing you by the end of the week - I have withdrawn the Akron appointment, & shall try to spend a week with you. Mary is steadily improving, sitting up two or three hours each day - but pale & thin. I send you some papers. I have not wanted to worry you with District affairs - but they brighten every day - As to my enemies - I say, 'Calling our dear Tennyson' - "Let them rave" Kisses & love, Forever & Ever Your James.Ocean Grove Aug. 8th 1876 My Darling: Yours of Sunday has only just reached me this evening and by the poor candle light I will write a few lines so that a day may not pass without some word to you - you so good and full of all loving kindness. I have been too occupied today to write any thing sooner [*496*]Ocean Grove Aug. 8th 1876 My Darling: Yours of Sunday has only just reached me this evening and by the poor candle light I will write a few lines so that a day may not pass without some word to you - you so good and full of all loving kindness. I have been too occupied today to write any thing sooner [*496*] Yesterday Rene's intended husband came yesterday and wanted her to go with him to Philadelphia to meet some friends. Miss Crosset let me have a little girl she has to help me with Neddie so I could not have the heart to deny the lovers. She will be back tomorrow if not this evening. I had a letter from Mrs Spencer to day. She eulogized you and your speech in high terms, and said if you were only an advocate of Woman's Rights she would write somethingfor the Ohio papers and she didn't know but she would any way. Darling I am greatly worried about your condition. Especially since it is so warm. A party who came here this evening say it was the warmest day of the season yesterday in the cities. and I am greatly concerned lest you are sick and suffering in this intense heat. Dont wait another hour for that miserable Congress. Sam Randall ought to be sent home without one cent of salary. I shall wait anxiously for your letter tomorrow. Why you great helpless baby what could you do sick and alone. Warm as it is here, it is comfort compared with the weather we had in Washington. Waiting and longing for you we all join in our best love to you. Ever and all Your Crete.Washington Aug 9, 1876 My Darling - Again my thanks go up to God and you for my daily bread. The bread of the body and the bread of the heart in your precious letter, which has just come - And I am so happy in the thought that you and the little ones are by the cool grand sea, out of this fierce heat - The signs of adjournment still linger - But if we do not sooner end this weary session, I shall try to run away to you. & spend Sunday in the light of your blessed presence - The light of my public life is streaked with the colors [*299*]of the east just now - I sent you a letter from Harman Austin, which notes the signs at the old home - Letters by the score are coming in full of enthusiasm for my speech, & hunger for the full text - And the demands from speaking are today from eight states - But I must rest, & I have withdrawn the Akron appointment and shall give my body to the [surf] [sur] healing surf & to you, before I go onto the great fight - But keep writing - for I shall have a new sense of loneliness & hunger, if I do not know, that you keep the pathway between us bright with messages of love - Mary is better - I will see to the repairs of which you speak - & do what I can to make the dear home fit - but all too poorly fit - to receive his beloved mistress - And you - are you gaining in strength and vigor of body? Tell me all about it Darling - for every word about yourself is dearer than even the dear things you write - I have a long letter from Mothergood [?one] - she is troubled lest the rebels will do me harm here alone. [Write to] She is glad you are away, but seems to regard you as my armed defender - But I know you are the champion of my soul & heart - Write to her - By the way have answered Abby Dodge's letter? Do so please, if you have not - I think you will see me Saturday Evening - sooner if the House will - Kisses and love to all - More & more, & ever & forever - I am your own James.Crete. Ocean Grove Aug 9th 1876 My Darling: Yours of yesterday reached me this morning and I have using all the leisure I could get from Neddie in reading the slips you sent and Mr. Lamar's speech. That I finished and began yours, but have not gone very far with it. I will not write anything about either but wait for [*497*]to come. Don't fail to bring my Doctor book. I am very much afraid Neddie is coming down with whooping cough. He had a high fever all day yesterday and last night woke with a strange wheezing cough as though something was strangling him. He had the same kind of cough two or three times to day and this afternoon it flashed through my. mind that it was just the right time for him to be coming down with whooping cough if taken from the Abbey children. It may turn out to be only a cold but please ask Miss Edson how I shall treat him in case it is whooping cough. I saw from the Tribune this morning that you are to vote on the legislative bill tomorrow and I am promising myself that you will adjourn immediately thereafter. I shall expect you on Friday without fail. Please dont disappoint me. Think it will have been three weeks on friday since we came. I dont think I should have come if I had supposed we should have staidso long without you. Give my love to Mary McGrath and say to her that she must be very careful not to have a return of the fever. I think she must have a sorry time all alone these long warm days. I hope you have accepted Mr Cowles offer. I am sure we cannot do better, and it will be such a comfort to be independent of a boarding house. It is certainly very kind of him to make us such an offer, and I hope you will express to him all my gratitude. All join me in hearts full of love for dear Papa. Ever yours Crete. Ocean Grove Aug 9th 1876 My Darling: Yours of yesterday reached me this morning and I have using all the leisure I could get from Neddie in reading the slips you sent and Mr. Lamar's speech. That I finished and began young, but have not gone very far with it. I will not write anythingWashington. Aug. 10. 1876. My Darling. I lay in bed this morning and finished "My Novel", which I have enjoyed very keenly - There is a boldness in the plan, and a skill in the execution, not often found in fiction; and the scholarship which produced it is of a very high order - Its two leading women - Helen and Violante - are rare and lovely types. Each very perfect of its kind - I could not help seeing that it took them both to symbolize you - And it was one of the sweetest enjoyments of the book, that I went on, at intervals, in the work of combining their several qualities [*300*]and finding all the best elements of the combination in my own Darling. And then I fancy that I see some of my own qualities in Harley & Leonard - At last Darling, we have come to an agreement on the most difficult points of disagreement on the Appropriation bills. & the end must come soon. If I find we will be very sure to adjourn on Monday next, I will stay through & go to you then -If we are likely to run far on into the week - I will go over & spend Sunday - But keep writing - I have a letter from Jefferson that Northway has withdrawnfrom the Canvass - dreadfully cut down, by the hopelessness of his contest - But now it is probable that the malignants will try to get up an independent candidate - and make all the nastiness they can - After breakfast - Daily bread & the daily message of love - Blessings on both givers! Don't be troubled Darling - I think I shall keep well on your medicine - the precious love you give me - Still the letters pour in for my speech - and each compliments as would make us both blush if you were here - But I care more to know your own clear judgment than that of all of them - I went to the shoe store, & found that Mollies shoes could not be bettered by an exchange. The whole box full, was of the same shape - & so the merchant took them back, charge me on your books, with $2.50 I am having the things you want quickly laid aside against my going - Mr Monroe has been reneninated, after a struggle, & much nervousness on his part - Mary M'G is steadily improving - and I will arrange for her staying here while I am gone - Ever & aye your ownest own James.Ocean Grove Aug 10th 1876 My Darling: I have just finished reading your speech and I must write you a little notwithstanding my purpose to wait until you were here before giving my opinion. Mr. Lamar's speech seems to me a very perfect piece of oratory and it so appeals to the sympathy so interests you in the person and things about whom and regarding which he talks that the listener especially if he did not know to the contrary would say he must be right. And I [*498*]confess to a little bit of impatience with you before I began your reply that you should undertake to answer him! And I began to read you with I think more of an inclination to criticize than to approve; but you so soon carried me away into your world of grand thought that Lamar's loftiest sentiment was left below in the clouds. Darling I do not believe you ever made a more able and Statesman-like speech and if the Tribune man had not been gazing through the clouds in which Lamar was floating he would not have undertaken to show his superior statesmanship by the criticism he made. To accuse you of descending to partisanship because you answered the only point Mr. Lamar made (for his whole speech turned on this one opinion that the only hope for reform was in the Democratic Party) is as absurd as to tell a man to fire any way but at the enemy when he goes into battle. Darling I wish I could tell you all I feel about your speech but it is all so in the wide firmament of high truth and among ideas so impressive and grand that to attempt to describe my own impressions of it is like the attempt to describe a perfect day and the full glory of the sunlight, through forest and glade and out over the glistening sea. But know - my heart is very proud and full of gratitude that you are what you are and that I am your wife. The mail has not yet come this morning but I hope for a letter when it does come telling me when I may expect you. Neddie is betterthis morning and I hope my fear about whooping cough is only a scare. The children are all anxious to see papa. Can we make Mary McGrath service able at Philadelphia? Or will she not be able to work so soon. Perhaps she would like to go and only work for her board. Hoping to hear from you and see you very soon I am forever yours Crete. [*Tell Mary we all send love and are all anxious to see her. The children all say "do have Mamie course".*]Washington. Aug. 11. 1876. My Darling - "Saying what a brave boy am I" - sang the old nursery rhymes - So I sing. Every morning, over the bravery I have shown in staying away from you another day - & it if I could do it, but for the constant thought that each day brings me nearer to the joy of seeing you - I sat until half past eleven, clearing up my desk from the debris of the late debate, and putting things in order - It was sweet to do these things, because, I seemed to be getting ready to go [with] to you - [*301*]The provoking uncertainty which still hangs over the adjournment I have not yet been able to dissipate - Some think we will surely adjourn Monday - If it were reasonably sure we would, I would wait and see the end - But if we are to drag through the most of another week, I shall take the late train tonight, & be with you early tomorrow - So I may see you before this reaches you - but alas! I may not - & there's the ache - I forgot to say anything about the boys renting the boat - I hope you have not hesitated on account of my silence to do what seemed best to you - I am made proud & happyby what you tell me of them. If they once get started on the high road of manliness and honor, they will not be likely to leave it. "Who had trod Olympus from his sight, Fades not the larger outlook of the Gods." Let the dear fellows know some day that Papa was thus early, so anxious to have them tread those heights where the pure air of honor and high thought will make his young immortals so far as Apollo - I wrote to Mother this morning - but said nothing about our future movements - Yesterday I paid all the bills for July, and put our accounts in proper shape - I have a long & hopeful letter from Thomas Phillip telling me, that after two years of great hardship and patient labor & hope they have again struck a great oil field, & hope soon to be in better condition than ever before - I rejoice in this hope both for themselves & for us - It would be a great help, to get the amounts they owe me - I hope you wont ashamed of me for my constant reference to my speech but I want to tell you, that many of the foremast Democrats in the House has read it in full in the Record, & have said stronger things in its praise than I ever expected [*from them. Notably, Cal James of Ky. & Mr. New of Ind. Ever & always your own James.*]Ocean Grove Aug. 14th 1876 My Darling: I reached the West Philadelphia station about five minutes before the train started and reached home here a quarter before eleven - found everything all right - Abe was the only one in sight. He was lying on the hall floor talking over the probabilities of my coming back with one of the ladies. [*499*]The lady said he had been expressing great fear that I would go on to Washington and leave him here, and he was in great delight when I came. The other children were scattered on the beach and through the surf - which by the way is tumbling in grandly this morning, and would delight your soul. I made a breakfast on a banana and couple of peaches, but how lonesome it was to feel that the speed of how railroad trains rushing away from each other was widening the distance between us so fast, and I almost feel that I am going towards you again now that I am no longer going farther away. At least I have started towards you on time if not over space. I shall hope to hear from you tomorrow and learn very soon what arrangements to make. All send love. I hope you will find Mary better and that she may be able to go [?] to PhiladelphiaI would go on to Washington and leave him here, and he was in great delight when I came. The other children were scattered on the beach and through the surf - which by the way is tumbling in grandly this morning, and would delight your soul. I made a breakfast on a banana and couple of peaches, but how lonesome it was to feel that the speed of two railroad trains rushing away from each other was widening the distance between us so fast, and I almost feel that I am going towards you again now that I am no longer going farther away. At least I have started towards you on time if not over space. I shall hope to hear from you tomorrow and learn very soon what arrangements to make. All send love. I hope you will find Mary better and that she may be able to go over to Philadelphia to meet us. What a bright little oasis your visithas been. Neddie is not quite well; He has a bad diarrhoea this morning. I begin to think the sea air does not agree with him as well as with the rest of us. All yours in sincerest love--Crete.Ho Reps. Aug 15, 1876 My Darling - I did not intend to let a whole day pass without writing to you. But a carriage was waiting at the Depot, to take me to the House where I was much needed - It had been in session two hours & a half when I arrived - and it sat in continuous, disorderly, & part of the true disgraceful session until six this morning - We are now at it again, and I have to watch like a sentry in part - to prevent Democratic mischief - Your dear letter has come, with its balm and blessing - and not the least delight- [*302*]part of it, is that which assures me that my visit was a help--for I came away from Phila. with a fear that I had been selfish in dragging you away on a long journey--only to go back alone--I have received a letter from Cowles, in which he says it will suit them just as well, to wait until next week--& so I telegraphed them you would delay and telegraphed you the same--I think we shall adjourn late this evening, and, if so, I will go over to you tomorrow, & get all the bathing I can before I go to Ohio. The people of Pittsburgh, want to give me an ovation, & get a speech en route, but I will dodge them & stay with you--The Painesville friends have telegraphed me to be at the Little Mt. on Sat. evening, & allow them to give me a reception there on Monday-- but that I shall also decline--to be with My Darling, My Darling, My life & my bride. Away by the Sounding Sea-- I enclose the last letter which I sent by mistake to Harmon Austin, with his own letter enclosed--He sends it back, saying that it is the first time he ever had a letter returned without note or comment--that when he read as far as "My Darling"--he thought it couldn't be for him. Mary McG. is now able to sit up all day, & is delighted at the thought of going to Phil. Miss Mays is anxious to go & stay with the children while you are in Quebec. My mails are past all precedent--But most of them are answered by sending a speech-- Love to all the little ones & kisses for them; & for yourself all love & all blessings--for ever & aye--Your own James.1876 Philadelphia Aug 21st My Darling: The children are all quietly in bed at last for their first night in Philadelphia after several exhibitions of brotherly love not the most approved, and still I dont suppose they have been very bad for six tired children. We got off from Ocean Grove in good shape and arrived [*500*]here at four o'clock--found Mr. & Mrs. Chase waiting for us. They had a nice dinner prepared, and we find the house very pleasant and comfortable; but our chief fear now is that we cannot get an extension of the lease. After dinner we drove around to see Mr. Ashburner-- the son of the landlady--and he says his mother is exceedingly anxious to get home-- that his younger sister has been ill all summer with Typhoid fever--and he does not think they would listen at all to giving up their home any longer--but he will write immediately and probably get an answer on Saturday. Aug 25th House. My Darling - I have just finished a few lines to Mrs. Black. I thought they would feel it so strange to get no word from either of us. It seems to me a long silence has fallen between us: for not one word has come to me from you since you left me on Tuesday evening and this is the first I have written. Darling how each year is adding to the busy work [*501*]of heart and brain over these children. From waking to the weary night-fall it seems to me I do nothing but work and watch and think for them. Surely there is nothing sweeter to do except to think of you alone, and that they will not let me, makes me very weary sometimes. I have not heard a word from Lizzie yet. Perhaps it means that she hopes to come tomorrow or monday: but I begin to hope less that we can go with you to Kentucky. If we do go I dont see how we can start in time to stop at Wadsworth. I hope by tomorrow to hear from you or at least get some tidings of you through the papers. Harry struck the butcher knife across the back of his left hand to day leaving a deep gash. I have drawn it together with strips of court plaster as well as I could; but presume it will leave a bad scar. Hesays tell papa that he did not cry a bit until the blood began to stream over his hand and then he grew faint and cried a little. Jim has been stamping and pounding and screaming like a steam engine run mad nearly all the time since you left, but is trying to sing just now Hurrah Hail the mighty day, the most appropriate thing he could do. Mrs. Young was just in and says they have put the church in good order, and to tell you the "Dutchman" has left. Now love to you from all. Irvin is prettier than [???] and Mollie too. Yours in loving kindness, and loving thoughts ever and forever Crete.THE WESTERN UNION TELEGRAPH COMPANY. The rules of this Company require that all messages received for transmission, shall be written on the message blanks of the Company, under and subject to the conditions printed thereon, which conditions have been agreed to by the sender of the following message. [*Ag 30, 1876*] WILLIAM ORTON, Pres't } New York. A.R. BREWER, Sec'y. Dated Washington DC 30 1876 Received at 10.38 am 312 To Mrs JA. Garfield Please meet me early as possible tomorrow fifth ave hotel N York dont fail I must return tomorrow evening J A Garfield [*303*]NY. & Boston Cars. Sept 1. 1876. My Darling - After a hot and disagreeable ride, I arrived at the Fifth Avenue Hotel at seven p.m and found serious difficulties to be settled between our Soldiers Committee, & the National Committee - which occupied me until after midnight - My room was thronged most of the time; and some of the Committee remained till half an hour after I got into bed - About 8 p.m. a long procession of the "Boys in Blue" serenaded me, and I spoke a few moments as you will see from the enclosed slip from the Tribune. Before I was [*304*]out of bed, the Committee [???] was at my door, and kept by me until I wrote a final letter in reference to it, at 8 a.m. at the Depot, before this train started. The day is hot and I sit in sleepy discomfort--with no thought, except of you, able to awake me. How long the week stretches out before me, in contrast with the swift-flying one I have left behind! Your presence conquers time. Do you remember that I told you yesterday, as we walked together, that I was trying to get so vivid a sense of your presence, that I could call it back when I was away? For the last four hours (We are now near the Mass. line) while awake, I have tried to feel the touch of your dear arm in mine and hear, over again, the sweetest yes which was ever spoken in answer to the old old question - And so I shall try to gild the shadows of next week with the reflected glories of the last - Just now we are in the banks of the Connecticut River, which brings me the memory of your trip with me to the White Mts. & the further thought that here lived the blessed men and women, who united on one side of the house. I make up the elect company of your ancestors - I here offer to their ghosts the Tribute of my gratitude that they helped to make such a life as yours possible upon the Earth. Now we have crossed the river, in the state where the Garfields did a like work for me. You was my fair western star - & the line of my race, was fore-long westward, till your path and mine crossed on the green sward at Chester - Blessed meeting - & ever & end, I trust, but to be me, sweet walk in the eternal fields - I fear you cannot read this jiggly pencilling; but I cannot let the day go by, without starting a word to meet you which I am sure will be starting to day - I don't yet know whether I can get off to Maine tonight, or shall have to wait in Boston till morning - Before you go to Washington, please pick up my letters which I left in the sitting room, & in the closet at the head of the stairs - Kisses & love to all the Dear Ones - & all my heart to you - Ever & alway - Your own James1876 Philadelphia Sept 1st My Darling: Notwithstanding all your statements concerning the amount of paper brought here, these slips are the whole that I can find. I awoke this morning with a head ache and decided to stay at home and let the girls and children go to the Exposition. Hal and Jim decided too, to spend the day otherwise, and Abram wouldn't go so Mollie and Irvin are the only two with the girls. It was so lonely to come home last night without you. Darling how am I to be reconciled to all these absences which each year you stay in political life is to bring? They have always been hard enough to bear but each year they become more unendurable. I ought to be reconciled to any [*502*]thing this Fall--the Good Father is helping you to so vindicate yourself and to lift off the weight of adversity which has been so overburdening. And I am trying to let this fact make me happy & triumphantly happy in spite of the heavy hours. I must warn you though to treat yourself tenderly and not let the great swirling clamorous public sweep you into its whirlpool and overwhelm you with its demands. If you are worth so much to the country now is it not chiefly because you will be of so much value when the elections are won. [and] Love for yourself for that, and for me. All join me in love to you--our dearest and best. Ever all yours, Crete. Remember me with kindest regards to Mr. & Mrs. Blaine & family. Augusta, Me. Sept 2. 1876. My Darling - I arrived in Boston a little before 5 last evening, & after spending an hour in a barber shop - getting the dust out of my hair, & ears - I went on board just such a steamer as you & I took at Portland seventeen years ago - and at seven o'clock we were en route for Portland - where we arrived at day break - At six I took the Maine Central R.R. & arrived here at 9-25 this morning - I am at the Blaine's whom I find delightfully situated in a large plain [*305*]hospitable house, such as you shall have, if I live long enough to build it for you--Cal Ingersoll & his wife & two daughters are here, & it makes me homesick to think that I am alone, without you. The town is full of people, and we have just had a great meeting Ingersoll spoke two hours, & Blaine one--and I am to speak in the evening--Ingersoll has a wonderful power of creating enthusiasm in his audience--I listened to his speech with great interest and delight--In many respects he lacks calmness and dignity--frequently he is lacking in fairness; but he possesses that indefinable quality which is the soul of oratory, and which carries a listener captive in spite of himself--I have sometimes caught the same spirit--but he lives in it--It breathes through his commonplace thought and finds its way to his hearers by its own mysterious force. I imagine that much of his poweris present in speech which is lost by print - I so much want you to hear him, & help me solve the mystery of his power - I shall try to get him into our District, & have you hear him while you are with me in Ohio. I dread the evening, because it is quite chilly, & the wind is high - & I must speak out of doors - I look for a dear letter from you tomorrow morning - Tell the boys about our sea voyage of 17 years ago - and mine of yesterday - & have them trace my journey on the map - I speak in Bangor on Monday next - Ever & all & always Your ownest own James.Augusta. Maine. Sep 4. 1876 My Darling- After writing you my hurried note of Saturday - I spoke to an immense audience - and then spent the night and yesterday at Blaines in company of the Ingersolls - of whom I have many things to tell you when we meet - I go this morning to Bangor - where I speak tonight, & then I go north along the border, & within the province of New Brunswick to Aroostook Co. Let the boys follow me on the map and find Houlton and Fort Fairfield - I shall return through Bangor - so after you receive this write me one more letter & direct to Bangor Maine - [*306*]I have had a new revelation of what love is, from our great William. Turn to the Sonnets, and read the CXVI - and when we meet, we will read it together. I am now disposed to believe that no human composition has ever equalled that as an analysis of love - I will not attempt to comment upon - except to speak of one couplet or two - "Love's not Time's fool, though rosy lips and cheeks Within his bending sickle's compass come; Love alters not with his brief hours & weeks But bears it out even to the edge of doom." Think Darling of that immense figure of Time with his vast sickle, reaching out for all that is mortal - He can grasp within his sickle's compass "rosy cheeks & lips" - but love itself is beyond his utmost reach and bears it out even, to the edge of doom - How that answers the fear you have sometimes expressed that our love would wane, when the light of life began to burn low - In this connection I have caught another thought - that true love - immortal love - is unselfish - & hence immortal - If I love you for my own sake, that love might perish by changes in me - If my love is planted in you; if I love you for your sake - then it lives out of & beyond self - and depends not upon my changing moods - but upon the immortal being in whom it is planted. Thus is rises above impediments above intervening obstacles - outlasts time - "looks upon tempests, and is never shaken." Follow this thought out, my Darling and tell me about it when you write - or when we meet - It is too soon to say on what train we will meet - but Inow expect to leave Boston next Sunday evening--& I think I can meet you on the train which takes you from Washington Monday morning--or at latest Monday noon. But I will write or telegraph you when I learn all about it, so that I can make no mistakes. I want you to stay in Ohio not less than three weeks. If possible, I hope you will stay until the election & then let me go back to Washington with you--I beg you not to tire yourself out at the Centennial as much as you did with me--I look confidently for a letter from you when the mail comes today, so that I can read it on the cars on my way to Bangor--Love to the precious little ones--& to you a love that lies beyond the sickle's compass-- Ever & all your own James. Philadelphia Sept 4 1876 My Darling: You are the only person in the world to whom I could write this evening I am sure for I think I was never more tired. Miss Mays and I went alone to the Exposition to day, and made some careful studies. And you have no idea of the intensified weariness it brought. We made discoveries which I must show [503] to you. I begin to feel that I shall not be satisfied with any amount of time I may spend here. What a grand thing it would be if such an exhibition could be a permanent thing in the country where people could go to be educated. What an incitement it would be to every class of industries to reach the highest perfection. So far as the study of merely material things can go I am not sure that it would not give more culture than travel. You must see more of it. I find that not so much of it as I had hoped can be put into the children; still it will - must surely help to enlarge their ideas. - I started your shirts to you this morning in your Russia leather satchel. I did not know where to find a box without a journey down into the city. I put in it all the letters on hand also. No letter came from you to day but I suppose there has been scarcely time sinceyou reached Maine. I am exceedingly anxious to hear from you and of you. Mr. Cowles is back again and in conversation with Mr Shuckers this evening said, You were the man he would be glad to have made President. That were you President you would be the peer of any man who had ever occupied the chair unless it might be Thomas Jefferson and J.Q. Adams. I said to him he was very kind but did not tell him that I would have made no exceptions, nor that on the contrary I call you Chief among them all. Darling I hope you are well and saving yourself. All join in love to you. Ever Yours, Crete.Houlton, Aroostook Co. Me. Sept 5. 1876 My Darling - If you will trace the boundary line between Maine and New Brunswick to a point about 200 miles norward from the Sea you will find the name of this town - I did so much want you with me all day to see the strange wild country over which I have come - I arrived at Bangor at half past seven - last evening & at eight commenced my speech before a great audience - I have not often done so well any-where [*308*]After spending the night at Senator Hawkins', I took the train at eight this morning, up the valley of the Penobscot - and at the end of two hours plunged away into the granite and pine wastes of the State - with numerous lakes along the way - Away to the northwest Mount Katahdin rose in live blue glory - At one oclock we crossed the New Brunswick line, and ran within the province about 50 miles - A more wild and apparently worthless country - I have not seen East of the Rocky Mountains - At 5 p.m. I struck the border of civilization - in this county and soon was here in a beautiful & flourishing village - Above me to the north & west for 100 miles is a lovely country - and within its circuit lives a considerable remnant of those sadly renowned fugitives from Acadia of whom Longfellow wrote in his Evangeline - I had no conception of this part of Maine, and I don't want to get any knowledge of brain or heart without sharing it with you - I amglad to tell you that my voice & health hold up well thus far out I am sorry to tell you that I shall be compelled to speak here Saturday evening & therefore cannot reach Philadelphia before Tuesday late in the day - But I will telegraph you more particularly - Dont forget to bring my mail & the trunk in which my clothes are - Kiss all the dear ones and ask them to follow papa's travels on the map - I shall ride 42 miles in a wagon tomorrow to Presque Isle - Next day to Caribou, Friday to Fort Fairfield & Saturday here -Ever & all your James.P Bangor. Me. Sept 5. 1876 My Darling- I have only a moment before starting north, to say that I received your precious letter, after I had taken my seat on the cars at Augusta last evening--& it was food & medicine to my [307]I wonder if the fall that you had the head ache did not give it to me by sympathy? for I have had it several hours, beginning soon after I read that you were suffering from it-- I must go--but will write you before the day is done-- In haste & love Ever your James.1876 Philadelphia Sept 6th My Darling: I have just received this morning your second letter from Augusta. It was all so sweet and precious, but I must send you just a quick note now so as to be sure and meet you before you come home. I think it is quite certain that Neddie has whooping cough and I must not go and leave him now, nor must I take him to expose Joe's baby. I [*504*]am very sorry not to see Nellie but I think I must wait until Neddie is better. Mr. Cowles said this morning that we could have the house until Monday but I have decided to go to Washington on Saturday and chiefly on Neddie's account. I want to get him home so that he can have Miss Edson's care. Now darling I think you had better come right through to Washington. If it should turn out that Neddie should be better, than I might go on to Ohio with you, but I do not dare now to trust to make an appointment to meet you here on Monday next. I want to tell you a world of things both sweet and funny but I must hurry this into the mail. With love from all the family and all love from me Your Own Crete.Presque Isle. Me- Sept 7. 1876 My Darling. I was driven forty-two miles, in a buggy, yesterday - directly north from Houlton, to this place - arriving at half past three. Chilled quite through - though I wore two overcoats - It is late October weath - a wonderful change since Friday last when I was sweltering in the cars between N.Y. & Boston - This Aroostook Co. is a new but beautiful country a seat of fertile island in a desert - & I very greatly enjoyed the scenery [*309*]and the bracing air - I found that my name had preceded me; and many sturdy Aroostook farmers were quite familiar with my history. I spoke (to, what they tell me was much the largest audience ever gathered in this place) - for over two hours--and was more than usually master of the situation. I have struck quite a new line of thought since I left you - & want to tell you of it - when we meet - This morning I have been driven round this place & along the banks of the Aroostook River a bright clear stream-- and have visited a large factory where the make starch out of potatoes - When I am again at your table, I will sometime tell the children how it is done - By the way, the potatoes in this country are far better than even our Ohio product - & I think will arrange to get our winter supply before I leave - I must close; for the horse is waiting to take me to Caribou, where I am to speak this evening. As I am now speaking in halls - I amkeeping my throat better than usual - but still I feel the weariness of the work and long for the far-off end of the campaign. More and more I feel the presence of your love. I carry it in my heart among the wild hills & pine forests, and every hour it calls me away to you with its sweet and precious voice - Love & kisses to all & all to you Ever idem JamesMe. Caribou, Aroostook Co Sept 8. 1876 My Darling- Again northward twelve miles since my last - Two overcoats while out of doors - and a roaring fire indoors - Clear sky - sharp cold air - & a frosty morning - Spoke two hours last evening to a church full of people, but the electrical currents did not play as strongly as the night before - The old mystery of speech unexplained & unexplainable - This letter may not reach you till after I do; but love puts the pen in my hand and bids me write because it is My Darling whose name evokes all that is sweet & holy in life & love. [*310*]I think I mentioned, in a former letter, something about the remnants of the Acadians. We must read together the sad history of that strange people--I suppose it was much more than a century ago that they were cruelly driven out of their happy home in Nova Scotia--many to the far south, but a remnant took refuge in the northernmost bend of the St John's River a point about 80 miles north of where I now write. And their descendants are now there, occupying both sides of the river (Maine, & New Brunswick) for about sixty miles--They are from indolent, religious, happy-- produce children in vast numbers many pairs having twenty-- one has twenty-eight--and yet in that frozen land, they keep alive the old vivacity of la belle France-- They are among the finest dancers in the world--After attending mass in the forenoon, the spend the afternoon and evening of Sunday in music & the dance. Every assembly for every purpose, except perhaps funerals, ends with a dance. At their political convention last week, the floor was cleared and their women came in to aid in closing the deliberations of the day with a vivacious dance-- Their district is known as the Madawaska District. Nothing but the demands of this campaign keep me from going up there to see these descendants of the relatives of "lost Evangeline"--I go, tonight, to Fort Fairfield ten miles down the Aroostook River, & near the line of New Brunswick--and ride 46 miles back to Houlton - where I close my campaign; and on Sunday, ride fifty-six miles to a point where I catch the early Monday morning train for Bangor & Boston - This morning I have seen the N.Y. Tribune of the 5th which informs me that 25 Republicans have joined in calling an anti-Garfield convention in our 19th Dist. Perhaps this is just as well - Let my enemies separate themselves so that good men may know them and remember them - At Presque Isle, I read, in bed, about our eighth of Bickersteth's poem - "Yesterday, Today, and Forever"; and this morning, I read about forty pages of Bobby Burns, while the roar of the Aroostook came in muffled cadence to my pillow - Thanks to him of the glass & scythe, each day brings me to all the sweetness & light of this world whose I am wholly & forever James.E Se 12, 1876 FIVE. JERSEY CITY DEPOT N.J. SEPT. XIITH. MRS. J.A. GARFIELD [7=838] [am] TWELVE TWENTY SEVEN I. ST. NW. WASHINGTON. WILL BE HOME FIVE. HAVE ROSE THERE MUST LEAVE TONIGHT. J.A. GARFIELD. 10 PAIDE. ........ [311.] [311]Lagonda House, Geo. S. Atkinson & Son, PROPRIETORS. CHAS. De. ATKINSON, GEO. SINCLAIR, } Clerks. Springfield, Ohio, Sept 15 1876 11 P.M. My Darling- I shall never fathom this mystery of speech making. I have just talked nearly two hours, in a fine opera house, crowded with intelligent listeners, and every minute of the time felt certain that I was making a poor speech - It was agony to feel that I was making a failure, and yet I felt it all the while - It adds to the mystery to say that many people since the meeting, speak in high terms of it - But they can't fool me - I know it was a miserable speech - & the most miserable part of it is that I don't know why - I arrived here at one p.m. from Warren often spending the night until 4 am, at Judge Kinsman's. He sends a pressing invitation to you to be his guest on the 23rd - Gen Mason is here with his wife, who is seriously ill. He has brought her north for her health- I shall try to [*312*]call on her tomorrow--He tells me he intends to visit Hiram during the first week of October--I hope he will do so while you are there. I am sure you don't know how hard it was for me to leave you. You have made a baby of me--I shall be hungry & lonesome & blue until I get your letter at Delaware-- At Akron Col Pardee came on the cars and gave me a copy of the history of the 42nd Regt. I read a hundred & fifty pages of it & cried more than a dozen times as I read the doing of those noble fellow I want you to read it, darling--for their sake & for mine I think it is exceedingly well done. I must sleep-- All & always your own James.Hiram Sept. 15 1876 My Darling: I did feel it was too bad to let you go away alone last night; but I knew I could see you so little and then must come dragging back alone this morning and I was too selfish. Then too I saw that Nellie would feel a little bit hurt. Darling I don't believe anybody quite knows or can understand how dear to each other we are, and I have a kind of fear that [they] people will set down to silliness our fondness. I hope you found Harmon in good feeling and got your arrangements all to satisfy you. It is very pleasant to be at home again, but [*505*]I confess to a little homesick feeling to be here without you and the boys. This morning Will Howell's Life of Hayes and Wheeler came in the mail and several letters. You did not tell me what to do with your letters so I will keep them till you come. Now darling take care of your health and write to me as often as you can. I will write to Mother and the boys today. Ever and forever your own Crete.11 P.M Columbus, O. Sept. 16/76. My Darling. To-day redeemed last evening, and more - They had what they call a "basket-meeting" in the rural heart of Clark County Keeping it up forenoon and afternoon - with an hour's interval for dinner - McKee of Ky. a member of the 40th & 41st Congress, spoke in the forenoon - and pretty fully covered the ground - so that I was thrown upon my reserve resources in the afternoon. I have, few times in my life, made so effective a speech. Curiously enough I find that my speech last night about which I felt so badly was very much praised. One cannot alway tell whether his [*313*]own speech is good or not. I am glad to tell you that my voice is holding up unusually well. But a speech tires me more than it used to and I am constantly trying to remember your injunction to take care of myself.--I found it impossible to call on Gen Mason & wife, but I sent them my regrets, and expressed the hope that they would not fail to visit Hiram--Mrs Vance & her three daughters called upon me--She is a sister of Mrs Hawley of Detroit. Also a lady now Mrs Williams, who was a Garfield called--I came here just as Bob Ingersoll was closing his great meeting--I think we are now gaining every day--Ashtabula co. seems to be more slow, in getting warmed up than any other place-- The sore heads are willing to let it fall behind--so as to be able to say that I was a hindrance to the ticket--Nous verrons-- I don't know how we shall manage about seeing Mother & our Solon friends. What do you say to going to Solon about Thursday evening-- & have me meet you there so as to make a short visit before we go to Warren? Write me at Indianapolis, & I will obey your orders--I think it probable, I shall make [??] op- portunist to speak in Ashtabula, Monday evening. If I do, can't you go with me to Trenton, in the morning of that day, and spend a few hours at Dr Robison's? Think about it, and we will talk it over when I come - I shall spend Sunday & part of Monday here, to answer my letters & see Gov Hayes Out of all this weariness and absence, your love [rises?] clear & bright - and warms & feeds me - Blessed wife! - how I long to be with you every hour - I took to Delaware as & hope & joy, because I shall find your letter there - Ever & always & all your own JamesHiram Sept. 17th 1876 My Darling I have just read the enclosed in the Presque Isle North Star and send it to show you how easy it is to find fault - how much easier than to be pleased. I have not heard a word from you since you went away with your reproachful face from me at Garrettsville. I can't get over the fear that you felt hurt by my reluctance to go with you. I was afraid [Nellie?] would be hurt if I went and having staid I am all the while tortured lest I hurt you [*506*] how much that mean. Darling be careful and cheerful and hopeful and your bravery will do the rest. Ever yours Creteby staying. But darling please don't, if you know how lonely I am without you, you would come home or do some desperate thing I am sure. Please write at least, and let me see the words your heart dictates. I was on the hill yesterday and saw Phebe, and the Hinsdales. Burke told me the whole story of Louise's death. I never saw him so broken hearted. He could not talk of her without choking and his eyes filling with tears. I think Phebe is very popular here, and if I were in her place I would fit myself to teach enough to have such a place as this. Em is here to day and says Dr. Squires is beginning to talk about how differently the school was managed when General Garfield was here - all because he is angry with Burke I suppose. It is a most dismal rainy Sunday to day. None of us have been out to church but Father. I hope you are some where, where you can rest. Darling how full of blessing to me is all your love, and know that all mine is for you. All join in love to you. Ever and always yours Crete.Monday Morning Darling: I have just received your letter from Springfield. You did not tell me how to direct in order to reach you but I send to Indianapolis. After reading your disconsolate account of your Springfield speech I doubted whether I had better send the inclosed scrap; but decided that you are not the weak womanish man that must be treated [like] so tenderly. In fact I am not sure but it will help you to do better. But do your worst--it will be better than nine out of the ten can do. I got letters from Miss Mays and the boys to day. They are all in fine spirits. Jim says he is trying to be good. Bless his old soul. Nobody knowsA. GARDNER, Jr., Resident Agent Columbus, Ohio, Sept 18 1876 My Darling- I am homesick - I have always been so in this city, since the war - In my early acquaintance with the city the Dennisons & Bascom's were here - my legislative friends were here - & later my regiment was here - Camp Chase was full of life - Now all these are gone - and their memory and absence fill me with sadness. Then, again, in later days, Columbus has been the scene of intrigue against me - I have been exceedingly well received here this visit - have dined with Hayes & his family, have been sought after by the Committee for speeches every where - but still the old sadness comes over me; and I am anxious for train time to get away; more anxious still for the time to come when I shall be with you - Perhaps I am a little depressed also by an editorial in the Commercial attacking me again on the "silver question" and saying that I ought to be beaten in my Dist. on that [account?]I am thinking that, possibly, I may be able to get away from Indianapolis Wednesday evening, so as to meet you a day sooner, either in Cleveland or Solon--If telegraph you to meet you I am sure you will; for I shall hardly be able to see you much except in this hurried way-- I fear my letters will pall on your appetite--for they contain but little besides the old, old story, which I must keep telling-- Ever your own James.Delaware. O. Sept 20. 1876 My Darling- I arrived here at half past five, last evening, and found your precious message - So you fear they will our fondness is "silliness"! "To the Greeks foolishness" - but Paul preached the gospel of love nevertheless - & so will I - at least to you - You were not in declining to go to Warren - but I wanted you with me, notwithstanding. & I knew you wanted to go; if I did not know it, I would not venture to ask you to stop reading this, before you turn to the next page - and read the last half of page eight - and the first half of page nine of Howell's Life of Hayes. Huzza for Chloe Smith's diary. [*315*] Delaware took away my Columbus gloom, and I had by all odds the best meeting I have addressed in the state The audience hooked on to my engine at once; and we make the trip in fair weather and good time-- Callers kept me up till half past eleven; and I lay in bed & read Howells life of Hayes to the 53rd page--I am charmed with it, and with Hayes--His student life is a revelation to me, which endears him to me very much-- He had this advantage over me, that he was never oppressively poor. I have this morning seen the house where he was born--It is a sub- stantial two story brick building--now used as a furniture shop. And a far better house than any my mother or I, ever had until I bought ours at Washington--They had properly enough to start him to school early so that he graduated four years younger than I did. My favorite theory of hereditary influences is strongly illustrated in his case-- You may see some sensational stories about Yellow fever making its way from Savannah toward Baltimore and Washington. Don't be disturbed by it. I dined with Gov. Dennison yesterday p.m. and he told me that Mrs Dennison was there with two of her daughter Lizzie's children-- and would be the first to sound the alarm if there were the slightest ground for danger--I leave at eleven for Columbus--& thence, at 3-30, by the Panhandle RR to Indianapolis where I shall arrive at midnight--If it is possible for me to get away on the morning of the 21st--I shall do so, so as to get more time to stay with you--I hope you will not fail to visit Burke and Mary--If you meet me at Cleveland or Solon, please bring my mail. Love to Nellie & all the family-- Ever & Aye your own James. Washington Sep 21, 4 P.M. My Darling On reaching Wellsville I found I could not make connection at Belle Air, eastward - & so went to Pittsburgh - and waited until 7-10 P.M. I went over the Pittsburgh & Connellsville Road, & so arrived here at 7-10 this morning. The boys were up - and nearly ready for breakfast, & so I had the new experience of eating breakfast, as a guest of my sons - They have been doing well - very well - & I have no doubt better than if we were with them. They have been very economical [*316*] Jimmie contented himself with a ten cent collar button, and they have spent two cents each for the wooden tops - They have commenced Latin, & before, breakfast, I head them recite their lesson. Jimmie, always more prompt and accurate than Hal, has kept a full record of his standing in school, His six days work shows me more in each of the following studies- viz. Written Arith Tram, Geog- Spelling, History None in Ment. Arith, Reading or Latin - He was kept in over; and, curiously enough, that was the first day - Hal says Jim has been a very good boy, and they have quarrelled but very little - I am fully persuaded that this experience is very valuable to them both - I am almost sorry to have interrupted their life by themselves - But they were very glad to see me - & I have really enjoyed the visit with them - It may not be many years before we may be their guests - I have been very busy today, working up the materials of my case - and hope to get away on Thursday - You must not fail to meet me at James Mason's - on Friday - I may not get there till Saturday - Em tells me a great many pleasant things about the boys - and their talk. & I begin to feel that our labor upon them has not been wasted - I hope to get this off - I will not wait forboys to come in from play. & find more of their life here When I arrived Jim had begun his letter - He would probably have written more but for my coming - for he only added one sentence after I came Loving you always as Ever - I am Your own James. P.S. Em. says you had better address the letters to the General P.O. here for in that way they will get them sooner - J.A.G.Burton. Oct 5. 1876 My Darling. You have probably tracked me a day or two, by the morning papers-- but you cannot learn from them, how hard it is for me to swing around the circle of which you are the center, and still not see you - After speaking in Cleveland (replying to Judge Black) I went to Mineral Ridge, and spoke to a full house. Yesterday afternoon, I came here by the narrow gauge road, arriving at 5 o'clock--and found the town in an uproar. Burroughs & Murry had spoken here the night before and had spent nearly three hours in the most brutal assault upon me - and they had carried away not a few weak-kneed Republicans - A crowded house, filled with anxiety & suspicions met me - & I "went for" my defamers - My hoarseness mellowed down under the pressure of necessity - and I spoke two hours & a half - I hope & believe, to the confusion of my enemies. [*317*]I want you to read my little speech in yesterday's "Leader"--I am very hoarse this morning; and to add to my discomfort, I learn that Judge Edmunds will not be in Chardon today-- and that the brunt of the speaking--I speak at Conneaut Friday evening--and at Niles Saturday evening--and, if I cannot go to your arms in any other way, I will drive from Warren Sunday morning. I send a package of "Old Clo" by the hack this morning--If you can have my drawers washed without doing yourself, please do so--I saw Wallace Dickey at Niles yesterday--and he told me that the family had concluded to accept my offer. So, darling, you shall have a home & a cow. I shall probably let the family remain until April 1st & thus delay the date when interest shall begin to run--Hoarsely but Truly & forever your own James.Conneaut. O. Oct 6. 1876 My Darling- After writing you at Burton I drove to Chardon, and spoke an hour and a half to a great audience - then went to Cleveland, to settle some political business; spent the night at [Clevelan] Dr. Robison's; came to Painesville this morning, stayed until 12-20 - and then came here - I expected to be in Niles Saturday evening; but I have arranged to have Tinker of Painesville go there & I take his place & speak at Madison tomorrow evening. [*318*]and shall take an early Sunday morning train to Cleveland so as to catch the train to Garrettville & go up with Joe. I write in haste to let you know how I am to reach you. My hoarseness is about as when I left you - I am thankful that the end is near - I think I shall get the villains under my feet - Always all your own James. [*319*]Hiram Oct. 6th 1876 My Darling: I have just reached home from Uncle Tom's where mother and I spent yesterday and last night, and have also just received your precious message from Burton. I am so glad for any word from you. I saw Burke on the cars and he gave me your message to write to you at Niles, and so I take to myself the double happiness of acknowledging my own happiness & of doing some what to make you happy by sending a breath of my love away to you. I did not see the [*537*]"Leader" of Wednesday and so have not seen your speech made at Cleveland against orders. Burke tells me you are just as hoarse as when you left on Tuesday. My only wonder is that you are not utterly speechless. But, darling! the Good Father helps you and will to the utter confusion of your enemies. I haven't the patience to think of those wicked Painesville liars. I don't know what such people can think of themselves. I am afraid they will prevent me from being a Universalist. You have had better success with the Dickey family than I expected. Uncle Tom thinks a farm in Mentor would be cheap at $120.00 per acre. He is delighted with your purpose to have a farm and will he not be the best person to help you get the horses you will need? He has a beautiful farm, far more pleasant I think than their Newburgh home. He is looking very well too, and in good spirits as usual. You must surely go and see him before you go home from the Nov. election. If you see Emma Redfield at Niles had you not better ask her is she knows of any one to take Renie's place the first of November? She spoke to me last Spring of a cousin that she thought would be glad to go with us if she--Emma--staid with us.I am a little afraid to run the risk of finding any one in or about Washington. Still it is barely possible Renie may know of some one. It will do no harm however to ask Emma about her cousin. Emma would no doubt feel more contented with some of her own friends there. I hope nothing may prevent you from coming home on Sunday. With all my heart full of love for you I am as ever yours Crete.Oct 19. 9-30 am-1876 My Darling- Only think of it. The train time was changed on Monday. to 9-20 - The paper lied - and I am left with no possibility of meeting my Tarrytown appointment I shall wait till night or morning & drive with you - The Army have caught me up & I go to Mt Vernon but will be back to dinner angry at the R.R. but always your JA Garfield [*320*]Mrs. J.A. Garfield 1227 I. St cor 13th N.W.Paterson. N.J. Oct 21/76 My Darling. Your telegram came to me on the stand last evening while Gen. Banks was speaking; and though it somewhat allayed my anxiety about Dear Neddie, I still carry a load of solicitude for him, that cannot be lifted until I hear that he is out of danger - I had a great audience, and was splendidly received - Gens Banks & Conway were with me, & the meeting did not close till half past eleven. The audience sat & stood nearly five hours - I have spent several hours of the morning in the silk manufacturers of this town, and have noted the many [*321*]curious and delicate processes by which silk is manufactured - When I am at your table again I will tell the story to the children. They gave me a package of samples of their products which I have just sent to you by express - and which I hope will be pleasant souvenirs of my visit here. I go to Hackensack at 2 p.m. and thence to N.Y. where I shall spend the night. Sunday night I leave by the Erie Road for Deposit, where I speak Monday afternoon - then at Owego Thursday evening; at Hornellsville Tuesday; at Jamestown, Wednesday; and at Meadville Thursday. I shall hope to hear from you at the 5th Avenue Hotel tonight, or early tomorrow morning. The mail you sent me had in it, a letter from Harmon Austin, telling me that A.A. [Harse?], one of my best friends from Trumbull Co, was to be in Washington yesterday or today - If he calls, I want you to give him a note to [Gilfellow?], to show him & his party through the Treasury. If you get this in time, & can see him tomorrow morning have mother take him to church - He is a Disciple - I beg you Darling to look out for your own health, and get all the sleep you can - Tell the boys, papa wants them to help you by being good & quiet while little Ned issick. I am proud of the fine record they are making in school & especially in their compositions & speaking-- My voice is much better than it was last week; but it still lacks resonance & elasticity. I suppose it will settle down again into the old settled hoarseness-- With all our work, & the confidence, the Democrats of N.Y. City are [billing?] 2 to me on Tilden's election, which indicates great faith in their power to cheat. Give my love to all the family & kiss precious Neddie for me--With my heart full of love & anxiety--I am as always--all your own James.Form 10. THE ATLANTIC AND PACIFIC TELEGRAPH COMPANY. In Connection with the Direct United States Cable, and the Dominion Telegraph Company of Canada Thomas T. Eckert, President The rules of this Company require that all messages received for transmissions shall be written on the message blanks of this Company, under and subject to the conditions printed thereon, which conditions have been agreed to by the sender of the following message. D. HOMER BATES, Gen. Sup't, Atlantic Division, New York. CHAS. A. TINKER, Gen. Sup't, Central Div'n, Chicago. R.P. HAMMOND, Gen. Manager, Pacific Div'n, San Francisco. ALBERT B. CHANDLER, Secretary. NUMBER. 122 SENT BY [Uro?] TIME. 8.43 p RECEIVED BY Ma CHECK. 4 [calls 30?] Dated, Washin DC 31 To J. A Garfield 5 Ave Hotel Rec'd at Hoffman House Oct 21 1876 Neddie is no better 5 10 Lucietta R Garfield 15 20 25 30 35 Van Kleeck, Clark & Co., Printers 28 Vesey Street, N. Y. [*508*]OMAS T. ECKERT, President. The rules of this Company require that all messages received for transmission shall be written on the message blanks of the Company, under and subject to the conditions printed thereon, which conditions have been agreed to by the sender of the following message. D. HOMER BATES, Gen. Sup't. Atlantic Division, New York. CHAS. A. TINKER, Gen. Sup't Central Div'n, Chicago. R. P. HAMMOND, Gen. Manager, Pacific Div'n. San Franciscio. ALBERT B. CHANDLER, Secretary. NUMBER. 23 SENT BY FN TIME 6.50 RECEIVED BY B CHECK. 10pm40 GENERAL OFFICE, KIDWELL'S BUILDING, 1347 E. ST. & PA. AVE., NEAR 14th ST. Dated, Hackensack NJ 21 To Mrs. J A Garfield 1227 I St Rec'd at [*[Oc 21 1876]*] 187 . Dispatch received Telegraph [na?] Fifth Avenue 5 Seven oclock How Neddie is 10 J.A. Garfield 15 20 30 3 Van Kleeck, Clark & Co., Printers, 28 Vesey Street, N. Y. [*263*]GarfieldNo. 44. [HALF RATE MESSAGES.] The Western Union Telegraph Company require that all messages received for transmission shall be written on the blanks of the Company, under and subject to the conditions printed thereon, which conditions have been agreed to by the sender of the following HALF RATE MESSAGE. A.R. BREWER, Secretary. WILLIAM ORTON, Pres't. Date Oct 21 Washington DC 1876. Received on Opp Hackensack 4.15 pm To J. A. Garfield Hackensack. Neddie not much changed but Doctors say come Tonight. Lucretia P. Garfield Paid [*509*]GarfieldBlank No. 1. 282 9.45 PM THE WESTERN UNION TELEGRAPH COMPANY. The rules of this Company require that all messages received for transmission, shall be written on the message blanks of the Company, under and subject to the conditions printed thereon, which conditions have been agreed to by the sender of the following message. 48 WILLIAM ORTON, Pres't,} NEW YORK. A.R. BREWER, Sec'y,} Dated New York Oct 21 1876 Received at N.E. cor. 14th St. and Penn. Ave., Washington, D.C. 941 p To Mrs J A Garfield 1227 I st nw w No answer to my dispatch will be home tomorrow morning J A Garfield 10pdBHkd [*322*]Blank No. 1. 110 1256 PM THE WESTERN UNION TELEGRAPH COMPANY. The rules of this Company require that all messages received for transmission, shall be written on the message blanks of the Company, under and subject to the conditions printed thereon, which conditions have been agreed to by the sender of the following message. 229 WILLIAM ORTON, Pres't,} NEW YORK. A.R. BREWER, Sec'y,} Dated Cleveland O Oct 28 1876 1250 P Received at N.E. cor. 14th St. and Penn. Ave., Washington, D.C. To Harry and Jimmy Garfield 1227 I st N.W. W DC Mama leaves Pittsburg tonight & reaches Washn. Sunday morning. J. A. Garfield 920 Hqu [*323*]G Washington Oct. 29. 1876 My Darling. I am home again with the dear loved ones still left to us, and am so glad to be here! but I scarcely dare stop to think or even to stand still lest my heart sink into such utter loneliness for our dear little lost boy. The children are all well and as happy as children must and will be except while the pain of the blow lasts. I am sorry both for you and myself that you are so far away from me. Nothing but the need that you say all that there is need to be said and in your own effective way that could reconcile me to your absence from me. There is a paper lying on the table here now with quotations from the Louisville Courier Journal and the Lancaster Intelligencer so mean and unfair that I almost despise Judge Black for having such supporters, I send them. But I suppose the poor old superannuated party must make some sort of a death gasp, and it would not be true to itself, unless it make a very mean struggle. Joe and Libbie and Mrs. Gates and her son came home with me, and if Mother and the children are well I think we will all not the children of course go on together to Philadelphia on Tuesday morning. Darling I cannot get over the [th???d] feeling which almost robs me of thought. Darling I hope nothing will prevent you from coming immediately after the election. Mother sends the notice of Neddie. All join in love to you. Ever yours Crete.The inclosed letter and dispatch seem to require an immediate answer, but [it] they have been so long delayed now that I suppose they are of no account. Crete. [510][*511*] THE CAMBRIA FREEMAN. EBENSBURG, PA., Garfield Flayed. Judge Black is always forcible and sparkling, but his letter to General Garfield will be deemed especially so by at least the Democratic portion of the people, who will thoroughly enjoy the clear presentation of the historical facts that prove their party to have been the zealous guardian of the union of the states, assailed by the canting Republican hypocrites, whose devotion to libirty or slavery, union or disunion, was but a question of profit or loss. General Garfield delivered himself of an elaborate speech in Congress, intended for campaign circulation, in which he brazenly undertook to picture the Abolitionists, who gave origin to the Republican party, as the friends, and the Democracy as the foes, of the nnion and of liberty. This was too much for Judge Black's phlegm and he undertakes to show General Garfield that things were not as they seemed to be to him, or at least as he pretended they seemed. It will be the general belief that if Garfield is not historically instructed by the perusal of Judge Black's letter, it will be because his mind is not just now susceptible to the plainest demonstration. If General Garfield does not realize that he has misconceived the facts of history, certainly the intelligent people of the country, to whom he addressed his misrepresentation, will see that Judge Black has completely exposed the disingenuousness of the attempt to show the Abolitionist to have been a patriot and the Democrat a traitor. Under the judge's handling of history these parties change places, and it will trouble Gen. Garfield exceedingly to show a fallacy in his argument or an error in his facts. The letter of Judge Black will reach him to-day in Indiana, where he delivers once more his congressional speech; it will be laid in pamphlet form before the audience that he addresses, so that with the bane they will get the antidote. As a result we may expect that Gen. Garfield will lay up his speech in lavender for the rest of the political season. It would never do for him to essay to speak before an audience that had read Judge Black's reply. It is very embarrassing to tell lies before a people who are able to recognize them. They do not like it, and are apt to make it uncomfortable for the orator who undertakes to impose on them. In the opening pages of his letter, Judge Black cruelly entertains himself with showing the devotion of the original New Englanders to slavery, and how they traded their Indian captives for more serviceable negroes; how, too, they went to war with the Indians that they might make "gayneful pilladge," by securing a "stock of slaves" in their prisoners; and how, for the [???] they demonstrated their peculiar devotion to liberty by whipping women and banishing men of heterodox religious opinions. The germ of this idea of liberty, the judge remorselessly suggests, blossomed famously among the radical leaders when they undertook in our day to kidnap and imprison thousands of citizens for exercising the freedom of speech, which was their constitutional right. Judge Black, not content with showing the canting hypocrisy of the Abolitionist's love of liberty, demonstrates his love of the Union to have been equally hollow and mercenary. Before the war of 1812, New England was intent upon dissolving the Union, because of its supposed injury to her commercial prosperity, and the Hartford convention in the war of 1812 would have done the work had it not been for the early and successful closing of the contest by the victory of New Orleans and the treaty of Ghent. Even up to the outbreak of our civil war, the Abolitionists of the East were constantly calling for the dissolution of the Union, because of the maintenance in it of slavery, which was no longer beautiful in their eyes because it had ceased to be profitable on their soil. "Tear down the flaunting lie," was a cry which greeted us from these people up to the time that the war opened, and it only then ceased because it became profitable to be loyal. The devotion of the Democratic party of the North to the Union, Judge Black shows, never wavered. Its only demand was that the war should be prosecuted solely for the restoration of the Union, and to secure it co-operation Congress solemnly pledged itself that this should be its sole object. That pledge was broken; the governing party has since been guilty of the basest crimes against popular liberty; and Judge Black deduces as a natural sequence the rottenness which permeates it. Of this he speaks with fervor. "You may take the rottenest monarchy in Europe, go over its history for a hundred years, and produce the worst acts you can find of fraudulent spoliation upon its people, and if I do not find something worse committed here under the auspices of the party now in power, I will give up the case." Again, declaring that Scott Lord in his Belknap speech did not attempt to whitewash the administration, he pungently avows, "if he had meant to do so he could not have succeeded, for there was not wash enough in his bucket to go over the twenty thousandth part of the job;" which is saying a good deal, but all the people will think is saying just the truth. Judge Black's letter is not a revelation; it is simply a relation. It is a presentation in an admirably clear and forcible way of well known facts of history, whose juxtaposition is a sledge hammer demolition of Republican pretension to be the exponent of all the loyal and liberty-loving sentiment in the nation - Lancaster Intelligencer. JUDGE BLACK'S OPEN LETTER. - The open letter of Judge Black, of Pennsylvania, to General Garfield, of Ohio, which we print this morning, is simply awful. He takes the Buckeye Pharisee upon the nib of his pen, as it were; he tosses him in the air; he catches him again, and after sponging him off with vitriol, douses him down in his own mire; then he lifts him up battered, bruised and splattered, before the gaze of men, a shapeless mass of bruised and bleeding hypocrisy. Yet Garfield is a person of a kindly disposition; much such a driveler as Black's last victim, the late Vice President. To do him justice, his connection with Credit Mobilier was explainable. He is not a thief. He is indeed an adroit partisan, a skillful disputant, an educated politician of the namby-pamby, sentimental school. Like Taft, he is weak in virtue and easily seduced. Of [???] Hayes. He, no more than the rest, [???] sist temptation. --LouisvilHARMON AUSTIN, President. WARREN PACKARD, Sect'y & Treas. OFFICE OF The Austin Flagstone Co. Warren, Ohio. Oct 30 1876 My Darling. It was so hard to leave you; and harder still to stay away during a long week of dreary campaigning, when I so much need the rest and solace of your presence - I went back to the Doctor's, and about half an hour before my train was to leave, Young Dickey came, ready to close up the business in relation to the farm. But there were a few points I wanted cleared up - and asked Dickey to go to Tinker at Painesville, and have them settle beyond all controversy, and then meet me in Cleveland on Tuesday next, when we will close up the case - I spoke at Niles, in the evening to a large audience, and afterwards was driven to Warren, and spent the night, and yesterday at Harmon's. My appointments run thus - Tonight, Hubbard - Tuesday Akron - Wednesday, Alliance, Thursday Elyria, Friday, Buffalo; Saturday Oberlin. If you need to reach me by telegraph follow the above order - Do write me, darling, & give my love to the dear little ones. Ever your ownest own J.A. Garfield [*324*] Ravenna. O. Nov. 1./76 My Darling. I have filed away on the hard links of the week, till now, on Wednesday afternoon, I feel as if the chain was harder than the file - I did not find a letter from you, at Akron, as I hoped; and that left the loneliness more lonely - I came here at ten o'clock, & felt so near sick that I went to bed, and lay there hours at Halsey's, in his silent house - and am somewhat rested. I shall take the five p.m. train for Alliance - but really, I have more symptoms of [*325*]a fever, than I have felt before, for a year-- I hope I shall throw it off & be better soon-- I made the payment & [g] took the deed of our farm yesterday--I was surprised and annoyed to find that the Draft of $1500, which I sent from Washington Oct 14th or 15th--did not arrive-- Please look at my letter book which gives it number--& send word to [Gilfillam?], who may aid me in tracking it up--Ask Gil to call & look at the copy in the letter book--It will give him the means of helping me recover the Draft--I must go soon, & I am too achy to write With all my heart & soul I am your own James. 1876 Washington Nov 4th My Darling. Mother and I returned last night from Philadelphia where we have been since Tuesday morning. Mother endured the fatigue far better than I expected, and enjoyed it all very much. I am very glad she has been there. It [will] has [and will] contributed to her happiness a great deal [*512*] her about it before you return. Mollie is so alone, and she is just coming to the age when it is of great importance to her to have gentle and lady-like influences to help her lose the [boy?ish?] manners of a girl so constantly in the society of brothers only, with my heart full of love to you and full of hope for your swift return Yours forever Crete.and the recollection will give to her much delight. Your first note from Warren was forwarded to me at Phil. but I was so occupied ever moment until I was too weary to do anything but go to bed that I did not write a word to you. Then I have a feeling that nothing will reach you there while you are so constantly changing places. Last night I found your second from Ravenna. I feel so sorry for you and so anxious about your health. Darling I feel that you and me and how my heart longs for you and to be with you to soothe and caress your head and heart. I hope the Good Father will keep you from illness and all harm and bring you safe to us again. I think I was never more lonely in all of my life than while at Philadelphia. To be there again alone where I had so little time ago been with all our six children and with you it seemed as though my heart would break. Nothing but the resolute determination to make Mother happy kept me there a moment, but it was good for me and I am very glad I had the courage to go through it with apparent happiness. I will [attend] see Mr. Gilfillam concerning the Draft. I hope it is not a loss. The children are all well and the boys I think are doing better than ever before. I am quite of the opinion that it will be a good thing for them and especially for Mollie to have Miss Mays stay with us this winter, and I may speak to Give my love to Father & Mother, and bring a tub of butter 104 1225R Blank No. 1 THE WESTERN UNION TELEGRAPH COMPANY. The rules of this Company require that all messages received for transmission, shall be written on the message blanks of the Company, under and subject to the conditions printed thereon, which conditions have been agreed to by the sender of the following message. 24Y WILLIAM ORTON, Pres't } New York. A.R. BREWER, Sec'y. Dated Cleveland O Nov 8 1876 1220 pm Received at N.E. cor. 14th St. and Penn. Ave., Washington, D.C. To Mrs. J.A. Garfield 1227 I St NW Washn DC I leave this afternoon for home hope to breakfast with you tomorrow. Love to all J A Garfield 15 DH [?] [*328*][*No 9,1877?*] Brevoort House, 7 1/2 a.m. Thursday My Darling- I have just washed & put on a clean shirt--and after a word to you, I shall be ready for breakfast-- Each of my trips from home with a carpet bag is an epoch related to the last one, and I always find some reminiscence of the preceding trip This morning on opening my bag I found in the little pocket, the papers which accumulated on my trip to York & Philad--the chief of which I send you-- With all my heart, loving you above all the love of the past--I am ever your own James-- [*326*]B & O. R.R. Near Grafton W.VA. Nov. 12. 9-30 a.m. 1876 My Darling: The Depot bell rang, just as I was stepping from the carriage; and, before the horse had trotted back to Olcott's, I was on my way. I found T.L. White, of the N.Y. Tribune on the same train; and, finding that we had berths in the same section, he courteously tendered his lower berth to me. White goes to New Orleans to report the situation for the Tribune. I awoke an hour and-a-half ago, and looked out upon The mountains in the neighborhood of Deer Park whither we talked of going last August, instead of Ocean Grove. The ground was covered with snow; and, every twig and leaf, was brightly enameled with hoar-frost, reminding me of the silver frost-work we saw at the Centennial Exposition. In an hour after waking, we had passed the West, and were rapidly descending [*327*]the western slope--The snow soon disappeared--and we are now dashing along the laurel-fringed banks of the Cheat River--Our train is belated an hour-and-a-half, by a defect in the engine, and so we shall have a good appetite for breakfast, when we reach it at Grafton--I have written this first hurried note, to let you all know how constantly you are in my thoughts; and to remind you, that I so much want you to send me a letter every day. We are arriving in Grafton and I must close this so that I can go back to you tonight with sweet memories of our 18th anniversary, and with much love to all. I am as ever and more than ever, Your own James Washington Nov. 12 1876 My Darling: The lengthening shadows tell us that one of the days of your absence is drawing to a close and would that I could hasten them - make them rush. How little we know of the future and how futile all our plans! This Autumn promised us more of quiet and rest in our house before the Winter's work should begin than that of almost any other year since our marriage. But how has it been broken and filled with sorrow and lonely hours. And yet I [*513*] [*hopeful waiting for you. Ever and forever more and more all your own Crete. The ["adjt"] is on duty now, on dress parade with Jim.*]am not entirely miserable; and to day there had come into my life and heart - a feeling of exaltation - almost. A feeling that the Good Father is in some way preparing us for a larger grander life of work and love. it was hard to send you away last night into the midnight and the darkness, but at this same time I took hope and heart from the fact that it was only the sternest sense of duty that called you away, and going thus I felt you and all of us would be blest. There was so much that was sweet and perfect - perfect in its sweetness and sweet in its perfectness, in all our union and communion yesterday that I remember it as a slow blossoming of our wedded love and hail it as a harbinger of the grandeur of perfect love unto which we shall attain. Darling even when the darkness of the night was deepest over our lives and in spite of all its hopelessness I would pray that our united lives and love should yet reveal a hight and glory of wedded love never before known, and we are not quickly opening to the world mansions of untold wealth and filled with joys never thought of by the wildest dreamer! Darling I believe many homes have been brightened and blessed by the love we have revealed to themand it gladdens as much my life to know it. - The day has been tolereably quiet, Jim will break out occasionally, but always comes so penitentlly and asks to be forgiven that I have no heart to complain of him though I have no assurance that he will not break out again in five minutes thereafter. Irvin's throat is about he same, but I thought best to have Miss Edson see him this morning. He is running about as usual. Mother has had a turn of sick headache since church but has been asleep and just came in here feeling better. I hope we shall all keep well while you are away, and that you may be kept safe from every harm. With all our love and prayers for success to your work we remaining inRemodeled & Refurnished in 1875. DUNKLEE.SAITER & CO. PROPRIETORS. Cincinnati, Nov 13. 5 a.m. 1876 My Darling- Our train was so much belated that we did not reach Parkersburg until nearly 2 p.m. and this place until nearly eleven last night. By this delay we missed the connection, and so staid all night - getting only 3 1/2 hours of sleep - We cross the river to Covington, and take the 6 a.m. train to Louisville, & thence to Nashville, Decatur, Montgomery Mobile & New Orleans - I drop this note to report progress & to send a heart full of love - Ever & all your own James- [*330*]1876 Washington Nov. 13 My Darling I received your message sent-flying back from Grafton this morning. I suppose you have passed St Louis before this. I forgot to give you Shellie's street and number so that you could see her a moment in case you were delayed and I will send it now, with a hope [*514*]that you may see her on your return. She lives 2024 Wash Street. Irvin is no worse and is up and around the house the same as the day you left. Every thing is moving on very harmoniously - at least as much so as is possible without our grand old head to maintain order and direct the movements. Mr. Rose was here this morning and attended to your business as directed but has not yet returned with the bill from the Insurance Co. It is warm as summer almost, and if you find it as much warmer at New Orleans as the latitude would warrant I think you will need especially to guard your health. Dont allow anything to happen to you. I hear the dinner "coming up" and I will leave the final page for the adj't to add her report. Loving you and praying for you I am Ever Yours Crete.Report for November 13th 1876. Harry - Jimmy Mollie Lessons. Perfect Perfect Perfect Conduct. Good - Good Good! Remarks. - Home conduct not so good struck with a story called Jack Harkaway - Jimmy's + Mollie's home deportment good - M. Mays - Adjutant General. [*515*]7.30 am Montgomery Ala. Nov. 14. 76 My Darling: We left Cincinnati at 6 a.m. Monday, passed through Louisville Ky, at 10-30. Nashville Tenn. at 7 p.m. and thence by Franklin, Columbia, Pulaski Athens and Decatur. This morning, I awake among the cotton fields and Piney Woods north of Montgomery. We have made no stop, except for meals, since leaving Cincinnati; and I have been visited and talked to, every waking hour, so that I have not even been able to send you a flying word. We are now on a side track waiting for a train to pass. It is a mail train, & I write this word that it may reach you a day sooner, than if I were to wait till I reach N.O. this evening. I have only time for [*331*]one word of business. I forgot to tell you that the annual payment on my life Insurance is due Nov 23. It will need to be paid before I return. Please open all my mail - and when you find the letter stating the amount (which will not be far for $150,) please draw the amount [&] on a Draft in N.Y. & send it. Have the Dft properly endorsed. This must not be neglected; or I will lose my insurance - Hastily but with all my heart - Ever your J A GarfieldWashington Nov. 14 '76 My Darling; You will see from Miss Mays report that the little world at home is in no unusual way convulsed whatever be the condition of the larger world. I am hoping from the morning paper to hear something of your arrival at D.C. I heard a gentleman today [*516*]calling to another "well whose day is it today?" The reply was "Tilden's I suppose", But added I think Hayes has it. The days of suspense are nearly over. And what will be the outcome? I think my chief anxiety now is to have you safe at home with us, & with that gained I think I could fold my hands resignedly over a defeat even. The children are having an after dinner merriment in the parlor with the little Jameses for visitors. Hal has been playing for them to dance, and is now trying to quiet the uproar with the "Shepherd boy", No, I am wrong it is Amaryllis that he and Mollie are playing together. It is time for the mail to be gathered up and I will close with the "old old story", I love you--love you ever and am as always Yours, Crete. P.S. Irvin is so much better that I had like to have forgotten the Hospital report.Report for November 14th 1876. Lessons Conduct Remarks Harry- Perfect Kept in for talking- Home conduct good Jimmy Perfect Good " " " Mollie Perfect Kept in for laughing " " " & talking! Irvin " Good " " " Abram " " " " " Martha Mays. [*532*]ST. CHARLES HOTEL, RIVERS & LONSDALE PROPRIETORS. New Orleans, Nov 15 1876. My Darling. I arrived here at 9-30 last night, well, but tired with the long journey. Gen Sheldon met me at the Depot; and after stopping at the hotel a few moments to see the Republican delegates that have already arrived - I went with Sheldon to Pardee's, about six miles away, and spent the night. The city swarms with musquitoes, and I slept under netting, as the only protection from being eaten up - When I went out this morning, I saw the orange trees loaded with ripe oranges--and the lusciousness of tropical veget- [*332*]ation, blooming on all lands-- Soon after breakfast, I came down to the hotel; and, for the last two hours, we have been consulting, and preparing a reply to the diplomatic letter addressed to us yesterday by the "Distinguished Democrats" who are here--I hope you will not fail to read this correspondence, which I think is a pretty good piece of thrust & parry, with thrust in return-- I am writing this note, in the midst of discussion and talk, and can only take time to send love, & let you know that I am safe & well-- Looking for a letter from you before the day is over, I am with love to all, as ever & all your own James- I long for a half-hour away from the crowd to write you; but I must hear from you before I can feel that the lines are up between us--Ever & forever, & all your own James. Nov. 15. 1876 My Darling; I see Hal has told all the news, and wound up by commiserating your loneliness without the "noise and Mamma". I suppose the child has me so associated with the racket in which I live with all the children around me that he thinks we - the noise and I - are inseparable. I do not think anything outside ourselves has made me more happy than the word Leslie Dungan [*518*]brought this P.M. that his mother had had her tumor successfully taken out today. He said this operation lasted not more than ten minutes, and that the doctors pronounce it a very hopeful case. Mr. Hawley is very sorry that he did not know you were going to buy a farm, that the farm adjoining his in Canada - where we were at a party - is for sale for $10,000 and he thinks could be purchase for 7,000 or 8,000 - a farm of 100 acres with a fine old stone house and improvements to correspond. We saw from the morning paper that you were expected in N.O. today. I hope all will pass off pleasantly and without danger to any. My love to the Sheldons and Pardees. And again good night, and the richest care of Heaven be your guard, Ever yours Crete.Report for November 15th Lessons Conduct Remarks Harry Perfect Good Jimmy's home Jimmy " " conduct has Mollie " " been very good. Irvin " " Abram " " Martha Mays. [*517*]St. Charles Hotel - New Orleans. Nov. 16. 1876 My Darling. Soon after writing you, yesterday, your most precious letter came to my hand, and filled my heart full of thankfulness and joy to know how tenderly you were carrying me in your heart - I, too, have dwelt upon that last perfect day, made all the more perfect by the knowledge we each know the other was grieving that it must end - Many a time during the day, I thought how sweet it would be if we and the day could have been made immortal - We owe a debt of gratitude to our great Shakspeare for speaking for us as he has done in the sonnets; and I do feel that we have entered upon a larger world of love than any in which [*333*]2 we had hitherto dwelt--And yet the vision of its calm glories, is haunted by the fear that it is too perfect to last--not that I have the least fear that either of us will fail in the fuller and permanent enjoyment of this love; but that the supernal powers may envy our joy & mar it--for ours seems to be a love like that of which Poe speaks--"a love [that] That the winged seraphs above, Coveted her & me"-- You can hardly imagine [know] how the intense interest of the great political question, which has brought us here, fills all minds and occupied all the thoughts of the people here, and throughout the country. I have literally been unable to sit down by myself three consecutive 3 minutes since my arrival here - All the time, since I began this letter, there have been not less than twenty five men in the room - and several times, I have been interrupted to consult or be introduced. I almost despair of getting an opportunity to write you such a letter as is in my heart. I do not yet see the outcome of the work here; but I believe that a fair count of the lawful vote of this state, will give it to Hayes - Still, I am not sure how Florida has gone. It is almost impossible for us to get any trustworthy news here, from the remote states - The associated press is in the hands of the Democracy; and they send the most sensational reports - and give their own version of affairs - Give my love to Dear little Mollie and thank her for her good little letter [*334*]to papa. The dear little girl was very sweet and good to papa during the evening that I left-- If I can get home I will write to her. I hope you have received my letter in reference to opening my mail & paying the premium on my life insurance policy which will be due on the 23rd--Worried by this crowd I must ask your forgiveness for so poor a letter Ever & all your own James.New Orleans. La. Nov. 19th 1876. My Darling. Another day of turmoil, dispatches, rumors, arguments anxieties and doubts, has left me jaded and weary of the incessant strain of uncertain expectation. Our answer to the democratic delegation, was well received by those who feared the Board of Canvasses would lack independence of spirit under the great pressure which the close vote, and the public expectation have brought upon them - But, this morning, we had some ground to fear that the Board would shut their doors and keep out spectations altogether - And thus serve to influence and increase the public mind with suspicion that the Board were determined to count a Republican majority, right or wrong. To avoid such a course, we spent a good share of the day in conducting a series of interviews, which formally resulted in an agreement that the board will invite five Democrats & five Republicans from abroad - of those now here, to attend their meetings, and witness their proceedings. This will allow all of us to go home, except the Committee. I shall try to get off from serving if I can do so honorably. [*329*]but I fear I shall be compelled to stay. The Board have had only one formal meeting, and do not commence work until tomorrow-- I shall be happily surprised if they conclude the presidential count before ten days from now--So far as I can now observe, the heaviest vote of this state was for Hayes; but the state of feeling, and the consequent outrages make it somewhat uncertain as to the state of the ballot. I write but little, even to you, on this subject; because I wish to leave us opportunity open by the miscarriage, or tampering with my letters en route, to give a handle to the enemy - Your second letter enclosing the Adjutants' report was gratefully received and enjoyed yesterday - I beg you to feed me on the daily bread of your love, while I am a hangered in this wilderness" - Sheldon and the Pardee's wish to be kindly remembered. Mrs P is bringing up the two orphans which Don's sister Fanny left. Their home here is very pleasant - They will send some oranges from their trees to you by me, if I ever have the pleasure to get through this tedious work. Give my love to each member of the dear household & do do do write to all your own James.1876 Washington Nov. 17 My Darling: Today I received yours from Montgomery. I forward [?] the mail the letter from the Life Insurance Co. - went to the Capitol and drew the amount and left it with Mr. Fuller to get a draft for me. Yesterday I got the money and paid for the house insurance policy. The potatoes came yesterday and I paid for their freight from [*519*]Boston $6.63. I have also paid the tuition for the boys school. The Insurance policy on the house was $194.00. I drew a hundred, and when I got the money to day for your Life Insurance $150.25 I drew a hundred, and seventy five so that I have kept for use $30.75 - besides the hundred you left. I am fitting up the children for winter and since it is so uncertain when you may come home I thought best to draw enough so that I would not need to get any more before your return. We are watching you now through the newspapers, but hope to get a letter tomorrow or next day at farthest from you since your arrival at New Orleans. Ive have been faithful in our daily reports and have been made happy by a line from you every day but one. It seems to me affairs-political grow more and more mixed each day. If you will only get safely home I shall be filledwith gratitude unspeakable. We are all well and happy to night as we can be without you. Irvin's throat is better and Hal is now teaching him a lesson. He has taken it voluntarily and is a most kind and gentle teacher. He hears Irv. and Abe each day, Forever Yours Most lovingly Crete.Report for November 16th 1876 - Lessons Conduct Remarks Harry Good Kept in half an hour All the children Perfect for throwing a (self included, piece of paper rather too at a boy noisy at Jimmy Good Good table! - Perfect Molly Perfect Good Irvin " " Abram " " M. Mays [*520*]Washington Nov. 17 '76 My Darling: I dated my letter yesterday 17th, and I explain so that you may not charge me with having allowed a day slip by without a letter. We have all been so good to day that I have little to write. I think it must have been "Good Friday" whatever the calendar may say. Mr. [Fuller?] brought the draft for the Life Insurance Co. and I have it now ready to post. Mr. Rose is here and says he will take it to the P.O. Darling how long the time seems while you are away. When can you come home? Mother and all the family send love Yours Crete. [*522*]In the field. ! November 17th 1876. Lessons Conduct Remarks Harry Perfect Good Behaviors at table was good this evening & Grandma was much annoyed. Jimmy Jimmy " " had not been spoken Mollie " " to once the whole Irvin " " week in school for Abram " " talking & hopes to get ten ten. Martha Mays Adjutant General.1876 Washington Nov. 18 My Darling Just a week ago you were starting away. It has been a long week, and it has been a short one - long in the time you have been away and short in the comparatively pleasant time we have had with the children. To-day it has rained all day and the boys have been housed. Leslie aling an has been with them and is with them still getting [*you have lived: but may you many times double the life you have grown into - and the wealth of your attainments - so that your last years ripened by culture and full of rich development may be your happiest and best. With abiding and ever growing love and trust Your own Crete.*] [*521*]up games to amuse the children. You never saw two more polite and gentlemanly boys than Hal and Jim were at [table] dinner today. Jim - nor any of the rest for that matter - can be good all the time but it is a relief to have spells of quiet; Last evening after the Club broke up they adjourned to the parlor and had music and singing and Jim recited the "Bugle Song" beautifully. Little Neddie's bright face has been before me more vividly to day than at any time since he went away from us. I cannot quite understand why so bright and promising a child would not have been permitted to stay with us. There was so much that was strong and healthful in his little nature. Sunday 19th I found I could not get your letter off last night so left it to finish on your birth-day.I am not quite reconciled that you must be absent, still if any good can come out of it I'll not complain. We have had no word from you since you reached New Orleans although this is the fifth day if you reached there on Tuesday as you expected. I am reading Daniel Doronda. I am sure you will be greatly interested in it. It is unlike any story I ever read except it is full of George Elliot's pictures, and I think some of the criticisms on it I have read are extremely stupid, showing that the critic had no appreciation of her characters and no conception of her thought. Darling I don't know that I would ask for you that you may double the years [83 FIFTH AVENUE.] St. Charles Hotel New Orleans, Nov. 19. /76 My Darling. After writing to Harry and Mollie, I came down to the Hotel to see our delegation, and to see if another dear letter had come from your hand - Finding none, I sit down to acknowledge the precious favors which came yesterday. None came the day before but yesterday made amends by bringing two - I am quite sure you cannot know how precious to me, in this far off, strange place, are your dear words. I was so much in hopes I could have spent this birth day with you, in our own sweet Washington nest- I suppose this is my meridian year - past the [*335*]mendian of my physical rigor; but supposed to be the crest of my general powers of intillect. I am conscious of a feeling of protest against this view, and already begin to understand how it is that old men of sixty five insist that they are stronger than ever before - But it is a great consolation to feel that the meridian of our love is not reached and can never be; for I believe we shall go in our ever ascending scale of love, until life broadens into the perfection of immortality - How precious beyond express are our holy days becoming. April 19 Nov. 11. Nov. 19. and the birth days of our children! Let us cherish them all as the Sacred feasts of our little circle - In reference to our work here, its interest intensifies as it becomes more certain that the Election of President will turn upon the vote of this state. The news from South Carolina seems to have settled that state on our side - If Florida is settled the same way, the focal intensity of the interest here will be very great - I think the result of a just cause will give this state to Hayes. But to make all the steps so plain and clear as to satisfy our incredulous and suspicious public opinion will be a task most difficult.Five of us are to sit as witnesses at the meetings of the Board of Canvassers who begin the work tomorrow noon--Several of our delegation have gone home; but all agree that I must stay. It is not possible to say how long I shall be kept; but I fear it will be all of next week--I beg you not to relax your precious constancy of writing. I know how beset you are with cares; or that you cannot know how much I need your letters--Will Clapp & his wife & Gus Bascom & his wife are here--I have also seen Mr. F. Pratt who needs to be at Hiram with his sisters Susan & Bina. With my never so full of love. I am always & all your own loving JamesNew Orleans. La. Nov. 20. 1876. My Darling: Soon after I mailed my letter of yesterday, yours of the 16th came, with its birthday benediction, and kept my heart warm till I slept - The day was quite cold, as is this. I am sitting in the hall of the Board of the Canvassers, the State Senate House, with my overcoat on, and occasionally go to the stove to keep warm - Strange, that in the land of flowers so cold a day should look down upon roses and orange groves - The weather seems to have imparted its fickleness to the people, who smile in the morning and murder at night. My old opinion of the Latin races is confirmed, that they have not the genius for self government. I am sitting here as one of the fine Republican witnesses at the count on the returns - To avoid a crowd, and the turbulence and delay I would occasion, the the Board have Excluded all but these legally authorized [*336*]ized to be present, and the fine "distinguished northern virative" from each political party - Every hour, I am learning most curious things about this curious people, and am getting a clearer view of the strange muddle into which the war, and the partisan struggles which followed it, have involved this state - The nature of our visit here may be two-fold ; first to aid in reassuring & calming the public mind which is in a state of dangerous inflamation; and second, to be prepared for the great discussion which is almost certain to follow in the House, if Hayes is declared elected, as I am now almost sure he will be. The Board are now counting the vote of those Parishes (counties) concerning which there [are] is now contest. When these are counted, they will take up the contested parishes, and hear testimony upon the charge of intimidation and fraud - It is impossible to tell how long it will take to complete the count; but the eyes of the whole nation are upon the work now going on in this room; and the election of our President probably depends upon what is done here. When you reflect that the interest & passion of 45.000.000 of people are concentrated upon the work going on in this room, you can imagine the stress and strain of the hour - and how much steadiness of mind and nerve are needed to bear one's self through it, & keep his head level - I shall have another man in my place tomorrow, to enable me to accept the modation of Capt. Eads, to go down to the mouth of the Mississippi to see the great work going on here to deepen the channel of the river by means of jetties - one of the greatest works of its kind ever attempted. The boat leaves this evening, and will not return until tomorrow night, so that I may not be able to send you a letter during the day tomorrow. How much I want you with me, to see this remarkable country: - Besides needing you every hour, for my own sake, I want you here for your sake, that you may see all that I see ; for I want you to share all my experiences that are instructive and pleasant.This morning, a delegation from Mississippi called on me, and made a remarkable statement of the outrages and inhundation practiced in that state by the rebel Democracy. If half they tell is correct, the Election in that state was an outrage on good government beyond endurance - And, yet, as that state is wholly in the hands of the Democracy, and as they have carried all their Elections and Congressmen, there seems to be no means of correcting the wrong; & so that state must be comited for Tilden, and its congressional vote must give the House to the Democracy - I hope the disclosure of the facts will result in awakening our people of the necessity of putting national Elections under the control of National officers, and bringing the result under National Supervision. I have a new occasion to thank Mollie for the good letter in which she has, a second time, remembered her absent papa - I wrote her and Harry a long letter which I hope they will have received before this reaches you - I am well, & I want you to dismiss all anxiety about my personal safety. These people are on their good behavior - and no harm will happen on any of us who are visiting them. Ever & all your own James1876 Washington Nov 20 My Darling: I was made very happy his morning by the arrival of your two first letters from New Orleans. I was hoping by this time to have been told not to write again, but from the papers I fear I shall have the privilege of writing for several days more. Darling I am sorry you so tremble over our Send love. yours as ever. Crete. [*523*]perfecting love. My precious one, Do you suppose when we have gained the high estate of immortality that we shall fear lest it slips away from us or in any way in all the ages be marred? And is not the real love we have gained immortal - and as perfect and as sure as Heaven itself? Rather is it not so much of the unchanging - imperishable - unblemishable glory of Heaven drawn down into our earthly home to let us know that we may attain unto a life of perfect happiness? Think of it my darling and put away every thing but the perfect and restful enjoyment of all we have gained with fullest gratitude to the Giver. The unperfected part of our life - and that is a large part of it I confess - may be beset about with trials but our love is ours forever, and I feel that it is the guiding hand of Our Father helping us over so many dark paths.We are all very well in spite of the long storm which has settled down upon us, with heavy clouds and much rain. [They] It makes me feel as though I were reading in Virgil again of the long wanderings of poor Ulysses when the "imbred" added to his many trials. Darling I hope to hear soon that you have started for home. We want you so much although the children are very good. Mollie is very much gratified with your mention of her letters AllReport for November 20th 1876 Lessons Conduct Remarks Harry [Perfect] Missed one Good - Report for last week in grammar ten in lessons nine in conduct. Jimmy Perfect - Good - - Report for last week ten ten. Mollie Perfect Good Irvin " " Abram " " Martha Mays. [*524*]Gulf of Mexico - La On Board the Steamer Rio Grande Nov. 21. 1876 Dear Friends at Home. I hope it will interest you to follow me on my trip, (which is now half completed) to the great work now in progress, to deepen the mouth of the Mississippi by means of Jetties. Eight or ten of our party accepted the motivation of Capt. Eads, the great Engineer, in charge of the work, and, at eight o'clock last Evening, we went on board the little Steamer "Julia" and started down the river. In about two hours, the fog was so dense that it was not safe to run, and we tied up for the night, and slept soundly until morning. About Eight this morning, the fog lifted; and we went on down the [*337*]great river. Vast plantations, producing cotton, sugar cane or rice, lined the banks on either side; and great orange groves made the shores beautiful with green and gold - Great mills for manufacturing and refining sugar, with their tall white chimnies and taller columns of black smoke, were seen at almost every bend of the river. When we had steamed down seventy-five miles below the city, we came to Forts Jackson and Phillip, which were captured by Admiral Farragut, early in the war- If you will take my large book- Harpers History of the War, - you will find a most interesting account of the bombardment of these forts, and the passage of Farraguts fleet under the fire of the forts - & the subsequent capture of New Orleans- Gen Beauregard was with us; and he gave is a full account of the battle - He also told me, quite fully the history of the battle of Shiloh, in which we were both engaged. After the fall of Gen. A.S. Johnston, he commanded the rebel army & suffered defeat on the second day of the battle. It was curious to hear the story of the battle by the rebel commander. After passing the forts, we soon came to the last of the plantations; for you will remember that the lower portion of the river is bounded by marsh and flat sandy land, formed by the deposits of Earth brought down by that current [river itself] - By looking at the map, you will see that the river has built out into the Gulf, a mass of land,but most of it is still too flat, & to near the surface of the water, to be tillable; though, in the course of a century, it may be - Twenty five miles below the forts, we came to the point where the river divides into the three mouths, or passes, which form the delta - By looking over your maps, you will find that nearly all the rivers which empty into enclosed gulfs, form deltas at their mouths - This is because the dead water, in gulfs, leaves but little tide, and river the current becomes so sluggish, that the mud & sand are deposited near the mouth and form[s] a great bar - When the river is high, it forces [a] channels [ch] through the bar, & thus forms the several mouths or passes to the salt water - Just above the delta, the river broadens into a wide2 Sheet- bay, from which the three passes make their way to the sea. the Eastern pass is called "pass à l'outre; the western one, The South west, & the Central one, The South pass - We descended the latter pass ten miles, to the open gulf - Its banks were thick grown with wild cane, a kind of gigantic grass, which grows the hight of ten or fifteen feet - and, every few moments, we saw alligators that had crawled up on the shore and were sunning themselves in the Edge of the grass. Several of our party fired pistols at them; but the huge fellows /eight or ten feet long/ lazily slid back into the river, apparently caring less for the bullets than for the noise - The shores of the pass were low and narrow; and, on either side of the blue waters of the gulf stretched away east and west - about half a mile to the eastward, we saw a vast flock of white pelicans (which Irvin will remember we read to him about, in Audubon) were wading in the shallow water, near a low lying island - When we had gone down the South Pass, about eight miles, we came to the beginning of the Jetties - They are formed by making what they call "mattresses" [*337A*]composed of willows about 30 feet long, fastened together in the form of a bed mattress, each about 30 feet square and three feet thick. They float these out to the proper place, and load them with stone and sink them to the bottom, where the willows soon fill up with Earth & sand, and thus make the foundation of a wall - They then lay other mattresses upon these, until the wall reached the surface[s] of the water - In this way, they have formed two parallel walls, one thousand feet apart, and two and a half miles long - These two lines of Jetties are now built up to the surface of the water - When they began work, a year-and-a-half ago, there was only about fourteen feet of water in the south pass - By building the jetties, the current of the pass is made more narrow at the mouth, - and therefore more rapid; and it has cut the channel down so fast, that there are now nearly 20 feet of water the whole length of the pass - We steamed out beyond the end of the jetties and floated on the open waters of the Gulf of Mexico, which, with its deep blue water, stretched away to the soft summer sky - Great, white, sea gulls, long-necked cranes, brown pelicans, and many [*other*] bright winged birds were in sight; and away off, on the shallow water, alongside the jetties, long-legged wading birds were dipping their bills into the sand in search for food. New Orleans. Nov. 22 1876. At four o'clock, we [went] were on board the steamer Rio Grande, and starting back to the city. This steamer was built on the Clyde, at Glasgow, Scotland; was brought here by the rebels as a blockade runner; and was twice captured. It is a very swift running boat - and we steamed up the river at the rate of fifteen miles an hour - You can hardly imagine the beauty of the sunset, in this soft southern sky - I sat on deck, and watched the gathering [shadows] shades of twilight - The shadows of the willows & orange groves on the banks were reflected in the dark mirror of the river; and, as the stars came out, one by one, the Earth and sky were very beautiful. I looked long for the north-star; [for] but the dipper was below the horizon - You could have seen it at that hour; but I am so far south that many of our northern stars are outof sight. We took tea on board; talked of the war, and of the early days when LaSalle and other French men sailed along this great, wild river, before any white man lived upon its banks - Then of days of 1812, when Jackson defeated near New Orleans the great army of veterans who had fought under the Duke of Wellington. And so the talk went on, near midnight, until we saw the bright semicircle of lights on the wharves of the great city. It was too late to go up to Judge Pardee's house; and so I took a room at the St. Charles, and slept until seven this morning The only event which marred the happiness of the day, so as the fact that in my return I found no letter from the dear ones at home. At eleven, this morning I came to the State House to attend the session of the Returning Board, and have written this last sheet, while the noise and bustle of the counting was going on - God bless you all, my dearest and best of friends! I wanted you all with me to see and enjoy the trip to the Gulf - More still, I want to be with you in our own quiet home- when that will be I cannot tell - for the work here drags on very slowly & grows more important at each step - With my heart full of love to you all. I am all your own J.A. Garfield1876 Washington Nov. 21 My Darling: To day is Abram's birthday and Hal and James gave him a tin horn with which he is making the whole house hideous: but it is great fun for him. This P.M. Halsey Hall and Mrs. Ward called. She had a pleasant visit but I thought poor Halsey appeared a little embarrassed. The McLain's [*525*]called too. They have established themselves near our first home here on F. street. Mr. Rose was at the Capitol and says tell you[r] your case has been moved down on the docket to be taken up whenever you return. I see South Carolina is ours and I begin to feel hope again. I have so little to write today you will excuse this hasty note as it is near the close of the mail. With all my heart of love. Yours as ever Crete.Report for November 21st 1876 Lessons Conduct Remarks Harry Perfect Good Jimmy Missed one in grammar Good Home conduct not so good & had to dine alone for objecting to wash his hands. Molly Perfect Good Irvin " " Abram " " M. Mays - [*526*]1876 Washington Nov. 22 My Darling: Yours of the 19th came this morning. I see there is no immediate hope of your return or rather no hope of your immediate return. Mr. Senally was here just a few moments since - has come to spend the winter. He says he is afraid you will not be through for ten days yet. How dismally the [*527*]time drags on! Still perhaps this long suspense is good for the country. The fierce excitement which followed the election is wearing itself out in the uncertainties, and probably when the final announcement is made for Hayes the democratic party will be more glad than sorry. They would have felt the weight of the elephant on their hands with such a man as Tilden [on their hands] for their President. Mr. Snialley says he saw a letter from Mr. Osborne of Florida to day saying that the votes were secured in a manner to prevent any danger of tampering with them. I watch the papers for proceedings in Louisiana and so get news of you ahead of your letters, but your letters are just as much needed for all those things the public would not care for. Poor Mr. and Mrs. Hitz buried one of their little daughters. to day - a little girl about Irvin's age. Irvin has entirely recovered, so thathe has been able to be out doors to day. I am afraid I shall get fearfully blue if you stay away much longer. Do come. The receipt for the draft I sent to the Life Insurance Co. came to day. I believe I have every thing attended to that you left for me to look after. All join in love to the best papa and the best husband and the best man in the world. Ever all yours Crete"In the Field" Report for November 22nd Lessons Conduct Harry Perfect - Good Jimmy " " Mollie Missed one answer good in geography Irvin " " Abram " " M. Mays. [*528*]New Orleans, La. Nov. 23. 1876. My Darling: Late last evening, your dear letters of the 18th 19th came to my hand, and reassured me from the anxiety I was feeling. That no word came. It would hardly be accurate to call it anxiety. It was rather hunger - for I grow faint, and almost famish, when your words fail me - I am sure, you cannot know in how veritable a way you are my bread of life. I hope there is no irreverence in my saying so; but I feel its truth every day and hour. The hope of an early return to you does not brighten - I have not said much to you about our work here, partly because I feared a letter might be lost or tampered with. But I want you to know, that if the Presidency turns upon the vote of this state, the great stress of public opinion and passion will come upon the perplexed question of law and fact which are being passed upon here; and we who are to bear the brunt of the battle in Congress, can be prepared for the contest, only by mastering the whole case - To do this, it is nec [*338*]essary to examine the recent political history of the state, but also of the special parishes where violence and intimidation have vitiated the result of the Election - We are parcelling out the testimony and taking hold of the work of mastering it. One thing consoles me & that is the fact that the Electors must cast their votes for Pres. & V.P. on the 6th Dec., and our work here, must necessarily end before that date - I fear, however, it will be a full week yet, before I can leave - When the time of my release comes, I will telegraph you; but until then feed me - with the daily bread of your letters - I wrote so long a letter yesterday, & am so occupied today that you will pardon me for making this short and not very interesting - I wish you would have Rose find, from the Clerk of the Supreme Court, what arrangement has been made in reference to the argument of my Case No. 96. I feel some apprehension about it - Till tomorrow fare you well - & tell "The lost syllable of recorded time " I shall be all your own James -[*Nov 23/76*] My Darling Miss Mays says this is not the last half sheet although it is so forlorn; but I believe it represents our condition. It seems to me confusion has taken us by force; but I know it won't last long. We got your good letter this morning; but dear as they all are I would willingly forego all their pleasure if you would only put in an appearance. Do you think you will not be here before Thanksgiving? I do hope you can take Thanksgiving dinner with us. Hoping and forever yours, Crete. [*529*]November 23rd 1876. Harry-Perfect in his lessons and good in conduct. Jimmy ditto " " " " " " " Mollie " " " " " " " " Irvin " " " Abram " " " Martha Mays.New Orleans, La Nov. 24th. 76 My Darling. At last we have settled down to work on the Essence of the great case. Each one of us has taken in hand the Examination of a portion the evidence of violence and fraud at the last Election. I spent four hours in reading and briefing the points of testimony in relation the the Parish of West Feliciana - The papers are very voluminous; and many of them were made out by men who were not familiar with legal forms But I will be able to draft a paper on the state of affairs in that parish which will show our northern people how justly the vote can be thrown out. I have come back to Pardee's, for the night, and feel the weariness of a day of hard work, which is better than watching & waiting [*339*]Nov. 27. 1876 My Darling. The foregoing is the beginning of the letter of which I spoke in my last, as left and locked up. I have spent the whole day in work on the testimony, and have come back to Pardees to dine with Gen Warmouth - The facts disclosed in the testimony which I have examined show the most malignant cunning in their methods of over awaing and controlling the negro vote - Whichever way the vote of this state may be counted, the other side will complain; but if good men find any fault with Louisiana for rejecting the vote of the intimidated parishes, I shall be greatly surprised - The trouble is, however, that party passion has so blinded the eyes of men, that many will not see the plainest statement of fact in reference to their case. I know I run a risk of being called a partisan, in the position I shall take in this subject in the House - I have no doubt we shall have the most violent and passionate debate which [ha?] taken place in Congress for many years - But I am tired of the namby pamby way in which many of our Republicans treat public questions - and I have resolved to speak more frankly and boldly on the Southern question than I have ever done before. I greatly regret that I cannot be in the House at the opening of the session; for I would be glad to take the initiative in the debate - There is some doubt, even about our getting away from here on Saturday; though we are making every effort to do so. I have gone far enough to be morally certain that their vote of thisstate will be declared for Hayes, and that it ought to be - The importance of our staying here to the end, is to possess ourselves of the whole strength of the case, so that we may give the country the reasons for the action of the Returning Board - What else, than such an important public duty could have made me sacrifice the weeks of rest which I had hoped to pass with you during the bright days of Autumn? Give my love to all the little ones, and tell them how glad I am to receive the good report of their conduct which the Adjutant sends with your daily letters. Ever and All Your Own James.[*Nov 24/76*] My Darling: To night is club night and the boys are busy preparing for their meeting. Hal and Mollie are delighted with your letter to them and Jimmie says he will write very soon. I have a world of things to say to you [but] so many that its seems like a mockery to try to tell you anything by letter. Yours of the 20th came this morning. Each morning brings a precious missive now to make us glad and happy and to add to our assurances of your love. Ever and forever yours. Crete. [*520*]Head Quarters November 24th 1876. Conduct Lessons Harry good perfect Jimmy " " Molly " " Irvin " " Abram - - Martha Mays. Adjutant General. Abram was insubordinate today & threatened our good kind General that he would change his quarters to Philadelphia!G Washington Nov. 25, 1876 My Darling: You must come home to rescue me from the monopoly of your little exacting children. I fully intended to give you a good half hour sometime in the middle of the day when I could see but you have been crowded into the shadows as you have been every day almost since you went away. But I must tell you something of the little tyrants. One of their last performances was to write an [*531*] Mollie says tell papa she sends her grandest love to him, and so do we all, Ever yours Crete.indignant reply to one received from Bentley Warren, telling them not to write to him again until they had changed the number of their club to 4 instead of 1 as they had voted themselves without his permission. Four or five of the members got together and drew up an answer which I am sure you would admire for its spirit and its dignified demand to know why he presumed to dictate to them the number of the club here. Last night Irvin made his debut on the stage. They have added to their entertainment after the regular meetings and adjournment to the parlor for music and recitation. Irvin came to me last week and said that he wanted to learn a piece to speak, so I taught him a pretty little song of three stanzas thinking he would either fail or [if he tried] would not have the courage to try; but when they came into the parlor and he was asked for his piece he said he would speak if some other one would speak first. So Harry recited a piece and then Donald Rockwell gave a passage from Shakespear--then Irvin was called. He did not hesitate at all but took his place made his bow, and then striking a most self assured attitude with his right hand in his breeches pocket, his left on his hip with arm akimbo and his right foot a little advanced he recited his verses slowly and distinctly without the slightest sign of embarrassment except a little tremor of the lips which I presume no one noticed but his mamma. He took his seat amid the cheers and applause perfectly cool and indifferent and made no reference to it to anyone. This morning I told him how proud I was of him and the only reply he made was "The people all sat round in a ring like a crown and the big arm chair was in the middle like the diamond in the crown"--He did not say that mamma was sitting in the big arm chair, I don't that he noticed it but I remembered that mamma was there. Was not that all very quaint and queer--just like the odd little Josey he is. We are all well and watching and waiting almost impatiently for you. Mother says she will write again when she hears from you.US. Revenue Cutter. "John A Dix" En Route to New Orleans. La Nov. 26. 1876 My Darling: I owe you an apology for my failure to send you a letter yesterday and the day before. I nearly completed a letter at Pardee's, but was called out before it was finished, and it is still lying locked up in his desk. For two days, I have been closely at work examining the evidences of intimidation and fraud in the Parish of West Feliciana, so as to prepare a statement of the facts for the northern people, and give them the grounds on which it is proposed to throw out the vote at most of the polls in that parish. Yesterday, we resolved to urge our friends here to hurry up their work as rapidly as possible, so that we might leave the city not later than Saturday Dec. 2.; and I now expect to leave on that day. It is very hard for me to consent to stay [*340*]here so long; but the situation is so very grave, and the results dependent upon the work here, are so momentous, that I dare not refuse to do my full share - The only personal compensation for staying. (beside the consciousness of doing my duty) is the pleasure of still receiving more of your dear good letters. Last evening, we were invited to visit the famous "Magnolia Plantation," about 40 miles below the city. Its owners are Mr Lawrence, & Ex-Gov. Warmouth--and the U.S. Revenue Cutter "John A Dix," was placed at our disposal. Pardee and I arose at six this morning, and went to the city, and visited the "French Market," which is one of the very interesting sights of New Orleans, and after taking breakfast at a French Restaurant, we went on board the "Dix," & at 9 am, were streaming down the river. At one p.m. we landed at "Magnolia Plantation" - on the west bank3 [U.S. Revenue Marine,] of the river. The banks are but one plantation deep - when they end in cypress swamp, and [. . 187 .] open gulf - In fact, there are but about five miles of banks between the river & gulf, for the lower sixty miles of the river - Oranges and sugar are the great products of "Magnolia" - and so fine a sight, of its kind, I have never seen - I went through an orchard of 1000 orange trees literally loaded down with the golden fruit - It seemed like the garden of Hesperides - as described in the Greek Mythology - Behind the orange grove, stood 1000 acres of sugar-cane; and near by a great sugar mill and refinery where I say all the machinery by which the product passes from cane, to the whitest coffee sugar - I hope to tell our dear ones all about it, at our table, before long - After we had visited the plantation and the mill, a fine dinner, with 20 covers, was spread for us in the great hall, where we enjoyed the generous hospitalities of a large hearted, clear-headed man - until five p.m. when we again embarked, and are now steaming [*341*]4 up the moonlit river - The evening is very perfect in its beauty; but after pacing the deck for an hour, and listening to the pleasant talk of companions, I have stolen away from the company, and have locked myself into the state-room of Lt. Tozier, (a Connecticut man whom I met in New London) and , at his little desk, am writing this unsatisfactory letter, to make amends for my neglect - Just before I left "Magnolia," Mr. Lawrence gave me a barrel of oranges for you and ours - and I will either send or bring them to you - I cannot be reconciled to see these scenes without you; for though it will be a great pleasure to tell all I have seen of these; yet I can never satisfy myself with any mere description - I hope the children have followed me with their Geography. I am, day by day, made happy by your letters and always crave more - I am glad that Smalley has returned to Washington, and hope he is more pronounced in his Republicanism than he was when he left - I will close this, and send it by the first mail after I reach the city, which will be about 11 tonight - With love to each x and all - I am forever your own James.1876 Washington-Nov. 26. My Darling. Jimmie - my boy ever ready - went in the rain to the Post-Office for your long letter of the 22nd. It was a great treat to us all and we all enjoyed it together in Grandma's room. When you closed up with the wish that you could be in "our quiet home" Hal lay musing on the floor and finally in a half soliloquy said "quiet, I wonder if he calls it quiet at home". It was too funny, and we all laughed with him at papa's delusion. But it touched my heart that Papa so loves us all that he cannot think of his home when away with any idea but that it is [*533*]a place of all quiet and peace. I would so love to enjoy with you all your experiences in the sunny south. How circumstances are ever leading you out into the wide enjoyments of life and how I would love to always go and be with you. But you are so grandly generous that you give me the wine of all that is best to know so that I feel like one rather pampered by having the best without labor than like one starving. I starve for nothing but your living presence; and your long delay so hopelessly spinning out is making me very hungry. Is there no hope of your coming soon? Will you not surely be here this week? You know Congress meets a week from tomorrow. The children are all very good to day. I have just been reading to them from "Harper's War Record", as you requested, the account of Farragut's ramming the blockade of the forts Phillips and Jackson. I do not understand why my letters are so behind hand in reaching you. We have not failed a day yet to write to you, although the envelope has been sometimes the chief burden of the missive. I think there is something that I was especially anxious to say to you today, but I cannot catch hold of it. It floats about in my consciousness like those stray faint sunbeams which only appear to the averted half closed eyes and vanish into the common light the momentyou try to open your eyes upon them. I have just finished, with Miss Mays, Daniel Deronda. I call it a wonderful book, and I think you will too. I hope before this can reach you to get the telegram telling me that you are about to start home. If you have not sent it already you surely will when you get this won't you? We are all well and so glad to hear of your health and safety. Ever and forever Yours Crete.Washington Nov. 29th 1876 My Darling: Since Sunday I have had no word from you until to day and I felt so sure that you were about to start for home I would not write again and would not now were it not for the fear that some possibility will keep you long enough to receive this, and I don't want you to wait and look and long [534]in vain as I do when no word comes from you. I am growing utterly disheartened before our political prospects. I can see nothing to make Mr. Hayes desire that the Presidency should be decided for him, and I see nothing but gloom and disaster if he does not receive it. I hope your work at New Orleans may accomplish something to help to positive definite knowledge of affairs, and I base this little weak hope on the fact that whatever you undertake in the way of research always does result in some definite knowledge, and maybe this will. We are all well; but half heart-sick to day that the promised telegram does not come to tell us that you will come. Mrs. Black was here to day, but we did not talk politics. [???] [???] the Judge can do that and laugh. I think Mrs. Black and I would cry, or at least feel very like it. I presume you have received the letter I sent telling you that the court had laid your case over to be taken up whenever you are ready for it. I think the children are doing very well in school. Mr. Young called a few evenings since and said of the boys that they were doing very much better this winter than ever before and to day Mollie tells me that Miss Kerr told her that she was the second best reader in school. Darling don't let us wait many days more for you. Ever yours Crete. November 29. Harry did not miss any of his lessons to-day neither did Jimmy. Their conduct was also good. Mollie missed [one] her geography. conduct good. M. Mays. [535]Head Quarters - Nov-27th Harry missed one in grammar, conduct good Jimmy . . . Latin " " Molly Perfect in lessons - " " Irvin - " " Abram " " Nov 28th Harry - Perfect in lesson " " Jimmy " " Mollie " " Irvin " " Abram " "207 6. PM. [*De 1, 1876*] Blank No. 1 THE WESTERN UNION TELEGRAPH COMPANY. This Company TRANSMITS and DELIVERS messages only on conditions, limiting its liability, which have been assented to by the sender of the following message. Errors can be guarded against only by repeating a message back to the sending station for comparison, and the Company will not hold itself liable for errors or delays in transmission or delivery of Unrepeated Messages. This message is an UNREPEATED MESSAGE and is delivered by request of the sender under the conditions named above. A. R. BREWER, Sec'y. WILLIAM ORTON, Pres't 27 ch Dated New Orleans 2 Dec 1876 Received at N. E. cor. 14th St. and Penn. Ave. Washington D.C. 6 p.m To Mrs. J.A. Garfield Shall leave here tomorrow evening & Hope to reach Home Tuesday. J.A. Garfield 11 DH GH READ THE NOTICE AT THE TOP. [*342*]Louisville & Cin. Train Monday Morning - Dec 4. 1876 My Darling - I expected to have reached home in time to eat breakfast with you tomorrow morning - But it is thought very important for our party to see Mr. Hayes, and so we all go to Columbus - this morning - We shall leave there tonight and reach Washington Tuesday evening - Judge Martin who goes through tonight, will call & hand you this. [R??ing] in the hope of seeing you all soon. I am and ever your James. [*343*]Blank No. 1 THE WESTERN UNION TELEGRAPH COMPANY. The rules of this Company require that all messages received for transmission shall be written on the message blanks of the Company, under and subject to the conditions printed thereon, which conditions have been agreed to by the sender of the following message. WILLIAM ORTON, Pres't } New York A.R. BREWER, Sec'y. Dated Washington D C 1 6 1876 Received at To Mrs JA Garfield Missed train one minute will be with you dinner tomorrow J.A. Garfield [*1876*] [*368*][*1876*] Painesville, [Ten?]. Noon - My Darling I send by Jimmie such things as I could find, which came nearest to your wishes - I fee better in the face of the Evening - than I did in the vagueness & uncertainty but my heart aches & I need you Every hour I go to General's Evening - God bless you Ever Your JA Garfield [*344*][*Mrs. Garfield*] [*House Gallery /76?*] This is Sandy Mathews- the old college mate & friend of Gen. Hayes - He was welcome in New Orleans - J. A. G. P.S. I hope you are not very very weary - If you are able to stay it out - I will go home with you at half past 3 - J.A.G [*270*]Mrs J A. Garfield[*? 76 ?*] Ma Chere [Le] Monsieur McDonald à present le Senator democratique d'Indiana etait un des avocats avec moi dans la cause celebre de Milligan. 1866 - Il Etait aussi [dans] a Nouvelle Orleans à le meme temps que j'etait la - JAG [*271*]Mrs GarfieldBlank No. 1 THE WESTERN UNION TELEGRAPH COMPANY. The rules of this Company require that all messages received for transmission, shall be written on the message blanks of the Company, under and subject to the conditions printed thereon, which conditions have been agreed to by the sender of the following message. WILLIAM ORTON, Pres't, } NEW YORK. A. R. BREWER, Sec'y, } Dated Grey Lock Hall 27th 1876 Received at Wmstown Mass " To Mrs J.A. Garfield Care Prof Perry Make my excuse to Mrs. Perry Bring boys at farm J. A. Garfield Paid [*272*]GarfieldBlank No. 1. THE WESTERN UNION TELEGRAPH COMPANY. The rules of this Company require that all messages received for transmission, shall be written on the message blanks of the Company, under and subject to the conditions printed thereon, which conditions have been agreed to by the sender of the following message. WILLIAM ORTON, Pres't, } New York A.R. BREWER, Sec'y, Dated New York 31 1876 Received at To Mrs. J A Garfield Greatly disappointed not to meet you are all well answer Washington J A Garfield [*273*][*1876*] Darling I told old Mr. Morse that you would be here at half past nine. What shall I say to him? Shall I tell him to wait, and when will you probably be home? Ever yours Crete. Darling - We have not yet set down to breakfast I cant get home before nearly ten - J. A Garfield [*477*]Gen'l Garfield[*[1876]*] Dearest - I have Kept your note to Amos Townsend and will deliver it at the Ho Reps James [*345*]House of Representatives, Washington, D.C., Jany 30, 1877. My Darling: The printer has lost the motto which I wrote for the title page of my speech. Will you please copy it and send by the boy - You will find it in a marked passage on a speech of John Bright, in an English Newspaper - which lies inside the pile of manuscript on top of the book-case on the East side of my library. It is a quotation from [Griot?]. Please send lunch by messenger. Ever Your Own James. [*347*]Feb 8. 1877 Ma chere - Judge Handley, aborred the Comm business two months ago, and could not get out of his Oregon visit - The gentleman now speaking is Ashbel Green of New Jersey - Don't you think it funny that a man cant resign even when the appointing power consents? - Ever Yours J.A.G. [*348*]Mrs J. A. GarfieldCommission. Feb. 21./77 My Darling - We are in the heart of Oregon, and may sit until after six Don't wait dinner for me - but [when] save a little part of your appetite [t]so as to have an excuse of eating a bit with me when I come - Ever Yours J A Garfield [*349*]Darling I will297 732 R [*[Mr 13, 1877?]*] Blank No. 1. THE WESTERN UNION TELEGRAPH COMPANY. The rules of this Company require that all messages received for transmission, shall be written on the message blanks of the Company, under and subject to the conditions printed thereon, which conditions have been agreed to by the sender of the following message. THOS. T. ECKERT, Gen'l Sup't. New York. } WILLIAM ORTON, Pres't, } New York. GEO. H. MUMFORD Sec'y, Dated Wellsville Ohio 3/13/187 732pm Received at N. E. cor. 14th St., and Penna. Ave. To Mrs JA Garfield 1227 I St. Shall reach you tomorrow afternoon, I do - J A Garfield 7 Dh gggg[?] [*377*]US POSTAL CARD. BUFFALO MAY 20 8AM N.Y. US POSTAGE WRITE THE ADDRESS ON THIS SIDE - THE MESSAGE ON THE OTHER Mrs. Lucretia R. Garfield Mentor Lake Co. OhioNo. 1. Buffalo-N.Y. May 27. 1 P.M. 1877 Dear Crete. I have been able to sleep two or three hours; and hope that the force of my cold is somewhat broken; but I still suffer from severe head-ache. If you get this card before the 1 p.m mail of Monday leaves Mentor, please send my letters to Washington, directing to our number- Ever yours JA Garfield [*350*]Mentor May 27th 1877 My Darling I knew when you were starting that I had forgotten something for your comfort, and you were scarcely away before I discovered that I had put up neither brush comb nor tooth-brush. I am very sorry, and a good deal troubled that I have made so many failures of that kind in the last few months. It seems as though my mind does not grasp the needs of occasions as it ought to, and [*536*]that I am in the way of growing fearfully slack. I hope you will get this before leaving Washington so as to say to Mrs. Touhey that I want the chandeliers and pictures without glass and those especially with gilt frames covered with the [???] in the bureau of the third story closet. I think there is enough to cover all that need it, and if Daniel should be there he knows how to put them up. We have passed a comfortable pleasant day except for our loneliness without you. This P.M. Mrs. Robison came with the big carriage and Larry's wife and took Miss Mays Mollie Irvin & Abram to a long drive. Jimmie Robison Hal & Jim took cub and the carriage and went to the mountains. The house was so still that it grew lonely and I was scarcely able to enjoy the quiet without you. The children are all in bed now except Mollie and she is waiting to sleep with me. Darling it seems to me I [never] was never before so lonely [before] without you, and I can scarcely be patient over your absence. You forgot the letter to Silas for Miss Lerriss and I have written one introducing her which I will send up to them when I send tomorrow for the pipe. I explained to the old gentleman how busy you were last evening. Dr. Robison is worrying lest the boys may get into some trouble with the horses while you are away but I think the best thing to do is to trust them so for that they will feel the responsibility to be careful and take care Darling I am very anxious over your health. I beg of you to take the very most care of it. Don't allow yourself to neglect it on any account. Give my love to Mrs. Touhay and any friends you may meet. Remembering you with a love full of longing for you every hour I am Forever Your Crete.House of Representatives, [Washington, D.C.] Mentor, May 28, 1877 My Darling: Your postal card--the like of which you said you would not receive--without date or address was received too late to day for the one o'clock mail; but I think [it] your letters will reach you at the same time if started tomorrow morning. A quarter before six this morning Harry was away with the greys for Painsville and Jim with Kitty for the mountain. I started them off without any fear that danger would overtake them and their safe return gave me a new confidence in my gallant boys. Jim returned at half past eight, but Hal was kept by the shoeing of Cub and the putting the store in order until half past twelve. I had sent by him for new shoes for Irvin, and he reached home just in time for us to lace Irv's shoes before climbing into the wagon to go home with Grandpa and Grandma. It seems to me the work has been moving a little slowly to day, still it may be only my [*539*]anxiety to see a great deal done before you reach home that makes me impatient to see more rapid progress. The first little chicks began to peep to day to the great delight of the children. Abe said to Mary while that the chicken he saw was not a wooden chicken but had skin on. Hal has omitted his lessons for two days now, but--tomorrow we will have some faithful work, He and Jim are behaving most excellently., and I am as happy as it is possible to be without you my Darling. I have been exceedingly busy today and I think have fallen asleep a dozen times since I began this letter. I suppose you are in our dear little house now, and I cannot tell how much I would love to be there with you. Mollie has written you a nice little letter and I will stop and sleep in good earnest. Miss Mays was sick to day and has no report of school to make. Time is my most valued friend just now that every swing of his scythe cuts off a piece of your absence. We all think of you very very often and love you perpetually. With sincerest love your Crete.1227 I St. Washington. May 29/77 My Darling - I arrived at New York at half past six Monday morning, and at 9 a.m. left for Washington, arriving here at 4 - 10 p.m. yesterday - I suffered greatly from the heat, & my cold, accompanied as it was by sever head-ache - I found the old home so strange and lonely without you - that I hardly felt like staying in it - I had hardly arrived before the doorbell began to ring, and the old stream of place seekers began to pour in - We had scented my coming and mere [*351*]lying in wait for me like vultures for a wounded bison--And all day long today, it has been a steeple chase. I fleeing & they pursuing-- and now I have come back to the old house to write this word, & to tell you how sweet and inviting the dear, new home beckons to me, away among the green fields of Mentor--I shall hurry away as soon as I can, and hasten the hours of the long journey that separates me from you-- One of the N.Y. Counsel is detained, so that our party will not leave N.Y. until Thursday evening, and I will go to N.Y. tomorrow night and join them there--I spent all the hours I could use my eyes, while on the cars to read up the case, and am beginning to feel my grip upon it growing strong--The fact that I am to meet the foremost lawyers of the South in their own forum is awaking me from the sleep into which I have let my mind fall since I went to Mentor. I begin to see my way through to victory--At any rate I mean to find one, if [???] we have a home in Mobile. The Touhay family is really a charming one; and I am glad you have given them an asylum in our home. They are keeping things very neatly, and, I am sure are very happy. I will see to the chandeliers & hang them covered--The house, I find is infested with mice--I will take some measures to have a raid made upon them. Every hour, I am thankful that you and the dear little ones are away from the heat and suffocation of the city. At this distance, the little and great discomforts of the farm, disappear, in comparison with the present discomforts here You seem to be let out into a larger world, & I can only think enclosing you in the old again, when the winter comes--With all my heart I am as ever, All your own James.Mentor May 30 1877 My Darling: Your note from Buffalo we did not get until yesterday - Tuesday 2 P.M. I had already started whatever mail there was by the early morning train to Washington hoping you may receive it before leaving this evening. Doctor came down yesterday morning and put into better running [*538*] P.S. The enclosed is from the carpenter who wishes your advice. The Doctor I think does not consider the rods necessary, but the carpenter does. The boys especially Jim have been bad as they could be about their lessons and Miss Mays says she does not wish to send a report. She sends love and says she will write this evening. Ever yours Creteshape the work that was dragging. Butler began to plough the "sorrel field" yesterday noon and is going on with it to day. Bancroft drew off the stumps from the meadows and is to day sowing plaster. I asked him yesterday if he had planted the sweet corn by his house. He said he told you that he would like all that garden for himself and that you said all right. Of course I couldn't contradict him, but I don't believe you ever told him he could have all that acre. I am thoroughly disgusted with a man with a family on the place. His wife is of no account in the world to us, and I'll warrant they will get a good support off the farm beside their wages. Doctor says a great deal of the corn will need to be planted over in the fields that you hurried so marvelously, also that the ants and cut worm are playing the mischief. Behold the farmer's vexations! But enough of complaints. We must take the bitter with the sweet, and be thankful that that there is no bitterness in our love--that our only heartaches are for each other when miles and days intervene with long loneliness, and even that brings the "fuller gain of often bliss." Darling write to me often for your letters are the sunshine of your absence--even the poor meagre little Postal card had one or two rays in it. We are all well and send love. Yours as ever Crete. Brevoort House N.Y. Thursday Morning- May 31st. 77 My Darling: I left Washington at 9-20 last evening - in grief that I did not hear from you. Martha's brother came to see me at eight, and said he had a letter from Martha dated Sunday - and then & [I] said to myself why not I one from "Bart". I did think I should have a word; for I am sure you have written it. I came here to consult the N.Y. lawyer, Bangs, and join the party which leaves here at 5 p.m. today for Mobile-- which we expect to [*352*]reach sometime during the day Sunday--We go by Pittsburgh, Cincinnati, & thence through Ky Tenn. & Mississippi. I was kept extremely busy in Washington; but found time to work off the great mail I brought with me from Mentor. Our neighbor Meador is deepening his basement story and tearing up the water closet which gave us so much trouble--Our yard is in good condition--with turf improved--In the fall I shall make a few repairs about the wall and fence on our east line--& possible do something to the house-- if I get a good fee in Mobile--I saw Carrie Ransom, who told me some new things about Mrs Ward, which led me to view the risk of intermeddling--& I put Halsey Hall, who was there, on his guard-- Poor fellow! I fear he is stepping into great sorrow-- I may have saved him; perhaps only hurt him. I think of you with almost every breath--Don't fail to tell me if Em. Redfield has come - I will not endure it to have you work as you have been doing - Black Em. was at the house to meet me, and did a washing for me. She found the missing table cloth - I ordered a raid on the mice, & provided for covering your chandelier. Don't fail to tell me, somewhat minutely, how the farm & the barn get on - and especially how you are & do - Tell the boys I expect good & brave things from them - I send some notes which please preserve & await my coming - Ever & all your own James. Mrs. J. A. Garfield Mentor, Ohio.Mentor May 31st 1877 My Darling I feel just a little hurt that Thursday night has come without having brought one letter from you. I would be anxious lest you were ill did not the papers announce your arrival at Washington without mentioning illness. The delay may be all due to the mails but if so - then am I hurt that the post should be so [*539*]unmindful of my needs and expectations. If you have followed your original plan, you are this warm night sweltering on the dusty sleeping car hurrying farther and farther away from me. We have had no rain since you left and it is very warm and dry. Last night Hal and Jim under the guidance and inspiration of Doctor Robison pumped and put on the new turf I think more than fifty pails of water. Doctor got for us fifty feet of hose for the laundry. We put it on at the sink in the house this evening and have watered the grass with it. It helps very much but brings the water slowly. Bancroft has been grading for the horse barn to day and tomorrow he is to draw lumber. Whatever his faults may be he does work. I think really he does more than twice the work Butler does. I have been noticing Butler plough in the sorrel field and have pretty nearly concluded that his great anxiety over the horses is chiefly an excuse for his own laziness. I think Moses does nearly twice as much work as he does. The boys have been very much better [boy] in behavior than any day before since you left. I have a postal card from Emma that she will be here this week. I think I have given all home items of interest, and I send this away freighted with the love you know of, ever if not all expressed. I shall be nearly heart-broken if I get no letter tomorrow. All send love Every yours Crete.Pa. R.R. 30 minutes East of Pittsburgh- June 1st. 8 a.m. 77 My Darling. We left Jersey City side least evening at 6, and have come thus far on the long journey. As we have writing materials with us, I am attempting to write as we ride; which I see is not to be an easy matter - It will, however, give you an idea how my letters will look a few years hence, when I reach the Stephen Hopkins period. At the last moment Mr. Ward was detained by business, and could not start with us - but will come on in a day or two. My travelling companion is F.W. Bangs, [*353*]a leading lawyer of N.Y. with whom I have found a pleasant acquaintance - It is very hard to get so near you as this, and then turn away, 1200 miles - Besides my desire to see you & all the dear household, you can hardly imagine how strongly I am attracted to the farm & its progress. Dont fail to tell me, minutely about things - Tell me, also, if you received my letter from the Brevoort containing some notes - one on Iowa Farm - on against Phillips Bros - & one little note of Jim's was Rhodes - We are arriving in Pitts & I must mail this old scratch Ever & all your James. [*353*] [*P.S. I send a lock of my gray beard - cut yesterday by a N.Y. barber - Grandma may be interested in it. J.A.G. My Mobile address will be "Battle House Mobile Ala" - Love to Every member of the home. J.A.G.*]Humboldt. Tenn - June 2. 1 p.m. [*1877*] My Darling: Since my last, mailed at Pittsburgh, I have travelled continuously until an hour ago, when I arrived at this station on the Mobile and Ohio R.R. and found the Company's parlor car awaiting us with orders to stay here until 4 p.m. when we are to be joined by the President of the Road, W.B. Duncan who is my client. We shall then go by special train to Mobile arriving there Sunday morning. I was the dirtiest husband you ever had, except once, and that was fifteen years ago, at Shiloh a few miles south of this place - But I found a bath room on the car & have just taken a luxurious bath, and put on clean gear, and now devote the first moments of cleanliness to you - We took [dinner] breakfast at Pittsburgh, dinner at Columbus, supper at Cincinnati, breakfast this morning at Erin, Tennessee, and in a few minutes shall take dinner here - Tell the Geography scholars in your school to trace my travels on their maps as follows: from Painesville, via Erie, Dunkirk, Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, Schenectady and Albany to, N.Y.; [*354*]from N.Y. via Jersey City, Elizabeth, Trenton, Philadelphia, Wilmington and Baltimore to Washington, and back to N.Y. by same route; then from New York to Humboldt Tennessee, via Philadelphia Harrisburg, Pittsburgh, & [across] down the [the] Eastern bank of the Ohio & across Steubenville, thence via Dennison, Coshocton, Newark, Columbus, London, Xenia, Cincinnati, Covington, Louisville, Clarksville, Erin, Paris to this place; in all 2260 miles - Question - Through what states, across what range of mountains, and across what principal rivers has my journey led me? - Answer to be written out separately by Harry Jimmie & Mollie, that I may read them on my return - Also apply the same question to the route from here to Mobile, by Mobile & Ohio R.R. adding names of Chief towns, and specifying any towns that were scenes of battle and other Military operations during the late war - In this part of the answer, Mamma and Martha may assist, after the infantry have done their best - I wish I could see my way to answering the question which is of most interest to me just now, and that is when I shall rejoin the dear ones at the farm - I can only guess - that it will not be before June 12th - perhaps not so soon - I have been pretty busy in reading up the voluminous papers in the case, and have made myself pretty familiar with the case in which I am retained. In addition to this, I have accumulated some valuable books on Russia and Turkey - and have read well into Wallace's Russia, and shall hope to give the dear little circle the substance of it in some of the future lectures [which] whose predecessors you have been pleased to regard with approval - Every day, I try to imagine what is going on at the farm, how high the corn is, what the men are doing, whether the Library is done and grained, what progress is being made with the Horse farm, whether the pit for the barn yard water was a success - whether the brush are taken out of the orchard - the stumps hauled away from the meadow - the plaster sowed, the south field plowed - Kits harness oiled & her hind shoes set - and especially how our school gets on and how our big boys behave.You will not fail to write me whether Em Redfield has come, for it is a constant source of anxiety to me that you have so much to do. I sent the rifle by Express to Mentor, and I hope the boys will not be teasing mamma to let them use it--They will be willing to wait & let papa have the first shot-- You see Darling that you have spoiled me for being away from you. I left you, homesick to go back--and the disease grows worse with every added mile of separation--Give my love to mother and Martha, and to each child, not forgetting the philosopher Benton, and the rubber ball, Abe--Think of it: I have been away from you six days & a half and have had no word from any one of you--I bless the city of the blue gulf, for the letters it holds in trust for me-- I hope you have not forgotten to return the calls of our neighbors for us both-- Ever and Forever Your own James.Mobile Ala. June 3. 77. My Darling: I arrived here about noon today after a hot and dusty ride - About midnight, last night, I was severely attacked with dysentery, which has kept me nearly sick all day; but I ate no breakfast and got some medicine from Judge Bradley, which I think has checked it - The P.O. was shut on my arrival, and I could not get into it until 5 p.m. when I found your precious letter of the 30th May; the first word from home since I left you, last Sunday morning. It was food & medicine and rest to my body & soul to read [*355*]your dear words--and to feel the perfectness of our love--The memories of 15 years ago, when I was a soldier in this southern land, made me need, or rather want, the renewed assurance that no cloud obscured the brightness of that love which has so long and so steadily shone with a brighter luster than it knew when I was here, in the South in 1863--Bless you, my Darling for every line and word--that brings the light of your love away to me in my absence. I am sorry to have you vexed and troubled by the behavior of the boys and the affairs of the farm--But I will return to you soon, and share the load. I did not intend to give Bancroft the whole garden over the way--It will not do to plant any corn in our west garden, for it will mix with the white Ky corn; Tell Bancroft for me, that he must plant what sweet corn we need across the South End of his garden--You determine how much, and he can have the rest of the garden--It may be too late to plant it now, but I hope not--Bancroft must not push me with his small digs much further, or he will get himself into trouble-- I enclose [Weeds?] letter with my own endorsement, which shows him my opinion-- I have received a telegram from Ed Cowles, telling me that the Chic- ago man, lately appinted to the Swiss Mission, has declined, and asking me to go to Washington and get it for him. The persistency with which he sticks to that subject is amazing. In view of all that has passed between him & and me, I suppose I shall have to go back from here via Washington, unless some lucky accident closes the case before I leave--I hope we shall get through the cases here by the end of the week; and before the end of next week, I confidently hope to be with you, I enclose some political correspondence which please keep until I come With love to all, I am as Ever & always Your own James. An Alleged Forgery on Garfield. COLUMBUS, O., June 1. - General Garfield, who passed through this city to-day en route to Mobile, left the following letter directed to the General Associated Press Agent: "DEAR SIR - I have just seen in the Cincinnati Commercial, of this morning, copied from the New York Sun, what purports to be a letter of the President to me. It is a forgery in every line and word. "J. A. GARFIELD." [*Cin. Comc. June 1, 1877*] THE New York Sun publishes what purports to be the letter written by HAYES to GARFIELD, of which there has been so much said, as follows: "Just a fortnight after his inauguration HAYES wrote a letter in the following shape to JAMES A. GARFIELD. The letter was probably intended to be confidential, but too many Republicans are now opposing HAYES to keep any letter on party matters long secret: "EXECUTIVE MANSION, } WASHINGTON, D.C., May 18, 1877. } "MY DEAR GENERAL -- in accordance with your wish I put in writing what I expressed to you verbally last night. It seems to me that you can serve the country and your party better by remaining a member of the House of Representatives, where your long experience and great abilities so eminently fit you for leadership. I fully appreciate the great sacrifice I ask you to make in withdrawing from the Senatorial contest, but I am confident that in the end you will not regret it. It is my belief that your prospects of election as Speaker are very nearly certain, and you do not need my assurance that I shall give you the heartiest co-operation to that end. "Faithfully your friend. R. B. HAYES." "PROBABLY the root of the delusions which [*356*]Mentor June 3d 1877 My Dear Old Precious: The inclosed will show you how abused you have been by the P.O.D. and to me it has been equally unkind. Until yesterday I had not received one word from you after the Buffalo Postal card, and I really began to be alarmed lest you were lying ill someplace, and had resolved that if nothing came yesterday I would have Doctor [*pathy even though it knows no fear for you. With all our hearts of love we join in every hour remembrances. Present my kind regards to Mr. Ward and say to him that I intrust your health to his safe keeping. Ever & forever yours Crete.*] [*540*]telegraph to know if you were still at Washington. But my anxiety was relieved by your three letters from Washington New York and Pittsburgh--all received at once together with two I had sent to you returned from Washington. Yesterday was a day of good fortune. First your letters came--then Emma Redfield arrived. Butler finished ploughing the sorrel field, and Mr. Barnes got your Library ready for the grainers, --having worked three days more than he expected to when you left. This morning we had a good rain, and the clouds promise more to our great delight and for which we return heart-felt thanks. Your little patch of Kentucky corn is the best on the street--so says the Doctor and tomorrow the boys will sow plaster in each hill. Mr. Bancroft will replant the field where the planters failed and put in the pumpkin seeds. The carpenters are getting along well with the horse-barn--The ground is graded for the foundation and Doctor has a man engaged to lay the foundation this week. There was such a pressure of business last week that the boys' lessons were badly neglected, and their behavior was not the most commendable, but I hope we shall be able to make this a better week. My Darling I shall be exceedingly anxious to hear from you every day now. I have no fear for you in the Southern forum, and I think proudly of your sitting among them the Scandinavian Thor with the added graces and wisdom of the Olympian gods. Let my faith in you sustain you in the clash of arms. My heart is full of sym- Mobile, Ala. June 4/77 My Darling: You are "The Shadow of a great rock in a weary land" - At the close of a day of heat and work and while sitting down to a long evening of work among the tangles of a most intricate case, your sweet letter of the 31st May comes to me all full of love and blessings - and, at once, I turn aside from the case to tell you how happy I am with the treasure - How it brightens the long patway of dusty, hot miles between us to know that your dove has shaken her white wings over every hill & valley of the 1200 miles that separate us! [*357*]It is the sweet compensation which absence brings. I am so glad I can now think of you as having help enough to lighten the burdens that were resting on the dear little shoulders when I came away - I think of you with the changes and betterments which have been made since I left you, and rejoice in the thought that they are all made for you - Darling, do you ever stop to think that you are the centre and soul of all our circle - Do you remember the circular stone in the old Roman Forum in which centered the roads from Europe Asia & Africa? "All roads lead to Rome" says the old proverb - In the Directory of my life, all roads lead to Crete - Even when I am going away from you, I remember I am travelling on a circuit which ends in your arms - and so the car wheels sing of your as they hurry me on - I have nearly recovered from the diarrhoea of which I wrote you yesterday - and have begun to feel my grip on the lawyers & the case. I was poorly prepared when I came, but I am gathering up the threads of the case into my hands - It was called to day, and after a little preliminary skirmishing, was set down for tomorrow morning at ten o'clock - There are, in fact three cases, and they may all be heard in oneI am strongly in hopes we shall see the end of them before the close of the week-- Did I tell you, in my last, that Cowles telegraphs me that Schneider has declined the Swiss Mission, & he wants me to go to Washington again and get it for him? After all that has happened, I cannot refuse--& so shall probably be compelled to go home via Washington--which will add two days to my absence. Surely the way of politics is hard--I shall look to you for the daily bread of my heart until I leave here--I will telegraph you, when you need not write more--though I half incline not to do it, so that some of your letters may follow me to Mentor--Thank the boys for me, for the better report of Thursday last--Ever Your own JamesMentor June 5th 1877 My Darling: I don't know what does ail Jim. Yesterday he was one of the best boys in the world, was happy, and acknowledged that it was because he was so good--This morning without any apparent reason he is pouting and cross and so crabbed about his Latin that it is enough to make one's soul cry out with the pain he gives. I don't know [541] Ever and forever yours Crete.how to manage him. I cannot conceive of any possible reason why he should be such a trial to my life, nor do I believe it possible for you to know what a wearing worrying child he is. I cannot be patient with him, any more than I could submit with patience to some extreme physical torture. What he will ever become I don't know, and I am almost afraid to think of his future. Just now I hear him reciting his lesson with a [pleasant] kind voice, and so from morning till night I never know one moment what he may do the next. I am sorry to write you such a blue letter but I have told Jim that I will write him down just as he is, It is horrible to be a man but the grinding misery of being a woman between the upper and nether millstone of household cares and training children is almost as bad. To be half civilized with some aspirations for enlightenment, and obliged to spend the largest part of the time the victim of youngbarbarians keeps one in a perpetual ferment. Now I will stop, and complain a while of things or of one thing. The rain seems to be out of order. The water comes into the tank only in small jets and of course is fast being lowered. We have sent to Mr. [Northeate?], and he says he will come and see what is the trouble. Every thing else is going on splendidly. To day it is raining superbly for which we cannot be too thankful. I hope your work will not keep you long. It is a glad pleasure to live with you in spite of all discomforts. Jim is good natured at this moment and I will close in this burst of home sunshine. [*First half written by Miss Mays*] Mentor - June 6th 1877. 7.30. p.m. My dear General, Your thoughts, I am sure are without those who hold you dearer than all else in the world, and you will be glad to hear of them. Just at this present moment Mrs Garfield and Grandma are at neighbour Rose's whither they have gone to make a visit. Hal is milking. Jim is busy with the new mower, which he & Harry have just brought from the Depot, while Abe is trotting after him all wonder and admiration at the "fast [*542*] [*of work to be done, we all join in our very most love to the very best of men. Ever and always Yours Crete.*]clipper." Molly is practising and I am sitting in the parlor with her, the room is deliciously fragrant with flowers kindly given us by Miss Steele this afternoon. Harry, Molly and I drove over to Painesville to attend to some commissions, one of them was to have Kitty shod, the blacksmith Mr Curtis, did not think Kitty ought to have a bar-shoe and he shod her in the ordinary manner, it was done with Mr. Steele's approval, so you may be assured it was the right thing to do. Our school boys and girl did extra well this morning the boys tried to construe their Latin and wrote answers to your geographical questions. They were much amused at my pronunciation of Schenectady! The flower of our flock continues to take great interest in his spelling & will have learnt a number of new words by the time you come home. I wonder how dear old Burton is getting on at Hiram whether he is homesick at all-- There is to be a strawberry festival at the school to-morrow evening and the Garfield house doubtless will be well represented! Emma Redfield came last Saturday, she soon adapted herself to the old harness again and the domestic machinery is moving along very smoothly Mrs. Garfield does not work so hard in the dairy, but will be going all the time, the dear good soul. "The good soul" will take time to add just a word although it is quite unnecessary you have had so full an account already given--That you may not be worried however over Kittie's shoes I will add that Mr. Steele says the man recommended by the Livery man is not a farrier that any one in Painesville will trust a good horse with, but the man to whom he sent Kit to day cured one of his horses [when] of quarter cracks that other farriers had given up as incurable I explain more fully let you may worry over the change. We have had a delightful day, but as Hal says this is Jim's good day perhaps he may have a chill, or give us all one tomorrow. I intend now to go to Cleveland tomorrow, but the Library will not be ready for me to go to Hiram before next week. I think we are going on charmingly now with the farm work, but don't be disappointed when you come if everything is not done. There is such a mountainMobile Ala - June 7. 1877 My Darling - I have lived three days without a word from you - and now late at night, I have just read yours of the 5th- I am sitting in my shirt and drawers - hard at work, with the sweat reeking from every pore - The earth and sky are an oven, in which I roast - Our case has raged four full days - and I have given [*358*]it about 15 hours out of, each 24. I am place at the post of most responsibility I am to make the last speech--reviewing and closing the case--It is a new field of legal study, almost all the questions are new to me, and the case is most complicated-- I have all my old habitual fears of failure--without you to support me--I can only hurry this word off to you, for I must work nearly all night for I shall speak tomorrow-- I am most deeply grieved at what you write of Jimmie--I have written him a long letter which I want you to read to him carefully and seriously. Don't let up on it, except upon conditions. His only chance of escape is through you--Darling it will protect you from his rage-- I hope to leave for the north, not later than Saturday-- Ever + Always and all your own James.Mentor. June 8th 1877 My Darling: Night before last two boxes of plants came from Washington - one of house plants which I inferred were for Mr. Steele, so I decided not to go to Cleveland yesterday but Jim and I were up at five o'clock and at six started for Painsville with Mr. Steele's box. His gardener gave us a quantity of his plants so that after we reached home at 9 A.M. [543] [* * some one to manage for the men. I often notice where a little head work would help them to accomplish a good deal more without adding to the labor, but I haven't the courage to suggest to them my ideas - men have so much contempt for a woman's ideas especially men without culture. I will stop now, after saying we are all very good now Ever Yours Crete.*] [*543*]and had spent an hour in Arithmetic I worked nearly all the time until dark arranging and setting out plants -- then went with the children to the strawberry festival. This morning I awoke so tired and lame that I concluded to stay at home to day and go to e.d tomorrow. Your library is not finished yet but the grainers say that we can put the books in as soon as next Thursday so if we can have the greys on Monday we will go to Hiram. Yesterday I received your first two precious letters from Mobile. Darling I wonder if there is another man in the world who by every word and deed both when present and absent is able to make his wife so happy. I am conscious of a great deal of national perversity for even becoming impatient or disturbed. The consciousness of your blessed care and loving protection ought to keep me forever placid and happy. Our dear old Jim!we came so near losing him yesterday, that I hope I may be a little more patient with him than some of my former letters have indicated. Mr Bancroft took him into the field with him to unload tile. Jim got tired and sat down on the wagon seat. There was an umbrella on the seat and as he sat down he thought it broke, and with one of his dashes he turned his back to the horses and threw open the umbrella to see what he had done. The horses caught sight of it gave a leap and started for the barn. They dashed over a stump tearing it out by the roots--5 and rushed across the road straight up the hill east of the sandbank. Jim had caught up the reins by this time and as he saw them plunging for the bank pulled the rein in time to save them from going over but they dashed against the fence with such force as to break off a post and drive the fence back - the wheel then struck the roots of the old tree at the head of the lane and as they turned into the lane the wagon box with Jim and the tile were thrown whirling into the air and [*544*]dashed to the ground. Mr. Bancroft says he looked on feeling perfectly sure that Jim was killed. But by the time the horses had reached the barnyard gates Jim crawled up and says he saw them dash through the gates and bring up astride the old locust west of the house. The crash brought us all to our feet both horses were broken loose [and] the tongue of the wagon broken and the part left on the wagon plunged afoot into the turf. You may imagine our terror knowing that Mr. Bancroft and Jim had been with them and we made a general rush for the lane, but before we reached the barnyard their two heads appeared above the hill to our great relief. As the horses broke loose at the locust tree one of the carpenters caught one and the other after running around the house dashed away to the stable where he was caught. Jim was scarcely scratched although he says he can remember nothing after he felt the shock of striking the fence andthen the roots of the tree until he "woke up" as he says with the wagon box on his head, and looking up saw the horses just going through the gates. To day he has a headache and beings to feel lame, Lucky the good angels must have been near him, and I am very thankful to the Good All Loving Father that he has saved him to us. My fear now is that the horses have been nearly ruined with the fright. They were the most terrified creatures I ever saw. I have been hoping all day to receive the telegram you promised to tell me that I need not send more letters to Mobile, and I think I will send this to Washington to meet you there. Can you bring a volume of Shakespeare? also a little shawl of mine at Miss Ransom's? I am afraid you will be disappointed that more has not been done when you return, but there is so much to be done, and then I think it needs * [*1877*] Evening June 8. darling I received Mr. Dineen's dispatch this P.M. Am very glad that you know your face homeward tomorrow. I send this letter to care of Mr. Touhoy lest it away be forwarded to [Hiram] Mentor before you teach Washington. Present my very kindest regards is the Touheys. How soon may we expect you home? I hope you may be here before another week has passed. [*544 1/2*]JImmy has been on the bed or lounge all day but is sleeping quietly now and I hope he will be quite recovered tomorrow morning. Do not worry about him for if he is not as well I will telegraph to you. With kisses and all hope that you may be brought safely home as us I am as Ever Yours Crete.Sunday morning June 14, '77 Tennessee - Precious Ones At Home - Slowly, and as the jarring of the train will let me, I will write you a letter in sections or chapters, so that I may pay, to each of you, a small part of the debt of gratitude I owe you for the great bundles of blessings that came just as I was closing my work at Mobile. Alabama has been parched with drought and heat, for a long time and yesterday, to the fervent prayer for rain, came a bountiful shower which lasted all night, and this morning every leaf and flower rejoices - So I, in the dearth and silence waited three days without a word. But at last the little cloud from the north swept gulfward, and showered upon me its measure from Grandma, Martha, Mollie, Harry, Jimmie and last though always first, the light and hope of us all, who borrows his name from among the Isles of Greece. To such bountiful benedictions; how can I reply? There is but one of me. But what [*354*]2. I am all yours - and as I jiggle out this letter as best I can, while hurrying towards and yet away from you - I. Narrative - The Rail Road evil lasted six full days - and was a most tangled & complicated case. Eight lawyers were engaged. 2 from N.Y., one from N.O. 3 from Mobile, Judge Hardy from Cincinnati, and the undersigned. The post of greatest difficulty was assigned to me, - to make the final argument - closing for our side, and replying to our opponents - Many elements in the case were new to me, & I was really apprehensive that I should not meet the emergency worthily. I was extremely uneasy about it - But I knew, as I have often told Harry and Jimmy, there was but one hope of success - to put all the hard work into I could, and to "do it fussily" - Though the heat was like that of a furnace - and the mosquitoes 3 attacked in legions, I put in my nights and days so as to grapple the [case] subject - Friday afternoon, I closed the case in a speech of an hour and a half - which, though it did not satisfy me, was not altogether a failure - My associates were much better pleased with it than I was - We went to court again. Saturday morning, expecting to hear the Judge's decision, but he told us he should not be ready until Monday - I could not wait, and so took the train at 12-20 p.m. for the north - It was my intention to go by Atlanta and Chattanooga, so as to see again the old historic fields made memorable by the war for the union; and besides that, I had a very pressing invitation from Capt. Chamberlain, formerly a Hiram student but now a citizen of Chatanooga, to4 visit him, and go over Chicamauga field; and, but for my greater desire to be with you all, I should have gone that way, and spent a day with him - But I came straight on - During the first hundred miles out of Mobile, the heat was almost intolerable, and the dust was suffocating - But in the pine woods, the rain came - Around Montgomery, we passed through great fields of cotton in every direction - The plant is now about three inches in height - In a few weeks its flowers will make the fields look like fields of snow. I awoke this morning among the old sacred places of the Army of the Cumberland. I saw the country through which I took my all night gallop - on my way to join Gen Buell 15 years ago - In the peaceful quiet of this early Sunday morning - I saw the yellow wheat almost ready for harvest, growing on the slopes of Franklin, on the very field where the armies of Thomas and5 Hood [saw] lost 10,000, killed and wounded. I saw the old fort near by, in which two rebel spies were hanged one night by orders from our Hd Quarters -- and around whose walls a battle raged six hours, which Gen Rosecrans and I, being at Murfreesboro, 30 miles away, conducted by telegraph. At eight o'clock this morning I entered Nashville and saw the remains of the old Earthworks and forts built by Gen Thomas; and our train passed over the very ground where the great final battle was fought which substantially destroyed the rebel army of the west - and sent Gen Hood back with the broken and shattered remains of his wee proud and powerful army - The last sight I caught of Nashville, as the train bore me northward, was the fortress - crowned heights, which seemed to bid [*360*]6 me a proud welcome and a kind farewell - And seven miles north of the city, just before I began this letter, the train swept through a beautiful National Cemetery where many thousand of our noble boys sleep - who never came back from the Great Contest. The [great] mass of white people who live [on] near these consecrated grounds have no love for us who survive, nor for the memory of those who fell - It seemed to me, as I looked upon the thousands of white head-stones that mark the resting places of my comrades that they were lonely [here], in this unfriendly 7 land - with no sign of victory near them, but the proud old flag of the union, which thank God, is still permitted to float over the place of their rest - I commenced this letter soon after I left the Cemetery - and as I am writing this line the train is at Bowling Green - I have written so slowly that my letter, up to this point is over sixty miles long - II Abe and the Goobers. Though "my good Abe did not write me a letter, I am sure he would have done so if he could. So to repay him for his good will, I tell him a story - Our train stopped a moment at a little station in Southern Alabama. Among the crops growing in the field was one which looked something like a cabbage plant. It grew in long rows - Some8 one asked what they were--The old darkie answered "Dey's goobers Sah!" But what are goobers?" O "dey grows in de groun like taters "sah, only dey has shucks on. When "deys done growed and dug out we sends em up norf, & de yankees calls em "pea-nuts", but dey ain't nuffin but goobers." My Abe shall have some-- III. Burton and Turpentine- The venerable B. may not get his shoes laced in time to return home before this letter arrives; but he has a solemn and cozy way about him, which leads me to associate him with pine trees and tar--There is a belt of land reaching from Florida to the Mississippi River, and from the Gulf of Mexico about 150 miles to the north, where the earth is composed of fine sand & mud, washed down & deposited by ages of time. The soil is too poor for culti-9 vation. But vast forests of pine trees cover it. There is no underbrush such as fills our northern forests. The trees are very tall - straight as masts, and it is sometimes 100 feet from the ground to the first limb - The trees are far enough apart that you can ride or even drive among them with wagons - & the ground is covered with fine short grass - There are but few settlements in this vast forest - and sometimes we go ten miles without seeing a house - Occasionally a station to get wood and water, and a few saw mills to make lumber is nearly all we see of human life in this beautiful, solemn, deserted wilderness - But there is one other use to which it is put, and that is the subject of this chapter. The pine is not like our white pine that grows in Little Mountain, but is the yellow pine as fat with gum and resin, that in the hot and dry season, a match will set one of the on fire, and consume [all tree] it10 like a candle As we were going through a long stretch of pine forest yesterday , I came upon a place, where, on both sides of the R.R, as far as I could see, all the large trees were chopped into on one side, so that the place, cut in by the axe, formed a little dish or trough The bark was hewed off for two feet above the cut. [and] The gum runs down and fills the little cut & one or twice a day, the workmen go with iron spoons and dip it out [the gum] and carry it away to a mill where the melt it; one part they distil into turpentine, another into yellow resin, or rosin, and what is left, a kind of black residuum, is made into asphalt or tar - This is a long story and perhaps Burton will "shoot it", but I wanted him to know how turpentine is made, and to bear in mind that if the tree is never tapped you get no gum - If tapped too strongly & too often it soon dies. 11 I think Burton is not in danger from the latter cause - IV. Jimmie & the Cotton-Plant. You have never seen the young cotton-plant. It is at first the frailest and feeblest of all plants. If it lives through the many dangers which beset it, it becomes the hardiest & [of all plants] best. It is very fickle & very fastidious - Of the hundred kinds of soil, it will thrive in only one. It will not grow in the shadow of trees, nor even of corn. It will never produce anything among weeds - Every noxious [weed and] thing must be kept away from it or it dies, or proves useless. It has more enemies than any other plant. A heavy shower [kills] drowns it - The army worm destroys it - The first breath of frost smites it with death. Yet, next to food, it is the mightiest vegetable product of the Earth. [*361*]12 Millions of laborers in Europe starve, if it fails. Our great war was fought on account of it. If it outlives its dangers & its enemies, it will go on blooming and ripening month after month--While the negroes are picking the ripened fiber from the open pod, a new flower is bursting into bloom from the same plant, for it has a strong root that goes straight down into the hard subsoil, and its vigor in maturity sends forth a [fruit] product which [wh] every year blesses [to] more than a thousand million of people--All I have said of the cotton-plant is veritable truth--ask mamma to interpret its meaning to you--the cotton plant of our garden. But I am not preaching sermons for you all. Jimmie wrote me of his 13 determination to turn over a new leaf, and I will try to help him. He may leave his coat at the mill, and break things by accident, but if he can keep frosts & rains and demons out of his temper, we shall all be happy-- V. Harry and La Paz- In Hal's letter to me, he made a very bright & pleasant allusion to the daughters of King Lear, which illustrated both his remembrance of Shakspeare & his affection for me. In return I will help him in his geography & history--On the train yesterday I rode about 150 miles with Mr Reynolds who was, for two years U. S. Minister to Bolivia--and he told me a good deal about that country. He went there with his family-- taking a steamer from N.Y. to Panama. Thence by rail to the Pacific Ocean, & thence by steamer down the western coast of South America. Landing on the coast of that hot Tropical Country, he took the cars on a R.R. which zigzags up the mountains so rapidly, that 14 while the traveller is in plain sight of the Ocean, he can see the beach more than 4000 feet below him - But he goes up still higher after the ocean is beyond his view - until he reaches the high plateau of Bolivia 14.000 feet, (almost three miles) above the sea - It never rains there. The air is so dry and pure that dead bodies will not rot - Upon that high table land, the travellers reach Lake Titicaca - (I am not sure of the spelling - ) 150 miles long. In which two iron steamers are plying - Beyond the R.R & the lake stretches away the plateau to the foot of the high Andes - Far out on this plain you come to a place, hollowed out like a dish - It is ten miles across and 4000 feet deep. In the bottom of this dish is a city of 70,000 inhabitants - The 15 oldest, proudest, richest Spaniards in America - They have lived there nearly 200 years - From one side of this great dish, runs the river Beni, which forms the Amazon - From its rim, you look down upon the city full of great cathedrals & palaces. For 200 years no carriage ever entered it. No carriage road led into it. All its merchandise was carried into it on the backs of mules - The two iron steamers of which I spoke were brought in pieces up the Mt. by the mules, and put together on the bank of the lake - When you are studying the Geography of S.A. remember what I have written. Be your own mule. Carry bits of learning on your back; and when you have reached the heights of manhood, put your knowledges together, and you can sail safely on the sea of life - VI. Molly & the Shell - road. Little "Whack" wrote her papa that she loved "to write to papa and mamma," and I [*362*]16 loved to have her write. So I will tell what I saw during an evening drive at Mobile. The great rivers Alabama & Tombigbee unite in the larger one the Mobile, and, at the city, this river broadens out into Mobile bay, which, 20 miles lower, reaches the open Gulf. Along the curved shore of this gulf, and close to the sandy beach, is a level, pure-white road, made of oyster-shells. You have never seen one so beautiful. It is seven miles long and runs through a grove of great magnolia trees-- now loaded with white blossoms. Their boughs are draped with long fringes of pale-green moss. Besides the magnolia, were great live oak trees; and while I was driving through the grove, a pair of lover whippoorwills called sweetly to each other in the twilight, and reminded me that my birds were all beyond my call. Two miles from me, was a century-plant, just about to bloom - Many people drove out to see it, but I had not the time. Perhaps your grandson will see the next bloom. Goodby, my little thrush, till we meet -17 VII Eliza & The Rebels - Mother's little, red letter expressed anxiety for my health - I have not been altogether well since I left home, but am nearly over my cold, and shall hope soon to be "discharged cured". Besides this and the hot weather, my presence in the extreme south was expanded to have some political significance - They seemed to regard me as a Republican Emissary sent down to capture the speakership; and so the rebel paper kept up an attack upon me every day - It was more funny than annoying, for it was a confession, [that] first that I was not altogether unknown, and second, that they had some fear that I might be speaker - I will bring you some of their papers. VIII Patsy and Duncan - To the lady that has been ill, real sick [*363A*]Form 31. Louisville & Nashville Railroad Co. OFFICE OF AGENT. Station, 187 18 as Molly puts it, what shall I pay in return for her care of the perverse scholars - and for her [three] two good letters that came too late to be answered till now? I can make no adequate return, except for the fact that while you have been helping an American family, and making them grateful to you, I have been doing what I could to help one of your countrymen. Duncan, my client is a noble fellow, born in Scotland - and descended for aught I know, from the the family of the King whom Macbeth murdered. His father, Alexander Duncan, is a quiet London Banker - and though nearly 80 years old, still rides with the foremost in the fox hunt. The son has had a great career in America as Banker & RR man; but has lately been struck by the tempest of adverse fortune. He is fighting gallantly & honorably to outride the storm, and he thinks I have aided him. Besides the fee I may get, I have fallen in love19 with him--and so I join your two names at the head of this chapter. He will telegraph Crete if we [we] win the suit--& will also telegraph me en route. I hope soon to hear of the victory of one of these subjects of Her Majesty, and soon after to meet and greet the other-- The foregoing 8 (chapters) multiplied by the 5 (children), plus the 2 (subjects of the following chapter) makes XLII--Regina Mentoris Et Viator Absens And now Darling, I have inflicted this long letter upon you, first because I am so gratified for your good letters to me, and second because I have needed something to brace up my courage to turn Eastward, as I must tonight, from Cincinnati, & go to Washington. I could be in Cleveland tomorrow morning--and with you at noon, and should be but [*363*]Form 31. Louisville & Nashville Railroad Co. OFFICE OF AGENT. Station, 187 20 for the very disagreeable necessity which compels me to make this tiresome & useless trip - As it, I shall reach Washington Monday night and shall, if possible, leave there Tuesday p.m. Don't you want to meet me in Cleveland - when I arrive? There may be business which we could do at that time & save going soon after - I will telegraph you when I will reach Cleveland, and If you think best to meet me I shall be so glad to have you do so. I commenced this letter at 9 1/2 a.m. It is now 5 1/2 p.m. & I am about 60 miles south of Cincinnati. If you can read the wretched writing, and have patience to do do, I shall have had my reward - With all my heart and life & soul - I am all and always Your Own James -Mentor June 10th 1877 My Darling: I am so rejoiced to feel that you are every hour this blessed day coming nearer home. When will you reach here? Surely before the end of the week. Yesterday I went to Cleveland and took Jim with me to please Hal who was afraid to have me go alone because he dreamed the night before that I was drowned in Lake Erie. He told it before breakfast and Mary heights and depths. Loving and longing for you every hour. Until we meet again, Your Own Crete [*545*]White had said to him that he ought not to tell a bad dream before breakfast-lest it come true. I was very glad to have Jim along with me though for it rained nearly all day and he carried my things and was a careful of me as you would have been. Was there ever such a combination of good and evil as he is? Today he and Hal have been to church with us to please Dr. Robinson. Darling I am afraid we may not get your books this week. They need the horses so much about the work. I will see though; but don't be disappointed if they are not here when you come. Darling can you bring the boy's overcoats? They almost need them to day the wind is so cold and they surely will before we go to NO. Hal says will you please bring the vol. of Tennyson that has the "Lady of Shalotte," and will you also bring my cook books? If you expect to go to Quebec you must not forget to bring your dress suit. I somewhat doubt if we go. I met Burke inthe book store yesterday and saw from his conversation that he fully expects you to be at Hiram over commencement. Pleasant as the trip will or would be I shall be happy just to be with you again that it will make little difference where we are. Darling what a glad happiness all our love is! It seems to me the only truly perfect thing in this world. In wedded love centers all the bliss of this life and I am not sure but the highest hopes of immorality. How happy ought we to be that we have learned so much ofGen. Garfield has an exceedingly interesting family of children, one of the brightest of them being Irwin McDowell, now about four or five years old. This little fellow was recently offended at something his governess had done, and for a time refused to speak to her. A friend having suggested that the proper thing was to pray for Miss Mary, the youngster promptly replied, "It would be no use ; a hundred Gods couldn't make Miss Mary good." N.Y. Tribune [?y]. 26 1877. My Darling. The weary week in Ended at last and I am as hoarse as my most sanguine expectations prefigured - Added to that, a Sampson of a [diarhoea?] gives me plenty of outdoor exercise - and the pleasant prospect of two speeches to review - and an all night ride Tuesday night adds to my cheerful and happy frame of mind - In Cleveland, I got my speech set up in type, dined with Cowles, and left for Columbus on the 7-20 train, where I arrived at one a.m. I reached this town at noon yesterday - Stanley Matthews read a two hours-&-a-half speech - & was followed by Judge West - & he by me - I spoke about three quarters of an hour, to be reasmable satisfaction of every body but myself ; for I was a blue as "the purple hounds of Whippoorwill hill" - [*364*]But shall follow the example of Aleck and put in enough lamplock to make my color more cheerful- When you and Martha get time I would like to have you look over my speech - which will appear in the Leader of Monday - I have so far asserted my independence as to refuse to attend the meetings set for me next Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. and shall make my way north Tuesday night after my Cambridge speech - and attend the 42nd Reunion in Elyria Wednesday-Then I shall flee for refuge and rest at Mentor, arriving there sometime Thursday - and remain untill Friday Evening - perhaps until Saturday morning - I enclose a paragraph from the Tribune which may be interesting to the venerable Theologian and philosopher of our household - I also enclose one for Dr. Robison in reference to a new white wheat - I find my thoughts run farmward hourly. and homeward all the time - Please me hear from you at Elyria - Love to all Ever and all your own James.Mentor Aug. 26th 1877 My Darling "I am sure you will feel like upbraiding the fate which drives you from home when I tell you that Major Swain is here spending Sunday with us. He came on the four o'clock express yesterday afternoon, and when he found you were not here began to talk about going back to Cleveland on the 7 P.M. train 1/2 Bancroft Butler and Moses are all busy to day drawing muck, But Bancroft & [?] Butler may go to work at the seeds tomorrow. If they intend to cover the whole field with muck though I dont see how they can get through before October as they have only a little strip through the centre now. I suppose you arranged for the sowing of your wheat. Jimmy is coming home to day again. Yours Crete. [*546*]Mentor Aug 26th 1877 My Darling I am sure you will feel like upbraiding the fate which drives you from home when I tell you that Major Swain is here spending Sunday with us. He came on the four o'clock express yesterday afternoon, and when he found you were not here began to talk about going back to Cleveland on the 7 P.M. train [*546 1/2*] Bancroft Butler and Moses are all busy today drawing muck, But Bancroft says Butler may go to work at the weeds tomorrow. If they intend to cover the whole field with muck though I don't see how they can get through before October as they have only a little strip through the centre now. I suppose you arranged for the sowing of your wheat. Jimmy is coming home today. Again Yours Crete.but I insisted that he should stay and we are doing our best to entertain him feeling all the while how much he is disappointed that you are not here. We went to the Methodist Church this morning and this P.M. are going with the greys to the mountain and around to call on George Steele. He likes the farm and the horses, and approves of everything here but Bancroft. He made up his mind about him with out help, and sums him up in this wise "a low-down type of Yankee," Darling it is too bad that you are away, both for your sake and for ours. Is there any hope that you an come to the 42nd Reunion? Major is going to telegraph to you tomorrow to know your plans, and I will send his accordingly, and he will try to arrange to see you. Monday. Major sent a dispatch this morning to try to find you but has heard nothing yet and is waiting. Yesterday P.M. we drove with the greys to the mountains and Painsville and had a pleasant visit at the Steele's. The Major drove from Painsvilleville in 35 minutes. Abe ran by everything. One fellow was determined we should not and kept ahead as long as he dared, and then we send by his poor tired nag and were out of his sight in two minutes. I felt the old greys had caught the spirit of their master, and only needed time to out distance every thing. How they did fly when they saw the road clear before them. The Major went to the barn with Moses to see that they were properly cared for, and went again before going to bed, and reported them in condition for another trot. It is too bad you are not here. The Major will go to Cleveland tomorrow, and I think will stay here and at C-d until you return. Loving you every minute I am forever yours Crete.[*[Ag 28, 1877]*] Tuesday Morning A. 28 My Darling: I forgot to send this by the Major, but think it will reach you by post. I do hope you are coming home tomorrow night or certainly on Thursday morning. If you do come can you stop in Cleveland long enough to order some groceries? We want, 8 lbs roasted for a-- 5 lbs unroasted, 2 lbs best Japan tea - Box (paraphine?) candles, 1 lb. Box upper tin Baking Powder. If you cannot stop can you not send the order to them. Dr Robison has just [*546*]told me that Mrs. Hawley is at Cleveland and will probably come out here tomorrow, and is anxious to see you. That is a new inducement to you to come home tomorrow if possible. The Major pretty nearly promised to come back with you too. I think he only needs your invitation to bring him, and I am sure he will have that. In haste but ever abiding love Yours Crete.Blank No. 1 311 THE WESTERN UNION TELEGRAPH COMPANY. This Company TRANSMITS and DELIVERS messages only on condition, limiting its liability, which has been assented to by the sender of the following message. Errors can be guarded against only by repeating a message back to the sending station for comparison, and the company will not hold itself liable for errors or delays in transmission or delivery of Unrepeated Messages. This message is an Unrepeated Messages. This message is an UNREPEATED MESSAGE and is delivered by request of the sender under the conditions named above. ANSON STAGER, Vice-Pres't, WILLIAM ORTON, Pres't, } New York. Chicago. A.R. BREWER, Sec'y, / Dated Elyria O. Aug. 29" 1877 Received at 419 PM To Mrs. J.A. Garfield Swain and I Reach Mentor Station Eleven Tonight - Send Team 10 J.A. Garfield Collect - 25c delivery READ THE NOTICE AT THE TOP.GarfieldCarey, Wyandotte Co. O. Sept 11/77 My Darling: I reached Clyde without special incident, and had a very successful meeting - As I supposed, I took the 9 a.m. train from Toledo, but a minute too late, found I was on the wrong train, and as am here, waiting till half past one in a strange place, for the northern train to Toledo. I fear I am growing inattentive to external things - I must stop such blunderings. Fortunately I can still make Waseon in time for my meeting this evening - This morning the State Committee telegraphed me for permission to challenge Pendleton for a joint debate - Of course I have consented. [*365*]and by the time you return from St Louis, I shall be harnessing for the fight - On some accounts, I dislike such a scramble - I hate to be a spectacle that people go to see as to a dog-fight - But Pendleton is a gentleman - we shall have a courteous debate - I [But] need a day or two at home among my documents - I feel outraged by a letter I received last night, telling me they have put two meetings upon me in one day - in and near Bryan - Sometime, I hope to make a vow of such a case; and I may do so now - I am hourly getting hungry for a letter from you - How you have spoiled me for being a lone traveller! Tell me more about yourself when you write. Tell me how "Michael Strogoff" is relished by the Garfield family - Take some time from the many duties that fall to your lot, and give me long letters - Do it, Darling, for our days are waning - and the seasons are spinning past all too rapidly when we are separated - It is surprising how soon and how strongly our farm has got hold of me. I have, this morning visited two mills to look at varieties of wheat - Very often since I left I have thought of Kit, and the patient hurt look she gave me in the orchard as she limped up to let me examine her foot. Tell me how she is -Don't you think the farm will be a new, sweet tie between us all? Certainly it is so to me - But dinner is announced in the dining room of the nasty little hotel where I am writing and I must go so as to be ready for the train to Toledo - Tell me of your trip - & let me see if I can possibly get in sight of you as you fly westward. Ever and all your own James.Mentor Sept. 11 1877 My Darling! After you left me yesterday I allowed my poor lonely self to be dragged around to finish up my errands - then spent the remainder of the time with Carrie Ransom - reached home at six o'clock-paid Mr. Bancroft the money you sent to him. Today is cloudy but not rainy and the work is moving on. I went over to Mr. Dickeys but he was out and Mrs. Dickey said they would come over here this evening and [*547*] we are to take. Hope I may get a glimpse of you. You cannot meet us at Toledo if we go that way? No I am sure not Well we will try to surely meet at home a week from next Saturday. And if you think best I will write to Mr. Cowles to be there too. Darling we all join in love to you. Ever Yours, Crete P.S. Hal went to the P.O. this P.M. without limping He is all right.bring the note. We have been doing very well. Jim did especially well with his lessons. This P.M. he and Hal are in the woods splitting up wood. Miss Mays and Mollie are at the picnic, Mollie with Florence Rose and Miss Mays with Dr. Todd aha! I suppose you will say. The little boys are out to play - the Grandmothers are in their own rooms. I hear an occasional sound from the kitchen and just now a song from the barn, but the whole farm is lonesome without you. Wednesday morning. Mr. Dickey came over with the note. The face of the note is 177.88. The amount 188.46. He is to start East next Monday, and I found he was a little anxious for the whole amount, so I have paid him out of that you left for me, and unless you otherwise direct I will draw on my account at the bank, when we start for St. Louis. Kitty does not seem lame in the field but we do not think best to drive her yet, and I have let the boys go to Painsville on the car today to change their shoes and do some other errands. I think Mr. Bancroft is ready to begin sowing the [other] lower wheat field to day, It is showery but not wet enough to stopwork, P.M. The mail has just brought your letter from the little nasty tavern. Darling do notice where you are going, or at least blunder into a comfortable place. I only object to your engagement on the grounds that it may require more labor and fatigue, I cannot bear to have you use one hour or one iota of strength that must be robbed from the future. When will the years come that you can stay with me through the beautiful autumn days? Hal has finished "Michael Strogoff", and wishes he had not so that he might still read. I left Michael last night in the prisoner's camp before Tomsk. It is a wonderfully thrilling exciting story. Darling am I not to see you again until my return from St Louis? I don't know yet which routework, P.M. The mail has just brought your letter from the little nasty tavern. Darling do notice where you are going, or at least blunder into a comfortable place. I only object to your engagement on the grounds that it may require more labor and fatigue, I cannot bear to have you use one hour or one iota of strength that must be robbed from the future. When will the years come that you can stay with me through the beautiful Autumn days? Hal has finished "Michael Strogoff", and wishes he had not so that he might still read. I left Michael last night in the prisoners camp before Tomsk. It is a wonderfully thrilling exciting story. Darling am I not to see you again until my return from St. Louis? I don't know yet which routeToledo. Sept. 13. 1877 My Darling - After leaving Cincy I made my way to Toledo & thence by the 5-30 pm train at Wauseon - where there was great commotion because I had not arrived in the afternoon at which time they expected me to speak, and then with a tender regard for my comfort, they had arrang for another meeting the same evening. Eight miles away - I was happily agreement of this arrangement, and only arrived in time for a bite of supper at John Atwaters, before the meeting - I spoke nearly two hours - waiting until one o'clock at Atwaters, & then went to the station, where [*366*]after waiting until 2 p.m. the delayed train came and at three in the morning landed me at Bryan in company with Cousin George Garfield who had come to Wauseon to hurry me on - After I had been in bed at George's, an hour, I was violently seized with my old [g?ing] diarrhoea which kept me weak the rest of the night At eleven, I was driven eleven miles through the dreary mud & mist to Montpelier, where I spoke to a church full, & then drove back to Bryan, and addressed a large audience in the evening. Spent the night at Wm Letchers - (He is away in Colorado) - and came here, this morning by the 8 a.m train - While I am waiting for my next train, to Perrysburg, I have met our old friend Maj. Hopkins and am going to dine with him - You remember our visit with him at St. Joseph - I Enclose you his pass from here to St Louis for yourself and Mother, & also separate passes for each of you to return I have written to Joe to buy tickets only to Toledo It is not impossible that I may get home to see you a few hours before you go - though I fear I shall not - I hope to hear from you at Perrysburg, this afternoon - You can hardly know how hungry I am to see you, or hear from you - As I asked you in my last letter, don't fail to tell me about yourself - Hopkins' dinner is nearly ready - and I must close - Weary with over work - and for want of sufficient sleep, and weary of the work I am in, and wanting to see you and the family and the farm. I am all your own James -Mentor Sept. 13, 1877 My Darling: Did you leave any word with me about Mr. Dickey's old deed. He asked about it, and I told him I thought Mr. Rose must have it, that you had not left it with me. We went to Mr. Rose and he said Dr. Robison took charge of it. This morning I asked the Doctor about it and he says he gave it to you and Mr. Rose charging you to be sure and return it as he had [*548*] Do you keep well? Take care of your health and love me with all the great loving kindness of your grand old heart. With all my love yours forever. Crete. P.S. The barrel of lime has not yet come. The wheat is coming up beautifully. The first half is growing quickly.gotten it of Mrs. Dickey and had promised her that it should surely be returned. I have looked every place and cannot find it and have no recollection of your having left it with me. If you know anything of it will you please telegraph so that I may be able to return it before the old man goes away. It is now Thursday morning and old Barnes is still "puttering" away at those barnyard gates and Dilley is [daubing?] around on the inside of the barn. I begin to think that you cannot leave anyone here of these people about here, and perhaps no others, who are employed by the day. The moment you leave they take advantage of it. Why your old barn yard gate might as well have been made of gold. The man I had employed worked a day and a half and then cleared out. I am thoroughly digusted with cheap help. These men who are too shiftless to earn more than a dollar a day are good for nothing, and the money paid them is thrown away. You have got to have a man here who can manage and direct and keep watch of the workmen employed--a man who knows what an elegant farm should be like, and knows how to make it such a farm or else you will be much better off without a farm. I am adding to your comfort sadly with this letter, and now I will stop. Last night I finished Michael Strogoff. Is it not a most wonderful book? The final surprise that he had never lost his sight, surpasses any thing I ever read in a book. The way he carries him through all that weary journey deceiving ladies and everyone else into the belief in his blindness is most remarkable. What a character he makes him. Darling I count all the days till we meet again and am thankful for each one as it passes. I hope to hear from you every day now. Send a letter ahead, to meet me at St LouisMentor Sept: 16. 1877 My Darling: Our Sunday sans papa is nearly done and has passed in measurable quiet. I staid at home and have finished aloud to the children "In Search of the Castaways" and we are all in a peaceful condition and as happy as we may be when you are away. My only consent to your absence lies in the hope that you are resting, and gaining a little renewed vigor for the coming week. You looked so worn [*549*]and jaded when you were home on Friday that I can not think of you without anxiety. Darling you must guard your health and life, not alone for me but for the work you have yet to do. Miss Mays has just come to peek in and say "give my love to the General and tell him I am going for a ride with the Doctor" (Todd) She says I shan't laugh at her as every body else does; so I try to speak of him with great circumspection. You know I never make prophecies but we will see what we shall see, whether more or less. Yesterday Mother and I went to Painsville. It really seemed to do her good and I think she is really better to day for it. I found Mr. Dickey's deed with the surveyor and delivered it to the old man last evening. This morning as the Doctor passed to church he stopped to see if the grass-seed was coming up with the wheat and I went out to the gate. As he came back he said "you know what we were talking about the other night? Well I am going down to see them and I shouldn't wonder if I tried the same thing." I think the old Doctor was ashamed of what he had said and took that way to in some way apologize. But it will be just as we said. He will adopt it and think it was all a plan of his own. Mother is so well that we will start for Cleveland tomorrow morning and go on at noon to Toledo. How I wish you were going with us. But the days will slip away and I hope the Good Father will bring us both safely home next Saturday. Darling send me some little word every day to St Louis and I will follow you with any letters, and send my thoughts full of love to you ever hour. Write to the children and Mother. We all join in love to you. Ever yours Crete.Kenton. O. Sept 17. 1877 My Darling. After a very weary, sleepy and breakfastless ride of seven hours, I arrived at Kenton, a little after eleven. The town was astir with expectation to get a sight of the President and his party who were to pass southward. A large concourse waited at the Depot until his train came and went - I stood within thirty feet of dear old Gen Rosecrans as he came out on the rear platform of the President's car and spoke a few words to the crowd - but he did not see me. The President was looking plump and even burly - soon as the train was gone the great [*367*]crowd surged up to the public square, where a platform had been erected facing the wind, and near the roar of wagons in the street. Just across the street behind me three carpenters, were furiously hammering on roof boards to protect a new building from a storm of rain and wind that seemed to threaten. Under these cheering circumstances I tried for an hour and a half to make 5000 people hear me--and though I succeeded; it left me soaked with perspiration, and choked with hoarseness--I rested all day yesterday, and am somewhat better this morning. I ride ten miles to Dunkirk, a station on the Ptts & FW. R.R. & go thence to Van Wert--where I am to think of you as sweeping by me, at only ten miles distance, and away in to the night Somehow, I can't help but feel that I am neglecting you to let you go off without me--If I were only ill enough to cancel my appointments & go with you, I should be quite reconciled-- The Committee have changed my appointment for Ashland, or rather have withdrawn it. I am to speak at Galion Friday whence I reach Cleveland on the 7 a.m train Saturday-- Let me hear from you at Galion, so that I may know what train you will arrive on--I shall be in Columbus Thursday evening & Friday morning and your letters previous to the [Galion?] letter, should be sent to the care of Gen J. S. Robinson. Columbus. I shall probably speak in Painesville next Saturday, but whether pm or evening, I do not yet know--Give my love to Nell & Cam, & Archie-- and the Udalls--also to our dear Mother-- and Darling, do write to the love lorn, wandering man, who highest joy is to be wholly & always your James St. Louis, Sept. 18 1877 My Darling: We reached here this morning a little before nine o'clock. I do not think mother is much more fatigued than I am. I am really surprised to see how well she has endured the journey. The family here are all well and I think glad to see us. Last night when we left Toledo I sat on the south side looking and looking away over the fields with a kind of feeling that I might get a glimpse of you, and when we passed by a town with a lighted hall shining towards us I had hard work to believe you were not there. [*550*]reaching out your arms to me, and it seemed to me I must break away from the flying train and to go you. I suppose we did not go within twenty miles of you, but that seemed too near to pass you by. Now that I have reached the end of our journey I am happy in the feeling that my face is turned toward you again and that each hour is bringing me nearer to you. I left the family all well yesterday morning, and brought away many promises of their good behavior during our absence. They so much wish here that you could come on here and spend Sunday and go home with me. I wish so too but do not dare to hope that you can. It if were not for registering I dont see why you could not and still for the sake of the family I know we ought to meet there on Saturday. I find them very comfortably situated here. The house has eight rooms - rather small (the rooms I mean) but it is cozy and nice just as Nellie has everything. Nellie is thinner than she used to be but her health is better than it has ever been, and that quite reconciles her to living here, and more that I have been over the distance so rapidly it does not seem so far away. I am hoping to hear from youthat I have reached the end of our journey I am happy in the feeling that my face is turned toward you again and that each hour is bringing me nearer to you. I left the family all well yesterday morning, and brought away many promises of their good behavior during our absence. They so much wish here that you could come on here and spend Sunday and go home with me. I wish so too but do not dare to hope that you can. If it were not for registering I don't see why you could not and still for the sake of the family I know we ought to meet there on Saturday. I find them very comfortably situated here. The house has eight rooms, -rather small (the rooms I mean) but it is cozy and nice just as Nellie has everything Nellie is thinner than she used to be but her health is better than it has ever been, and that quite reconciles her to living here, and now that I have been over the distance so rapidly it does not seem so far away. I am hoping to hear from you to day and tomorrow and so on as long as I stay. I hope you are not allowing yourself to be drag[g]ooned into speaking twice any day. I think you ought not to allow it either for your health's sake [n]or for your self respect. Now don't keep so still. I didn't mean any thing bad. Wishing you were here and thinking about you every hour I am always and forever yours. CreteBelle Fontaine O Sept 19/77 My Darling I arrived here yesterday noon & was received at the depot by Capt Hutchens and [two?] other members of Co. K. 42 and was taken to the Captain's house to dinner where we had a very pleasant reunion - At two o'clock I addressed a courthouse full and made a more satisfactory work of it than at any meeting this fall. Your letter came to me here and it was such a comfort to have yours words fly ahead of me and welcome me on my arrival - I also saw Capt Henry last evening who brings [*368*]me word of your safe arrival in Cleveland and your departure for the West - Every hour I think of you, with a kind of vague fear that you will fall ill, or some calamity will befall you and a further absurd feeling that if I were with you there would be no danger & hence that I am neglecting your safety by being away - It is a new, strange feeling, this of having you away and the rest of the family at home - No doubt this is part of the selfishness and mannishness that abounds in my sex - But, even though I am away from home, the consciousness that you are not there makes me specially lonely - My programme for this week is still as when I wrote you last. Two debates only, are agreed upon by the Committee between Pendleton & me, One next Tuesday, 25th at Lancaster, & the other Thursday 27th at Springfield I shall leave Gallion at four in the morning Saturday - if it could have the pleasure of meeting you on the 11-15 a.m. train for Mentor - I should be glad - But if it will be more comfortable for you to take the other train I will meet you, Either at at the 4-50 P.M. train Cleveland, or onits arrival at Mentor - Now darling--I am compelled to write this, and all other letters I send you, in the hurry of a crowd of visitors - & cannot write you as I would - But give my love to Nell & Cam, & Mother and let them know that my desire to be there with you is not wholly selfish that is, not wholly for the sake of seeing you - but I would be most glad to make them all a visit Hoping to hear from you at Gallion - I am as ever your ownest own James I fear my Kenton letter with the first address you gave me will not reach you J.A.G.St Louis Sept 19, 1877 My Darling: Just as I had your letter of yesterday sealed I received the one you sent from Kenton. It was so sweet to find your dear words following me away over the wide prairies. Darling how our love enriches and ennobles life. There is not much of life but love, and when it so strong so full of royal wealth so kingly as ours has grown to be then life is a kingly inheritance, and I blame myself that anything should ever annoy me when you give me so much to make life so full and ripe; [*551*] Painsville, With love in which all join I remain the same as ever loving you always. Crete. P.S. Nellie says tell you she "wants to see you awfully" and so wishes you could come now.so full of pure true enjoyment: Darling I have been almost hoping that you would get sick enough to come on here for a day or two to go home with me, but it will be only two days more now before Saturday; and my heart is full of prayer that we we be allowed then to meet in our dear little home with all the loved ones there well and happy. We are having a pleasant visit and Mother is feeling so well that I am very glad I came. To day we drove out to Shaws Gardens and through Tower park. I am surprised to find St Louis so beautiful a city. The parks remind me of the London parks more than anything I have seen in this country. Darling I shall leave here if nothing presents, on Friday evening and shall reach Cleveland 2 P.M. Saturday and get home in time to meet you on your return fromNEIL HOUSE, Columbus, O., Sept 20 1877 My Darling- Not a word from you since your letter of the 16th & I am so hungry to know all about you. I wrote you yesterday from Bellefontaine, but I could not find the new new direction you sent me & so from memory, directed it to Care of Rockwell, 2610 Wash St. I had the most successful meeting of the whole series, at London yesterday. At the risk of appearing egotistical, I will tell you that Judge Smith, a leading citizen of London, told me, after the meeting was over, that the people there had heard Corwin & Chase, & all the old leaders, but that they were [*369*]unanimous in the opinion that mine was the best speech they had ever heard--I came here last night, and am spending the forenoon in the [Congressional] State library reading up for my debate with Pendleton next Tuesday. I drive to Westerville this p.m. & back here tonight, & hence to Gallion tomorrow. I shall look for a letter from you at Westerville-- Love to all the St Louis household, & to you chiefest of all & forever-- James. LAW OFFICE OF J.H. RHODES, 225 SUPERIOR STREET, ENGLISH AND GERMAN SPOKEN. DEUTSCH UND ENGLISCH WIRD GESPROCHEN Cleveland, O. Sept 24. 1877. My Darling, I have sent by freight a coil of wire to fasten fence stakes & have sent by Jimmie a pair of pincers made on purpose for culling & working the wire. Tell Bancroft to stake & wire the fence he is to make. I also send paint to finish the gates-- Hal's shoes $2.75 Jim's do 2.50 " Hat 2.00 " " 1.50 Love & Love forever James [*370*]OHIO REPUBLICAN COMMITTEE ROOMS, Columbus, Sept 26 1877. State Executive Committee. J. S. ROBINSON, Kenton, O., Chairman. J. C. DONALDSON, Columbus, O., Secretary. GEORGE DONALDSON, " Ass't " RODNEY FOOS, " R. M. STINSON, Treasurer. L. SEASONGOOD, Cincinnati, O. A. T. BRINSMADE, Cleveland, O. C. H. GROSVENOR, Athens, O. My Darling. We arrived at Columbus at one a.m. and stopped at the Neil House - At 8-40. I joined Mr Pendleton at the Depot, and we went to Lancaster, where we were received by a large crowd - I followed the plan of which we talked - and made an attacking speech of an hour - To my surprise, Pendleton did not attempt to answer my points, but made his usual campaign speech In my half hour reply & answered his speech point by point - & I think very effectively. I have rarely carried a crowd with me as I did the last half hour - Our friends are delighted with the debate - At 9-30 Pendleton & I took a coal train & arrived here at midnight. Before I left here yesterday, I put Harry in charge of some friends who agreed to show him the city - I learn this morning that he made the grand rounds, saw the Penitentiary - even its female dept - & [*372*]took the noon train for Zanesville, on [the no] I telegraphed Cousin Orrin Ballou of their coming - I presume they will stay all the week & take West Jefferson on their way back - The prospect is brightening that we shall carry the state - but I fear that the 19th Dist. is apathetic - I speak at Urbana this evening - debate at Springfield tomorrow, speak at Ashland Friday afternoon - and Cleveland Saturday evening - If I can get from Ashland to Solon, so as to spend the day Saturday with Hilly & Mary I will do so - Can't you meet me there? Please have Bancroft husk a few bushels of corn from the first row of shocks on the east side the field near the barn, & lay out the best ears to dry for grinding - & feed the poorest to the hogs - The corn should be crowded into the two white hogs as fast as they will bear it - My last visit home was & is and will always be a benediction, in which you are goddess & priestess in one - Ever & all and always your own James Let me hear from you at Ashland- J.A.G.Mentor Sept. [*[26]*] 26. 1877 My Darling: I have been living in dream-land all these hours since you went away - quietly growing into what seems a new epoch in our love. The silent love which shone out from your eyes all that Monday morning somehow transfigured you and I have been on the mountain ever since living in the halo and radiance of that new glorified love. I have only time to say a word now, as I want [*552*]to send this by Moses to the Post-Office. He is going for the lumber you sent, but the shingles have not come. I don't know what the Bancrofts are to do if it rains. Father Barnes pulled off the old roof yesterday supposing the shingles would be here yesterday. I hear the Doctor has some and will send Moses to borrow them, so that they can be partly covered I am exceedingly anxious to hear from your debate of yesterday. Hope you have written me all about it. Perhaps some of us will meet you at Cleveland on Saturday. Write if you prefer that we do otherwise. We are all well and happy. Ever and forever yours Crete.Springfield, O Sep 27/77 My Darling- I left Columbus at 5 last evening and had a fine meeting at Urbana. I spent the evening and a part of this morning with Mr. Gomez (Geo. Ford's friend) who, you will remember visited us at the Little Mountain - When I see you, I want to tell you the story of his life, which is a very interesting one - I came over here at 10 am and am now at the house of Gen. Keifer member-elect to the next Congress and before the crowd begins [*373*]to pour in upon me. I write you this word to let you know how constantly you are in my thoughts. Before leaving Columbus, I sent you a copy of the Enquirer, & of the Commercial. The former for its editorial on the debate, and the latter for a fuller report. I hope you will not fail to give me your opinion in full upon the discussion when we meet - I shall hurry away to Ashland as soon as I can, to meet a letter which I am quite sure you will have sent me. I feel quite comfortable about the struggle of today. Though tired my voice is good- but tired as well. I am all ever yours JA GarfieldAshland, O Sept 28 1877 My Darling: Soon after I wrote you yesterday, I went to the Opera House where a very large audience was awaiting us. Many were there from distant parts of the state some from Portage County. Mr. Pendleton opened the debate speaking one hour. He made substantially the same speech as at Lancaster. I followed an hour and a half replying point by point and I think effectually- and added some independent affirmative points - Pendleton closed in a speech of half an hour in which he made some effective retorts, but I do not think he shook the strength of my reply to his opening speech - I sat up until one o'clock this morning when I took the train for this place and arrived at six. I was received at the station by a group of 42nd boys and an artillery salute, and was taken to the house of Capt Bushnell when I went to bed and slept three hours & now the mail is coming & I must stop. Always your own James [*374*]Committee on Appropriations, House of Representatives, Washington, D C., Oct, 21 1877 Dear Wife- I left a blue book on my desk The Constitution of Colorado. Please send it by the bearer. In haste as ever Your James [*375*]HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES COMMITTEE OF WAYS AND MEANS Washington D.C. Dec 12 1877 My Darling- As the adverse fates will have it, the Belford- Patterson case is raging and the previous question has just been set for 5 1/2 o'clock, and as I am heading one part of the fight, I fear I cannot be at home in time for dinner - I am in great distress about it - If I can get paired I will still be with you Don't put off dinner later [*376*]six, and if I don't come let our friends know the reason. In any event, I shall hope to get home before they go. As Ever Yours Own JamesMrs J. A. Garfield 1227 I St.House of Representatives, Washington, D.C., [*?*], 1877 [My Dear] Ma Chere- [Ne] Voulez vous me faire le plasir de m'accompagner au restaurant pour prendre le dejeuner à fourchette? S'il vous plait, d'y aller. venez toute suite, et je vous [ne] recontrerai au bas l'escalier - Tout et toujours a vous J.A.G Jacques [*346*]Mrs. J.A Garfield Diplomatic Gallery[1877] MA CHERE; [LRG?] JE NE PUIS PAS RACONTER TOUT CE QUE J'AI PORTE[R] CE SEMAINE ET PARTICULIERMENT CE JOUR A LA MAIN DE TOUTE LE MONDE. MES OUVRAGES SONT TRES DURES ET LES IRRITATIONS SONT ENCORE DOLEUREUSES, MAIS MON SOULAGEMENT SEUL RESTE SUR VOUS. JE CHEZ VOUS REPOSE BIEN ET JE SUIS CONTENT. VOUS EST MON ASSILE DANS QUEL JE ME CACHE QUAN[D] LES ORAGES DE LA FORTUNE SE METTAIENT EN BATTAILE. DITES MOI MA CHERE EST CE QUE VOUS VOULEZ ? ME DONNER LE DON RICHE DE VOTRE COEUR AFFECTIONNE? JE LE SAIS BIEN Q[J]UE VOUS ME PORTE DANS LE COEUR, ET CE FAIT ME SOUTIENS PARMI TOUTES MES DOULEURS. J'ATTENDS AVEC LES ESPERANCES TRES VIVES LE TEMPS QUAND NOUS POUVONS DEMEURER DANS LA PAIX TRANQUILLE AVEC NOTRE FAMILLE, ET POUVONS JOUIR LES PLASIRS DE LA VIE DE ROSE E DES EMBARRASSES DES DEVOIRS PUBLIQUES. TOUT A VOUS JACQES A.G.Washington Mar. 14, 1878 My Darling, I took Doctor Baxter's medicine as prescribed last night and was in bed and asleep long before you reached Baltimore. I awoke this morning better in every respect except that I had a very sore throat. The soreness is in the lower part of my throat and does not pain me when I keep still but hurts badly when I swallow or talk. I have been taking [*553*]whatever I thought might help all day, but so far have not changed its condition much. If it grows worse I will send for Doctor Pope. I feel very well except for my throat and presume that will be better in the morning. Miss Mays is better to day, so that she has had school. My boys have done very well, and have their pieces nearly ready for tomorrow evening. Don't fail to come home. We - especially I - do need you so much, and then I am anxious lest every meal you stay there will set you back just so far as imprudence can do it. It is cooler to day but not at all wintry. Jim has gone to the Capitol on your errands, and I have written to Mrs. Gansevoort. I have nothing but the old old story to say to you - love me and come home. Ever your own Crete.My Darling: You and I are invited by Mr. Ford, manager of the Washington and Ballo Theatres to join a party of 40 or 50 ladies and gentlemen to go at 5-30 pm to Baltimore and hear Booth in Hamlet. He will take us & bring us back to-night - Will you go if I find it possible to get away! Answer - Always Your Own James Monday 1 p.m. April. 22. /78 [*378*][*1878*] Mentor June 10th My Darling - I was hoping to have had a note from you or Joe this morning written after you saw Joe last night, but am disappointed. My neck below the ear pained me all night, but it is either better this morning or else I do not notice it while busy with other things. I began to take Lilas' medicine again this morning dividing the dose. The old duke came this morning and said he could work to day, and I have set him at the yard and garden. I thought you would not object since you charged me not to work. We are [*555*]all happy and busy this morning and so sorry that you could not have staid with us now. I have not seen Glasier this morning: but I suppose Doctor will attend to paying him. We have no letter from Hal yet but expect Jim will bring one back from the mail. Jim is waiting so good bye for to day with love from us all. Love to Major, and may you enjoy all you anticipate in your bachelor experience. As ever yours alone. Crete.Mentor June 11th 1878 My Darling I hope you are safely arrived in Washington, and have found Major Swain awaiting you. Last night it rained again but to day is bright and beautiful. My face is decidedly better. The pain and swelling is all gone from my neck and the only uncomfortable feature is that the rim of the ear is gathering. This is not pleasant but perhaps the surest way to get rid of the whole thing. Doctor was down here this morning before I was up and installed [Norcote?]. I have just learned a thing this morning which more than ever disgusts me with the Glasiers. After Mrs. Jones [*554*]went away Mrs. Glasier would not wash the milk cans--said she would not wash milk cans for anyone--and so Mose had it to do the best way he could. The idea of a man undertaking to run a farm whose wife was above washing milk cans is a little absurd. Darling I forgot to put up your night shirt and your brush and comb. You have only one night shirt there so you will be obliged to come home next week "whether or no". I am making up a list of things for you to bring home but will not send it until about the time you are to pack up. I am very anxious to hear from you, and to hear what your plans are for the house. Write to us often. We all join in love to you each day and hour and to the Major also. Ever & forever yours Crete. Blank No. 1. THE WESTERN UNION TELEGRAPH COMPANY. This Company TRANSMITS and DELIVERS messages only on conditions, limiting its liability, which have been assented to by the sender of the following message. Errors can be guarded against only by repeating a message back to the sending station for comparison, and the Company will not hold itself liable for errors or delays in transmission or delivery of Unrepeated Messages. This message is an UNREPEATED MESSAGE and is delivered by request of the sender under the conditions named above. ANSON STAGER, Vice-Pres't, WILLIAM ORTON, Pres't, } New York Chicago. A.R. BREWER, Sec'y, Dated Washington, D.C. June 12, 1878 Received at 855 AM via Painesville To Mrs. J.A. Garfield Mentor O Have received letters from Harry & Mother forwarded from Mentor. Mother goes to Mentor Thursday Eve Train. love to all J.A. Garfield 20DH READ THE NOTICE AT THE TOP. [*381*]House of Representatives, Washington, D.C., June 12, 1878. My Darling. I arrived safely, & found not less than a bushel of mail awaiting me - much of which I have not yet read. I spent the day in current work, and sat up until midnight, completing the revision of my speech. You can't imagine how lonely the trot of the Printer's horse sounded, as it came to me, for the first time, with you away - By the way, do you know that you are associated, in the sweetest way, with those sounds which [*380*]will always awaken memories of late hours, hard work, tea, your dear face struggling between sleep and my ugly manuscript--& the dread that echoes of hoofs will find me still unready-- I had Mary bring up some tea, which Swain, Rose and I drank in silence; but mine was seasoned with memory. I found Swain here when I arrived. He said Hal got in nicely--As no one met them at the Depot, they went to the Tremont House and got breakfast, and soon after, Hall went to Warren's Office, & soon afterwards [ca] came back to the Hotel for his baggage--I have just received Hal's letter, forwarded from Mentor, and am distressed that you did not see it. I send you that, and also one from Mother. I will telegraph you, so that Moses may meet her at the Depot on Thursday afternoon. Do you mean by your plan, to have two sinks in the new pantry?--I am not sure from the sketch--whether you suggest one or two. I beg you to write me very often--Give my love to every one in the dear Household--As ever, all your own--James.Washington. June 13/78 My Darling- The mail, this morning, brought me your two dear notes of the 10th and 11th You cannot know how anxious I have been about your health. I beg you to write more particularly about it - The fact that you have suffered any more pain in it, at all, after I left you - is a distressful one to me - for I fear it indicates some return of the disease - You must not do any work but [*382*]but the lightest, until you are completely well--I beg you to heed this, for my sake, and for all our sakes. I have had several interviews with Mr Bright-- in reference to the repairs and though the cost will be greater than I expected, I think I shall close a bargain with him before I leave. 1. What do you think of having the vestibule carried up to the second story--as in the sketch we had from Mr Hill? It can be done for $75 additional to the cost of the first story. 2. In your sketch, do you have the backstairs go down towards the East, and turn to the north as you land on the lower story? or do you have them go down towards the south, & turn westward? 3. Bright has made a sketch of the upper rooms--above the library which gives, closet or trunk room6 1/2 ft by 9 3/4 feet, a passage into the first chamber--which chamber is 137.14 - The second chamber is 117.12 - In these chambers are two closets one, 2 ft 10 in x 3 ft 11 1/2 and the other [8?] ft x 2-10 - I think these closets should be nearer equal in size - This arrangement of rooms - leaves a south window in the old chamber, as it will be extended - 4. Please make me a sketch of the stationary side board you want in the dining room, & give me full suggestions on all things [umued?] with the repairs - Swain sends love - I fear we cannot adjourn Monday - but we shall come near it - all your own - JamesWashington. June 15, 1878. My Darling: I was very anxious all day yesterday, and till this morning, that I did not hear from you--But your letter of the 13th came this morning, and gave me a lease of life for another day, that is until I hear again. The Doctor says in his last letter that you have had "pustules on your ear"--What were they like? Do tell me, very particularly, about your health. Have you had a chill? Else why such doses of quinine? You must not let me remain in any uncertainty about your health. Please tell Martha to write me; for I fear you will not tell me all. You say nothing about the farm. Has it been begun?--I have settled the question of repairs on the east wing of the house--except such details as you may wish to have made in the plan which I enclose--I think [383]you will understand it from the sketch which please return immediately with your suggestions. It was not possible to put the Dumb Waiter in where your plan had it. I think the sketch arranges it better. You will see that it leaves room for a fine, large closet over the stairs--Won't that do for the crockery closet. Both Bright and Swain think an permanent side board in the Dining Room will diminish the apparent size of the room too much. The vestibule is still under discussion. What do you say of having a sort of pavillion roof supported by two posts in place of an enclosed vestibule? Did you get my telegram? There appeared to be some hitch about it going off, for they sent it to Painesville first. It is impossible for us to get away before the 19th or 20th. I mean Congress-- Love to all--and above all I beg you to write & know that I am all your own. James-House of Representatives, Washington, D.C., June 16. 1878. My Darling. Swain and I have just come up to the Library, from our Sunday Dinner, on the table reduced to a square. Daniel stood solemnly in his place, behind Swain, while I made a little talk, mainly in monosyllables, to keep of loneliness of the empty, uncarpeted room. I cut the small chicken in two, lengthwise, and we each "ate our meat", if not with gladness, at least with singleness [*384*]of heart" - realizing that early scripture, that "it is not good for man to be alone." I confidently expected this morning mail to bring me a letter from you, or from some of the dwellers at "Gardolph"; but the oracles were dumb, and I am condemned to wait another day. I hope your silence does not indicate increased illness - I spent about four hours of the time between breakfast and dinner cleaning up my book-cases and accumulated papers. A pile of books five feet high, was on the floor waiting for the Cong. Library cart. The pile is full of memories of Caesar, Shakspeare & Tariff - I carried a bushel of the children's books up to Mary McGrath's room - to await their return - The House was in session until midnight, last night - and now both Houses have fixed Tuesday evening for adjournment - If we get through then, I shall hope to see you by the end of the week, but I must wait the return of the plan of repairs I sent you.for it is necessary to get Bright at work as soon as possible. Swain talks of leaving tomorrow, but I shall try to hold him until I go. I have had another letter from Hall - The youngster is showing a good faculty of observation; and I am glad to honor his teacher by saying that his spelling is quite passible, although he expresses some doubt on the subject - I hope to receive your orders in full, for the disposition of details of house affairs before I leave - Present me affectionately to the dear group at the farm-- not forgetting my "whack", and her brethren - As ever, all & always your own James.My Darling - I have two letters from you since having written. I have been so much better for the last five days that I have been busy at work, and allowed a letter to go off to you yesterday without adding a word: But my heart writes letters to you every hour. I see from yesterday's Ledger that the probability is that you will not adjourn tomorrow; but sometime before the end of the week. Now in regard to your questions concerning improvements to the house. I would very much like to have the vestibule carried up a second story and then add the hall [*556*] [*how much can be done before you come. May Heaven bless you, and keep you, and bring you home before another Sunday. Ever all love to you from the whole family. Mother came Thursday. Is Looking very well. With love forever growing newer. Yours Crete. Mother sends special love and says you are coming so soon she will not write.*]beyond the doors to our room in the following manner. mothers door Hall Closet Dressing room our door opening without door This change would add very much to the comfort of our room by giving us a nice dressing room with a large closet. The hall would not be quite so pleasant, but would we not get more comfort out of this arrangement than out of so large a hall. This change would probably add a little more to the expense - though I do not know what Mr. Bright’s plan comprehended. I would not put a door between the dressing room and ours I think unless you would prefer that there be one. In the pantry my plan was to have but one sink and that on the north side, and have a strong shelf where the present sink is for receiving the dishes as they are taken from the dumb-waiter. A sink so near the dining room door is unsightly. The stairs I think would be more convenient to start on the east side running south and turning west landing in the lower hall by the dumb-waiter. Be sure to have a window on the east side. It will make the whole lower house cooler. I would not fail to have the lower pantry seperate from the lower hall so that it can be locked. I think you are right about the division of the closet in the third story. I would have the division so as to make them nearly equal. Does Mr. Bright’s division leave only onewindow in the first chamber or, the double window corresponding to the double window in the Library and the one in the dining room? I thought the division ought to put the double window in that room. I have not been able to find a diagram for sideboard yet. I will go to Herendon's when I am in Cleveland and see what I can find there. I do not think of any other changes unless you and Major think the parlor and sitting room doors might be enlarged and a better door put in perhaps sliding doors. and then if you repaint the inside blinds I think I should prefer them grained rather than left white. White blinds stare. I really wish they could be replaced with outside blinds: but perhaps the expense would be too great. Darling we are all working and waiting for you to come. I think everybody is inspired to seeMentor June 17th 1878 My Darling- I have just sent off a letter to you this morning and yours with the plan was brought in return. I approve of your plan entirely. The cupboard over the stairs for the china is much better than the sideboard. I only suggested the side-board as an emergency; but be sure that it is made large enough to hold all the best china and have the shelves very strong. I still think a shelf in the corner [557] where the present sink is would be the serviceable - perhaps a table would be better. I see you have a door between the two cellars. Is that necessary? I gave you a plan for vestibule in my last. I should like that very much better than a portico if you think you can afford it. I would so like a good closet in my room, and then the little room over the vestibule would be such a nice place for you to hide. Still you must do what you think best. Again love from all. Forever yours, Crete.Blank No. 1. THE WESTERN UNION TELEGRAPH COMPANY. This Company TRANSMITS and DELIVERS messages only on conditions, limiting its liability, which have been assented to by the sender of the following message. Errors can be guarded against only by repeating a message back to the sending station for comparison, and the Company will not hold itself liable for errors or delays in transmission or delivery of Unrepeated Messages. This message is an UNREPEATED MESSAGE and is delivered by request of the sender under the conditions named above. A. R. BREWER, Sec'y. WILLIAM ORTON, Pres't. 10y Dated Cleveland O June 18 1878 Received at 417 PM To Genl JA Garfield I to go Hiram today Will return on Saturday evening Mrs. J.A Garfield 10 pa wz THIS TELEGRAM HAS JUST BEEN RECEIVED AT THE OFFICE IN WHERE ANY REPLY SHOULD BE SENT. DIRECT WIRES. READ THE NOTICE AT THE TOP. [*538*]Blank No. 1 THE WESTERN UNION TELEGRAPH COMPANY. This Company TRANSMITS and DELIVERS messages only on conditions, limiting its liability, which have been assented to by the sender of the following message. Errors can be guarded against only by repeating a message back to the sending station for comparison, and the Company will not hold itself liable for errors or delays in transmission or delivery of Unrepeated Messages. This message is an UNREPEATED MESSAGE and is delivered by request of the sender under the conditions named above. ANSON STAGER, Vice-Pres't, WILLIAM ORTON, Pres't, } New York Chicago. A.R. BREWER, Sec'y, [*[Je 21, 1878]*] Dated Washington, D.C. 21 1878 Received Garrettsville, O 815 PM To Mrs. J. A. Garfield I leave to night via Pittsburgh will reach Cleveland at three tomorrow afternoon. Please met me at Union depot. J. A. Garfield 18 D.H. READ THE NOTICE AT THE TOP. [*305*]Mentor July 23d 1878 My Darling I have just read an article in the [?] on the use of lamps and it struck me that it is wholly unnecessary to have a gas pipe carried into our little room. A lamp can give us the light without the additional expense of pipe. Everything has been moving on pleasantlyso far. Your absence is the only drawback. I did not think to mention to you to have the piano opened and covered only with a sheet, to keep the keys from becoming yellow. I am afraid this cannot reach you at Washington and will send it to Atlantic City, and trust to your delivering this message by letter, if you do not think to have it done while in W. The oats is all bound and the men are at work with the corn I think. It is still dry, and I am a little curious why Mr. Norcate does not have the rye and oats hauled in before it rains again. I dont think I asked you to write [again] while gone, but I am sure you dont need to be asked. The only compensation for your absence is the letters and I cannot help looking for one each mail. Hoping you will have acomfortable week and be able to get home on Saturday. I am with the love of all the family wholly yours. Crete. P.S. I am afraid it is selfish in me to argue you away from Atlantic City so soon. I know two or three days of sea bathing would do you good but get get all the good out of it as fast as you can. Forever yours Crete.Blank No. 1. THE WESTERN UNION TELEGRAPH COMPANY. This Company TRANSMITS and DELIVERS messages only on conditions, limiting its liability, which have been assented to by the sender of the following message. Errors can be guarded against only by repeating a message back to the sending station for comparison, and the Company will not hold itself liable for errors or delays in transmission or delivery of Unrepeated Messages. This message is an UNREPEATED MESSAGE and is delivered by request of the sender under the conditions named above. ANSON STAGER, Vice-Pres't WILLIAM ORTON, Pres't}New York Chicago. A.R. BREWER, Sec'y. Dated Cleveland O July 9th 1878 Received at 418 PM To Mrs. J.A. Garfield, Mentor O Bring notes on Censorship of french press. Part spoffords Handwriting Part mine 12 Paid J.A. Garfield READ THE NOTICE AT THE TOP. [*387*]House of Representatives, [Washington, D.C.,] Atlantic City N.J. July 25, 1878. My Darling: It is many years since I have been soon long away from you without writing; and though the chief loss is mine, I will tell you why I have not written - I arrived at Newark at one p.m. Monday and was escorted at once to the stand when the speaking was in progress - At the conclusion of it all I spoke, and thereafter was kept visiting and banqueting until after [*386*]midnight. At 12-30, I took the train for the East, having accepted the President's invitation to take a berth in his special car. We reached Washington at 8 p.m. where I found Em Reed, Rose & Warren Young awaiting me--In the morning the rush began, and my life was a misery all day. Indeed, I did not accomplish half I intended. I believe Em would have driven me crazy if I had stayed another day--I found the East wing up and roofed--but not yet plastered. They were tearing down the front steps--& were ready to begin work in the vestibule--I think you are going to be pleased with the improvements. I took the 9-30 pm train from Washington, and arrived here at 9 this morning--As soon as breakfast was over, I attended the session of the Committee and Sherman examined for two or three hours; & then I was called--I was kept on the stand until four o'clock p.m. when I went immediately to the P.O. and found your dear letter, for which you have my best thanks. I have not yet had time to bathe and shall not until morning-- Butler has started his cross-examination & I was to go on the stand again at 10 to-morrow-- I hope to finish before night, but am not sure I shall get home to you as soon as I can, but I fear it will not be before Monday-- I will write to Warren Young about the piano--I am very tired & must rest--Dearest love to you & all the household as ever all your own James. [*[JL 1878]*] Monday Morning--Doctor has hired a man this morning on trial for $15.00 per month and board. I almost wish he had waited until you were here. I dread to undertake to manage a new hand. I went with the Doctor down to the wheat yesterday. I guess you will have a good crop of "fly". There is not a head of wheat but that has five or six empty kernels at the lower part. The rye is grand. Ever Crete [*564*]Things to be brought home. Table mats Bread plate Milk Pitcher Bank books Chess in Sitting room book case drawer Watches at Galts. FALMOUTH HOTEL, O.M. Shaw & Son, Proprietors. Portland, Me., Aug 30 1878, My Darling I have been on the cars continuously, with but half an hours intermission at Boston, until I arrived here at eight this evening - (7, by one time) having travelled about 800 miles in 27 hours - I spent last night in the postal car with Juo. Hofste - and slept on a pile of mail bags in my clothes & boots - Took lunch out of Juo's dinner basket last evening - & an early breakfast in Troy - Passed over the old line from Troy to Williamstown, catching a glimpse of the college buildings & Grey Lock - then through the Hoosac Tunnell 4 3/4 miles long - across the Connecticut river at Gardner - where you & I passed on our way to the White Mts - thence through Fitchburgh & Weston, the birth-place of my father's grandfather - and [*388*]arrived in Boston at 2-40--Boston time--I have just got supper--& when I have finished this letter, I will retire and get some sleep--The day has been excessively hot--Even the ocean breeze during the last 100 miles not seeming to cool the air--and I am about as dirty a husband as you ever had--The latter half of the trip has been full of old memories & traditions--& I have hardly been able to make myself believe that nearly a quarter of a century has passed since I first saw the hills of New England--How I do wish you were with me, if you could have come without suffering the heat and dust--With all my heart & life and soul, I am all your own and shall be forever-- James Please have my [son?] pick up the fallen apples for cider & vinegar--J.A.G.FALMOUTH HOTEL, O.M. Shaw & Son, Proprietors. Portland, Me., Sept 1. 1878 Sunday. My Darling After writing you yesterday, I drove along the shore of the great bay, ten miles to Yarmouth, when I make my first speech in the open air, and drove back here in the sharp evening air - The drive was beautiful; but I caught cold and am hoarse in consequence - Today, or rather this morning, I attended the Unitarian Church and listened to a sermon of much intellectual power - on the causes of the decay of religious observances - After dinner, following a notice in the paper I went to No. 62 Gray street, where a little company of 20 Disciples had met "for the breaking of bread & for prayer", and really enjoyed the reminder of early Disciple days - I have been called on so continually since my arrival, that I have had but little time to myself - [*389*]In addition to other things, I have today revised the reporters notes of my Yarmouth speech which is to appear in the papers tomorrow morning - My meetings are to be as follows-- Monday, Lewiston; Tuesday, Biddeford; Wednesday, Damariscotta; Thursday, Rockland; Friday, Belfast; Saturday, Bangor. If the children will look at the map, they can follow the wanderings of papa - I shall look anxiously for a letter from you tomorrow - & hope soon to know whether I am to be permitted to go home at the beginning of the week - or must speak in Boston - I shall think of you tomorrow morning, as starting up our home school; and I shall hope to hear that all the scholars taking hold with cheerful and fresh spirits - Darling, I beg you to spare yourself and restrain your habit of over-work - I cannot bear to think of you as closing the day with a weary & worn look - You know that every moment, I carry you in my heart - & your sorrow hurts me Ever and all your own James -Mentor Sept. 1st 1878 My Darling We are just drying up from a thorough soaking in a dashing splashing shower. It was not altogether agreeable; but we were too glad of the rain to complain, on the contrary I think we all came home laughing from church, with thankful hearts that the dust which choked us when going was being rather successfully laid. We built up a fire in my room and [*561*] P.S. The inclosed are all I think necessary to be sent now.the stove is now surrounded with all sorts of garments from hats and bonnets downward and inward. Mr. Vernon of Chagrin Falls preached for us to day - a young man bright and interesting - somewhat "Wilberian", who catches glimpses of wider thoughts than orthodoxy would allow, but does not dare to venture far, and hurries back from a more liberal idea into the old intrenchments and does penance by hurling missiles at the card-table the dance and the theatre. Patience, Patience! "The Mills of God grind slowly" Bye and bye the people will compel the teacher to speak words of truth and righteousness, and let alone old hatreds and superstitions, and intolerance. Darling where are you to day, and how are you spending it? We miss you so much more on Sunday. The need to keep the whole family quietly occupied without work is a severe task, and it is so much more easily done when you are here. I shall look anxiously tomorrow for the newspaper reports of your meeting yesterday. I hope you will write often. I know you are thinking of me and loving me when you are writing. I admit - a little better than I can when there is only silence - though I will not admit that I love you less when I am silent. If Margert Fuller had saidInconsistency--not Inconstancy-- thy name is woman, she would have been nearer the truth. Is Gail Hamilton in Maine, and is it your good fortune to visit with her? I hope so, and if so, present her my very kind regards and say to her that I quite envy you, your good fortunes. Remember me also to Mr. & Mrs. Blaine, and any other good friends you may meet. I have heard nothing from Mr. Riddle yet, and presume he has gone home. We are all well and will try to put in the time during your absence to good advantage. We all love you and long for you, and hope you may be kept from every harm to return soon to us. With a happy loving heart--yours forever Crete.Lewiston, Maine- Sept 2. 1878 My Darling. I arrived here at 3 p.m. and am stopping at Frye's - He is not at home, being away on the stump; but his wife and his daughters are here, and his son-in-law Mr White, and two grand children - They have a beautiful place, and could you skip the journey and be here with me I should be the happiest man in Maine - The political situation here is full of peril and uncertainty - Within the last year, and notably within the last six months, the greenback craze has [*390*]broken out with the force and spirit of an epidemic - While we were battling with it in the west, New England was free from its ravages; but now, when we have almost reached specie payments, the pest has burst upon Maine, like a thief in the night, and no one can foretell the result. I shall not be surprised if it defeats Powers & Reed, & perhaps Hale - Even Frye is thought to be in danger - It spreads among the staid citizens like a midsummer madness - You can hardly imagine, the welcome which has met me here by our friends. All other issues are swallowed up in the one absorbing question of what money is - and what it ought to be - The old questions which I have been discussing during the last ten years are as fresh and new here as the telephone - The mysteries of this intellectual epidemic will never cease to be a wonder to me - It is comfortable to feel that in such a fight, I can look back over 12 years of public discussion, and challenge my opponents to find a speech or vote of mine in con-flict with the positions now held by our sound money men-- My cold is less troublesome than it was when I wrote you last evening; but I fear the coming speeches will be hard for me. I dread the week, and wish I were safely back on the farm, at the end of the fight--Mrs Frye inquires after you and sends her love--I shall certainly expect a letter from you tomorrow-- By this time, your first day of fall term home school is over, and I hope to hear it has been a pleasant one--Love to every one at the Garfield farm-- Ever & all your own James--Mentor Sept. 8d 1878 My Darling: I inclose a few more letters to day which I think you may need to see, We have had now two days of school, and have started up in good shape although I have been alone. It keeps me very busy but Miss Mays will return this evening. Yesterday your first letter from Portland was received, and made us glad that you had safely arrived. I am anxious now to hear from your meeting of Saturday. I see from the papers that Mr. Blaine is in Wisconsin, and I am wondering if you do not feel a little additional loneliness without him. I wish I had a list of your appointments so that I might know where you [*562*]are each day. Last night we had another good rain and it is threatening again to day. The grass is growing green again and every thing is looking better for it. Kitty hurt her leg on Sunday by kicking out over the traces while standing hitched at the church. Miron is rubbing it with liniment two or three times each day and they have put her out in pasture. I hope it will not prove a serious hurt, although her leg is some swollen now. Darling we are as well and happy as we can be without you. Each mail brings new calls for you, but I hope you will not allow yourself to be dragooned into more service than you can give without injury to your health. With love from us all, I loving you most of all send this to you Forever Yours Crete.Damariscotta, Me. Sept 4. 1878 Precious Darling. I left Portland at 6 15 this morning, and reached this quaint old ship building town at 9 a.m. Sent straight to the P.O. and was grievously appointed to find no letter from you - Ex-Congressman Flye, (successor of Blaine for the short term) drove me through the two, and we spent two hours on board a ship of 2000 tons burthen, which the people of this place are building. It would have delighted Hal if he could have been with me - Indeed it stirred up my old love for the sea. When I see the children again, I will [*391*]tell the children about it. After dinner, I spoke in hall about an hour and a half - and was splendidly received by the people - After the meeting, Mr Flye drove me through the town, and to a great curiosity about a mile above the town, up the river. In a bend of the river is a promontory built up of oyster shells to the depth of 10 or 15 feet lying on the surface of the original soil, and covering several acres. On its surface, a new soil is formed and that is covered with a great forest of pine trees. Excavations have shown human skeletons and utensils among the shells - It must have required centuries in the life of a populous city to have accumulated so great a mass of cast off shells. I know of nothing in the way of antiquities in this continent, more wonderful. On my return to the hotel, I procured an ancient history of Maine, & read all I could find about it; but its origin is sealed up in eternal mystery - But on my return to the hotel, I was gladdened by the sight of your precious letter. One drop of life - and of such life as your letter brings, is worth centuries of mystery & death. Bless you, Darling, for your dear letter - It came to a hungryheart, and will fill the night with sweet and happy dreams - I ought to have said before, that I shall be left at Bangor, Saturday night, and cannot get away from there till Monday - I have accepted the Boston invitation, to speak there Tuesday - & on Wednesday morning shall start home by the fastest line I will probably stop over one train at Augusta, on Monday, and will bear your messages to the Blaines and to Abby Dodge if she is there - I have much dread of the Boston speech - some of the old feeling I had about Aurora - But I hope to survive it - With love to every one - I am ever more your own James.FALMOUTH HOTEL, O.M. Shaw & Son. Proprietors. Portland, Me., Sept 4 1878 Precious Darling I spoke at Beddeford yesterday evening, but found no word from you - After the meeting I came back here, got to bed at midnight, and now at 5 1/2 a.m. I am just leaving for the cars [?] to Damariscotta, where I shall be heartbroken if I do not find a letter from you - Ever and forever your James - [*392*]Mentor Sept 4th 1878 My Darling: I have to day received your second letter from Portland, also a Portland paper I have written two letters and sent them both to Augusta care of Mr. Blaine. I don't know as you will ever receive them, and since from your appointments I see you are to be at Bangor on Saturday I will venture to send this to that place. We have only a small map of Maine here and we [*563*] love to you Forever your Crete.cannot find several of the places where you have appointments. I never saw before the name of the place where you are today--Damariscotta-- It has a very foreign out of the way sound! but I hope it is not taking you any farther from us. Everything here seems going on well. Moses has been going through the new wheatfield with a two horse cultivator, and to day I notice they are building bridges into the new barn. Miron is gathering apples for cider and in the house we are running the school and sewing machine. The machine works beautifully and so does the school. Jim's temper got the better of him for a little while this morning, but he is doing well with his lessons. I am delighted to find that he nor Hal have not forgotten anything of their Geometry. We began the review with the very first of the book and they go through with all the propositions and demonstrations so far almost without looking at them we are receiving the Latin Grammar from the beginning also, but I leave off the exercises through the first of the book--to take them up however as soon as we are over to the verb. I have new courage for old Burton too. He has takento studying his lessons before reading. He goes into a room above and works over his reading most laboriously until he comes out able to read tolerably well. Clara Jones went home yesterday but Florence Rose is going to come and study with Mollie. Kitty's leg keeps bad yet but Miron is rubbing it faithfully with linements and hopes to prevent the knee joint from getting stiff. I don't think of anything more to add. I send only two letters to day and perhaps need not send these, but thought you could attend to the Boston matter if you were there. I hope you will come as soon as possible for the hours are very long while you are away. Present my kind regards to Senator and Mrs. Hamlin. All join inBlank No. 1. THE WESTERN UNION TELEGRAPH COMPANY. This Company TRANSMITS and DELIVERS messages only on conditions, limiting its liability, which have been assented to by the sender of the following message. Errors can be guarded against only by repeating a message back to the sending station for comparison, and the Company will not hold itself liable for errors or delays in transmission or delivery of Unrepeated Messages. This message is an UNREPEATED MESSAGE and is delivered by request of the sender under the conditions named above. A. R.BREWER, Sec'y. 129 NORVIN GREEN, President. Sept Dated Mentor, Ohio A 1878. [Se 6, 1878] Received at Belfast M Sept E To Genl Jam A Garfield Sammie Robinson was killed yesterday funeral sunday next at Cleveland Mrs J A Garfield 10 Paid Gen & P READ THE NOTICE AT THE TOP. [*560*]Mrs GarfieldBelfast, Me. Sept. 7, 1878 My Darling, I received your telegram while I was on the way to the hall here to speak. When the meeting was over, I immediately looked over the time tables-- to see if it were possible to reach home before the end of Sunday--but I found there was no way by which I could get to Boston before Saturday night--& even if the trains ran Sunday, I could not reach Cleveland, before Sunday night-- Your telegram leaves a wide field of conjecture [393] as to the cause of Sammie's death; but my mind centers upon the cause most likely to have led to it-- I will not write the sad and terrible reflections which that suggestion awakens-- but will wait till I [have?] the facts--I fear for the effects of this event upon the Doctor. His years, his susceptibility to the sudden illness-- and the sharp hold which grief takes upon him, make me very anxious about him--You will not fail to tell him of the circumstances which kept me away from him. I am now waiting to take the steamer for Bangor where I am to speak this evening--No train leaves there until Monday--I telegraphed to Boston to cancel my promise to speak in Faneuil Hall; but they answer that the announcement is out, and its [recall?] will do great harm. So I have concluded to remain, & speak there Tuesday evening. I shall hurry home as soon as possible afterwards-- - Bangor Sat pm At this point, I was interrupted by the arrival of the steamer--and I went on board, and steamed up the very beautiful waters of the Penobscot River--arriving here at 1 p.m. Senator Hawkin's son met me at the wharf, and now that dinner is over, I have been blessed by your two letters of the 3rd and 5th It was very desolate to passed a night in [???]places, & found no word from you in either - My plan was to leave 7 am send all my letters to Augusta, where they would be sure to reach me - But I am so glad to hear from you now - to reprise over past losses - I am ashamed to tell you that I have made poor speeches on the last two days; but I found Hale in such imminent danger, that I could not avoid helping all in my power - The result is still doubtful, though I think he will be elected - Mr & Mrs Hamlin are grateful for your kind remembrances and send kindest regards - I shall be compelled to stay here until Monday - Shall leave Monday morning for Augusta, and stop over one train at Blaine's & then go to Boston - Sorry to hear that Kitty is hurt - Tell the boys I rejoice to hear that they have started up well in their school Love to every one at home - Ever & Forever your own James.HEADQUARTERS FOR COMMERCIAL MEN. MEALS, 50 CENTS EACH. Located in the centre of business. Improved Elect Telegraph connecting rooms with office. nest Sample Rooms in the State, Billiard Hall, Barber Shop, Bath Rooms, etc. MOSSGROVE'S U.S. HOTEL, Opposite Public Buildings. J. ROSS MOSSGROVE, PROP'R. Steubenville, O. Sept 20, 1878 My Darling, I made the connection at Cleveland, and reached Wellesville on time, but the train on the river Division was more than an hour late, and it was a quarter before nine when I reached Steubenville--A very large audience had waited patiently, and I spoke until half past ten--satisfying myself fairly well--This morning, I received an invitation to visit the high school & made one of my school talks of half an hour--I think it was a better speech than that of last evening--I go to Zanesville on the Pan Handle R.R. but my train is an hour-and-a half late, and I shall not leave here until [394] half past eleven--By the way, I took some liberties with you, in my speech at the High School--When I told them the story of you teach our boys Caesar, the lady teacher paid you the tribute of her tears. I could see, shining through them her pride in what a true woman can accomplish--Darling I am proud of you every hour--You must get another girl to help relieve you of household cares--Tell the boys, by themselves, that if they could have seen the school this morning when I was speaking of you, they would have been proudly glad that they have a mother who can direct their studies--I look forward to the week which separates us, with positive dread. The weary, weary work of public speaking is more a burden every year. Please open my mail and send me anything important-- Loving you with all the power of my mind and heart I am as ever and always your won James. I heard at the Depot that the story is being circulated in Mentor that Glasier said I wrote him not to pay my day laborers more than 75 cents per day--Ask him about it J.A.G. WARREN HOUSE Athens, Ohio, Sunday-Sept 22nd 1878 ELMER GOLDEN, Proprietor. WILL B. GOLDEN, Clerk. My Darling: After writing to Mother yesterday, I spoke an hour and a half to a very large audience--following the venera. V.B. Horton--candidate for Congress against Gen. Ewing. You remember that Mr. Horton is the father of Gen Pope's wife. I spoke in the same hall where I debated with Mr. Pendleton-- The people remembered my debate and expected a good deal from me. I think I made more impression than in any speech I have made this year in Ohio, though I must still except my Faneuil Hall speech. In twenty minutes after the meeting closed, I took the train and arrived here just in time to meet a hall full of people to whom I spoke an hour and a half. Said to be a large audience than Thurman had here for a day rally with special trains to help him get a crowd-- [395]The day's work was a very hard one; but I got through it better than I expected to for my voice still hold out well--What I dread is the outdoor work awaiting me during the next three days-- I have this morning attended the Presbyterian church, and listened to a goodish, feeble sermon--Without much distinction of creed, the modern sermons seem nearly all alike--To preach that way all one's life must be a dreary business. We pity ourselves as leavers, what pity might we not to feel for the preacher! Are we all in the grip of a system which necessarily leads to such results? Or has it been perverted till all the life of it is lost, so that we feed on the dead husks while the fruit is lost? My Darling Radical, you must help me solve this mystery--The hope of your letter, which I trust is now on its way, will be a light to me in these weary days, until I meet it, or them at Chillicothe--I am spending a part of this calm, quiet Sunday, reading Walker's History of Athens--written by the husband of that German girl who live at Sec. Chases when you & I first went to Washington--Tell me how the Duke got on with your kitchen drain--& does our wheat come up yet--Love to all--& to you Dearest forever James.Mentor Sept. 23d 1878 My Precious Old Darling It seems such a long long time since you went away and not one word from you yet. Is it always to be so, that the loveliest time of all the year --the rare golden autumnal days-- you are to be away from us? I had just reached this point when Jimmie brought [565] I will forward a dispatch from Blaine to Pomeroy. do grind. With all our hearts full of love for you I am forever loving and waiting for you, Your own Crete.in your letter--so full of precious words--and I had only just finished that when Wallace Ford drove up with "Aunt Mary", and we are now all so happy that we scarcely know what to do or say. I don't know what sister Mary's plans are; but I shall make a desperate effort to keep her over next Sunday at the very least. Every thing is going on very nicely here for any thing that I can see, Jim so rebels against German that I have said to him that he might give it up. It does him no good whatever studying it as he does, and it keeps him cross and worrying all the time. When you are here he manages to keep good natured over it, but the moment you are away he is ready to swear whenever German is mentioned, and I cannot keep up the pretense of going on with it any longer. He has promised that he will do his very best with everything else if I would let him stop that. I have engaged a girl to come certainly next week and perhaps on Thursday so do not worry about us. I read in the Atlantic just one passage I must quote. It is from the first article of the October number "If anything is done for the improvement of life and its conditions in this country we must being and must be prepared for a large and persistent expenditure of time of thought, and of personal effort? with the usual accompaniments of partial failure, of the incompetence of some of the agents, and of much unrecognized and unhonored toil". Let this encourage you in your toilsome work. The mills of GodPomeroy. O. Sept 24/78 My Darling: How I want you here to see one of the loveliest homes I know! V.B. Horton, born in Windsor Vt. near where your mother was, is now 76 years of age - His wife, a Boston lady is nearly as old - They settled here 50 years ago - In a short, deep, broad ravine which descends from the very high river bank - and two thirds the way up towards the summit stands their great roomy house from which on two sides descends a simply sloping wooded [*396*]lawn--stretching to the [Ohio] waters edge. The broad river, & bluff hills of Va lie in sight beyond Behind the house, the shelter of wooded hills-- a cool retreat for summer a warm nest for winter-- Here their three daughters Mrs Pope Mrs Judge Face & Mrs May (her husband a Harvard professor) and their two sons were born--and here all their children on summer pilgrimages to the birth shrine-- Mr. Horton studied law in his early manhood-- with Samuel Dana--of Conn. who was a member of Congress 24 years, beginning with Washingtons Administration-- and thus heard many an anecdote of that early period, from one who was a conspicuous character in the events of our beginning as a nation--Mr H. was three terms in Congress before the war, and is now a candidate against Gen Ewing--I hope he may be elected, for, among other reasons, I want you to know the noble old man, who is so fine an example of a patriarch and a gentleman of the old school--I had a very enthusiastic meeting at Logan yesterday-- came back to Athens and spent the night; and this morning was driven in a carriage 30 miles to this place I have just spoken, out of doors to 5000 people--and must speak to-night, at Middleport to an out-doors audience--My voice has held up unusually well. And I am in hopes of bringing it home to you, not wholly destroyed-- The day after to morrow is bright with the promise of letters from you. I have written this with the worst pen I ever encountered--All your own James-- Pomeroy. O. Sept 25, 1878. My Darling. And now I want you for another reason. Mrs. Force, wife of Judge Force of Cincinnati, who is staying with her father & mother, is full of all the new knowledge about floors. Wood--carpet, rugs, wall-paper and paint-- I only say enough now, to remind you of my wish to talk it over with you when we meet--The points to which my mind gravitate are these 1. Adopt Rugs instead of Carpets--both for beauty and economy 2. For borders lay down wood-- [399] carpets--or stain the floor. 2. The question of paint vs paper must be further discussed Mrs Force & the Horton's condemn paper on the ground that nearly all paper has arsenic as an ingredient in its color. We must look to this. 3. Remind me of a recipe which Mrs Force is to give me, about treating floors. I spoke nearly two hours at Middleport last night, to an immense audience and am nearly well in voice this morning. At 9 1/2 a.m. Mr Horton & I leave by buggy, for Porter, Gallia Co--within ten miles of the Yellow Fever--[Tomorry?] Chillecothe --your letters, & Forever & everywhere Your own James. Mentor Oct, 1st 1878 My Dear Old Darling: It is warm almost as summer again to day, and dear old Hal has been nearly sick with headache, the result of too much cider yesterday. That was probably the trouble with Abram when at Cleveland. Jim has been unusually good [*566*]and I am hoping and praying it may continue until your return. He and Hal had very good lessons to day and my new girl relieves me [of]from so much of the work that I feel rested and at ease to day. I think I shall like the new Mary ever better than Mary Powers. I pity you that you must be dragging around campaigning these beautiful warm days. The farm would give you such rest and happiness. Mr. Loomis came up this morning to talk about the house, but we both thought it of not much use to talk until you were here to help with some decisionsabout the amount of work you would do. I am getting some plans pretty well matured in my own mind, which you may think too expensive, but I think we had better not make the same mistake in regard to the house that you feel you have made in regard to the barns. If you continue in public life, I doubt whether we build a new home for a good many years, and if we do anything to this I think we had better do enough to satisfy us for some time, but we will talk the matter over on your return. I send all the letters received to day. With my heart full of love. Yours forever Crete.OFFICE OF The Austin Flagstone Co. HARMON AUSTIN, President WARREN PACKARD Secty & Treas. Warren, Ohio Oct 2 1878 My Darling. I had great meetings in Ashtabula and at Rock Creek - The Warren Committee telegraphed me that Burrows of Michigan had failed on account of sickness, and I must come to Warren & fill his appt - So I got into a wagon at Rock Creek at 3-30 yesterday and drove 29 miles, and spoke here last Evening - My voice holds up & I am quite well, but am so tired - I speak at Youngstown tonight at Hubbard Thursday night, at Bristol Friday p.m. Mineral Ridge Friday evening - at Chardon Saturday afternoon - & then comes misery, A man was sent from Cleveland to say that Townsend is in peril and a speech from me Saturday night may save him - I could not resist the appeal, & so I must cross the farm on the 6pm express & [*398*]go to Cleveland. Tell my dear sister Mary that I will be back either at midnight Saturday or on the first train Sunday morning - I want to see her very much - It is positive cruelty to me to go by in sight of you and not stop - Let me feel as I go that your love fills the road and follows me Do write me a letter at Chardon and tell me how you are - Loving you with all my soul - I am as ever your own James.Mentor Oct. 4th 1878 My Darling: Your note from Warren was not received until yesterday and I ought to have started an answer back to Chardon this morning to be sure that it would reach you. I feel almost hurt for the wrong you are doing yourself this week. Two speeches so full of labored thought each day [567]is enough to wear out iron, and then to have added on the load of a mass meeting at Cleveland on Saturday evening is enough to break you down, and I am exceeding[ly] anxious lest you do yourself permanent harm. I sent Miron last evening to Solon so that the horses should not make the double journey in one day. They have not yet returned, but we are looking for them any moment now. Mrs. Judge Hitchcock and Mrs. Seabury Ford called here this morning and said very kindly things of your work, and left for you their very kind regards. We have had a week of most delightful weather. The wheat field is finished and is beautifully green. I want you tomorrow evening to do whatever will be the easiest for you; but I hope you will feel thatto come home on the midnight train will give you a chance for more rest than you could get by staying over till morning. [If I] We will some of us be down in the lane when your train passes to catch a note from you, and will send for you at eleven if you think best to come. With tenderest love Your Own CreteOn Narrow Gauge RR Sat Eve. Oct 5/78 My darling- I rode 42 miles in a wagon yesterday, and spoke twice, Have just closed a great meeting in Chardon - You cant imagine the hardship it is for me to go past you tonight - But I must. I telegraphed to [Trum?d] that I would not speak on the public square - He answers, they have got a hall - So I shall be housed - If I can get the train to stop in Mentor. [*399*]I will come home Tonight - at eleven - If not I will wait till morning - You had better send Myron to the Depot - for I will come if I can - I ought to have said to you that my Youngstown speech was the greatest victory I have ever won in the Dist, in one evening. I sent some papers along on this package2 So that the boys may find it when I throw it from the train--Among them is a Youngstown paper. Yes, two. Rep & Democratic. Worn and weary in everything but unwearied love I am ever & all Your Own James-- [399A]Syracuse, NY Oct 26/78 My Darling, I reached Rochester at 4 p.m. Saturday and was met at the Depot by my old college friend Chas. E. Fitch who took me to his house, a delightful home - and had a large and pleasant dinner party - Among the diners was Pres. Anderson of the Rochester University - one of the brightest and ablest College Presidents in the county After dinner, they gave me a reception at the Mayor's Office, and at least a hundred people called & were inter- [*400*]diced - I was surprised at the evidences that these people were so well acquainted with my public life. and I was specially pleased at the cordial and complimentary way in which I was received by President Anderson - The audience was very large, and my speech was received with great enthusiasm. I followed nearly the old line - for I have been too much jaded with work to strike out in a new line. I think, however, that I accomplished more than I should have done by making a new speech - At the close of the speech about twenty five college boys came in the stand to be introduced - Men in college do not think themselves boys, but men - & I was strongly impressed, as I saw these young fellows, that they were yet only boys - or that I had grown old. On Sunday, I was driven over the city by Fitch & our candidate for Supreme Judge. At 2 John T. Pingreemy classmate (whom you remember at our last class reunion) and his wife dined with us - & sent kind regards to you - At 5 15 pm I took the train East and arrived here at 8 pm; was met at the depot by Hon Frank Hiscock member of the House from this Dist - and spent the night at his beautiful & luxurious home - I speak here this evening at Ithaca (the seat of Cornell University) tomorrow evening, and at Bath in Steuben Co - Wednesday evening - I shall hope to receive a letter from you here before I leave tomorrow morning - Love to all - & always your ownest own James.Mentor Oct. 27 1878 My Darling: A cold rainy Sunday keeps us all at home, and we are all scattered over the house writing, reading, and listening trying to be as comfortable as we can but there is such a great want in my heart when you are away. "The light" goes wandering fitfully around caught now and then by a little bright head but growing [*568*]faint for the great-rock on which to rest, around which to deepen and brighten and grow warm with the warmth it gives. Darling how I need you to absorb, and reflect whatever of light there is in me. Am I the halo around your great-life? Last night as I lay thinking of you and your life and breathing an inspired prayer that you should be the most perfect and grand man of all time. I closed my eyes and away in the distance appeared such a grand kingly figure enveloped in a halo of light. Involuntarily my mind said it was you. Again and again I opened and closed my eyes and each time the figure appeared only changed in this that out from the halo there slipped [out] a shining band that fell like a golden scarf over the left shoulder and down over the heart across to the right side. Today remembering your words, I said yes I will be the golden halo in which your grand life shall be set - and I will engirdle you with the light of all my love. To me the visions seems from God and my whole soul rejoices in it. Let us live to fulfill a highdestiny. Let us grow - grow better larger and brighter each year, each month, each hour. I hope you are spending a pleasant restful sunday and absorbing out of it life and health. and may the days speed successfully and bring you soon home. With the united love of all the home circle I am forever and perfectly Yours - Crete.Bath N.Y. Oct 31. 1878. My Darling. Just as I was leaving Syracuse, your letter came - All I have ever said of you as a writer was more than justified in that letter alone. It is one of the most perfect gems I have ever seen - But the setting is as nothing in comparison with the preciousness of the thought that I am the object upon all the beauty and sweetness of your spirit centers and over which it sheds the great illumination of your love - Darling, I tremble [*401*]ble in the presence of such perfect happiness as our love brings us, but the powers above us, in shear envy will break in upon us [work] and mar it - And yet I know this is a heathen fear - & I try not to entertain it - In the hurry which pushes me constantly, I can only give you a brief word of my doing since I wrote - I left Syracuse Tuesday noon, after having had a very great meeting, and went to Ithaca, where I was met at the Depot by A. D. White, President of the Cornell University - who took me to his house It is a charming house which you would have delighted to study - I occupied the room of Prof Godwin Smith and delighted myself with the fine library White has lately brought from Europe - In the evening, I went down to the hotel in the town & held a reception for half an hour - & then to the hall where I had the largest audience possible to the room - Conkling had spoken there & back before, but White told me mine was the first campaignspeech he had ever heard. Returning to White's, he and I sat in his library until an hour past midnight, Soon after breakfast, a large number of students called on me; and at half past nine, I was taken to the train, for Elmira, where I met Conkling, and some old acquaintances - and I thence, came here - arriving at three - Mr Gansevoort, (Niel Ferm's husband) met me, and took me to his house - I am ashamed to tell you, that in the evening, at the Court house, I spoke two hours-and-a-half - But some questions were asked, and I couldn't help it - At noon to-day I take the tram for N.Y. to see if I cannot get some adjustment of my mobile fee - I shall hurry, back to you as soon as possible - I hope, by Sunday night - I am fairly well but have a touch of the rumatism in my shoulder - All your own James -[*[Oct 1878]*] Blank No. 1 THE WESTERN UNION TELEGRAPH COMPANY. This Company TRANSMITS and DELIVERS messages only on conditions, limiting its liability, which have been assented to by the sender of the following message. Errors can be guarded against only by repeating a message back to the sending station for comparison, and the Company will not hold itself liable for errors or delays in transmission or delivery of Unrepeated Messages. This message is an UNREPEATED MESSAGE and is delivered by request of the sender under the conditions named above. ANSON STAGER, Vice-Pres't, WILLIAM ORTON, Pres't, } New York Chicago. A.R. BREWER, Sec'y, DATED Philadelphia Pa 27 1878 Received at 945 PM To Mrs. JA Garfield Dont be disturbed by News papers I am all right And shall reach Painesville via Erie six Sunday evening Send team J A Garfield 20 D.H. READ THE NOTICE AT THE TOP. [*402*]J. A. GarfieldBlank No. 1. THE WESTERN UNION TELEGRAPH COMPANY. This Company TRANSMITS and DELIVERS messages only on conditions, limiting its liability, which have been accounted to by the sender of the following message. Errors can be guarded against only by repeating a message back to the sending station for comparison, and the Company will not hold itself liable for errors or delays in transmission or delivery of Unrepeated Messages. This message is an UNREPEATED MESSAGE and is delivered by request of the sender under the conditions named above. ANSON STAGER, Vice-Pres't, WILLIAM ORTON, Pres't, } New York. Chicago. A.R. BREWER, Sec'y, Dated Shelby, O. Nov. 3 1878 Received at 7 P.M. To Mrs J A Garfield Mentor. O. Train bound will reach Painesville eight tomorrow morning. Send Conveyance. J A Garfield 10 Paid READ THE NOTICE AT THE TOP. [*403*] THE GRAND PACIFIC HOTEL. JNO. B. DRAKE & CO. PROPRIETORS. Chicago Dec 31 1878 My Darling. I arrived here at 6-30 this morning--and at noon had finished the address-- It is now in the hands of the printer--and while I am waiting for the proof I write you a word--I have a nice little literary charge to prefer against you--When I came to quote the fam lines from Tennyson I had mislaid the slip on which you had copied them, and so wrote them [404]out from memory--Soon afterwards, I found your copy-- I had written the third line; "Ring in the nobler modes of life." Your copy read: "Ring in the nobler forms of life." As you had written with the book before you, I did not dare to print till the difference was settled. So I sent for Tennyson and found that it read as follows: (See In Memoriam) I long to be with you to watch out the old year--But you will be happy with the dear ones--& I shall be happy as I can be away from--but thinking lovingly of you all-- I am feeling fairly well about the speech--only its delivery is the weight I am now carrying-- With all my heart--I am as ever your own James.[1878] My Darling - Since I wrote you last, I have been at work night and day on the Paint Case - I left Dr Robisons yesterday morning and came here so as to have more seclusion - + a better opportunity to work - I work all day yesterday - and last night until after midnight - This morning - 11 a.m. I am just starting for the court room - and take a moment to drop this line to you to tell you how I am - and to say again that I love you. Ever + Forever Your own James. [*379*]Mrs G — from The Boss THE Lake Shire and Michigan Southern Railway Co. Cleveland, O. March 10 1879 My Darling. I spent the night at Capt Henry's and at half past eight came down to the Doctors--I have done a little work since, and am now in James Mason's Office waiting for the 11-15 train. I shall return Tuesday evening, and go to the Atlantic Depot for you at eleven. The Dr & Mrs Robison will go out to Mentor with us on Wednesday-- It has occurred to me that we might get a large force of workmen, & make the repairs on our house during the remainder of March and April. Think of this, by the time we meet-- Full of all love I am as ever Your own James-- [408]Hiram Ohio May 6th 1879 My Darling, I find Mother very feeble - scarcely able to sit up at all - but not differing very much except from weakness. I must stay with her all I can while she lives, unless she gets very much better, and I scarcely expect that. She feels a little better these cool days, and I have little [*570*]hope that she will be able to bear the warm weather. She had a chill this morning and now has a little fever, but is very quiet. - I think of you again with our "good g[?]" and am glad that you are all together there since we can not be all gathered in our own home. I think it will be a good experience for you all to be left alone for a few weeks. You will get a new need for, and a new dependence on each other. I am sorry to be away from the other children and from the farm home: but it is surely best that I should do whatever I can to brighten another's last days. Joe is waiting to take this to the office and I will wait till another day to write a longer letter. You know how well I love you and the dear boys and I hope you will write every day some word of cheer. I will write some directions to the boys another day.All send love to you all. With sincerest love yours forever - Crete.HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, WASHINGTON, D. C. May 7, 1879. My Darling- I arrived safely, & found Jimmie at the Depot awaiting me - and soon after we reached the House breakfast was ready - Carrie & Mr Brown where there - & all the servant girls - You and I expended a good deal of unnecessary sympathy over the boys - for they have had a full house and a jolly time - Even Jim admitting that he hasn't been lonesome at all - They are full of [*409*]Enthusiasm over their day at the Lauders - and they appear to have been doing well with their studies - I found over a hundred letters, and a great paper mail awaiting me - and the usual rush of visitors Swain came in the afternoon, & will be with us a few days - I went to bed at midnight, and the lonesomeness of the room, & the loss of you would not let me sleep - and so I came to the library and spent about two hours in reading up my mail I have, thus far, failed to find your account books. and I am the more embarrassed by the fact that Mary McGrath differs from you in her memory of the account - She says your settlement with here was April 1st 1878, and that you told her that you then owed her $225 - I will make further search, & hope to find your book - I have paid Ella in full - and paid Mary McGrath $10 - which is all she wants just now. She seems wholly undecided what to do, and asks me to see if I can get her a place in the Treasury - Daniel had spent more thanhis ten dollars - & Hal had spent $3 of his $5 - Write me on all the things I need to know, about house affairs. The carpets are up. Shall I send them to you - You can have no idea of the desolation I feel here without you - I should have written you yesterday; but the day was over full of work, & I wanted to know more about the girls accounts I sorrow with your trouble over Mother's condition. Give her my sympathy & love and my kind regards to all the family. Dont fail to have a plain talk with Burke - and above all to write to me very very often - The boys send love & kisses - Ever and All your own James.HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES WASHINGTON, D.C. May 8, 1879 My Darling, I stop at this point to explain a row which has just occurred between the major and myself - I began this letter before breakfast, and had gone as far as the blue ink goes when we were called to breakfast. On my return, to the Library, after a few minutes of other work, I undertook to find the sheet and it was gone - After some search it was found on the cap of the bookcase where Swain had deposited it claiming that it was [*410*]a letter he had begun to Jennie - The boys are doing quite well in their studies, and are cheerful and happy - and I think will continue so while the novelty of keeping bachelor's hotel lasts - they enjoy it much better than I do - And I am glad to see the Enthusiasm and vigor with which they Enjoy life - The mail has now come and brings your good letter of the 6th - I am sorry to hear that mother is so low - but it is consoling to know that she is not suffering much pain - I beg you to be careful of your own health - Remember how many hearts and hopes centre upon you, and that nothing can affect your health that will not smite us all with a deeper wound than even you will suffer. How strange is the doctrine of vicarious suffering! We suffer in you and for you, and hence you owe it to us all to be most careful of yourself - Tell me that you will - Mary McGrath is still here, uncertain what to do - We had the grass cut yesterday, and sowed some grass seed on it - We have received letters from Irvin & Abram, very nicely written. They are happy & have resumed their lessons - At the table this morning, Harry got off some of his philosophy about absent friends. He said, "Papa is always talking about mamma"and asking us not to whistle "in the House, no do anything "she would not like. Now Major, "dont you think we ought to have "a good time keeping bachelors "hall, and not all the time "talking as though Mamma were "here, & making ourselves feel "bad about it - Of course we "want her here; but as she "is not ,we ought not to be "pretending she is." How is this for philosophy? - Shall I send all three of the carpets to Mentor? Give me your orders about all things connected with the House - I am going with the boys on Saturday to get new clothes. Hal wrote you about Mrs Briggs. What an escape you have had! I shall look for a letter from you every morning With all love-we are all your own & I am forever Yours, JamesHiram Ohio May 8th 1879 My Darling- I don't know what Grandma thinks of her daughter. Yesterday she lay looking at me very seriously for a long time. I wondered what she was thinking about but she said nothing, and I did not ask. This morning Martha told me something which may explain it. She [*571*] Tell Carrie that the last I saw of Pling's letters they were on my bureau. I have seen Burke only for a moment, and Phebe not at all. I get letters from Mentor every day. They are getting on nicely. Mr. Tyler and his sister write that they will be very glad to take our house for the summer. I think they had better have it. With all my heart of love for the dear boys and the wholest whole for you. Ever yours Crete.said Mother broke out one day in this lamentation. "It is too bad that James has been defeated for Senator. He has worked so hard for it, and Crete is all mixed up in it." I don't know but she thinks I have grown to be a troublesome intriguing woman. Or is her mind wandering in prophecy? I confess it worries me a little. [*or*] Are you to be hurt by me through the past? I hope not. Or perhaps it is only the wandering of a distem- pered imagination. Yesterday she asked Joe if Gen. Grant had gotten the nomination for the Presidency. Her condition is very singular. She is perfectly conscious - knows everyone who comes in to see her perfectly well - and remembers whatever we can get her to understand, but every now and then asks those strange questions, or makes remarks like the one above about me. She does not seem to suffer any pain and lies quiet nearly all thetime. She has wasted almost to a skeleton, although she eats as much as anyone in good health. - I have received two letters from Jimmy sent over from Mentor. I hope his sprained ankle may not prove troublesome. It was very funny that Miss Ware should have been able to tell him so much of his history. Ask him if he does not think there must be something in the lines of the hand which does tell the story of life. Tell Hal that I conclude his surgical duties must be heavy since he does not find time to write too. Leonard Gridley has sent to [Marindee?] their little boy!! When will wonders cease! I have not seen her yet; but I think she must feel as though she had died and gone to Heaven. I am hoping to get a letter from you to day. I think of you and the boys as having a good time, and wish I could be with you.HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES WASHINGTON, D.C. May 9th, 1879 My Darling, For a wonder, I am up at half past seven, and begin this sheet as my first offering of the morning. Yesterday passed without special incident in the House. In the evening I dined at Mrs. Johnson's where you and I were invited and I went for us both. The Party consisted of Sec'y Evarts and his daughter Minnie. Secy Schurz & his daughter, and a "Miss Charlier of N.Y. who is visiting at Schurz's Baron Schlozen (The German Minister) Mr [Threva?] the Austrian Charge d'Affairs and myself - It was a very elegant dinner [*411*]but I left them at nine, and came home to the boys - Swain left at ten for N.Y. where it is expected that the Hazens Stanley Court will be reopened in order to do fuller justice to the case - I went to Col Irish at the masonry yesterday and made arrangements which will result, I think, in getting a place for Mary McGrath in the Printing Bureau - I am glad to tell you also, that a heavy cloud is lifted from my Washington life by a letter which came last night from the Asst Secy of the Treasury informing me that he had appointed Em Reed as a copyist on the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency at $900 a year - The sun will shine more brightly and the air breathe more gently for me hence forth, when I know that the insistent, persistent, soliciliations of the last year and a half are to cease. [Here breakfast intervened] Jim has gone to the Treasury to introduce Mary to Mr Irish - and Hal has just taken the opportunity of his absence to tell me that Marini has sent him (Hal) an invitation to go down and practice for the May ball - Hal Loquitur "Now "I don't know whether Mr. M. left Jim "out on purpose or not. I don't want "to make Jim feel bad by going without "him - I guess I'll go down there & "hint around till I find whether he "meant Jim too - I'm kind afraid "he didn't, or he only wants "the best dancers - But Jim "does pretty well, & I'll try to "get him in - I don't know "whether we're expected to take "ladies. I must find out, & if "we are I'll go right off and "ask Mary Wilson before any"one else gets her" This is almost a literal transcript of the boys talk--which you will so well understand--as the soul of kindness and frankness-- [Here intervened the reading of the mail] A letter came from Martha, Mattie, Irvin & Abe--All were well, & studies going on well--But no letter from you--I shall still hope to hear from you by the noon mail at the Capitol. Em has come & got her letter, and Mary has returned from the Treasury with her appointment-- She begins work tomorrow-- What do you say to letting her stay here and take care of the house? Write me fully about it. I don't find your old account book-- The dear boys join me in love to the dear head of our house Ever & always your own JamesWashington. May 10/79 My Own Darling. Two of the 8th came this morning - Don't fear that your mothers fears about the senatorship will ever be realized by any fault of yours - No evil has ever happened to me on your account Only blessings have come to me from that source - Mrs. [Clemmer?] told Judge Wait she would have attacked me long ago but for her regard for you. By the way, I think the fangs are drawn from that case - I will tell you more when I need. I sent you a letter which [*412*]2 may have a little antiquarian interest - It is from Corydon Fullers sister - The boys are well and in excellent spirits. I took them to [Saak.?] this morning, and got Jim a gray suit for $12 and Hal a pair of pants for $6-- Each boy making his own selection - The new glass has been put into the front door & is much better than the other. I have sent eight chairs off to be new-bottomed - What say you? - Shall we let Tyler & his sister in, or let Mary McGrath stay here alone? Perhaps all three can stay. I will see - Hal went to Mavinis to practice for the3 May ball, and I took Jim with me to see the base ball - We have just returned - and while waiting for Hal, Jim is bathing and will try on his new suit - The boys are going with me to the society at Miss Ransoms - at eight, for I did not want them to stay alone, - I spent an hour with the President today, on the veto for the new bill which the Democrats have passed, restricting the use of the army - [*412A*]4- I think I have never had so much intellectual and personal influence over him as now-- He is fully in line with his party, & I think even Burke will soon see the significance of the contest-- You would be tenderly proud of your dear boys, (Even more than ever) if if you could see how they behave towards me and how manfully affectionate they are in every reference to you-- I hope mother will so improve that you can go to the little ones soon-- As Ever & Forever Your own James. Hiram, Ohio May 10th, 1879 My Darling - I have just received yours of the 8th inst. Each morning brings me two letters one from Washington and one from Mentor to remind me of my two homes and all the love they hold for me. I dont know of any woman in all the world who has so much to make life a joy. [*572*] [*home. I will not give any directions to the boys about things to be brought home until it is time for them to start. Then they will have no chances to forget. Again with all my heart's love yours forever. Crete.*]and may the good Father help one to know and appreciate to the utmost the many blessings I have in you-- my precious good husband and in the dear good children. Hal is quite right; Since you are bachelors, help the boys to enjoy the freedom from the restraints of woman's society like gentleman. It will make them appreciate mamma more when they come home, if they can for a while forget her reprovings, and have a jolly good time. I want my boys to be gentlemen wherever they are, but I know there is nothing a man enjoys more than a house "topsey turvey" and perfect freedom to yell and whistle. At least a man before he is in love! and I am not sure that you and the Major do not like it just as well as the boys.--I intended to have the three carpets sent home and unless you see some reason not to do soyou may send them all. Do I think I will change the order. Grandma's carpet is already down at the farm, so you need send only two - the one from Grandma's room and from ours. Leave the other there! but be sure to have the piece like our farm diningroom carpet put in. Mary McGrath knows what I mean. I wrote to Jinny yesterday about the settlement with her. Mother seems a little stronger to day. I half believe she will get up again notwithstanding all our expectations. She has commenced to take a half pint of new milk twice a day, and it may be it will do her good. My best love to you all including the Major What is Congress doing? I have not seen a daily since I cameP.S. Just as I was folding this letter [Erry?] brought in your three good letters of Monday. My heart full of thanks for them all. I will answer them in a day or two. Don' t think I can ever tire of your letters. The Star came also with the [?] message. I shall read it with [*575*]great interest remembering when and where I read the first. The box you sent a few days ago came opened and empty. I hope somebody will have fewer aches. My foot does not trouble me so do not send another. Bring one or two when you come home. Always & forever, Your Crete.House of Representatives, Washington, D.C., May 11 .1879. Sunday Evening - My Darling, Your three "countryman and lovers" have passed a quiet day at home, except that the High Churchman adhered to the faith as usual - Miss Ransom, & Lts Hurber and Wilson dined with us, & a few friends called later in the day - I have been out of the House, except to go down to the Tribune Office for half an hour, to give White my reasons for opposing the new [*413*]2 Democratic Army bill - which I think I mentioned in my last evening's letter is to be vetoed. I was anxious to get to the country early, on grounds of opposition - Hill of Georgia made a very long and very violent speech yesterday - even more so than that of Blackburn in the House. There is a world of ugly passion in the Democratic heart at this time; and I dont quite see how it is to be disposed of - The acrimony in the Senate surpasses any thing we have ever 3 House of Representatives Washington, D.C. seen in our recent history. I wish Burke could listen to the debate a few days - The boys went with me to Miss Ransom's studio last evening. There was a larger company than at any previous meeting. Mrs Long read a paper on Chaucer - and I followed in a fifteen minute speech - Several others spoke - Among them Shellabarger and Riddle - At breakfast this morning the boys gave me a pretty [*413A*]4 fair sketch of Chaucer, but the Criticised Mrs Longs Elocution and treatment of the subject with a good deal of force & sense - Really I think I am the least philosophical of the three - for I have needed all my resources to keep me for very homesickness for you today - I am sure you do not know how differently every thing in and around the house looks when you are away - The week fills me with work but the Sunday with longing - Ever & Aye Your Own James - P.S. I have written a separate letter to Martha & each child at Mentor today - I send theirs last J.A.G.JAG [*[1879]*] Washington. May 12/ Monday Evening - My Darling. I am almost afraid I shall tire you with letters; bu I can't refrain from thanking you, when one of your good letters come - Yours of Saturda to Jim & to me came this morning - a few minutes after breakfast. Swain returned from New York this morning, and will be with us until tomorrow - evening, when he goes home to Leavenworth - I note what you say about Mary McGrath's account, and will govern [*414*]myself accordingly--I will send the carpets according to order. We have had a great day in the House-- The Democrats carved a majority for a law imposing an income tax.--That is reviving a great war tax which has never been imposed in time of peace--Then came the veto of the new army bill; a much more powerful paper than the first veto--and on the heels of that came a proposition by a republican to pass the army appropriation bill without the "rider"--on which we forced a vote--and it failed only by eight votes of having a majority. The significance of this is that the Democrats have been saying that they had all voted for the appropriationsand we had voted against them. Now we have all voted for the appropriations pure & simple--and they have voted "no"--There is vast anger in Democratic hearts tonight--Your three lovers are sending to you [???] while waiting for Dinner-- Swain is the at the Base Ball with Rockwell--and we shall not wait for him. We expect every moment to hear the voice of the Sable prophet summoning us to [Di???] but before we go, we [???] make up our [?d??] of love the dearest woman in all this world--At eight o'clock, we three, & Swain go to hear Pinafore again, so you may expect a renewal of the several airs that keep the house in[*1879 My 12*] an uproar before you left. At this point the two boys have handed over their letters--and the prophetic summons has come--So, in obedience to your well known wish that no one shall keep the dinner waiting--or allow it to "get cold", I close this note and go down with the young lads to our bachelor [???sh]--Loving you [with?] all my heart, I am as Ever, & forever Your own James [*[414] A A 414A*]Hiram Ohio May 13th 79 My Darling- Your precious letters of the 9th & 10th were both received yesterday but it was washing-day and we were all too busy to give me any time to do more in an epistolary way than to send off two postal cards to Joe and Nellie. The weather is very warm now and Mother suffers very much with the heat but I cannot see that she is any weaker; On the contrary she sits up more than when it was cooler, and yesterday Louis lifted her into [*574*] determined to make all his prophecies of the last few years in regard to the ruin of the Republican party come true, and I think he is provoked that you are trying to prevent them. Darling this is a long loveless letter but you know my heart yearns over you in every sentence. With love to the dear boys and all friends I am forever yours. Crete.the buggy and he and Ernie drew her around the yard for ten or fifteen minutes. Her condition puzzles me all the while. If she keeps the same I shall go home at the end of this week to stay two or three days, but must come back again. It was very fortunate we decided to have Miss Mays stay with us this summer--else it would have been impossible for me to have stayed here where I am so much needed just now. I do rejoice with you that Em has a place again, and with Em too for she was really in a distressed condition. I hope now she will make it a point to get her debts all paid so that she may be able to give up Treasury work even if she should not lose her place. I think Mary McGrath will wish she had come to the farm before the Summer is over. To be shut up in that Printing Bureau eight hours a day would be as much worse than farm work as I can imagine anything to be. But maybe she will like it. She can stay in the house just as well, even if the Tylers do go in, and I should think she would prefer to have some one with her. Don't forget to have Daniel cover the pictures and chandeliers with netting. It ought to be done very soon. And the carpets must be taken uptwo or three days, but must come back again. It was very fortunate we decided to have Miss Mays stay with us this summer--else it would have been impossible for me to have stayed here where I am so much needed just now. I do rejoice with you that Em has a place again, and with Em too for she was really in a distressed condition. I hope now she will make it a point to get her debts all paid so that she may be able to give up Treasury work even if she should not lose her place. I think Mary McGrath will wish she had come to the farm before the Summer is over. To be shut up in that Printing Bureau eight hours a day would be as much worse than farm work as I can imagine anything to be. But maybe she will like it. She can stay in the house just as well, even if the Tylers do go in, and I should think she would prefer to have some one with her. Don't forget to have Daniel cover the pictures and chandeliers with netting. It ought to be done very soon. And the carpets must be taken up before anyone comes in. Have you any hope that you will get away by the first of June? I do hope so. I don't want you to stay after the boys come away, to furnish food for malice.We only get a weekly Leader, so I keep no run of your work. I have talked with Burke a little twice, and told him you were very greatly surprised that he should have so misapprehended [interpreted] [this] the point [from] you [was] were making in your first speech, and that you felt [that] he had not at all understood the state of feeling in Congress. He replied that he could discover no such feeling through the country and it looked to him very much like a tempest in a teapot. I tried to make him understand that when the whole country would be affected by the legislation of Congress - a tempest there could scarcely be called in a teapot. After he went away Father put it better yet. He said a tempest in a teapot should not be ignored when all the country had to drink the tea. Burke seems determined to make all his prophecies of the last few years in regard to the ruin of the Republican party come true, and I think he is provoked that you are trying to prevent them. Darling this is a long loveless letter but you know my heart yearns over you in every sentence With love to the dear boys and all friends I am forever yours. Crete. Hiram Ohio May 18th [*79*] Your precious letters of the 9th & 10th were both received yesterday but it was washing day and we were all too busy to give me any time to do more in an epistolary way than to send off two postal cards to Joe and Nellie. The weatherchance for dividends is too unpromising. My love to dear old Hal and Jim, and for yourself the perfectest of all love that which embraces all others. Ever yours. Crete. Hiram, Ohio May 14th 1879 My Darling- Yours of Sunday with all the inclosures, came last evening. Some of your letters come at noon and some in the evening. These come like a benediction. After all the care of the busy day is over the children and Mother quietly asleep for the night, it is such a sweet rest to sit down with an unopened letter in my hand with the most perfect assurance that whatever else it may contain there will be a great wave of love to fall over me and envelope me in its grand life giving [*573*]power. Next to your own coming is the arrival of a letter from you and next to nestling nearest your heart is the delight it gives me to write to you. Mother continues just the same for aught I can see. She is sitting up now on the east porch and seems very comfortable. The weather is very warm and dry and Mother's chief suffering is from the heat. I had a letter yesterday from your Mother. I had written asking her if she would not like to come to Hiram before going to Mentor. But she writes not. That the warm weather so overcomes her that she only wants to get home. I intend now to go home on Saturday and will write to her to meet me at the depot at Solon; and go with me. When I see Burke again I will read him what you have written about the present contest. I think he is a little - or perhaps a good - anxious to hear from you. I hope you will comb him down thoroughly. It compensates largely for my absence from you that you and the boys are getting into so much more intimate relations. They will never forget these days with you, and I believe they will lay the foundation for future companionship between you which will be broader than you might have ever otherwise gained. Draw them out in every way thataught I can see. She is sitting up now on the east porch and seems very comfortable. The weather is very warm and dry and Mother's chief suffering is from the heat. I had a letter yesterday from your Mother. I had written asking her if she would not like to come to Hiram before going to Mentor. But she writes not. That the warm weather so overcomes her that she only wants to get home. I intend now to go home on Saturday and will write to her to meet me at the depot at Solon; and go with me. When I see Burke again I will read him what you have written about the present contest. I think he is a little--or perhaps a good--anxious to hear from you. I hope you will comb him down thoroughly. It compensates largely for my absence from you that you and the boys are getting into so much more intimate relations. They will never forget these days with you, and I believe they will lay the foundation for future companionship between you which will be broader than you might have ever otherwise gained. Draw them out in every way that the opportunity gives and get into their minds and hearts, and then put as much of your own mental and spiritual life into theirs as you can. I want them to realize to the fullest the kind of man they have for a fatherand be inspired to emulate you in every way. Tell Jimmy that he must find out whether there is one or two t's in the past participle of write, and that Ernest is spelled without an A. All the other words in his letter were spelled right--would you say rightly? On Sunday neither the chairs nor paper had arrived at Mentor. I sent a note to Herendon and hope they will not be delayed longer. They write from the Mentor home that every thing is going on nicely. Irv. says however that he met with a misfortune on Sunday. His hat which had just been bought the day before had tumbled into the privy vault. Last summer he lost a coat there. I hope he will not continue to make deposits in like manner. The chance for dividends is too unpromising. My love to dear old Hal and Jim, and for yourself the perfectest of all love & that which embraces all others. Ever Yours Crete. Hiram Ohio May 14th 1879 My Darling- Yours of Sunday with all the inclosures came last evening. Some of your letters came at noon and some in the evening. These come like a benediction. After all the care of the busy day is over-- the children and Mother quietly asleep for the night, it is such HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, WASHINGTON, D.C., May 15, 1879. My Darling- Hal has just finished his letter, & has gone to bed. Except a few faults of punctuation, the mechanical parts of it are good-- [what] but what challenges my special admiration, and I am sure will delight you, is the [noble] manly frankness, and sterling good sense displayed in it. I don't remember to have seen any boy develop more rapidly than Hal has during the last year - He worked his Greek out last evening while Rock- [*415*]well, Swain & I were in the same room amusing ourselves socially--& he worked with more power of concentration than I have seen him before. Jim had a slight hint of sick head ache this after-noon, but by fasting at dinner time he is [???] it now--Just after I had enclosed my letter to you this morning, Yours of the 13th came and gave us much joy to hear from you again. I hope you will go out to Mentor at the end of this week, even if you return to Hiram again soon. While they seem to be getting on well at home, I can see, from their letter that they feel the increasing weight of your absence. You are needed and longed for at all the angles of the triangle, most of all, at the place where we cannot expect you to come--I am greatly delighted with your father's brilliant answer to Burke's tea-pot. I wonder if Burke never thinks that his long articles in The Standard disputing with Burns of Chagrin Falls about the Eunuch has a somewhat teapotish look and is not a muchlonger topic that the support of the government of 45,000,000 people? I will write him in a few days--perhaps on Sunday next--I paid a debt of $2.00 for Miss Mays, which please note--I sent off nine chairs to be rebottomed, & part of them are done--all in good shape--We are spending our time in the House on the vast brainless & dangerous silver bill yet proposed--& it is likely to pass--& be vetoed-- since the last veto, the Democrats have made no move on the subject of the [???] bill--I only started to say a word about our good Hal but I never know how to stop when I write to you Ever & always Your JamesWashington. May 15/79 My Darling: A whole day has passed without a letter to you; but as I have rec'd none from you in the same time, I shield myself behind your example - but your very thoughtful letter to Hal came to bless us all - Swain has been quite ill again. Threatened with a return of his throat trouble, and Dr Baxter has is attending him. He is getting better, and I hope [*416*]it will not drift into diptheria; but his throat is always liable to cause him trouble--I was made anxious about half day--before yesterday, when he told me that he feared that his breach was bad again - and that it had been so since last fall--He said the intestines seemed to be down in the scrotum. I sent for Dr. Baxter & had him Examined. He says it is not Hernia, but Varicocel--that is varicose veins in the scrotum and the spermatic cord caused possibly by the truss--It is less serious than a breach, but may give him trouble. The Dr ordered a suspensory bandage--which I got for him yesterday & he is now wearing it. This disease is so common among cavalry soldiers, that the army surgeons keep a supply of bandages on hand. He must be careful about yesterday, when he told me that he feared that his breach was bad again - and that it had been so since last fall - He said the intestines seemed to be down in the scrotum. I sent for Dr. Baxter & had him Examined. He says it is not Hernia, but Variocele - that is varicose veins in the scrotum and the spermatic cord caused possibly by the truss - It is less serious than a breach, but may give him trouble. Then Dr ordered a suspensory bandage - which I got for him yesterday & he is now wearing it. This disease is so common among cavalry soldiers that the Army Surgeons keep a supply of bandages on hand. Hal must be careful about over stressing, or riding on horseback. I received a note yesterday from Mrs. Tucker, (to whom I had written sending your regards & mine) in which she says the operation on her husbands eye has been a perfect success &You know the Doctors took out the crystalline lens which had become opaque - At the end of a week after the operation, they removed the bandages, & found the eye doing well, & the sight was unimpaired by the surgery - they are still in Baltimore- I wish you would write them a letter of congratulation, & enclose it to me - The boys are working hard - and doing well. The Democrats are staggered by the last veto and have not yet determined upon their next move- I have yet no dreams of prophesying as to the End of the session - The weather is getting very warm we all send love & kisses, Ever your own James.Washington, May 17/79 My Darling Since I wrote you last, your good letter of the 14th came - Assuming that you are now in Mentor, I send this there. I have just returned from the House, after a long, hot, turbulent session on the silver bill. The weather is beginning to tell on us & I wish I could see any sign that it would [fry??] us out; but I do not. For nearly a week, the Democrats have been wholly at sea - They give no signs yet of having recovered from the last veto - Thurman made a long speech yesterday, in which he tried to [*417*]bolster up their courage; but he met with with indifferent success - Hal has gone to Marini's, Jim to Edgemoor to spend the night - Swain is at the base ball math, & I am in the wide lone house with the memories & love of its mistress & queen - I wonder, every day, how I get on without you - Work is the only solace when the boys are away - The dear fellows are good companions; & you are right in your philosophy about our bachelor hood - I hope you will stay at Mentor as long as you can before returning to Hiram - Write me fully about your affairs - All & always Your own James Mrs J. A. Garfield. Please tell me if the marketing is too large.Mentor Ohio May 18th 79 My Darling: I was able to come home yesterday, and it is a great delight to be here again. I left Mother in about the same condition. I suppose she must be gradually failing but it is so slowly that it is scarcely perceptible. I must go back to Hiram tomorrow, and if Mother lives - stay until Nellie comes. The farm and garden are looking well in spite of the dry weather. And everything is going on [*576*] All the family join in this same love and Grandma says she will write this week.tolerably well. A few complaints have been lodged - Jerry and Miss Mays are indignant that Josie was taken into the field to work, and especially that Green was so sharp with her that he scared her. To day on his way from church Dr. Robison called me aside to say to me that Telegraph Operator Green told him at church today that Jerry was driving Josie around nights up and down the street - whipping and driving her in such a manner that some of the people talked of arresting him, and3 they wanted you informed. The Doctor and I agreed that it would be best for [?te] to take him in hand; for he works well about the house and garden, and we thought he would probably do better if he did not know that we about the house knew of his behavior. [?te] is to see that he never takes Josie out except by our order. It is evident Josie has not been treated properly. She does not seem nearly so gentle as she was last summer, and I am both hurt and angry over it. When shall we ever find [*577*]4 anyone to trust. So much for the farm; but I am much more hurt--no angry--over a thing Anna Boynton told me yesterday. A Mrs. Keeler-- I think that is the name--a woman's Right woman told a friend of Anna's--that when Mrs. Spencer was in [Washington] Cleveland she told her that General Garfield was a very licentious man, and gave as evidence that on one occasion you went to New York in company with a notorious woman telling me that you were going on business--that5 on your arrival there some friend of mine saw you with this woman and telegraphed to me and that I went on and confronted you. This has come so straight that there is no doubt about it. I don't know whether to write to Mrs. Spencer or wait until I see her.--but whatever I do she shall know the opinion in which I hold her, or at least the opinion in which I hold her doings. Darling we will put our trust in each other and God, and hold our lives so true and so pure that [*578*]6 that our own hearts shall approve, and then wherever our feet may be led our heads shall always be in the sunlight. Is there any hope that you can soon come home? The papers yesterday were foretelling a closing up of the session in the course of two or three weeks. But I am afraid they don't know. It has been three days now that I have had no letter from you, but I have not written therefore cannot complain. I hope this silence will soon close up with a grand [triette?]. The piano has arrived I don't like its tone very well, but perhaps it may improve. With love in which Grandma who came with me joins I am as ever your own Crete. P.S. Doctor Robison says ask the General if he does not think it would be well to take up the business of dog raising, "Veto" if that is what you call him - I don't like the name though is a pretty little cub, but an intolerable nuisance. We must have him shut up, or we must go without garden yard or anything else that he can destroy. This morning I shut him up in the Legburn's yard and we will keep him there until Andrew can make a kennel and fence off a yard for him. Tip is woefully jealous, but does [*519*]not hurt the baby--only growls at him. The sheep have been sheared three hens are sitting-- "Revolution" is a fine animal, and Kitty shows serious symptoms. I think I have exhausted all the news, and will say my adieus again. Your Crete.HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, WASHINGTON, D.C., May 20, 1879. My Darling, We were nearly famished for want of letters from home, until yours from Mentor, came to me at the Capitol today - although we have been generously dealt with both by you and by the family at Mentor - Still we had no letters for five days, & that was so unusual, that we felt it all the more - I am sorry you could not have staid with the children - and I hope Nellie will soon come to Hiram to relieve you - You have said nothing to me about the state of your health; & [*418*] There are no definite signs yet of the session coming to an end but the break in the Democratic rank may come any day--J.A.G.I am constantly anxious lest you overwork yourself, which is very perilous at your time of life. Please tell me specially your situation, and condition of health, and I beg you to be very careful of your health which is so precious in our sight. I am sorry to annoy you with another dog; but you can be protected from his ravages by having him kennelled, and it will be better for him also. I will write Northcott, to discharge Jerry, or any one else, who uses Josie without orders - Men seem to think they can impose upon me in my absence as much as the social scavengers do here - What you hear of Mrs Spencer is simply infamous - and if she said it, she ought never again to be recognized by us - I am in doubt whether I will call on her, and state the case as you have written it, or suggest that you write - Only think of it. She has been here twice to see me in reference to getting a committee, and when she came, day before yesterday, she talked of her family affairs as if Iwere one of her most intimate and trusted friends - Indeed she said things of her family, which I am quite sure you would never speak of to any man but me - If she said what Miss Keller reports she must have known she was making a lie out of whole cloth - I am quite sure I never went to New York with any woman but you - and the part of the story which refers to you is of course Equally without foundation - It really seems as though the spirits of Evil had combined to assail me - With the single exception of Mary Clemmer's article none of them have ever ventured to carry the warfare beyond their own vicious circle - Perhaps it was not5 discreet, but Carrie called here this evening, and I told her the substance of what you wrote on that subject - She says several persons have told her that Mrs. Spencer is untruthful to the last degree - But Carrie says she has frequently heard her speak in my praise, & had never heard anything of this story. I charged her to say nothing about it. She thinks you had better write to Mrs. S. directly and that you can put the case better than you could in conversation - Do what you think best, but let me know your conclusion. If you want me to do so I will write to her, or see her - Carrie says there is a Miss Keller who is or [*418A*]6 was a teacher in the Cleveland schools - It appears to me, that Mrs. S. who knows the love that reigns in our home, is [made] enraged at the spectacle, & would be glad to destroy it, as a point of her scheme of alternating all husbands & wives - The doctrine she holds is a demon that would ruin every home if it could - When we meet I will tell you some of her talk when she was here last. If you conclude to write her, suppose you send me a draft of the letter that I may return it to you with any suggestions that may occur to me before you send it - It is midnight, & I write this while waiting for Hal to return from the May ball - Jim has worked at his lessons faithfully, until ten minutes ago when he went to bed - With a love that I do not belie the power of hate can shake, I am more than Ever Your own James.Hiram Ohio May 20th '79 My Darling - Yesterday morning I received yours and Jimmy's of the 17th inst. and on my return here two from you and one from Hal which came after I left on Saturday. My letter from the farm will give you all the home news. Here I find them just as I left them, except Mother, who has failed in mind very much. Otherwise I cannot see that she is much changed. I really cannot hope for her to live on in this condition and I don't think we ought to desire it. Tell the boys I am so much pleased with the manly way they are going on with their studies and with the good letters they write. Tell Hal that my [*580*]anxiety lest he would never be a thorough scholar is growing very much less, and will soon disappear if he continues his faithful work, and I am delighted with his frankness in telling me all about his social affairs. I would not like to have him be silly-as he expresses a fear that I may think he is but it would be much more silly to be afraid to tell his Father and Mother what he thinks and how he behaves. Jim thinks he will stay with you and if you are not obliged to stay too long I hope he will. I think your market bills are pretty large; still you have had a good deal of company and it is the season now of fresh fruits and vegetables, which will cost more until they become more abundant. I do not think the purchase of meat is too large. I hope you have written or will write a good vigorous letter to Burke. He needs taking down as much any man of his sense ever needed it. I am going to read to him some passages of [his] your letters if I can get hold of him long enough. I am as determined to make him ashamed of himself as your Republicans are to make the Democrats back down but I am not sure that he is not made of somewhat the same stuff. I am distressed at what you write me in regard to Hal's condition. I am sorry he did not report on his condition sooner. He ought to have told us immediately. It is a pity that promising to be such a finely developed man he should have a trouble of that kind to contend with. I saw in the last evening Herald that the little daughter of Virgil Kline had died. I shall write to him and I hope you will also. I will enclose a letter as you request to Mrs. Tucker. What a joy it must be to them that operation has proven so successful. Give my love to Carrie and any friends you may see. By the way - no I won't say it! but leave you to puzzle over what it may be. All the friends join in love to you all. Kiss the dear old boys for their Mamma. I am getting lonesome for Papa and the boys, and it seems to me I cannot wait many weeks longer to see you all again. With my heart full of love Yours own forever Crete. P.S. I think my note to Mrs Tucker is very stupid and you need not hesitate to leave it out if you are ashamed of it. Crete.House of Representatives, WASHINGTON, D.C., May 23 1879. My Darling. Your dear letter of the 20th came yesterday, and renewed the sense of being fed with the daily bread of your love. The boys are glad and happy over your recognition of their work and conduct -- I send you, by this mail, (or rather Mr Brown does) a copy of the letter I wrote to Burke in answer to his -- I toned it down some from the first rough draft, for I have a weakness for him that makes it nearly impossible for me to hit him as I would [*419*] other people -- Please Keep the letter, for I wish to preserve it -- Please also tell me what you think of its points. Possibly, Burke may read you the original, and I think you had better not say anything to him about having a copy -- I am curious to know what he will say -- I hope Nellie will come soon, for I feel constant anxiety about your health. Dont fail to write me specially in reply to my last inquiries -- Dont be troubled about Hal -- He is thoughtful and I trust will be careful to avoid violent exertion -- If so he is likely to recover fully -- Your letter to Mrs Tucker is good & sweet -- I will forward it to day -- Please tell me what your "By the way" -- was to be followed by -- & dont leave me to puzzle over it -- Carrie has had a $500 order from Dorsey to paint a copy of her bay of Baial -- double size, and is greatly delighted over it. I intended to take the boys with me to the Hampton School commencement -- but the fight in the House has Kept me there constantly. I now begin to fear I [shall] can not get away to the Cincinnati Convention next week, I want to go for Foster’s sake as well as for my own. I would like to take this occasion to give Halstead’s Comm a[n] silent answer to some of his flings against me. But unless there is some let up In the House, our friends seem un willing to let me go. The doctors have told Gen Schenck that he cannot get well — and the end of his sickness is only a question of time. It is very sad — I must go & see him Mr. Montague leaves the city on the 29th inst — and of cours closes his lessons to the boys. If I find any hope of an early close of the sessions, I will keep them, & hear their lessons myself. I send you a letter which the mail has just brought from your two Saxon sons at Mentor. Martha did not write. The boys join me in sympathy & love to all the dear household — and in [?] now for mothers condition Loving you with all my power to love & think, I am all your own James. P.S. Rockwell is so pleased with the boy’s letters that I have let him take it home. You shall have it tomorrow — JAGHiram Ohio May 23d, 1879 My Darling I received last night yours in answer to the one I wrote from the farm. It was the first I had had since Monday and I was getting very hungry for words from you. Do you now intend to come to Ohio for the Cincinnati Convention on the 28th? If so will the boys come home? Let me know so that I may meet you in Cleveland and go out home for a night. Mother seems a little stronger for the last day or two and a little more like herself in mind, although she is very flighty, and says very queer things. I believe if she were dying she would say something to make us all laugh. Last night I went in to see her before going to bedI suppose she thought I was Addie, and she looked up upon my face and said, "Are you going to marry Schadel?" - a young man who comes to see Addie sometimes - I answered whom do you think I am, but she said "well are you going to marry anybody"? I said I am married, and she replied "O I am so glad when were you married"? I answered - twenty years ago - She looked up surprised and asked "whom did you marry"? I said why mother don't you know! James Garfield. O yes she said! Well you have had a pretty stormy time of it. I answered, no. I have had a very good time. Well yes she said, "He shall have some successh when he comes". This is a specimen of the way she wanders around in her mind. I do not see now why she may not live on through the summer, and I hope as her strength comes back she may grow more natural, Though I fear she is very much broken. Tell the boys they must not wait for me to answer all their letters. When I write to you they get all the news, and my praise for the dear good boys they are. and I want them to write me frequently about all their doings. I want to hear Hal's report of the May ball, and Jim's of whatever he is interested in. I had a letter from Mentor last night too. They are all well and getting on beautifully. They say Grandma seems very happy and contented, and it is a pleasure to them that she is there. When we are all together in our dear home again? A home so hedged about with your careful protection and so fed and glorified with your great love! Darling it is so wicked that anyone should dare to assail your loyalty and fidelity to home and wife. I have sent to Mrs Spencer a letter of which the inclosed is a copy. [*582*]You can do whatever you think best in regard to it. I have sent it to her without waiting for your opinion so that the charge could not be made that you had revised it or that it was instigated by you. It makes me nearly sick to write such a letter, but I felt that I must. This reminds me that you have asked after my health. I am very well and I will guard my health - if for nothing else - to be your defender and to save you from anxiety. The second plaster is received - opened but not lost. What have you decided about the house? Is Mary McGrath still there? Tell the boys if they want to bring home their fancy ball costumes - that they will find them in a box either in their closet or on one of the shelves of the big closet. With love from all the family here to you all I am with greatest love Yours forever Crete.My Dear Mrs. Spencer I don't know how else to address you although my heart is full of bitterness toward you. A story has come to me so straight that I cannot doubt it--namely that [you] [said] while you were in Cleveland [on the occasion of] attending some convention-- you said to a Miss Keller that General Garfield was a bad licentious man and gave as proof that on a certain occasion he went to New York with a notorious woman having [given out to] told [me] his wife that he was going on business. That a friend of [mine] Mrs. G's in New York met them on the street and telegraphed to her, and that she went on and confronted them. Now that whole story is nothing more nor less than an infamous lie. You may have heard it.The General has malignant enemies who not only trim to his disadvantage every [thing he can] act which they can [say or do] torture with wrong, but who willfully say what they must know to be false. [That perhaps is not so strange - though I can never understand how any person] his bitterest enemy can be willing [to ruin [the] his reputation of their] [as a true husband and father.] [worst enemy] [those they hate most.] But when you who have professed friendship for so many years could have given credence and currency to such a report[s] and branded with licentiousness the [character] reputation of a man whom you have been able to know so much about I am utterly unable to explain to my own mind how it could [be] have been, unless [it is that] in your infatuation [over] over the Rights of Woman you allowed spite to triumph [more] over reason [than sense] and all friendship [to influence] in your opinion, [of any] a man whose conditions [who will] [would] led him to disagree with your [not train in your ranks], and I must say to you that you could have given me no better proof of your unfitness to be in public life - no better [proof] illustration of the methods you would employ to gain your ends than you have given in coming [to ask favors of the man] with compliment and praise and with friendly kiss to ask favors of a man whom - if what you have said of him [is] you believed to be true - you should have felt it contamination to approach [except to censure] except to [or] to rebuke. Pardon me if I am unjust. I can pass an [proffered] avowed enemy by with silent disdain when they can gratify their hate only with calming. But when one whom we [I] had called a friend strikes such a wicked blow * I cannot let the bitterness in my heart be silent [under] and keep up the appearance of friendship. With sorrow and regret that I must say these things to you I am as ever Lucretia R. Garfield *to hurt the name of the man whose great love [for me] sanctified by purity and faithfulness has made my life a joy and our home a heaven [*581*]I have erased and interlined this until I don't know that you can read it: but perhaps you can read enough.House of Representatives, Saturday 2 1/2 o'clock A.M. Washington D.C., May 24, 1879. My Darling, The House has been in continuous session since Friday noon, and will probably sit all night, & possibly all day tomorrow--on the Silver bills, one of the absurdest measures I have ever seen--I went home to dinner supposing The House would adjourn in a few minutes. Judge Black came, and spent an hour with me--Hal went to the Gilfillans & spent the evening 4202 Jim preferred to stay at home with me; but at half past nine the Sergt-at-Arms sent for me that there was a Call of the House. I let Jim go over to Thompson's and have been here ever since--Amidst the roar & folly of this contest, I write to you, as my only solace--I shall not be surprised if I am kept here far into the summer-- The fact is the Democrats have gone so far, that it is nearly, if not quite as ruinous3 for them to recede from House of Representatives the position they have taken as to go forward. They have not the courage to do Either; and I see less reason to hope for an Early adjournment than at any previous period of the session. The fact is, men are getting to be in fear of their party. They have aroused the stubbornness of their constituents to such a pitch that they do not now dare to resist the Phantom they have created. It may be the noisiness and oppression of this long4 vigil that makes the prospect gloomy, but I confess I am depressed about the future of this fight as far as getting away is concerned-- If I have to stay here long, I don't think I ought to keep the boys away from the farm, when they are so soon to leave it; and yet I would like to keep them, both for the sake of their studies and for my own sake, but I will send them home whenever the month is up, and not later than the middle of June anyway-- I fully expected to go to the State Convention at Cincinnati on the 28th, but I now doubt if I can get away-- The probable abandonment of this kills a hope I had that I could see you for a day on the journey--How I am to live on indefinitely without you, I don't know--I have been so interrupted that it is now four o'clock--Almost sunrise-- Wearily, despondently, but more lovingly, I am all your own James--House of Representatives, Sunday 5 p.m. Washington, D.C., May 25, 1879. My Darling, I have just returned from Gen. Schenck's where I spent an hour. I found him better than I expected; but his case is very serious--The chief hope of his recovery rests in all the physical exercise he can bear, and the most careful diet. But it is the peculiarity of his disease that he has the most inconquerable dislike to physical effort--a feeling that he cannot move, and don't want to--I told hime the story of Jno. Morrissey's being given up by the Doctors, to die of his disease, and then calling his 422old trainer to fit him as if for a prize fight--& in two months he was well. Lilly was very glad of my talk & thinks it will do him good. The girls find it difficult to manage him; for in addition to his strong will, his disease makes him very irritable. I thought that the supreme need in such a case was the love of a woman, which would lead a sick man to do whatever she desired. Do you think I could be so sick that I would not try to do anything you should ask? After all, love is the supremest thing we know of, whether in religion or life. Ever and all your own James P.S. If you can write me on Tuesday Evening so as to get it on the Evening train, I will get it Wednesday p.m.[*[1879]*] Sunday 25 May 187 My Darling, JAG This morning's mail brought your letter was medicin and rest to my weariness. After I wrote you from the night session, the fight kept up until nine o'clock Friday morning, when we adjourned for three hours, and got breakfast. When I reached home I found the boys had taken breakfast (having had Henry Dryman with them overnight and at breakfast) and ha started to the Capital to find me. But the flag was down before they got there and Jim came back and sat with me while I ate and Hal went out into the Country with Henry. Jim went with me to the House [*421*]where we staid until the Silver bill passed at 3 - I came home too tired to sleep, and the boys were as careful of me as though I had been a baby - Hal thought it would rest me to go to Pinafore, & though I doubted whether I could keep awake I went; and we enjoyed the play very much. We got to bed at eleven and slept till nearly nine this morning - You know my lack of decision about little things - I went to a clothing store yesterday for a summer suit; and not being able to decide had two suits sent to the House at six p.m. & let the boys decide. Their discussion turned mainly upon what they thought Mamma would like best. Finally they decided and I accepted their choice; but when they found that it was the cheaper suit, they were afraid I would think they chose it for that reason - & said I ought to have the best, but I took their first choice. I intended to go to church this morning; but McKinley came to consult & I did not go - Hal went to the Epiphany as usual - Miss Ransom & Em Reed dined with us - As the House adjourned over until Tuesday, & as there can be but little done in Congress for several days, I think I must go to the Cincinnati Convention. The boys say they can get on well, & I will have Mrs. Brown stay with them - I dislike to leave them; but it will help them to learn self-reliance - I don'twhether I shall have the courage to go to Ohio & back without seeing you--If you approve I might come back by the way of Cleveland, & meet you there a few hours--Please write me as soon as you get this, to the Care of Hon. B. Butterworth [The ...House] Cincinnati, and tell me if I may come in case I find it possible. I am glad you sent your letter direct to Mrs. Spencer--it was better and stronger than I could have written. It hardly seems possible that she could have said those things; & I wish she might be able to clear herself. I don't wish to think so badly of her. What you say of your health relieves me very much. I am going to see poor Gen. Schenck before Evening. I hear he is greatly depressed-- The future of his daughters is very Sad indeed--Most lonesome for you, & loving you with all my soul I am forever your own James.Hiram, Ohio May 25th 1879 My Darling Yesterday yours of Friday came also the copy of Burke's letter from you and the two papers - Tribune - and Nat. Republican. Every thing that comes from your hand or from the boys is read all through whether or not I can find any special reason why they were sent. You answer Burke's charges perfectly, but I wish you had preserved the tone of your first draft for he does deserve a good hard hitting. I feel this especially since I hear that he and Mary both went to Phebe and boasted of the manner in which he had gone for you, as though they were pleased to have found a chance (it was only made however not found) to [*614*]give you a hurt. I have not seen him for more than a week. I have been on the hill to call only once, and that was on Aunt Susan the one whom I [most] cared least to see. I think now that I will go home during this week sometime to stay over night, and if you are coming to attend the Cincinnati Convention I want to meet you there. (at home I mean) Is there any hope that you will pass the appropriation bills and adjourn by the end of this month as some of the late papers indicate? I hope you will attend to having the new carpets especially taken up and properly stored before you come away, and have your dress suit - unless you bring it home - put in the cedar chest. If the boys have anything they will not wear longer, let them give them away before the come home. Mother continues about the same, although I think she seems a little more conscious of her condition yesterday and today, and perhaps a little stronger. But there is not much hope that it can continue. Give my very kind regards to Mr. Brown, and thanks for the copy of your letter. Also remember me to Mr. Montague with many wishes that he may spend a delightful summer as a reward for the kind way with which he has helped on our boys. Tell the dear boys that mamma is very proud of them and hopes great things for them. With all love Yours forever Crete. It is very sad what you tell me of Gen. Schenck. Give my love and sympathizing regards to them all. Crete.P.S. Tell Jimmy I hope he does not forget to clean his teeth at least once a day. [Enough] Ought you not to have the front doors thoroughly oiled before leaving them for the summer?HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, WASHINGTON, D. C., May 26, 1879. My Darling, After I had written you yesterday morning, I mentioned to the boys the possibility of my getting a chance to see you while in Ohio, but said I would not do so if they preferred to have me come directly back from Cincinnati - They both insisted that I should go & see you - and if possible go with you to Mentor - just before the mail went out this morning, they hurried off a postal card to you asking you to have me [go] come home by way of [*423*]Mentor - the dear fellows are as tender of us both, as though we were children and they were men - I leave for Cincinnati by the 11 o'clock train tonight, and I am writing this half an hour before leaving for the cars - Townsend and Updegraff go with me - I write not to say that Mrs Spencer came here early this morning , in great grief over your letter - She broke down more than I ever saw her before - She said in the most positive manner, that there was not a word of truth in the Chevel and charge against her; that she had never heard of the story, nor any semblance of it; that she did not know Miss Keeler and that she had always and everywhere defended me against assaults - She said all this so positively, and with so much feeling, that I am compelled to believe her - she brought a letter to me from Henry which I enclose - The whole affair puzzles me Exceedingly - and I don't know what to make of it. I have received incidental proof, independent of Mrs. S. that she has, on several occasions, de-defended me when I have been assailed in her presence - I think we are bound to accept her statement of the case, until we have other evidence, though of course you can judge of the Cleveland end of the story better than I can - I will try to leave Cincinnati, Wednesday night if you will let me, and meet you in Cleveland Thursday morning - We can go out home on the 11-15 train - and see the little ones - I do hope it will be possible for us to do this. I will telegraph you in Cincinnati if there is any change in this programme - If I hear nothing to the contrary - please go to Cleveland on the Thursday morning train - & I will meet you at the Atlantic Depot - The boys join me in love to you, most precious one. - Your own JamesHiram Ohio May. 26th 1879 My Darling- I have just received your letters of Saturday and Sunday and hasten to catch you at Cincinnati. I cannot advise you what to do about coming by way of Cleveland on your return. I will go out to the farm on Wednesday, and come back on Thursday and if you decide to come by way of Cleveland telegraph me at Mentor and I will go to Cleveland in the morning of Thursday. I want to see you so much! and will be glad of a two hours look at you and listening to you even though it add the trial of seeing you go away so soon. Mother continues about the same. [and] I am taking care of her and scratching this note while she [*613*]sleeps. I am glad you have decided to keep the boys a little longer for I must stay with Mother until Nellie comes. I am glad you can come to Cincinnati, and I wish Mr. Foster might be nominated for Governor, Give him my very kindest regards, and tell him I am for Charley Foster "first last and all the time". Hoping for the hour or two at Cleveland I am as always Yours Crete.Hiram Ohio June 1st 1879 My Darling, I have just thought of a thing which annoys me very much to think I had forgotten it. In turning over the North American Review I noticed Professor [Newcomb's?] name, and was reminded by it that a little book of his lent to me by his wife I had utterly forgotten to send home before I came away. I forget the title, but you will remember that I read to you from it one sunday some queer new theories regarding the nature of the sun and of light and heat. Do please have Jim - I say Jim for I think he will be more sure to find it - look it up and take it home with an apology [from] for me for [*612*]having neglected it so long. I think it was left in my room, a small brownish red covered book with Professor Newcomb's name on the fly leaf. I hope you reached home safely this morning and found the dear boys well and happy. Tell them that Mamma thanks them very much for their willingness that you should come home last week. I have read your Review article through this morning with much interest. I believe you could make a barren old fig tree blossom and bear delicious fruit. There is just one question I want to ask. Did the small Deficiency bill of the last year of Republican rule in any way influence the much increased bill of the first Democratic year? Did the small amount of the [first] former year leave unprovided for deficiencies to be made up by the democrats in the first bill? If so your statistics do injustice. The weather still continues rainy and I hope the dry part of the season is past. I am anxious to hear if [it is] Mentor received its share of benefit. Mother seems not quite as well as when we came home on Friday. With love to you all Yours forever Crete.Washington. June 3. 1879 My Darling. I commenced a letter to you last evening, but did not get far before the mail came, and so will begin anew this morning - Jimmy met met me at the Depot on my arrival Sunday morning, and we found Hal sitting in the parlor window awaiting us - & breakfast - They have been doing well in their studies. I send you Hals account which he rendered to me, of Expenditures during my absence - The boys are quite Enthusiastic over their new teacher, and it brings back the old feeling that my Hiram classes inspired. I am giving them shorter lessons than they had, but make [*424*]making them read with the microscope-- The weather has been Excessively hot since my return-- but a sweet shower last Evening has made it more Endurable--At four yesterday afternoon, I attended Ingersolls funeral as a pall bearer--It was the saddest scene I ever witnessed, and I cannot doubt that the excess of their grief was largely due to the fact that they have no hope of a future meeting--I send you the paper containing Ever Bob's speech--in which I think he hints at a hope for a future life--It was a great trial to him to read his address-- The family Exhibited more signs of agony than I have ever seen before--One of the adopted daughter tried to jump into the grave and Bob ordered the coffin opened for her - even after it was partially lowered into the grave--She shouted to the sexton who was laying flat stones across the top of the coffin "Take those stones away, you bad man"-- On the whole, it was the most painful scene I have ever witnessed, and I hope to be spared another-- Today, I hope we shall see the programme of the Democracy, & get some knowledge of our fate--I direct thisto Mentor, in the hope that you will be there by the time it arrives - - Mrs Spencer came again last evening, and was anxious to hear from you, and said she thought she had written too harshly I told I thought so too - but that no doubt you would both be better friends in consequence of the correspondence - Jimmie wrote last night - directing to Hiram - and Hal will write soon - Poor Jim has had two long cries over Tip - and declares he will never like the new dog His faithfulness is very touching - With all our hearts we are your lovers - & I am all & always your own James -May 31st _ chickens 1.25 .10 [9.75] mutton chopps . .45 .10 [9.54] strawberries .20 .92 _____ beets .12 1.60 [ .21] peas .10 .10 asparagus .10 .80 9.75 .10 1.15 9.59 2.22 1.05 _____ June 1st 2.22 .16. 2 1/4 steak .40 1.10 1/2 butter .20 .05 market 4 quarts strawberries .50 .35 .92 ____ ____ .80 1.10 9.54 .80 .05 1.05 Hair .95 9.59 2.22 1.10 for Jim at extras _____ swimming .10 6.89 school .30 .10 $5 to Mary .80 my own McGrath .10 to be taken Dan paid .10 from month .25 allowance .25 .30 .05 .05 .05 .15 .35 ____ ____ .50 cts 2.15 Jim's own .05 .05 6.89 2.15 .50 _____ 9.59 whole amount spent. [*425*]Received from Father 7.75 — May 26th, 1879 Expenditures May 27th 1879 care fare to Capitol .10 “ “ “ printing office .10 May 27th 1879 3 lbs. steak .45 2 qrts strawberrys .80 1/2 peck peas .12 1 bunch onions .05 .92 May 28th /79 3 lbs. steak .45 1 head cabbage .05 2 bunches beets .15 4 boxes strawberrys .20 .80 6 1/2 yards netting .80 160 May 29th Ink for [?] pen .15 May 29th 5 pounds steak .45 strawberries .25 corn .10 .80 Received from Uncle Rose 2.00 $. May 30th Care fare .10 swimming school (my own) .30 [??] .25 cream puffs (my own) .05 Pinefore complete .25 3) Refreshments (my own) .15 1) care fare .05 1.15 May 30th 3 pounds steak .45 strawberries .20 beets .10 1/2 butter .20 .95 cabbage 10 1.05 [?] to a little musician .05