Auction Name: 2026 June 19 The John H. Freund Americana Collection Signature® Auction

Lot Number: 42164

Shortcut to Lot: HA.com/6331*42164

Rutherford B. Hayes Autograph Letter Signed ("Rutherford B. Hayes"). Two pages on two leaves, 5 1/2 x 8 1/2 inches; Spiegel Grove, Fremont, Ohio; March 19, 1892.

Writing in retirement from his estate at Spiegel Grove, former President Rutherford B. Hayes offers a thoughtful reflection on the demands and rewards of public life in a letter to Edwin Barrows of Providence. In full:

"My Dear Sir -

I am in receipt of your kind favor of the 16th instant. I appreciate the very flattering terms in which you speak of me and my administration. In one aspect, as least, I was fortunately equipped for the vicissitudes of public life. I could easily disregard the criticism and calumny which avail all public men of all parties, and look upon it as meaning little more than a dissent from my political principles and conduct.

At the same time favorable expositions and the flattery attendant upon public life are probably as agreeable to me as to the average of men. Thus I was able to bear the bitter and enjoy the sweet that came in my way.

With all good wishes & thanks
Sincerely
Rutherford B. Hayes."

Condition: Very good, with only minor offset toning to the first page. Flattened mailing folds and archival tape remnants on the verso of each leaf; minor delamination to the verso of the second leaf.

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