[Page 56]

                         FREMONT, OHIO, December 19, 1881.
   MY DEAR S--:--I am glad you are in charge of a sensible
 woman.    You do need a guardian on the question of health.
Get away from your desk. Outdoor life and simple outdoor
work  is the panacea  for a used-up man.  When  I get the
"trembles," I rake leaves, trim trees, or build fence.  Two days
of this sort of work stiffens the nerves and puts life into the
veins.
  No, no. Do not quote me on the [Pension] Arrears Bill.
The argument is a plain one. The debt was the most sacred
obligation incurred during the war. It was by no means the
largest in amount. We do not haggle with those who lent us
money. We should not with those who gave health and blood
and life. If doors are opened to fraud, contrive to close them.
But don't deny the obligation, or scold at its performance.
  My views, if they are your views, may of course be printed
in any way that does not call up my name.  Although almost
twenty years in public life, my periods of public employment
were merely episodes--parentheses--in  my  private  life, my
citizen's life. I never sought public life, except I did seek a
place in the war. Now I am back where I belong, I mean to
stay there.
  So come and sit down in a rocking-chair, put on slippers and a
gown, and play the patriotic philosopher.--Kind remembrances
to Mrs. S. -- Birchard better.
                                Sincerely,    R. B. HAYES.


  P.S.--Is there an engraving -- a good one--of Sheridan's
ride?  Buy it for me.--H.
  HONORABLE WILLIAM HENRY SMITH.