You see how necessary it is that the ground under our feet be strengthened, and I believe only you can do it yourself.
Above all things, I pray you, do not permit yourself to be deceived by the flattering reports about the condition of things which are apt to be presented to the candidates. This is the most deceptive campaign we ever had.
P. S. Some Democratic papers have ascribed your letter of acceptance, part of it at least, to me. I hope you have never thought me capable of giving rise to such a rumor. It was merely a Democratic trick.
FROM RUTHERFORD B. HAYES
Private.
My dear General: I am in receipt of your esteemed favor
as to the prospects of the campaign and making important
suggestions. I also received and replied to your former letter.
Let me assure you that nothing of the sort contained in your
letter will shake, or tend to shake, my faith in your hearty
zeal in the cause. To be frank is the best proof of it. I do
not usually give much thought to the prospects of a canvass.
So far as they indicate something to be done I try to consider
them. But having fired my shot, and supposing I would
remain passive hereafter, I have preferred not to know much
that would either depress or elate. I will, however, think
seriously of your suggestions. It is to be hoped that as my
past and my letters and speeches, a few of which are published
in Howard's Life, are examined, the people will find that I am
likely to be one of the last men in the world to back out of a
good work, deliberately entered upon. I send you a speech
by Judge Johnston, a shrewd observer. I wonder if you see
what I am discovering beyond all question in Ohio. A vast
majority of the “plain people” think of this as the main
interest in the canvass. A Democratic victory will bring the
