CINCINNATI, March 29, 1861.
DEAR UNCLE:–I have received your favor, and suspect you are more anxious that I should be re-elected than the occasion calls for. I philosophize in this way: I have got out of the office pretty much all the good there is in it–reputation and experience. If I quit it now, I shall be referred to as the best, or one of the best solicitors, the city has had. If I serve two years more, I can add nothing to this. I may possibly lose. I shall be out of clients and business a little while, but this difficulty will perhaps be greater two years hence. So you see it is no great matter. Still, I should prefer to beat, and with half a chance, I should do it.
I am not wasting much time looking after the election–none in mere personal electioneering. I am trying to so behave as to go out respectably.
Sincerely,
R.B. HAYES.
S. BIRCHARD.