The Southwestern Historical Quarterly, Volume 28, July 1924 - April, 1925 Page: 242

Southwestern Historical Quarterly

Messrs Shephard & Stevenson are Carpet-baggers. Gov Davis you
know. He is intelligent, honest & an old citizen of Texas, but
I do not think has much of friendship for you. Gov Pease in-
formed me that the office was a good one, paying when he came
here $3000, now $4500. I would be obliged to you if you can
arrange with Genl Garfield to keep my brother Austin in office.
I think the people of Brenham irrespective of party would endorse
him, & desire his retention. Some individuals who want the office
might raise objections but I think no one else.
With kind regards to Mrs Hayes & your family
I am as ever Yours
Guy M Bryan
P. S. I have written you disinterestedly as I have always done.
Would that you had had more such friends. Your administration
will live in history as a good one. You will leave the White House
with a record that you can be proud of. May Garfield do as well.
Under no circumstances appoint A. J. Evans to judicial office
of any kind.
HAYES TO BRYAN
Executive Mansion,
Washington.
1 Jan 1881
My dear Guy:
I write you this before breakfast-my first of the New Year-
to say "a happy New Year to you." It finds us all well, and with
hopes and condition that make gratitude a duty.
I have no doubt I can arrange to secure Austin Bryan his
place. I shall certainly try to do so, and shall take great pleasure
in doing it. I note what you say of A. J. Evans. Davis has
been and is no doubt as you say, but his honesty and capacity and
Union record are strong claims.
No body ever left the Presidency with less regret, less disap-
pointment, fewer heart burnings, or more general content with
the result of his term, (in his own heart I mean), than I do.
Full of difficulty and trouble at first I now find myself on smooth
waters and under bright skies.
With best wishes for you and yours
As ever sincerely
R B Hayes

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