Wednesday, May 5, 2021

A Mother’s Love: Hayes Children Eagerly Await Lucy’s Return


Curator of Manuscripts Julie Mayle shared this touching letter written by Scott Hayes (7 years old) and his sister Fanny (11 years old ) to their mother First Lady Lucy Webb Hayes. President Hayes and Lucy's  two youngest children lived with them in the White House from  1877 to  1881. 

Scott wrote this heartfelt letter in March of 1878, telling his mother how lonely he and sister Fanny were without her. Lucy had gone to Chillicothe, Ohio to visit Cook family members. Lucy's kindness, compassion and caring ways not only endeared her to her own children, but to those of friends and relatives. 

Scott wrote this letter in pencil on White House stationery.  Julie has prepared a transcription of the letter below that also includes a short note from Fanny. The letter is part of the Rutherford B. Hayes Papers located at the Rutherford B. Hayes Museum and Libraries.

 

Executive Mansion, Washington

March 21

My dear mama

I was so glad to get Aunt Phoebe’s letter telling all about you.  We want to see you so much for it is so lonely without you.  We want you to come home very soon.  Fan has got hurt on her poor knee and can’t walk without her leg getting stiff.  We are all in a great hurry for you to come home.  Are you not ready to start?  I’m going to see Joe Potter to-day.  Fan and I went last Saturday and had a good time.  I hope you will send me an answer very soon.  Love to all.

Your loving Scott

 


 

Dear Mama

I hope that you will answer my letter as soon as possible, now as this is Scott’s letter I will stop.

Love to all, I am your loving Fanny

p.s.

Rud will be at home on Friday

               Fanny

               March 28th 1878




This picture of Lucy in the White House conservatory was taken by artist Theodore Davis. Fanny stands behind Lucy while Scott is seated to her right. Next to Scott is  Theodore Davis' daughter, Carrie. This photograph was taken in 1879.