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
