Rutherford B. Hayes: The American Presidents Series: The 19th President, 1877-1881 by Hans L. TrefousseMy rating: 3 of 5 stars
Probably the least objectionable president thus far, in that he worked hard and diligently, seemed quite optimistic about everyone, was against slavery from the start, volunteered for the civil war and seemingly didn't even want to run for president. It might be telling that he isn't remembered at all.
I can't really tell if the author was being biased, in that there are hardly any bad points here about Hayes. Having read this author's biography of Andrew Johnson (which was excellent), I doubt he was. Although I was still disappointed in this book since it seems rather superficial and rushed compared to the book about Johnson.
One bad point mentioned about Hayes is the compromise wherein he withdrew Republican troops from the South, ending reconstruction, but then the author seems to excuse the reaction to the great railroad strike, mainly because Hayes seems to regret his actions later in life.
3 stars
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