Rutherford Birchard Hayes, 1822–1893.  19th President of the United States, 1877–1881.  Autograph Note Signed, R. B. Hayes, on an Executive Mansion card, January 4, 1878. 

Hayes writes to General Thomas Church Haskell Smith.  In full:  “Please allow Mr. Williams leave to be in Washington next week." 

Hayes' autograph letters as President are scarce.  This is a particularly nice example of his holograph. 

This card is in very fine condition.  Only a faint bit of edge wear and a small speck at the lower right, which we mention for the sake of accuracy, keep us from grading this piece as extra fine.  Hayes has written and signed the note in pencil.