Just received news of a dreadful defeat at Manassas, or beyond
Centreville. General McDowell's column pushed on after some successes, were met
apparently by fresh troops, checked, driven back, utterly routed! What a calamity! Will not the secession fever sweep
over the border States, driving out Kentucky, Missouri, (Baltimore) Maryland,
etc., etc.? Is not Washington in danger? I have feared a too hasty pushing on
of McDowell's column into ground where the Rebels have camped and scouted and
entrenched themselves for months. My brother-in-law, as surgeon, is with the
Second Ohio Regiment in advance, and is doubtless among those in the worst
position. But private anxieties are all swallowed up in the general public
calamity. God grant that it is exaggerated!
Our regiments are now likely, I think, to be speedily needed at
Washington or elsewhere. I am ready to do my duty, promptly and cheerfully.
Would that I had the military knowledge and experience which one ought to have
to be useful in my position! I will do my best, my utmost in all ways to
promote the efficiency of our regiment. It is henceforth a serious business.
SOURCE: Charles Richard Williams, editor, Diary and
Letters of Rutherford Birchard Hayes, Volume 2, p. 40
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