Camp Chase, July 6, 1861.
Dearest: — I have
written to John Herron to supply you with what money you need for the present,
and I suppose it will be convenient for him to do so out of a loan I made him
some time ago. It does not seem like Saturday. The Fourth was like Sunday here.
Colonel Matthews and I formed the regiment into a hollow square (rather oblong,
in fact). I read the Declaration and he made a short pithy speech and wound up
with cheers for the Union; and no more duty during the day. In the evening
there were fire-balls and a few fireworks. A little shower this morning laid
the dust, a fine thing in our little Sahara.
Colonel Matthews came in last night from Columbus, saying he
rode out with the surgeon of the Twenty-sixth — the one intended for us — “and
what an escape we have made. He is a green, ignorant young doctor who has all
to learn.” I suppose Dr. Joe is getting ready to come; we hear nothing from
him; I hope we shall see him soon. I am seeing to his hut which is building
today. Uncle is rather better but not decidedly so. We have a lot of
Secessionists from Virginia — a good camp sensation. I went in late last night
after ball-cartridges, which stirred up the soldiers with its warlike look. I
esteem these armed sentinels about as dangerous to friends as to foes. Here is
our style of countersign. Done up Know-nothing fashion. Love to all and much
for your own dear self.
Affectionately,
R. B. Hayes.
Mrs. Hayes.
SOURCE: Charles Richard Williams, editor, Diary and
Letters of Rutherford Birchard Hayes, Volume 2, p. 37
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