Weston, Virginia, August 17, 1861.
Dear Mother: —
Nothing new to tell you. We are kept more busy than heretofore with watching
and hunting after the robbers who are plundering the Union men in our
neighborhood. We have rumors of invading forces from eastern Virginia strong
enough to drive us out, but we know nothing definite about them. Captain
McMullen arrived safely with my box. His company of artillery is a great
addition to our strength.
Our men are very healthy and busy enough to keep them out of
mischief. Dr. Joe finds a number of old ladies who do all in their power to
make our sick soldiers comfortable. One poor fellow who was thought to be gone
with consumption is picking up under their nursing and strengthening food, and
will, perhaps, get well. None of our regiment are seriously ill. We were never
in so healthy a country
The war brings out the good and evil of Virginia. Some of
the best and some of the worst characters I ever heard of, have come under our
notice during the last fortnight. It is not likely that we shall move from here
for some weeks. We are required to send expeditions to protect Union
neighborhoods and wagon trains, and to drive off scamps almost every day. We
are probably doing some good to the better sort of people in this country,
besides the general good which we are supposed to be doing in the cause of the
country.
My love to all. —
Affectionately,
R. B. Hayes.
Mrs. Sophia Hayes.
SOURCE: Charles Richard Williams, editor, Diary and
Letters of Rutherford Birchard Hayes, Volume 2, p. 69
No comments:
Post a Comment