Sewell Mountain, General Cox's Camp,
September 27 (Saturday
or Friday, I am told), 1861.
Dear L —: — We
are in the midst of a very cold rain-storm; not farther south than Lexington or
Danville and on the top of a high hill or small mountain. Rain for fifteen
hours; getting colder and colder, and still raining. In leaky tents, with
wornout blankets, insufficient socks and shoes, many without overcoats. This is
no joke. I am living with McCook in a good tent, as well provided as anybody in
camp; better than either General Cox or Rosecrans.
I write this in General Cox's tent. He sits on one cot
reading, or trying to read, or pretending to read, Dickens' new novel, “Great
Expectations.” McCook and General Rosecrans are in the opposite tent over a
smoke, trying to think they are warmed a little by the fire under it. Our
enemy, far worse provided than we are, are no doubt shivering on the opposite
hill now hidden by the driving rain and fog. We all suspect that our campaign
in this direction is at an end. The roads will be miry, and we must fall back for
our supplies. My regiment is fourteen miles back on a hill. When clear we can
see their tents.
Just now my position is comparatively a pleasant one. I go
with the generals on all reconnaissances, see all that is to be seen, and fare
as well as anybody. We were out yesterday P. M. very near to the enemy's works;
were caught in the first of this storm and thoroughly soaked. I hardly expect
to be dry again until the storm is over.
Good-bye, dearest.
Affectionately,
R.
Mrs. Hayes.
SOURCE: Charles Richard Williams, editor, Diary and
Letters of Rutherford Birchard Hayes, Volume 2, p. 102-3
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