Camp Tompkins, Gauley Bridge, October 15, 1861.
Dear Mother: —
You will be pleased to hear that I am here practicing law. The enemy having
vanished in one direction and our army having retired to this stronghold in the
other, I, yesterday, left my regiment about seven miles up the river and am
here at General Rosecrans' headquarters, looking after offenders. It is safe
enough in all this region. Our soldiers occupy all the leading roads and strong
places. We hear of nobody being fired on, even by murderous bushwhackers. . . .
We are in the midst of glorious mountain scenery. Hawk's
Nest and Lover's Leap are two of the most romantic spots I have ever seen. A
precipitous cliff over seven hundred feet high, with high mountains back of it,
overlooks a wild rushing river that roars and dashes against the rocks, Niagara
fashion. The weather too has been, and is, lovely October weather. Love to all.
Affectionately, your
son,
Rutherford.
Mrs. Sophia Hayes.
SOURCE: Charles Richard Williams, editor, Diary and
Letters of Rutherford Birchard Hayes, Volume 2, p. 116
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