Camp Ewing up New River. — Cold and clear; rain probably over. My boy's birthday — eight years
old. It was such a morning as this eight years ago. I hope they are all well
and happy at home. They will think of me today as they eat the birthday dinner
and give him the birthday presents. Dear boy!
This morning four
yawls were hauled into camp. It shows that it is intended to cross the river
and attack the enemy. The blunder is in hauling them up in daylight. The enemy
have thus been told of our design and will guard the few practicable ferries,
as I fear, to our serious loss if not defeat. Stupid! stupid!
About seven hundred
and fifty men are present this morning. Sixty-nine are sick. This, after
sending off one hundred and fifty-nine sick men. Only one second-lieutenant for
duty — a bad showing. Sun shining at 11 A. M. All the company officers gloomy
and grumbling. The paymaster coming just at this time is all that makes
endurable this state of things.
3:30 P. M. — Cannon
firing heard. Shelling McCook's camp on the hills below. I order out Captain
McIlrath and company to go with Mack's Battery.
SOURCE: Charles Richard Williams, editor, Diary and
Letters of Rutherford Birchard Hayes, Volume 2, p. 137
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