Camp Green Meadows, July 14, 1862.
Dearest: — I
am so pleased with your affectionate letter, that I sit down merely to “jaw
back,” as the man said of the responses in the Episcopal service.
I love you just as much as you love me. There now! Yes,
dearest, this separation so painful does, I think, make us both dearer and
better. I certainly prize you more than ever before, and am more solicitous
about your happiness. . . .
We came here yesterday. It is a fine camp, but warm and
summery compared with Flat Top. There is no noticeable scenery in view from
camp, but we are near New River at the mouth of Bluestone River where the
scenery is truly grand. I rode down there this morning to enjoy it. We marched
fifteen miles yesterday — the happiest gang of men you ever saw. We are nearer
the enemy, and have more of the excitement incident to such a position than at
Flat Top. I am in command here, having six companies of the Twenty-third,
Captain Gilmore's Cavalry (the men who behaved so well when we fought our way
out of Giles), and a section of McMullen's Artillery, besides two squads of
First and Second Virginia Cavalry. Everyone seems to be happy that we are out
by ourselves. Besides, Major Comly with the other four companies Twenty-third
is only five miles from us.
Drs. Joe and Jim are still at Flat Top. Dr. Joe will join us
in a day or two. Colonel Scammon is not expected here to stay.
I sent off Captain Drake and two companies with a squad of
cavalry just now to effect a diversion in favor of Colonel Crook who is
threatened by a force said to be superior to his own. The captain is instructed
to dash over and “lie like a bulletin” as to the immense force of which he is
the advance and then to run back “double-quick.” Risky but exciting.
Richmond is not so bad as it was. Our men, certainly, and
our general, perhaps, did admirably there. . . . Don't worry about the
country. “It's no good.” We can't help it if things go wrong. We do our part
and I am confident all will come right. We can't get rid of the crime of
centuries without suffering. So, good-bye, darling.
Lovingly, as ever,
R.
Mrs. Hayes.
SOURCE: Charles Richard Williams, editor, Diary and
Letters of Rutherford Birchard Hayes, Volume 2, p. 302-3
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