Captain Drake and Gilmore's Cavalry have returned. The
infantry are bathing in Bluestone. The expedition was completely successful,
and was of more importance than I supposed it would be. They reached the salt
well about 2:30 A. M.; found the works in full blast — a good engine pumping,
two pans thirty feet long boiling, etc., etc. The salt is good; considerable
salt was on hand. All the works were destroyed by fire. A canoe found at
Crump's was taken to the ferry.
I spent an anxious night. Jackson, Major Comly's scout,
reported that the salt well was guarded. This came to me after I was in bed and too late to send the
word to the expedition. I anticipated trouble there and felt anxious enough. I
slept little, was up often. But luckily all went well. Not a man was in sight.
This morning, as they were returning, the cavalry were bushwhacked, horses
wounded, clothes cut, but no man hurt.
Received a “secret” order to be ready to move on one-half
hour's notice. Rode post to the ferry; set the men to preparing for one of
General Pope's minute and practical inspections.
SOURCE: Charles Richard Williams, editor, Diary and
Letters of Rutherford Birchard Hayes, Volume 2, p. 322-3
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