Upton's Hill (six Or Eight Miles From Washington),
Virginia, September 1, 1862.
Dear Mother: —
We are in the midst of the great acts. The roar of the battles of the 30th and
31st was perfectly distinct here. We were in readiness to join in if needed. We
are placed here, however, I conjecture, for a few days with a few other old
regiments, to hold Forts Ramsay and Buffalo in case of disaster in front. I
think the result thus far, though not at all decisive, upon the whole,
favorable.
You will feel some anxiety when you hear of battles, but I
tell Lucy no news, after a fight, from me is good news. If safe I have
no opportunity to communicate. If injured or worse, officers are taken to
Washington and tidings sent. I am glad to say all things pertaining to
soldiers, sick or wounded, in Washington are managed most admirably. Few
private families could provide equal comforts and accommodations. I write this
for Uncle as well as for you.
I saw Captain Haynes the day before yesterday. He is thin
and worn, but gaining. He was uncertain whether he could join his regiment (the
new one) or not. I suppose it is settled that old officers can't go to
the new regiments. This settles' my chance for the Seventy-ninth also. All
right, as far as I am personally concerned. The rule is a bad one — a very bad
one — so bad that it will perhaps be changed, but it is no hardship to me
personally. I see no regiment here that I would prefer to the Twenty-third.
General Cox's six regiments from Ohio are among the crack troops of the army in
the opinion of everybody.
Colonel, Scammon distinguished himself the other day and
will, I doubt not, be made a brigadier. . . .
Affectionately, your
son,
Rutherford.
Mrs. Sophia Hayes.
SOURCE: Charles Richard Williams, editor, Diary and
Letters of Rutherford Birchard Hayes, Volume 2, p. 338-9
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