Middletown, Frederick County, Maryland,
September 15, [1862].
Dear Mother: —
I was wounded in the battle yesterday. A musket-ball passed through the centre
of the left arm just above the elbow. The arm is of course rendered useless and
will be so for some weeks. I am comfortably at home with a very kind and
attentive family here named Rudy — not quite Ruddy.
The people here are all, or nearly all, Union people and
give up all they have to the wounded. The ladies work night and day.
We are doing well so far in the fighting.
You see I write this myself to show you I am doing well, but
it is an awkward business sitting propped up in bed nursing a useless arm. Lucy
will find me here if she comes. Or if I go to Frederick, [let her] inquire at
provost or military headquarters. If I go to Baltimore, she must have inquiry
made at same places there. — Love to all.
Affectionately,
R. B. Hayes.
P. S. — Send this to Mother Hayes also. I write you thinking
Lucy may leave before this gets there.
Mrs. Webb.
SOURCE: Charles Richard Williams, editor, Diary and
Letters of Rutherford Birchard Hayes, Volume 2, p. 353-4
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