Camp Chase, July 23, 1861.
Dear Uncle: — We are in the midst of the excitement
produced by the disastrous panic near Washington. We expect it will occasion a
very early movement of our regiment. We shall, perhaps, be ordered to the
Kanawha line. We certainly shall, unless the recent defeat shall change the
plan of the campaign. Colonel DePuy's regiment is on that line, so that the
Fremont companies are likely to be in the same body with us. Their association
will be pleasant enough, but there are two or three regiments with them in
which I have very little confidence; viz., the Kentucky regiments “falsely so
called.” We are yet raw troops, but I think we shall soon grow to it.
The Washington affair is greatly to be regretted; unless speedily
repaired, it will lengthen the war materially. The panic of the troops does not
strike me as remarkable. You recollect the French army in the neighborhood of
the Austrians were seized with a panic, followed by a flight of many miles,
caused merely by a runaway mule and cart and "nobody hurt." The same
soldiers won the battle of Solferino a few days ago [later]. But I do think the
commanding officers ought not to have led fresh levies against an enemy
entrenched on his own ground. Gradual advances, fortifying as he went, strikes
me as a more prudent policy. But it is easy to find fault. The lesson will have
its uses. It will test the stuff our people are made of. If we are a solid
people, as I believe we are, this reverse will stiffen their backs. They will
be willing to make greater efforts and sacrifices.
We worked late last night getting our accoutrements ready. In the hurry
of preparations to depart, I may not be able to write you before I go.
Good-bye.
Sincerely,
R. B. Hayes.
S. Birchard.
SOURCE: Charles Richard Williams, editor, Diary and
Letters of Rutherford Birchard Hayes, Volume 2, p. 42
No comments:
Post a Comment