Weston, Virginia, Tuesday P. M., August 6, 1861.
Dear Mother: —
I have just read your letter, with Brother William's of the 2nd, — the first I
have had from anybody since we came to Virginia. I am sitting in my tent
looking out on the same beautiful scene I have so often referred to. It is a
bright and very warm afternoon, but a clear, healthful mountain air which it is
a happiness to breathe. . . .
My horse shows a little weakness in the fore shoulders, but
as he can probably work well in an ambulance, I can exchange him for a good
government horse, if he gets worse. We have plenty of business. A good deal of
it is a sort of law business. As all civil authority is at an end, it is our
duty to keep the peace and do justice between the citizens, who, in these
irregular times, are perhaps a little more pugnacious than usual. Dr. Joe and
I, under direction of the colonel, held courts on divers cases all the
forenoon. It was rather amusing, and I think we dispensed very exact justice.
As there is no appeal, a case decided is for good and all.
I am so glad you and Uncle are both getting well. If Uncle
wishes to travel, and we remain here, he couldn't please himself better than by
a trip this way. He would enjoy a few days very much in our camp, or at the
hotel in the village.
Young Jewett leaves with his father for Zanesville tonight.
I hope he will stand the trip well. I will hand them this letter to mail when
they get out of these woods. Send me sometime a neat little New Testament. I
have nothing of the sort. I have clothes enough. I am cut short by business.
Good-bye.
Affectionately,
R. B. Hayes.
Mrs. Sophia Hayes.
SOURCE: Charles Richard Williams, editor, Diary and
Letters of Rutherford Birchard Hayes, Volume 2, p. 57-8
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