Thursday, October 2, 2014

Major Rutherford B. Hayes to Sophia Birchard Hayes, August 21, 1861

Buckhannon, Virginia, August 21, 1861.

Dear Mother: — You may send this letter, showing my whereabouts, to Lucy. I have no time to write much. On Sunday night, about 12 o'clock, we were ordered to quietly pack and march rapidly to this place. Some of our men had just returned from long scouting expeditions. They were weary with marching over the hills in rain and mud, and here was another march without sleeping. It was borne cheerfully — the men supposing it was to meet an enemy.

We find this a lovely spot, superior in some respects to the scenery about Weston. We have a beautiful camp about one and one-half miles from the village. There are here parts of five regiments — all but this from Cincinnati. Men are constantly arriving, showing the rapid concentration at this point of a large body of troops. We are ignorant of its purpose, but suppose it to be for service. We are all so healthy. I meet many Cincinnati friends and enjoy the greetings.
I received a letter from Uncle, directed to Clarksburg. I suppose that is still the best place to direct my letters. Write often. Let Uncle know where I am and how lately you have heard from me. Love to all.

Affectionately,
R. B. Hayes.
Mrs. Sophia Hayes.

SOURCE: Charles Richard Williams, editor, Diary and Letters of Rutherford Birchard Hayes, Volume 2, p. 72-3

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