Camp Union, Fayetteville, Virginia, December 19, 1861.
Dear Uncle: —
Yesterday morning, a party of contrabands started for Ohio. It is not unlikely
that some of them will find their way to Fremont. Allen, a mulatto, with his
wife and one or two children, is one of a thousand — faithful, intelligent, and
industrious, — will do for a house servant — would just answer your purpose.
His wife can cook — is neat and orderly — a most valuable family, you will find
them, if you put them into the new house, or anywhere else. If you don't want
them, you can safely recommend them. Quite a number have come to me, but these
are the pick of the lot. They have another black man and wife with them who are
well spoken of; I do not know them. It is, of course, doubtful whether Allen
will find you; I think he will. I send him because I think he will just answer
your purpose.
They will all be entitled to freedom, as I understand the
rule adopted by our Government. Their master is a Rebel, and is with Floyd's
army as quartermaster, or the like, being too old for a soldier. These people
gave themselves up to me, and I let them go to Ohio. The rule is, I believe,
that slaves coming to our lines, especially if owned by Rebels, are free. Allen
gave me valuable information as to the enemy. These facts, if necessary
hereafter, can be proved by members of Captain McIlrath's Company A,
Twenty-third Regiment, Cleveland, or of Captain Sperry's Company H, Ashtabula
County. Of course, there is little present danger of attempt to recapture them
under the Fugitive Bill, but it may be done hereafter.
You, perhaps, know that Dr. Joe took a contraband to
Cincinnati. These people do not go to Cincinnati, preferring the country, and
fearing relatives of their master there. The party start for Galion in company
with the servant of one of our men; from there, they will probably get to you.
Sincerely,
R. B. Hayes.
S. BlRCHARD.
SOURCE: Charles Richard Williams, editor, Diary and
Letters of Rutherford Birchard Hayes, Volume 2, p. 163
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