Camp Hayes, Raleigh, Virginia, March 16, 1862.
Dear Uncle: —
I am in most respects pleasantly fixed here. I am here in command of nine
companies of the Twenty-third, one section (two guns) of an artillery company
(thirty men) and one company of cavalry. We are quartered in the courthouse,
churches, and deserted dwellings. It is near the spurs of the Alleghany
Mountains, which about twenty miles from here are filled with militia. A few
regulars and bushwhackers are just in front of us. We are kept on the alert all
the time by such events as the one referred to in the enclosed notes. As a
general rule, we get the better of the bushwhackers in these affairs. There is
no hesitation on our part in doing what seems to be required for
self-protection. Since writing the note enclosed, have done a good deal towards
punishing the cowardly bushwhackers.
We have April weather, for the most part — thunder-storms,
rain, and shine. Today we are having a winter snow-storm. Since the rumored
abandonment of Manassas, we have been notified to be in constant read[i]ness to
move. My letters will probably be more irregular than usual after we get
started, but all important events occurring with us will be sent you by
telegraph. We take the wires with us. Love to all.
Sincerely,
R. B. Hayes.
S. BirCHARD.
SOURCE: Charles Richard Williams, editor, Diary and
Letters of Rutherford Birchard Hayes, Volume 2, p. 209-10
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