Camp Flat Top Mountain, May 22, 1862.
Dearest: — I
have written you one or two letters which I suspect fell into the hands of the
enemy, but ere this, I do not doubt, you have received dispatches and word by
Thomas which relieves you of all trouble on my account.
We have had a good deal of war this month. More than half
the time during two weeks we were in the presence of the enemy. Most of the
time they [we] were either pursuing them or they were crowding us. The number
killed and wounded, considering the amount of firing, was not large. I suppose the
total loss of this army would not exceed two hundred. Our force is not strong
enough to do the work before us. We have so many points to garrison and so long
a line of communications to protect, that it leaves a very small force to push
on with. . . .
Before this reaches you, the great battles of the war will
probably be fought. If successful, we shall not meet with much determined
opposition hereafter. I was sent to meet a flag of truce sent by General
Williams and Humphrey Marshall this morning. The officers talk in a high tone
still, but the privates are discouraged, and would be gladly at home on any
terms.
Affectionately,
R.
Mrs. Hayes.
SOURCE: Charles Richard Williams, editor, Diary and
Letters of Rutherford Birchard Hayes, Volume 2, p. 276
No comments:
Post a Comment