Upton's Hill (near Washington). — Mustered the men
for July and August. A rainy, cool day. The great battle of yesterday and the
day before, so near here that we heard the roar distinctly, is supposed to
have resulted favorably to our arms. How decisively is not yet known here. We
hear all sorts of rumors, such as the capture of Jackson and sixteen thousand
men and the like; but nothing definite is known. The appearances are favorable.
We inquire of every one to get facts and get only vague rumors.
This Sunday evening the reports from the battlefield are
less favorable than the morning rumors. There is talk of “no result,” a “drawn
battle,” and the like; that our army has fallen back four miles to Centreville.
Another [report] says McDowell withdrew a division from one outlet and let
Jackson escape. A report says our loss is ten thousand; the enemy's much
heavier. No firing all day today. This evening after dark firing of heavy guns
was heard for a few minutes, apparently in the same place as before.
Received a dear letter from Lucy dated August 13 and
directed to Flat Top. She says she is happy in the thought that we are doing
our duty. This is good. Darling wife, how this painful separation is made a
blessing by the fine character it develops, or brings to view! How; I love her
more and more!
SOURCE: Charles Richard Williams, editor, Diary and
Letters of Rutherford Birchard Hayes, Volume 2, p. 334-5
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