Washington City, September 6, 1862.
Dear Uncle: —
We left Upton's Hill and its earthworks to be guarded by less serviceable
troops than ours, and marched here through heat and dust today. We (that is
General Cox's six Ohio regiments and the artillery and cavalry that we had on
[the] Kanawha) are attached to General Burnside's Army Corps. Pope is under a
cloud; promised and boasted too much, and has failed in performance. We like
General Burnside and his reputation.
We suppose we are destined for the defense of Maryland, but
don't know. Being with General Burnside, you can keep the run of us. I am told
that my commission as colonel of the Seventy-ninth has issued, and that
influences are at work to get me released here. I do and say nothing in the
premises.
It is very touching, the journey of Father Works, mentioned
in a letter I got from you last night, to see his friends at Fremont. His
desire, under such circumstances, to see you all, and his anxiety not to put
you to the trouble of visiting him. He is a noble old man. It would be well if
we had many like him. Regards to all. I am gratified that you approve my being
here.
Sincerely,
R. B. Hayes.
S. BlRCHARD.
SOURCE: Charles Richard Williams, editor, Diary and
Letters of Rutherford Birchard Hayes, Volume 2, p. 346
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