Monday, July 3, 2017

Colonel Rutherford B. Hayes to Sophia Birchard Hayes, December 2, 1862

Camp Maskell, Near Gauley Bridge, December 2, 1862.

Dear Mother: — I am again with my friends and am enjoying camp life more than ever. The men are so hardy and healthy (only four in hospital) and so industrious (all hard at work building log cabins for winter quarters) and contented that I feel very happy with them. We are in a quiet place by ourselves, surrounded by fine scenery. Six miles only from the head of navigation, and no drawbacks except mud and a good deal of wet weather. Other regiments are on all the roads leading into “Dixie,” leaving us very little guard duty to do. A great relief in winter. . . .

Affectionately, your son,
Rutherford.

P. S. — Please send this to Uncle, as I have no time now for writing. — H.

Mrs. Sophia Hayes.

SOURCE: Charles Richard Williams, editor, Diary and Letters of Rutherford Birchard Hayes, Volume 2, p. 369

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