Colonel Rutherford B. Hayes to Sophia Birchard Hayes, March 22, 1863

Camp White, Near Charleston, March 22, 1863.

Dear Mother: — One week ago today we started bag and baggage for this place. We are within five or six hours' travel by steamboat from Ohio (Gallipolis). Steamers pass our camp daily two or three times for home. We are within fifteen hours of Cincinnati and the communication frequent and regular. . . .

We shall remain here probably a good while. The Twenty-third is the only regiment in the vicinity. My command is stretched from Gauley to the Kentucky line. I make my headquarters here but shall go in both directions often. Quite likely, if present arrangements continue, I may run up to Columbus in a month or two. . . . Love to all.

Affectionately, your son,

R. B. Hayes.

Mrs. Sophia Hayes.

SOURCE: Charles Richard Williams, editor, Diary and Letters of Rutherford Birchard Hayes, Volume 2, p. 396