Camp White, May 17, 1863.
Dearest:— Things look
well for quiet in our vicinity for a time to come. We have had a good deal of
excitement for the past fortnight, but it is over now. Any time you think best
to come or send Grandma or any of the family, advise me as you start and we
will be ready for you and glad to see you. Comly brings his new wife here soon.
Ellen (Lieutenant Ellen), ditto. Mrs. Zimmerman, an agreeable lady, is here
now.
My whole brigade
except two or three detached companies, is now here. Delany, Simmonds, the
Fifth and Thirteenth Virginia and a new cavalry company were sent for during
the recent scare. We have nearly finished a tolerable fort, and have a gunboat.
I have thirteen pieces of artillery.
I am most agreeably
disappointed in my Virginia regiments. The Thirteenth is new and composed of
West Virginians, but it has capital officers and they promise well in all
respects. I reviewed them this Sunday morning. Their appearance would be
creditable to an old regiment.
The Fifth was in
all battles under Fremont and Pope last summer and behaved well, but was
unfortunately officered. This has been corrected. Their present
commander is an excellent man and I look for good things from them.
It perhaps would be
better for you not to come until you are ready to leave Cincinnati for the
summer, if you do leave for the summer. But you and Mother Webb will make your
own arrangements and it will suit me.
As ever, affectionately,
R. B. Hayes.
Mrs. Hayes.
SOURCE: Charles
Richard Williams, editor, Diary and Letters of Rutherford Birchard
Hayes, Volume 2, p. 409
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