Colonel Rutherford B. Hayes to Sardis Birchard, May 25, 1863

Camp White, May 25, i863.

Dear Uncle: — The Rebels don't make much progress towards getting us out. We are tolerably well fortified here and at Fayette. At the latter place they tried it, banging away three or four days and doing nothing.

I will see to the bank stock and try to pay a little at any rate.

Grant seems to be doing well. If all we hear is true, I think he will get Vicksburg soon.

I have sent to Lucy to come up as soon as Vicksburg is taken, thinking it probable that such an event may soon send us further out.

Sincerely,

R. B. Hayes.

S. Birchard.

SOURCE: Charles Richard Williams, editor, Diary and Letters of Rutherford Birchard Hayes, Volume 2, p. 411-2