Colonel Rutherford B. Hayes to Sophia Birchard Hayes, May 27, 1863

Camp White, May 27, 1863.

Dear Mother: — I received your letter and Laura's a few days ago. . . . You seem to suppose Lucy and the boys are here. This is a mistake. I did not send for Lucy until yesterday. If the reports of General Grant's victories at Vicksburg are true, I shall expect to see important changes in the location of troops in this quarter. I therefore tell Lucy that her best chance to visit me is now. . . .

We have had a good deal of marching, but little fighting, during the recent attempts of the enemy to get into this valley. They failed entirely in their efforts. We are sufficiently fortified to keep our positions against anything but greatly superior forces. If Grant is successful, at Vicksburg, as seems now probable, the whole prospect is changed and changed favorably.

Affectionately, your son,

Rutherford.

Mrs. Sophia Hayes.

SOURCE: Charles Richard Williams, editor, Diary and Letters of Rutherford Birchard Hayes, Volume 2, p. 412