Ordered to march at 8 A. M. on road to Alderson's Ferry. We
guard the trains. Before trains [were] all out, General Averell requests that I
detain one regiment; his pickets fired on or approached on Sweet Springs Road.
At his request remain until 11 A. M. Marched one hour and fifteen minutes to
[within] about four and one-half miles from Union. There shown a dispatch from
General Crook by an aide-de-camp of General Averell authorizing him to detain
me but no orders given. Told the aide I would halt there until he could send
orders from General Averell if I was wanted. Waited one and one-fourth hours;
sent a messenger to Captain Bottsford for orders. Reports from Union indicate
no force. After 3 P. M. marched slowly on after the infernally slow train. Soon
overtook it at Little Flat Top. After crossing met my orderly (Heckler, Company
C, wounded severely) from Captain Bottsford directing me to remain at place I
sent from. I rode rapidly forward towards ferry to get further orders. Met
Lieutenant Patton and got from him verbal orders and also a written order to
camp near ferry. A bad road over Little Flat Top and also near the river. The
rest of the road good. Three or four wagons broken; men tired, weak and hungry.
“Living on the country”; showery still, muddy of course.
SOURCE: Charles Richard Williams, editor, Diary and
Letters of Rutherford Birchard Hayes, Volume 2, p. 459-60
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