CUMBERLAND,
MARYLAND, February 23, 1865.
MY DEAREST:— .
. . As to the visit to Washington, the capture of General
Crook may change my chance of getting permission to go there.
The expense is of no importance, if it is prudent in
view of the state of your health. I think I can get
permission to go, but it is more questionable than it was. You
should start so as to reach here by the 28th (or first of March).
Stop, if you are not met by me or Dr. Joe, at the St. Nicholas, Cumberland.
Telegraph me once when you start, and again when you are on the Baltimore
and Ohio Railroad. Captain McKinley, Major Kennedy, and many
other of your friends are at the St. Nicholas, if I happen not to be
there.
General Crook
is of course in Libby by this time. If he can be exchanged soon, it
will not, I think, injure him. His reputation is of the solid sort.
He is spoken of by officers and men always in the right
spirit.
General Kelley had
command of the town and of all the troops on picket. I do
not hear him censured in regard to it. He should have had cavalry here, but I
suppose it is not his fault that there was none.
The truth is that
all but "a feeble few" are taken to the coast from Savannah to
Richmond, leaving these posts to take their chances. I think it is wise policy,
but at the same time we are exposed to surprise and capture at any
time.
You need not be surprised
to hear that the enemy are across the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad at
any time. I have great faith in my troops, my vigilance, and my luck,
but I shall be much mistaken if the Rebels don't overwhelm a number of our
posts during the next six weeks or two months. Nothing but their extreme
weakness will prevent it.
How gloriously
things are moving! Columbia, Charleston, Sumter! Lee must act speedily. I should
think he would gather up all the scattered forces and attack either Grant
or Sherman before Sherman gets within supporting distance of Grant.
But it is all guess. The next two months will be more and more
interesting with the hopes, at least, in our favor largely. If Lee
evacuates Richmond and moves towards Lynchburg or Danville or North
(?) it merely prolongs the struggle. The evacuation of Richmond is a
confession of defeat.
General Stephenson
temporarily commands the Department. Well enough. If Lee leaves Richmond I
shall then feel like resigning the moment things don't suit me. The
war will be sub stantially over and I can honorably quit.— Love to
all. Affectionately ever
R.
P. S. — The Rebels
inquired for me, but were informed that I quartered with my troops. If it could
be without stain I would rather like now to be captured. It would be a good
experience.
MRS. HAYES.
No comments:
Post a Comment