HEADQUARTERS FIRST INFANTRY DIVISION,
DEPARTMENT OF WEST VIRGINIA,
CAMP HASTINGS, NEAR CUMBERLAND, March 4, 1865.
DEAR SIR:— I am just
in receipt of yours of the 25th. As to going to Washington,
if it is so important to our friend's success, I must strain a point to get
there.
The kidnapping of our
two generals and the state of things growing out of Sheridan's
absence with all the mounted men of this region makes it imperative
that I should for the present stay where I am. A few weeks
will probably change all this — possibly a few days. Who am I to look to for
the truth when I get to Washington? I think you told me that Barrett was
both friendly and well informed in these matters. I have written to
him today on this supposition. Write to me frequently and fully and oblige.
Sincerely,
R. B. HAYES.
WILLIAM HENRY SMITH,
SECRETARY OF STATE,
Columbus, Ohio.
SOURCE: Charles Richard Williams, editor, Diary
and Letters of Rutherford Birchard Hayes, Volume 2, p. 564
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