Flat Top Mountain, July 6, 1862.
Dearest: —
Sunday afternoon about 4 P. M. — hotter than ever. I have just finished reading
your letter written last Sunday at Chillicothe. I am very glad you are so
happily homed at Uncle Scott's. It is far better- up on that beautiful
hill with such kind friends, young and old, than in a hot and dirty city. You
cannot think oftener of me than I do of you and the dear ones around you; no,
nor more lovingly.
I knew you would be troubled when Fremont was relieved from
duty, and perhaps still more when you hear of McClellan's repulse before
Richmond. These things appear to postpone the termination of the war; but are
such disasters as must be looked for in such a contest. We must make up our
minds that we have a heavy work, and that reverses must frequently occur.
We have no right to complain of our lot. We have a
beautiful and healthy camp, with the enemy in front, strong enough to keep us
busy holding our position, without much danger of losing it. It is the common
opinion that if the reverse before Richmond has been serious, we shall be sent
to eastern Virginia, and I may add that it is the universal wish that we may
see some of the movements that are going on there.
Drs. Joe and Jim are both very well and with little to do.
Our loss by sickness during the last three months is only three.
Dr. Joe and I sent early in June to your address nine
hundred and fifty dollars. Did you get it? It is important we should know if it
has failed to reach you. As letters miscarry sometimes, be sure to speak of it
in two or three letters.
I got from Mr. Stephenson a Harper and Atlantic for
July today. All reading matter is in the greatest demand. . . .
It is not of much consequence to Boggs whether he returns or
not; yet he ought to be allowed to do it. If a soldier is well enough to be a nurse
he can be useful with his regiment. If he can neither nurse nor march, he can
get his pay or a discharge easier here than elsewhere. But we will do our best
for the man.
Think of it, the Fourth was a lovely day but we sat around a
fire in the evening and slept under blanket and coverlid. . . .
Good-bye, darling. Don't get downhearted about the war and
our separation. It will all come right, and then how happy we shall be —
happier than if we had not known this year's experience.
Affectionately ever,
your
R.
Mrs. Hayes.
SOURCE: Charles Richard Williams, editor, Diary and
Letters of Rutherford Birchard Hayes, Volume 2, p. 297-8
