CAMP FOUR MILES SOUTH OF WINCHESTER, VIRGINIA,
November 13, 1864. — Sunday.
MY DARLING:- You see we have made one day's march towards
civilization, and, as we hope, towards our much wished for winter
quarters. The weather has been and still is very favorable for the
season - cold and windy to be sure, but very little rain. We do not
know how far north we shall go. No doubt as far as some railroad and telegraphic
communication. We have halted here for four days past, probably on
account of reports that the Rebel army, reinforced and reorganized,
is following after us. We do not know how it is, but if they wish to try conclusions
with us again, it is likely General Sheridan will meet them.
My first brigade went to Martinsburg a week ago. It was
hoped that they would not have to come back, but the probability now
is that they will return. If so, I shall assume command of them
again. General Duval has returned cured of his wound. I could perhaps
keep a division, but under the circumstances I much prefer my old brigade. It
has been greatly improved by the addition of the Ninth Virginia
Veterans, who now with the Fifth form the First Virginia Veterans under Lieutenant-Colonel
Enochs — a splendid regiment.
We are rejoiced that Captain Hastings is improving; he is
still low but decidedly improving. His sister, whom you know, and a
brother are with him.
Lincoln's election was so confidently expected that it does
not cause so much excitement as we sometimes see, but it gives great
satisfaction here.
Generals Sheridan and Crook both voted for him. It
was General Sheridan's first vote!
I have no decided feeling about the little soldier's name.
But I can't help thinking, suppose he should die after living long enough to
become very dear to all of you. Would it not be awkward to
think of the dear lost ones by the same name? And is not
the idea of death now associated with the nickname “Little
Jody"? But I am quite indifferent. Decide as you wish, or leave it to be
decided by the boys.
Give my love to the kind friends.
Captain Reed, who sent you the dispatch, is an officer on
Colonel Thoburn's staff — who was thoughtful enough to contradict the false
report.*
Affectionately ever, your
R.
P.S. — Doctor and I rode to the front this P. M.,
a very cold, windy, raw day. From the best information I can get, nothing but
cavalry has been seen. I think the Rebel army is not a-going to disturb us
again. General Powell took two guns, two flags, and two hundred
prisoners from General McCausland last night. A very handsome affair. The
Second Virginia Cavalry is getting as good as any of them under
General Powell.
MRS. HAYES.
_______________
*See "Life of Hayes," Vol. I, page 257.
SOURCE: Charles
Richard Williams, editor, Diary and Letters of Rutherford Birchard
Hayes, Volume 2, p. 535-7