Camp White, March 28, 1863.
Dearest: — I
received yours last night. It is a week this morning since you left. We have
had rain every day, and in tents in the mud it is disagreeable enough. The men
still keep well. We have plenty of rumors of forces coming in here. It does
look as if some of the posts below here might be attacked.
You went away at just the right time as it has turned out. A
few weeks hence it will be good weather again and you would enjoy it if we are
not too much annoyed with the rumors or movements of the enemy.
Nothing new to talk about. General Cox is quite certainly
not confirmed, ditto his staff officers, Bascom, Conine, and Christie. It is
now a question whether they revert to their former rank or go out of service.
At any rate, we are probably not to be under them. At present we are supposed
to report to General Schenck at Baltimore. We like General Schenck but he
is too distant and we prefer on that account to be restored to the Department
of the Ohio under General Burnside.
We have had two bitterly cold nights the last week; with all
my clothes and overcoat on I could not keep warm enough to sleep well. But it
is healthy!
Love to all the boys, to Grandma and “a smart chance” for
your own dear self.
Same as before, yours
lovingly,
R.
Mrs. Hayes.
SOURCE: Charles Richard Williams, editor, Diary and
Letters of Rutherford Birchard Hayes, Volume 2, p. 398-9
