./^=hai?^l;fi ¥'¦¦ jMiiiiiiitfaMiwtrtnini YALE UNIVERSITY LIBRARY Gift of the Ohio State Library Colonel Rutherford B. Hayes, Twenty-Third O. V. I. From a photograph taken after recovery from wounds received September 14, 1862, at the battle of South Mountain, Maryland, in the Antietam Campaign. DIARY AND LETTERS OF RUTHERFORD BIRGHARD HAYES DIARY AND LETTERS OF RUTHERFORD BIRGHARD HAYES NINETEENTH PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES EDITED BY CHARLES RICHARD WILLIAMS VOLUME II 1861 - 1865 THE OHIO STATE ARCH^OLOGICAL AND HISTORICAL SOCIETY 1922 COPYRIGHT. 1922 / Ohio State Archaeological and Historical Society ^11 Klgitl UlIMrvtd PlEiS OF The F. J. Heer Printing Company Columbus, Ohio 1922 CONTENTS XIV. Secession and War — 1861 1 XV. Campaigning in West Virginia — 1861 45 XVI. In Winter Quarters, West Virginia — 1861 .... 108 XVII. Camp Routine and Impatient Waiting, West Virginia — Winter — 1862 173 XVIII. Advance and Retreat — West Virginia — Spring of 1862 221 XIX. Holding the Front Line — West Virginia — June-August 1862 284 XX. Wounded at South Mountain — August-November 1862 330 XXI. Log Cabins on the Kanawha — December 1862 — June 1863 366 XXII. Morgan's Raid and Minor Operations — West Vir ginia — July-December 1863 418 XXIII. Winter Recruiting — Advance and Retreat — Cloyd's Mountain — Lexington — Western Maryland — Jan uary-July 1864 449 XXIV. Fighting in the Shenandoah Valley, Ofequon, Fisher's Hill, and Cedar Creek — August-October 1864 . . 491 XXV. In Garrison — End of the War — November 1864 — May 1665 532 (V) ILLUSTRATIONS Colonel Rutherford B. Hayes, Twenty-Third 0. V. I. — From a photograph taken after recovery from wounds received September 14, 1862, at the battle of South Mountain, Mary land, in the Antietam Campaign . . . Frontispiece Last Page of the Diary of Rutherford B. Hayes before entering the Union Army for the War 16 President Lincoln and Ohio Supporters in the War for the Union, 1861-1865 — Salmon P. Chase, William Dennison, John Brough, John Sherman, Edwin M. Stanton, David Tod, Benjamin F, Wade 50 Ohio Generals and Generals Appointed from Ohio — All West Point Graduates — Major-General Don Carlos Buell, Major-General Wiluam S. RosECRANS, Major-General Irwin McDowell, Major- General George B. McClellan, Major-General John Pope, Major-General A. McD. McCook .... 98 Ohio Major-Generals, 1861-1865 — Major-General O. M. Mitchel, Major-General Jacob D. Cox, Major-General M. D. Leggett, Major-General D, S. Stanley, Major-General Q. A. Gillmore, Major-General Robert C. Schenck, Major-General Godfrey Weitzel, Major-General James A. Garfield, Major-General James B. Steedman 146 Ohio Generals, 1861-1865 — Major-General C. R. Woods, Brigadier-General W. S. Smith, Major-General James W. Forsyth, Major-General Ken- ner Garrard, Brigadier-General Joshua W. Sell, Major- General Robert S. Granger, Brigadier-General J. S. Mason, Major-General Wager Swayne .... 234 (vii) viii ILLUSTRATIONS Battle of South Mountain, Maryland, September 14, 1862. Where Colonel Hayes was severely wounded . . 352 Woman's Mission in War. — Lucy Webb Hayes in Hospital at MiDDLETOWN, Maryland, after the Antietam Campaign OF 1862 360 Regimental Headquarters Mess Twenty-Third O. V. I. in Western Virginia, 1862 — Colonel Rutherford B. Hayes, Surgeon J. T. Webb, Major J. P. McIlrath, Adjutant M. P. Avery. Insert, Master Webb Hayes, Aged Six Years . . ' . . . .368 Ohio Generals, 1861-1865 — Brigadier-General R. L. McCook, Brigadier-General John G. Mitchell, Brigadier-General William H. Lytle, Brigadier-General Ralph P. Buckland, Brigadier-Gen eral John Beatty, Brigadier-General Daniel McCook, Major-General J. Warren Keifer 420 "Ought to be Scalped'' Letter 496 Brigadier-General Rutherford B. Hayes (Brevet Major-General) AND Staff — Joseph T. Webb, Surgeon, Lieutenant Jas. W. Delay, Lieutenant Wiluam McKinley, Jr., Lieutenant O. J. Wood, Captain Russell Hastings 508 Ohio Generals, Graduates from West Point Who Won the War for the Union — Major-General Philip H. Sheridan, Majok-General George Crook, Lieutenant-General William T. Sherman, Gen eral Ulysses S. Grant, Major-General James B. Mc- Pherson, Major-General George A. Custer . . .554 DIARY AND LETTERS OF RUTHERFORD BIRGHARD HAYES DIARY AND LETTERS OF RUTHERFORD BIRGHARD HAYES CHAPTER XIV SECESSION AND WAR — 1861 MR, HAYES did not perceive the full significance and implication of the Presidential contest of i860 while it was in progress. The Southern extremists had been threat ening disunion so long that, in common with most men of the North, Hayes attached little importance to their present mutterings. In his thought, apparently, it was just an ordinary Presidential canvass, complicated, to be sure, by the fact that there were four candidates, but not one to get excited over. He had figured out in June the probability of Lincoln's election, but hardly more than a month before election day he was any thing but confident oi the result. In a letter to his uncle of September 30, he wrote: "I have made a few little speeches in the country townships, and shall make a few more. I ^nnot getjup must interest in the contest. A wholesome^ contempt for Douglas, on account of his recent demagoguery, is the chief feeling I have. I am not so confident that Lincoln will get votes enough as many of our friends. I think his chances are fair, but what may be the effect of fusions in such anti-Repub lican States as New Jersey and Pennsylvania, is more than I can tell or confidently guess until after the state elections." On election day, November 6, he wrote in the Diary: "The Southern States are uneasy at the prospect of Lincoln's election today. The ultra South threatens disunion, and it now looks as if South Carolina and possibly two or three others would go out of the Union. Will they ? And if so, what is to be the result? Will other slave States gradually be drawn after them, or will the influence of the conservative States draw back into (1) 2 RUTHERFORD BIRGHARD HAYES the Union or hold in the Union the ultra States? I think the latter. But at all events, I feel as if the time had come to test this question. If the threats are meant, then it is time the Union was dissolved or the traitors crushed out. I hope Lincoln goes in." In the next few weeks of tense political excitement, with South Carolina openly moving toward secession and President Buchanan supinely looking on in a paralysis of inaction, the Diary is silent, as are also the extant letters, on the absorbing topic of the day. That he was not an indifferent observer of passing events, however, and that for the moment with large numbers of people of the North he contemplated calmly the possibility of the permanent disruption of the Union, the pages that follovi^ clearly demonstrate.] January 4, 1861. — South Carolina has passed a secession or dinance, and Federal laws are set at naught in the State. Overt acts enough have been committed. Forts and arsenal taken, a revenue cutter seized, and Major Anderson besieged in Fort Sumter. Other cotton States are about to follow. Disunion and civil war are at hand; and^yet^^I^Jear_disun^l..jfljLwar less than compromise. .Vye.can recover froni them. The free States alone, if_we must go on alone, will make a glorious nation. Twenty millions in the temperate zone, stretching from the__Atlantic^!^3he.--PacifiQ, full of vigor, industry, inventive genius, educated, and moral ; increasing^ by immigration rapidly, and, above^ all, free — all _f ree ;:;::^will , form .j^cgrtf ederacy of tvven_ty States scarcely inferior in real power to ihe..UJjiortunate Union of thirty-three States which we. had on the,j£st,of No vember. I do not even feel gloomy when I look forward. The reality is less frightful than the apprehension which we have all had these many years. Let us be temperate, calm, and just, but firm and resolute. Crittenden's compromise ! * ?Hayes's disapproval of the Crittenden Compromise is indicated by the exclamation point. The venerable John J. Crittenden, Senator from Kentucky, sought by eloquent appeals to induce Congress to submit to the States for approval an amendment to the Constitution forbidding Con gress to abolish slavery in the District of Columbia so long as it existed SECESSION AND WAR — 1861 3 Windham speaking of the rumor that Bonaparte was about to invade England said: "The danger of invasion is by no means equal to that of peace. A man may escape a pistol however near his head, but not a dose of poison." Cincinnati, January 6, i86i. Dear Uncle : — We have had the usual fun and folly during the holidays and are safely through with them. Mother is almost perfectly well again and seems contented and happy. All the rest of the family are in usual health. I had a few days' influenza which passed off doing no harm. I shall not be very busy, but employment enough for the next few weeks. I expect to spend some days at Columbus within two or three weeks. Mother wants to hear from you; thinks something wrong if you do not write often. Sincerely, R. B. Hayes. S. BiRCHARD. Cincinnati, January 12, 1861. Dear Uncle : — I will write oftener hereafter. I have some work, the days are short, and the state of the country is a never-ending topic which all you meet must discuss, greatly to the interruption of regular habits. I rather enjoy the excitement, and am fond of speculating about it. We are in a revolution; the natural ultimate result is to divide us into two nations, one composed of free States, the other of slave States. What we shall pass through before we reach this inevitable result is matter for conjecture. While I am in favor of the Government promptly enforcing the laws for the present, defending the forts and collecting the revenue, I am not in favor of a war policy with a view to the conquest in Virginia or Maryland, or to abolish it in national territory south of latitude 36° 30' — the southern line of Kansas. This was to be irrepeal- able by any subsequent amendment, as were also certain existing para graphs in the Constitution relating to slavery. Further, Mr. Crittenden wished Congress to strengthen the Fugitive Slave Law and to appeal to the States and to the people for its thorough enforcement. 4 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES of any of the slave States; except such as are needed to give us a good boundary. If Maryland attempts to go off, suppress her in order to save the Potomac and the District of Columbia. Cut a piece off of western Virginia and keep Missouri and all the Territories. To do this we shall not need any long or expensive war, if the Government does its duty. A war of conquest we do not want. It would leave us loaded with debt and would certainly fail of its object. The sooner we get into the struggle and out of it the better. There, you can read that perhaps. If you can't, you lose nothing. If you can, it is no more worthless than the dis patches from Congress. . . . Sincerely, R. B. Hayes. S. BiRCHARD. January 27, 1861. — Six States have "seceded." Let them go. If the Union is now dissolved it does not prove that the experi ment of popular government is a failure. In all the free States, and in a majority if not in all of the slaveholding States, popular government has been sucessful. But the experiment of uniting free states and slaveholding states in one nation is, perhaps, a failure. Freedom and slavery can, perhaps, not exist side by side under the same popular government. There probably is an "irrepressible conflict" * between freedom and slavery. It may as well be admitted, and our new relations may as well be formed with that as an admitted fact. Cincinnati, February 13, 1861. Dear Uncle: — We are all well. Mother is in better health; went to church Sunday, and was able to enjoy the Lincoln reception yesterday. The great procession and crowd could be seen well from our windows and steps, and all had a good view ?This phrase had iirst been used by William H. Seward in a speech at Rochester, New York, October 25, 1858. SECESSION AND WAR — 1861 5 of the President. He is in good health ; not a hair gray or gone ; in his prime and fit for service, mentally and physically. Great hopes may well be felt. Lucy and I went with a jolly party of friends to Indianapolis on Monday, and returned on the Presidential train to Cincin nati, seeing all the doings here and on the road. We heard Lincoln make several of his good speeches, talked with [him], etc., etc. Regards to all. Sincerely, R. B. Hayes. S. BiRCHARD. Cincinnati, February 15, 1861. Dear Uncle: — . . . The reception given to the Presi dent-elect here was most impressive. He rode in an open car riage, standing erect with head uncovered, and bowing his acknowledgments to greetings showered upon him. There was a lack of comfort in the arrangements, but the simplicity, the homely character of all was in keeping with the nobility of this typical American. A six-in-hand with gorgeous trappings, accom panied by outriders and a courtly train, could have added nothing to him; would have detracted from him, would have been wholly out of place. The times are unsuited to show. The people did not wish to be entertained with a display; they did wish to see the man in whose hands is the destiny of our country. You will read the speeches in the papers, and search in vain for anything to find fault with. Mr. Lincoln was wary at all times, wisely so I think, and yet I hear no complaint. Our German Turners, who are radical on the slavery question and who are ready to make that an issue of war, planned to draw from him some expression in sympathy with their own views. They serenaded him and talked at him, but they were baffled.* In private conversation he was discreet but frank. He believes in a policy of kindness, of delay to give time for passions to cool, but not in a compromise to extend the power and the * Mr. William Henry Smith happened to be present when the Germans serenaded Mr. Lincoln. He made a shorthand report of Mr. Lincoln's reply. The speech is preserved in print in Francis F. Browne's "Every day Life of Lincoln," p. 385. 6 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES deadly influence of the slave system. This gave me great satis faction. The impression he made was good. He undoubtedly is shrewd, able, and possesses strength in reserve. This will be tested soon. Sincerely, R. B. Hayes. S. BiRCHARD. Cincinnati, March \y, 1861. Dear Uncle: — I received yours of the 13th yesterday. I shall not come out for three or four weeks, perhaps not so soon. It is not yet possible to guess how the [city] election will go, but the chances are decidedly against our side. The Democrats and Know-nothings have united and will nominate their ticket this week. If they nominate men tolerably accept able to both wings of the fusion, they will succeed beyond all question. Their majority at the last election over the Repub licans was nearly three thousand. We can't beat this. Our chance is that there will be some slip or mistake which will upset the union. I shall go under with the rest, but expect to run ahead of the ticket. Of course, I prefer not to be beaten, but I have got out of the office the best there is in it for me. I shall get me an office alone, and start anew — a much pleas- anter condition of things than the one I left with Corwine. Yes, giving up Fort Sumter is vexing. It hurts our little election, too; but I would give up the prospect of office, if it would save the fort, with the greatest pleasure. Elinor Mead * leaves us on Tuesday to return home the last of the week. She has enjoyed her visit, I think. Mother is very well again ; is able to go out, to shop and to church. Little Ruddy (our brag boy now) has been sick, but is getting nearly well. The other boys count largely on going to Fremont this summer. . . Sincerely, R. B. Hayes. S. BiRCHARD. *A cousin from Vermont; later to become the wife of William Dean Howells, who that winter was a newspaper correspondent at Columbus. SECESSION AND WAR — 1861 7 Private Strictly. Cincinnati, March 22, 1861. Dear Sir : — I am on my way to Columbus and stopped at your house to say for your own private ear, and as your friend, that I would not [if in your place] consent to be a can didate for mayor in Eggleston's place. This is not your best time. I shall say this to nobody else, but as a looker-on and as one interested, I think what I say is true. Think of it well before you consent. Sincerely, R. B. Hayes. To Thomas H. Weasner. Cincinnati, March 24, 1861. Dear Uncle : — ... All well here. Both parties have made their tickets for the election of the first of April. The chances are still against us, but somewhat better than when I wrote you last. . . . Sincerely, S. BiRCHARD. R. B. Hayes. Cincinnati, March 29, 1861. Dear Uncle : — I have received your favor, and suspect you are more anxious that I should be re-elected than the occasion calls for. I philosophize in this way : I have got out of the office pretty much all the good there is in it — reputation and experience. If I quit it now, I shall be referred to as the best, or one of the best solicitors, the city has had. If I serve two years more, I can add nothing to this. I may possibly lose. I shall be out of clients and business a little while, but this difficulty will perhaps be greater two years hence. So' you see it is no great matter. Still, I should prefer to beat, and with half a chance, I should do it. . . I am not wasting much time looking after the election — none in mere personal electioneering. I am trying to so behave as to go out respectably. Sincerely, S. BiRCHARD. R. B. Hayes. 8 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES Cincinnati, April 2, 1B61. Dear Uncle : — Before this reaches you, you will no doubt learn that the Union-saving avalanche has overtaken us, and that my little potato patch went down with the rest. To prevent a general break-up of the Fusion, both wings agreed as far as possible, to vote an open ticket without scratching. By the aid of oceans of money and a good deal of sincere patriotism in behalf of Union, the plan was carried out with perfect success. It did not in the least disappoint me. Now, what to do next and how to begin? My term expires next Monday. I shall keep my eyes open, and meditate making you a short visit before finally settling. I have enough cash on hand, or available, to support me for a year, even if I should fail to get business enough to do it, which I do not anticipate. Nothing unpleasant has occurred in the whole course of the can vass. I am quite as well content as one who has drawn a blank ever is, or can be. Sincerely, R. B. Hayes. S. BiRCHARD. Cincinnati, April 10, 1861. Dear Uncle : — You spoke too late. I am again settled in a respectable practice. I tried a case today and shall try an other tomorrow. Mr. Hassaurek, the German who gets the highest ofiice, viz., nine thousand feet above the sea at Quito, leaves a good German practice. I have taken it with his half- brother, a bright, gentlemanly, popular young German [Leopold Markbreit]. It will have both advantages and drawbacks, but it was the best that offered, and not getting a letter from you, I left the solicitor's ofiice yesterday and entered my new quar ters at once. I enclose my card for the German side of the house. I feel free and jolly. . Sincerely, R. B. Hayes. S. BiRCHARD. SECESSION AND WAR — 1861 9 Cincinnati^ April 15, 1861. Dear Uncle : — . . . We are all for war. The few dis sentients have to run like quarter-horses. A great change for two weeks to produce. As the Dutchman said, "What a beeples." Poor Anderson ! What a chance he threw away. The Government may overlook or even whitewash it, but the people and history will not let him off so easily. I like it. Anything is better than the state of things we have had the last few months. We shall have nothing but rub-a-dub and rumors for some time to come. All pretty well. Mother thinks we are to be punished for our sinfulness, and reads the Old Testament vigorously. Mother Webb quietly grieves over it. Lucy enjoys it and wishes she had been in Fort Sumter with a garrison of women. Dr. Joe is for flames, slaughter, and a rising of the slaves. All the boys are soldiers. Sincerely, R. B. Hayes. S. BiRCHARD. Columbus, April 19, 1861. Dear Uncle : — I came up last night to help Dr. James Webb get a place as surgeon, and for other purposes not war like. The doctor left for the East as assistant surgeon of [the] Second Regiment with the soldiers this morning. I shall return home on [the] next train. At the first, I put down my foot that I would not think of going into this first movement. This, of course, I shall stick to; but if this war is [to] go on, it is obvious that sooner or later thousands will be dragged into it who would now not contemplate doing so. Piatt enjoys it hugely. So do all the old-style people who like a strong government. It took a great many delicate youngsters from our neighborhood; almost every other family on our street sent somebody — Wilson Woodrow, Wright, Schooley, of our near neighbors. I saw them in their tents last night — cold as Halifax, and compelled to get up at 2:30 this morning to go East. A sharp experience for ten derly reared boys. 10 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES Come down and see us. All well here. Sincerely, S. BiRCHARD. R. B. Hayes. Cincinnati, April 20, i860 [1861]. Dear Uncle:— ... I have joined a volunteer home company to learn drill. It is chiefly composed of the Literary Club. Includes Stephenson, Meline, John Groesbeck, Judge James, McLaughlin, Beard, and most of my cronies. We wish to learn how to "eyes right and left," if nothing more. A great state of things for Christian people, and then to have old gentlemen say, as you do, "I am glad we have got to fighting at last." Judge Swan and Mr. Andrews and the whole Meth odist clergy all say the same. Shocking! One thing: Don't spend much on your house or furniture henceforth. Save, save, is the motto now. People who furnish for the war will make money, but others will have a time of it. Mother thinks it is a judgment on us for our sins. Henry Ward Beecher, who is now here, says it is divine work, that the Almighty is visibly in it. Sincerely, R. B. Hayes. S. BiRCHARD. Cincinnati, April 23, 1861. Dear Uncle : — No doubt the accounts sent abroad as to the danger we are in from Kentucky are much exaggerated. Ken tucky is in no condition to go out immediately. If the war goes on, as I think it ought, it is probable that she will leave us, and that we shall be greatly exposed, but she has no arms, and al most no military organization. Even their secession governor is not prepared to precipitate matters under these circumstances. We are rapidly preparing for war, and shall be on a war foot ing long before Kentucky has decided what to do. Lucy dislikes to leave here just now. She enjoys the excite ment and wishes to be near her mother and the rest of us • but as for camping down in Spiegel Grove and roughing it,' she SECESSION AND WAR — 1861 11 thinks that will be jolly enough, and as soon as we are quiet here, she will be very happy to go into quarters with you. . . . A great many gentlemen of your years are in for the war. One old fellow was rejected on account of his gray hair and whiskers. He hurried down street and had them colored black, and passed muster in another company. Sincerely, R. B. Hayes. [Later.] — Yours of the 22nd just received. Fremont has done well. We are sending about four thousand [volunteers] from here, if all are accepted, besides [having] eight thousand more stay-at-homes. I am acting captain of our crack rifle company. I shall go into the ranks as a private in a week or two. S. BiRCHARD. [The following statement in Hayes's handwriting, evidently prepared about this time, shows what plans the citizens of Cin cinnati were making to defend the city against possible attack from Kentucky.] To be ready on the day that Kentucky secedes to take posses sion of the hills on the Kentucky side which command Cincinnati, or the approaches to it, and prepare to hold them against any force. a. Regiments ready to cross on short notice with arms, am munition, provisions, tools, etc., for entrenching; cannon, boats, and all essentials. b. Cut off telegraphic communication south from Covington and Newport. c. Also railroad communication. d. Take all boats; fortify all hills, etc. e. _ The prevention of raids to rob banks, etc. Spies to Frankfort with passwords for dispatches, etc. Cincinnati, April 25, 1861. Dear Uncle : ^- We are glad to hear from you often. I have written almost daily, and am surprised you do not hear from me more regularly. Your letters reach me in good time. 12 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES The point of interest here now is as to Kentucky. Her Leg islature meets on the 6th of May. If a secession measure is passed we shall expect lively times here immediately afterwards. The chances are about equal in my upinion. If they were armed and ready they would go beyond all question ; but their helpless condition will possibly hold them. Our people generally are quite willing to see them go. They prefer open enmity to a deceptive armed neutrality. Sincerely, R. B. Hayes. P. S. — My company drills at lo A. M. today — Sunday ! I have two clergymen and the sons of two others in the ranks. I suspect they will not answer at roll-call. S. BiRCHARD. Cincinnati, April 30, 1861. Dear Uncle : — Your frequent letters are very acceptable. I am sorry, however, to be compelled to think that we are indebted to your ill health for the favor. Lucy says, "Why don't Uncle come down and make us a visit? If the house has a roof and floors, it is finished enough for war times and needs no further attention." You will find it almost as quiet as your own town. About five thousand men have left, and our streets show that even that number missing is noticeable. If any war news comes, we shall be lively enough soon. The first ten days of the war was as jolly and exciting as you could wish. Sincerely, R. B. Hayes. S. BiRCHARD. Cincinnati, [May 27, 1861.] Dear Uncle : — I have nothing in particular you to write. I heard a good war sermon today on the subject, "The Horrors of Peace" ! The weather is very unfavorable for troops in camp — wet and chilly. The tents leak and the ground is low and flat. These things will gradually mend themselves. We shall have precious SECESSION AND WAR — 1861 13 little business this summer, judging by present appearances. Come down when you feel like it. Sincerely, R. B. Hayes. S. BiRCHARD. Cincinnati, May 8, i86i. Dear Guy: — I have just received and read your letter of the 27th ult. It does me good to hear from you again. I have thought of you often since these troubles began. Curiously enough, having a bad cold and a slight fever, I dreamed of many things last night. Among others I dreamed of seeing you at the Burnet House; that you wore on your cap some sort of seces sion emblem and that you were in danger of getting into difficulty with some soldiers who were in the rotunda, and that it was after some effort that I succeeded in getting you rid of them. I should have written you soon even if I had not heard from you. Your predictions as to the course of things have indeed been very exactly fulfilled. I can recollect distinctly many conversa tions had twelve, perhaps even fifteen, years ago in which you pointed out the probable result of the agitation of slavery. I have hoped that we could live together notwithstanding slavery, but for some time past the hope has been a faint one. I now have next to no hope of a restoration of the old Union. _If_you are correct in your view of the facts, there is no hope whatever. In such case, a continued union is not desirable were it possible. I do not differ widely from you as to the possibility of con quering the South, nor as to the expediency of doing it even if it were practicable. If it is the settled and final judgment of any slave State that she cannot live in the Union, I should not think it wise or desirable to retain her by force, even if it could be done. But am I, therefore, to oppose the war? If it were a war of conquest merely, certainly I should oppose it, and on the grounds you urge. But the war is forced on us. We cannot escape it. While in your State, and in others, perhaps in all the cotton-growing States, a decided and controlling public judg- 14 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES ment has deliberately declared against remaining in the Union, it is quite certain that in several States rebellious citizens are bent on forcing out of the Union States whose people are not in favor of secession; that the general Government is assailed, its property taken, its authority defied in places and in a way not supported by any fairly expressed popular verdict. Undoubtedly the design to capture Washington is entertained by the Govern ment of the Southern Confederacy. Undoubtedly that Con federacy has not by its acts sought a peaceful separation. Every thing has been done by force. If force had been employed to meet force, I believe several States now out of the Union would have remained in it. We have an example before us. Two weeks ago Maryland was fast going out; now, aided by the power of the general Government, the Union men seem again to be in the ascendant. The same is true of Delaware, Kentucky, Mis souri, and western Virginia, with perhaps allowances in some quarters. I do not, of course, undertake to predict what will be the ultimate object of the war. I trust Jt_ will riot be merely the conquest of unwilling peoples. _ Its present object, and. its. ob vious present effect, is to defend the rights of the Union, and to strengthen the Unionjiien in the doubtful .States. We were becoming a disgraced, demoralized people. We are now united and strong. If peaceful separation were to be attempted, it would fail. We should fight about the terms of it. The question of boundary alone would compel a war. After a war we shall make peace. It will henceforth be known that a State disappointed in an election can't secede, except at the risk of fearful war. What is left to us will be ours. Thewar^f^or Jhe purposes mdicated — viz^, for the_defence of the capital, for the maintenance of the authority of the Government a,nd the rights of the United States, I think is necessary^_wise,, and just. I know you honestly dif- fer from me. I know that thousands — the great body of the people in some States, perhaps, — agree with you, and if we were only dealing with you^and such as you, there Avould be no war between us. But if Kentucky, Virginia, and other States similarly situated leave the Union, it will be because they are SECESSION AND WAR — 1861 15 forced or dragged out; and our Government ought not to per mit it, if it can be prevented even by war. I read your letter to Judge Matthews. We agree in the main respecting these questions. I shall be pleased to read it to George [Jones] when we meet. He has two brothers who have volunteered and gone to Washington. Lorin Andrews, President of Kenyan, our classmate, is colonel of a regiment. My brother- in-law. Dr. [James D.] Webb, has gone as a surgeon. I shall not take any active part, probably, unless Kentucky goes out. If so the war will be brought to our own doors and I shall be in it. If I felt I had any peculiar military capacity I should prob ably have gone to Washington with the rest. I trust the war will be short and that in terms, just to all, peace will be restored. I apprehend, and it is, I think, generally thought, that the war will [not] be a long one. Our whole people areJnJt__Your acquaintances Pugh^ Pendleton, and Groesbeck, are all. for prose cuting it with the utmost vigor. Vallandigham is silent, the_ only man I have heard of in any party. He ha.s_ not been jnobbed and is in no danger_^ of it. I will try to send you Bishop Mcll- vaine's address on the war. It will give you our side of the matter. We shall, of course, not agree about the war. We shall, I am sure, remain friends. There are good points about all such wars. People forget self. The virtues of magnanimity, courage, patriotism, etc., etc., are called into life. People are more gen erous, more sympathetic, better, than when engaged in the more selfish pursuits of peace. The same exhibition of virtue is wit nessed on your side. May there be as much of this, the better side of war, enjoyed on both sides, and as little of the horrors of war suffered, as possible, and may we soon have an honorable and enduring peace ! My regards to your wife and boy. Lucy and the boys send much love. As ever, R. B. Hayes. p_ S. — My eldest thinks God will be sorely puzzled what to do. He hears prayers for our side at church, and his gra-nd- 16 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES mother tells him that there are good people praying for the other side, and he asks : "How can He answer the prayers of both?" Guy M. Bryan, Texas. May 10, 1861. — Great events the last month. April 12 and 13, Fort Sumter [was] attacked and taken by the South Caro lina troops by order of the Government of the Confederate States at Montgomery. Sunday evening, April 14, news of Lincoln's call for 75,000 men [was] received here with im- bounded enthusiasm. How reheved we were to have a Govern ment again! I shall never forget the strong emotions, the wild and joyous excitement of that Sunday evening. Staid and sober church members thronged the newspaper offices, full of the general joy and enthusiasm. Great meetings were held. I wrote the resolutions of the main one, — to be seen in the Intelligencer of the next week. Then the rally of troops, the flags floating from every house, the liberality, harmony, forgetfulness of party and self — all good. Let what evils may follow, I shall not soon cease to rejoice over this event. The resolutions referred to were published in the Gazette of the i6th [of] April and in the Intelligencer of the i8th. [The resolutions were as follows : "Resolved, That the people of Cincinnati, assembled without distinction of party, are unanimously of opinion that the au thority of the United States, as against the rebellious citizens of the seceding and disloyal States, ought to be asserted and main tained, and that whatever men or means may be necessary to accomplish that object the patriotic people of the loyal States will promptly and cheerfully furnish. "Resolved, That the citizens of Cincinnati will, to the utmost of their ability, sustain the general Government in maintaining its autherity, in enforcing the laws, and in upholding the flag of the Union."] ^ww /i~ rHf ¦^-<^-7 J s2^^^-~^~^^EZI7^'^^ ^^ ^ ,^^ i^^::^^ ^V=^ 't.>-<^^I>= ^^ ^>^^ Facsimiu op the Last Page of the DfARY of Rutherford B. Hayes Before Entering the Union Army for the War. SECESSION AND WAR — 1861 17 Cincinnati, May 12, 1861. Dear Uncle; — . . . The St. Louis and other news revives the war talk. We are likely, I think, to have a great deal of it before the thing is ended. Bryan writes me a long friendly secession letter, one-sided and partial, but earnest and honest. Perhaps he would say the same of my reply to it. I wish I could have a good talk with you about these days. I may be carried off by the war fever, and would like to hear you on it. Of course, I mean to take part, if there seems a real necessity for it, but I am tempted to do so, notwithstanding my unmilitary education and habits, on general enthusiasm and ghttering gen eralities. But for some pretty decided obstacles, I should have done so before now. All well at home. Lucy hates to leave the city in these stirring times. We hear that some of the Fremont men are at the camp near Milford. I shall see them one of these days, if this is so. Sincerely, R. B. Hayes. S. BiRCHARD. May 75, 1861. — Judge Matthews and I have agreed to go into the service for the war, — if possible into the same regiment. I spoke my feelings to him, which he said were his also, viz., that this was a just and necessary war and that it demanded the whole power of the country ; that I would prefer to go into it if I knew I was to die or be killed in the course of it, than to live through and after it zvithout taking any part in it. Cincinnati, May 16, 1861. Dear Uncle : — I have got your favor of the 14th. . . . You say nothing about my going into the war. I have been fishing for your opinion in several of my late letters. Unless you speak soon, you may be too late. My new business arrangement and my prospects, bad as times are, are evidently good. Whenever other lawyers have business, I shall easily make all that is needed; but still, as Billy Rogers 2 18 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES writes me, "This is a holy war," and if a fair chance opens, I shall go in; if a fair chance don't open, I shall, perhaps, take measures to open one. So don't be taken by surprise if you hear of my soldiering. All the family have been sounded, and there will be no troublesome opposition. In view of contingencies, I don't like to leave heme to visit you just now. I shall be able to leave money to support the family a year or two, without reckoning on my pay. Events move fast these days. Since writing the foregoing, Judge [Stanley] Matthews called, and we have agreed to go to Columbus to lay the ropes for a regiment. There are a thousand men here who want us for their officers. Sincerely, v, -a v R. B. Hayes. S. BiRCHARD. May ip, 1861. — We find a good deal of difficulty in getting new companies or regiments accepted for the war, but we shall persevere. Cincinnati, May 22, 1861. Dear Uncle : — Your last is highly satisfactory. It is by no means certain that we shall get in, but we shall keep trying and sooner or later I suspect we shall succeed. Lucy rather prefers, I think, net to go out to Fremont this sum mer if I should go away, but will of course do what we think best. I will come out before going away, even if I can stay only a day. If I should not leave, I shall of course visit you this summer and stay some time. Sincerely, R. B. Hayes. S. BiRCHARD. Cincinnati, May 23, 1861. Dear Uncle: — I received yours of the 17th this morning, and am glad to know that your views as to finishing and furnish ing the house correspond with our own. If I should not go SECESSION AND WAR — 1861 19 away during the summer, I will, of course, visit you several times, and we can arrange all these matters. . . , I suspect you do not like to commit yourself on my warlike designs. We have often observed, that on some questions, advice is never asked until one's own purpose is fixed; so that the ad viser is throwing away breath. Perhaps you think this is such a case, and perhaps you are right; but if the dispatches of this morning are correct, that the Government already has two hun dred and twenty thousand men, and will accept no more, the question is settled. It is raining again — disagreeable times for people in camp. I have not seen any Fremonters, but have written to Haynes* to come and see me, with any of the men. Sincerely, R. B. Hayes. S. BiRCHARD. Cincinnati, May 26, 1861. Dear Uncle : — . . . I have been watching the enlistments for the war during the last week with much interest, as the chance of our enterprise for the present depends on it. If twenty regiments enlist out of the twenty-six now on foot in the State, there will be no room for ours. If less than twenty go in for three years, we are safe. Until the news of the advance into Virginia arrived, and the death of Colonel Ellsworth, there was a good deal of hesitation in the various camps. The natural dissatisfaction and disgust which many felt, some with and some without adequate cause, were likely to prevent the quota from being filled out of the three-months men. But now all is en thusiasm again. Of course I like to see it, but for the present it probably cuts us out. Well, we shall be ready for next time. If all immediate interest in this quarter is gone, I shall likely enough come up and spend next Sunday with you. Sincerely, R. B. Hayes. S. BiRCHARD. *W. E. Haynes. Later a colonel. Long a prominent citizen of Fremont. Member of Congress, etc. 20 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES Cincinnati, May 31, 1861. Dear Uncle: — I made my preparations to start for Fremont by way of Toledo tomorrow, as intimated in my letter of the early part of the week, but a gleam of light breaks in upon us in regard to our war project, and I concluded to wait; but if noth ing turns up, I will come and see you a week hence. Mother is quite well again. All the rest of us in excellent health. The times are no better, and I see nothing which indicates an early termination of the war. We must make up our minds for hard rations and little money. Sincerely, R. B. Hayes. S. BiRCHARD. Cincinnati, June 5, 1861. Dear Uncle : — I have received your letter of the 3rd. Am sorry to have disappointed you last Saturday. Shall try to come soon. I have just had a call from Buckland, * and went with him to the Burnet House and saw Miss Annie and Ralph. A dispatch in the Commercial indicates that we are having better luck at Washington than at Columbus. If the authorities at Columbus do not interfere, we are likely to get in our regi ment. We had a letter from Governor Chase a few days [ago], which encouraged us to hope that such would be the case. Mother will probably go to Columbus next week or the week after. If the Commei'cial correspondent is correct, we shall probably be pretty busy for a few days or a week. I will ad vise you as soon as anything definite is known. Sincerely, R. B. Hayes. S. BiRCHARD. Ralph p. Buckland. of Fremont. Haves's old law partner, later a general. Always a leading citizen. SECESSION AND WAR — 1861 21 Cincinnati, June lo [9], 1861. Dear Uncle: — I shall go to Columbus in the morning under orders. I do not know what is intended, but by telegraph. Judge Matthews and myself are informed that we are to be in a regi ment with Colonel Rosecrans — a West Pointer and intimate friend of Billy Rogers, and a capital officer, — Matthews as lieutenant-colonel and I as major. This is all we know about it. Buckland perhaps told you that I had got a dispatch asking if I would accept, and that I replied accepting the place. We have since been telegraphed that we were under orders accord ingly, and must report at Columbus forthwith. This seems certain enough, but as red-tape is in the ascendant, we don't count positively on anything. I shall try to visit you before definitely leaving home. Mother will return to Columbus soon. I hope this matter is as it ap pears. It is precisely what we wish, if we understand it. Sincerely, ^ R. B. Hayes. S. BiRCHARD. Columbus, June 10, 1861. Dear Uncle: — Matthews and myself are here and find that the governor makes up a list of regimental officers, calls it a regimental organization and assigns to it companies as he pleases, preferring to select officers from one part of the State and men from another. We are the Twenty-third Regiment * and our companies will probably be from the north. The men indicated are said to be a superior body. We have seen the captains and are favorably impressed. Of course this policy is calculated to cause embarrassment, but the governor shoulders the responsibility and we are not involved in any personal unpleasantness. We shall be here probably a week before going down to make our final preparations. I may not the able to visit Fremont. If not you will see me here. Sincerely, R. B. Hayes. S. BiRCHARD. ?The first three-years regiment organized in Ohio. 22 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES (Private — Don't show this out of the family.) Cincinnati [Columbus], June lo, 1861. Dear Doctor: — We are not quite certain, but our matters probably stand this way. The governor makes up a regi mental staff and assigns to it companies as far removed from it, usually, as possible. We are to be the Twenty-third Regiment and companies will be assigned, usually, from the north. The proposed companies are very fine ones. This policy naturally creates some embarrassment, and may, or may not, work well, but the governor takes the responsibility in a very manly way, and reheves iis from all embarrassments. If there is trouble, it will be between the governor and the companies, not involving us in the least. We like our captains, and would get along with them well, if this policy don't interfere. Nothing can be said about surgeon at present. I suspect it is arranged, but can't guess how. I can't say when I shall come down, but soon, to stay two or three days and fix up; probably about Saturday next. Lucy may gradually get ready my matters; not too many things; there will be time enough. The camp is at the race-track four miles west. You need not talk much of my probable fix, as changes are possible. Love to all. I will write often. Sincerely, R. B. Hayes. P. S. — Order at Sprague's a major's uniform for infantry; they have my measure; see Rhodes; also, a blue flannel blouse, regulation offiicer's; pants to be large and very loose about the legs ; to be done the last of this week, or as soon as convenient Blouse and pants first to be done. Dr. Joseph T. Webb. Columbus, June 10, 1861. Dear Force: — I do not dispatch you as to matters here, because it is not certain what will be done, but our present im pression is, that we can get no additional companies into our SECESSION AND WAR — 1861 23 regiment. Full regiments have been made up, and the governor is assigning officers to them, or, rather, he makes up regimental staffs, and assigns companies from a list of accepted companies already in camp. . . . This mode of doing the thing creates some difficulty, and changes are possible, but not prob able. I regret this, but we can't perhaps change it. The gov ernor is doing it in a frank, manly way which relieves us from all embarrassment in the premises. Sincerely, R. B. Hayes. M. F. Force, Esq. Cincinnati. ' Columbus, Monday, lo P. M., June lo, iS6i. Dearest Lu: — I have just sent Judge Matthews to bed in the room over the library, and I thought I'd write, a few words to my dear wife before sleeping. We have been at the camp all the afternoon. Our quarters are not yet built; all things are new and disorganized; the location is not nearly so fine as Camp Dennison, but with all these disadvantages, we both came away feeling very happy. We visited our men; they be haved finely; they are ambitious and zealous, and met us in such a good spirit. We really were full of satisfaction with it. We are glad we are away from the crowds of visitors who in terfere so with the drills at Camp Dennison. When we reached town. Judge Matthews learned that Bosley was elected over the Grays ; he was more than content with it. I shall not need things in a hurry ; take time, and don't worry yourself. I shall probably be down the last of the week; I shall only be prevented by the absence of Colonel Rosecrans and Judge Matthews. The colonel has accepted and will be here Wednesday. There is a good band in camp ; several well drilled companies. We shall have four thousand men by Saturday. Ours is the best regiment: two companies from Cleveland, one from San dusky, one from Bellefontaine and one from Ashtabula, under a son of J. R. Giddings — a pleasant gentleman and a capital company. 24 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES But I must stop this. You know how I love you; how I love the family all; but Lucy, I am. much happier in this business than I could be fretting away in the old office near the court house^ It is^ Hying. My only regret is that you don't like our location. We shall probably spend the summer here, or a good part of it, unless we go into Virginia. No more tonight. Much love. Sincerely, R. B. Hayes. Mrs. Hayes. Columbus, June 12, 1861. Dear Uncle: — We are in Camp Jackson — hot, busy, and jolly. Colonel Rosecrans is an energetic, educated West Pointer, very cheerful and sensible. Judge Matthews you know. We are on good terms with our captains, and the whole thing pleases me vastly; but I see no chance of getting out to see you; so you must come here one of these days. We are in the suds yet ; still I would enjoy a visit even now. I cannot say more now. Good-bye. Sincerely, R. B. Hayes. P. S. — We were sworn in to-day ; our commissions are from the 7th. S. BiRCHARD, Columbus, June 12, 1861. Dear Force : — You can't regret more than I do the issue of this business, so far as you are concerned. I have tried to get two companies (so as to include you and Company A of G. G. [Guthrie Greys] ) admitted. Failing in that, I tried one, but the thing is all settled, and the governor fears to disturb the elements again. Our regiment promises to be an exceedingly pleasant one. We are the first regimental officers on the ground. Our colonel will command in this camp until a brigadier-general arrives. We are the best known persons, and the struggle is to get into our regiment from all quarters. The camp is yet higgledy-pig- SECESSION AND WAR — 1861 25 gledy and will require some labor to bring it up. But all goes on rapidly. We have been busy as bees a large part of the time in the scorching sun; but so far, it [is] great fun. I enjoy it as much as a boy does a Fourth of July. Sincerely, R. B. Hayes. M. F. Force, Esq. Camp Jackson, near Columbus, Friday P. M., June 14, 1861. Dear Uncle: — I received from Cincinnati two letters from you, and am very sorry to hear of your ill health. If you are not likely to come here soon, let me know, and I will certainly visit Fremont, when I can get leave to go home. The business here will require attention for a few days yet, before we get into an established routine. I shall probably leave here in about a week, and can then, if you wish it, visit you one day. If you were well, you would enjoy a few days here. Laura could send you out in the morning, and there are hosts of con veyances back. I enjoy this thing very much. It is open-air, active life, novel and romantic. Hotter than Tophet in the sun, but a good breeze blowing all the time. Our arrangement of regimental matters has turned out to be a capital one so far. We are in command of the whole camp, and, as Colonel Rosecrans is absent, Matthews and I are starring it. What we don't know, we guess at, and you may be sure we are kept pretty busy guessing. My want now is a good horse. A small or medium-sized animal of good sense, hardy and kind, good looking enough, but not showy, is what I want. A fast walk, smooth trot, and canter are the gaits. I don't object to a pacer if he can walk and gallop well. Don't bother yourself to find one, but if you happen to know any, let me know. I am busy or I would write more. Sincerely, R. B. Hayes. S. BiRCHARD. 26 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES [The Diary gives the following narrative of the entrance into the service and the first few days in camp.] June 7, 1861, I received a dispatch from Governor Dennison asking me if I would accept the majority in a regiment of which William S. Rosecrans was to be colonel and Judge Matthews lieutenant-colonel. I read it to Lucy, consulted with my old law partner [Ralph P. Buckland], who happened to be visiting Cincinnati, and thereupon replied that I would accept as proposed. Late in the afternoon of the next day I received a dispatch from the governor, addressed to Judge Matthews and myself, directing us to report to the adjutant-general at Co lumbus, Monday morning. Not being able to find Judge Mat thews in the city, on the next day (Sunday, P. M.), I rode out to Judge Matthews' residence at Glendale, took tea with him and his family and friends (Mrs. Matthews and mother, and Mr. and Mrs. Todd), and rode into the city arriving a few minutes before 9 P. M. I bid good-bye to my family (my mother, mother-in-law, Mrs. Webb, Lucy, and the boys), and at 9 :30 P. M. we took the cars by way of Dayton for Columbus. June 10, Monday morning, after a few hours' rest at the Goodale or Capitol House, we went over to the governor's office and learned that the governor had made up a regiment composed of companies chiefly from the extreme northern and 'northeastern part of the East [State], the field officers being all from Cincinnati, to be the Twenty-third Regiment Ohio Vol unteer Infantry, for the service of the United States during the war. This regiment was to be organized under General Order No. 15, issued by the adjutant-general of the United States, May 4, 1 86 1, and was the first regiment in Ohio in which the regiment did not elect its own field officers. We feared there would be some difficulty in reconciling the men and offi cers to officers — strangers — not of their own selection. . . . Several of these companies had been in camp in Camp Taylor, near Qeveland, together, and wished to remain and act together. All the captains came into the governor's ofiice, soon after we entered, in a state of some excitement, or at least some feeling, at finding themselves placed under strangers from a distant part of the State. We were introduced to them. Colonel SECESSION AND WAR — 1861 27 Rosecrans unfortunately was not present, having not yet ar rived from some military service at Washington. The governor explained to Matthews and myself that the field officers of the Twenty-third were fixed, that we were the Twenty-third Regi ment, and that those captains could go into it or not as they saw fit. A little acquaintance satisfied us that our captains were not disposed to be unreasonable, that their feeling was a natural one under the circumstances, and that all ill feeling would disappear if we showed the disposition and ability to perform our duties. Captain Beatty, however, would not be content. He had been a senator in the Legislature, was fifty- five or sixty years old and not disposed to go under young men. We took a hack out to Camp Jackson,* four miles west of Columbus on the National Road. Several companies were mustered into service by Captains Simpson and Robinson the same day. Colonel E. A. King, of Dayton, was, under state authority, in command of all the soldiers, some twenty-five hun dred in number, not mustered into service. As rapidly as they were mustered in, they passed under Colonel Matthews, as the ranking field officer in United States service. Luckily, Captain Beatty was not ready for the mustering officer and we succeeded m getting Captain Zimmerman's fine company in his place. Ditto Captain Howard in place of Captain Weller. Our mustering was completed June ii and 12. We were guests of Colonel King (for rations) at the log headquarters and slept at Piatt's. Both good arrangements. Wednesday evening, 12th, we got up a large marquee, fine but not tight, and that night I had my first sleep under canvas — cool but refresh ing. Thursday, June 13, Colonel William S. Rosecrans appeared and assumed the command. Our regiment was paraded after re treat had been sounded. The long line looked well, although the men were ununiformed and without arms. We were lucky in having a band enlisted as privates at Ashland. Colonel Rosecrans is a spirited, rapid talker and worker and makes a fine impression on officers and men. Appointments of regimental staff officers were made. . . . Guards or sentinels *Name changed a few days later to Camp Chase. 28 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES detailed. Men lectured on manners and behavior, etc., etc. There are many good singers in camp, and as we are not reduced to order yet, the noises of the camp these fine evenings and the strangeness have a peculiar charm. How cold the nights are ! I am more affected as I look at the men on parade than 1 expected to be; not more embarrassed. I am not greatly embarrassed, but an agreeable emotion, a swelling of heart possesses me. The strongest excitement was when I saw the spirit and enthusiasm with which the oath was taken. Our captains impress me, as a body, most favorably. Cap tain McIlrath is a large, fine-looking man, six feet three and a half inches high; has been a chief of police in Cleveland — one of the best in his vocation; takes great pride in his company and has it in a fine state of discipline — the best of any in camp. Captain Skiles has served in Mexico, is apparently a man of fine character, a member of church. Captain Moore is a New Eng land-farmer-like man, shrewd and trusty. Captain Zimmer man is a conscientious, amiable, industrious man and has a. stout set of men from the iron region, Mahoning County. Sunday [June] 16. — Colonel Rosecrans and Matthews, hav ing gone to Cincinnati, and Colonel King to Dayton, I am left in command of camp, some twenty-five hundred to three thousand men — an odd position for a novice, so ignorant of all military things. All matters of discretion, of common judgment, I get along with easily, but I was for an instant puzzled when a cap tain in the Twenty- fourth, of West Point education, asked me formally, as I sat in tent, for his orders for the day, he being officer of the day. Acting on my motto, "When you don't know what to say, say nothing," I merely remarked that I thought of nothing requiring special attention ; that if anything was wanted out of the usual routine I would let him know. Camp Jackson, Sunday, June 16, 1861. Dearest L — : — Morning work done and waiting till Dr. Hoge begins, I write to my darling wife and boys. Would you like to know our daily routine. {Mem.: — Colonel King com manding State troops and my superiors. Colonels Rosecrans and SECESSION AND WAR — 1861 29 Matthews, all having gone home, I am now in command of all at this post, eighteen companies United States troops and sixteen companies State troops, in all three thousand men and upwards. A sudden responsibility for a civilian, but the duties are chiefly such as a civilian can easily do, so it is strange rather in ap pearance than reality). First, at 5 A. M., gun fired and reveille sounded, calling all men to roll-call. I was up and dressing. Owing to bright light in a tent, sound sleeping in the cool air, etc., etc., this I did not find difficult. In a few min utes all the captains call at my tent to report themselves and the condition of their men. I sit at a table looking towards the front entrance of the tent; an orderly on my right to go errands ; a clerk at a table on the left to write ; an adjutant ditto to give orders and help me guess what ought to be done in each case, and a sentinel slowly pacing back and forth in front of the entrance whose main employment is telling men to take off their hats before entering on the sur roundings. The first business is looking over the orders of the day, and telling the adjutant to see them carried out. These are as to guards and sich, which are stereotyped with slight altera tions to suit circumstances — such as guarding wells, fixing new sentinels where men are suspected of getting out, etc., etc. Next comes issuing permits to go out of camp to town and to parties to go bathing in the Scioto one and one-half miles distant. Then comes in, for an hour or more, the morning reports of roll-call, showing the sick, absent, etc., etc., all- to be looked over and corrected; and mistakes abound that are curious enough. Once we got all the officers returned as "under arrest." One captain lost a lieutenant, although he was present as plainly as Hateful W. Perkins was in Pease's anecdote. Then rations are returned short ; on that point I am strong, and as the commissary is clever, we soon correct mistakes. Then we have difficulties between soldiers, very slight and easily disposed of; but trou bles between soldiers and the carpenters whose tools dis appear mysteriously, and farmers in the neighborhood who go to bed with roosts of barnyard fowl and wake up chickenless and fowlless, are more troublesome. The accused defenders of their country can always prove an alibi by their comrades, and that 30 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES the thing is impossible by the sentinels whose beat they must have passed. Since writing the above, I have waited under a tree, with a flag raised, three quarters of an hour for Dr. Hoge's congre gation, but for some reason he did not come, and an audience of one thousand were disappointed, possibly (?), however, not all disagreeably. I have sent five men and a sergeant to arrest two deserters in Columbus (not of our regiment) belonging to Captain Sturgess' company of Zanesville; one sergeant and two men to see safely out of camp two men who were about to have their heads shaved for refusing to take the oath of allegiance; a lieutenant and ten men to patrol the woods back of the camp, to prevent threatened depredations on a farmer. This all since I began writing. The wind is rising and the dust floats in on my paper, as you see. As yet, we eat our meals at Colonel King's quarters — plain good living. Guard-mounting is a ceremonious affair at 9 A. M. At 12 M., drum-beat and roll-call for dinner; at 6 P. M., ditto for supper ; at 7 P. M., our band calls out the regiment for a parade ; not yet a "dress parade," but a decidedly imposing affair, notwithstanding. The finale is at 10 P. M. The evenings and night are capital. The music and hum, the cool air in the tent, and open-air exercise during the day, make the sleeping superb. We have cots about like our lounge, only slighter and smaller, bought in Dayton. Our men are fully equal to the famous Massachusetts men in a mechanical way. They build quarters, ditches, roads, traps; dig wells, catch fish, kill squirrels, etc., etc., and it is really a new sensation, the affec tion and pride one feels respecting such a body of men in the aggregate. We are now feeling a good deal of anxiety about Colonel Rose crans. He is said to be appointed a brigadier. If it were to take effect six weeks or three months hence, we would like it if he should be promoted; but now we fear some new man over us who may not be agreeable, and we do not like the difficulties attendant upon promotion. The governor says we shall not lose Colonel Rosecrans, and we hope he is right. I enclose a letter in the Qeveland Herald written by some one in one of our Qeveland companies. With Colonel Rosecrans SECESSION AND WAR — 1861 31 in command, we should have no trouble with our men. We have reconciled them as, I think, perfectly, or as nearly so as men ever are with their officers. But if Colonel Rosecrans goes, we are between Scylla and Charbydis you know — officers at our head whom we may not like, or men under us who do not like us; but it will all come right. I am glad I am here, and only wish you were here. I was in at Piatt's last evening an hour or so. Laura was expecting Piatt by the late train, but as he has not yet come out here, I suspect he did not arrive. Love to all. Kiss the boys. I enjoyed reading your talk about them and their sayings. Affectionately, " R.'B. Hayes. Mrs. Hayes. June — , 1861. — Early in the second week of our camping out in service. Colonel Rosecrans returned and set vigorously to work organizing the regiment. The evening of the day he returned we were closing up matters in our tent preparatory to going to bed, when two gentlemen rode up with a dispatch which announced the appointment of Colonel Rosecrans to the post of brigadier-general, and ordering him to repair to west ern Virginia to take command of Ohio troops moving in that direction. We rode into Columbus and saw the colonel now general, off about midnight. Good-bye to our good colonel. A sorry thing for us. May it prove all he hopes to him. I shall never forget how his face shone with delight as he read the dispatch. Camp Chase, June 20, 1861. Dear Uncle : — I now expect to leave here on Saturday and come to Fremont to stay over Sunday with you. On Monday I will go down to Cincinnati to stay one or two days, and then I return to devote myself to the instruction and exercises of my post. Matthews returned yesterday, having finished his home preparations. S2 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES We have been in camp almost two weeks, and were getting on finely when we lost our colonel. Rosecrans has been pro moted to a brigadier-generalship, and left us night before last to command the Virginia expedition to the Kanawha. We are helping the governor find some competent military man to take his place. If Matthews had had two months' teaching and experience, he would be willing to take the place, and I should have perfect confidence in him, but as it is, he prefers not to take the responsibility. Mother has returned. She was out here a few days ago, in good health for her and spirits. I shall see you so soon, that I need not write further. I enjoy this life, and it is going to be healthy for me. I shall hardly be more exposed to cold than in a very open tent the two cold nights a few days ago; but I am gaining in strength and spirits. Sincerely, R. B. Hayes. S. BiRCHARD. Camp Chase, June 20, 1861. Dearest L — : — Your letter filled me with joy — as your letters will always do. I write to say that my present purpose is to go to Fremont Saturday, to remain over Sunday, and Monday, to go down home and stay one or two days only. You will find it so pleasant up here that I do not go down except for business. Make little mem-.'s of all things you want me to attend to. Recollect about any thin duds I have, especially coats. I am now well provided with most things. Yes, the loss of our colonel did trouble us. Matthews does not yet wish the responsibility of command. With a few weeks' experience I would prefer his appointment; in fact, I would anyhow, but we are casting about and the governor will consult our wishes. Our present preference is either Colonel [Eliakim Parker] Scammon or Colonel George W. McCook, the latter if he would take it. It will probably be satisfactory. If the new man is competent, he will be a very mean man if he does not get on well with us. Affectionately, Mrs. Hayes. r. SECESSION AND WAR — 1861 38 Camp Chase, June 22, 1861. Dearest Lu : — I start for Fremont this morning. . . . As to surgeons, four only are to be appointed; it will not be possible to get two of them from Cincinnati. Either Clendenin or Dr. Joe will not get appointed. I mention this merely to show the facts. I want the doctor to do nothing at all about it, nor to say anything about it. Dr. Clendenin can probably get an appointment from Washington as brigade surgeon. It will be some days before the appointments will be made. There is a good disposition to accommodate us at headquarters, and I think the prospect fair for his [Dr. Joe's] appointment. I shall want towels, sheefs, and three table-cloths, one and one-half dozen napkins, two comforts. Don't buy them, or any of them, but if you have them to spare, I will take them. I would advise the spending of as little as possible. We do not know the future, and economy is a duty. These things are merely luxuries. Love to all. Affectionately, R. P. S. — You will enjoy looking at us here, and I shall be glad to have you come up. You can hardly live out at camp; but possibly, we can keep you a night or two, and you can stay here through the day. It is pleasant living here. Colonel Scammon is our colonel. This will do. It has advantages which I need not explain which would not occur to an outside looker-on. Mrs. Hayes. Camp Chase, June 27, 1861, Thursday, A. M. Dearest L — : — At my leisure, I have looked over the little what-you-may-call-it and its chapter of contents. It is so nice, and has everything needful that I have thought of, and more too. Much obliged, dearest. With all my boots, I find I have no slippers ; forgot, also, my pepper-and-salt vest. Found mother and all well and happy, and most glad that you are coming up. . . . We shall probably be here some time longer than I supposed. Matthews says Colonel Scammon turns 3 34 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES out to be socially and individually a most agreeable person to be associated with. We have chosen a Methodist chaplain, Amos Wilson, of Bucyrus. The governor could not appoint but one of these four surgeons from Cincinnati, and took Clendenin as first on the list, and first applied for by Colonel Fyffe. If Dr. Qen- denin declines, he will appoint Dr. Joe for us, and says he shall be the next appointed front Cincinnati. He has appointed a good man for us, but will transfer him to make room for Joe if Qendenin does not accept. We can't complain of the governor's disposition in the matter. He wishes to know Dr. Clendenin's intentions as soon as possible. If he declines. Dr. Joe must be ready to come up forthwith, Dr. Jim will pretty certainly be retained as assistant, in any event, but he must pass an examination, if he is in this region when the new ap pointment is to be made. Love to "all the boys," and much for Grandma and yourself, from your loving and affectionate., R. Mrs. Hayes. Camp Chase, June 28, 1861. Dear Uncle : — I found all well at home and at Columbus — all feeling anxious about you. I gave as favorable an account of your health as I could conscientiously. I am again in camp. Our new colonel is personally an agreeable gentleman to be associated with; in experience and education, equal to the place; but probably deficient in physical health and energy. . . . Sincerely, R. B. Hayes. S. BiRCHARD. Camp Chase, June 30, 1861. Dearest: — Stmday morning, according to army regulations, there is to be a mustering and inspection of all men, visiting of sick quarters, etc., etc., on the last Sunday of each month. We have gone through with it, and have found, with a few exceptions, matters in good sort. Our colonel is fond of pleas- SECESSION AND WAR — 1861 35 antry, amiable and social. He enjoys the disposition of Mat thews and myself to joke, and after duty, we get jolly. But he has not a happy way of hitting the humors of the men. Still, as we think him a kind-hearted, just man, we hope the men will learn to appreciate his good qualities, in spate of an unfortunate manner. I have had some of the jolliest times the last week I have any recollection of. A camp is a queer place; you will enjoy being here. Matthews writes his wife not to come until the men are uniformed. This will be in about ten days we sup pose. I don't want you to wait on that account, but would like to have you stay until after we get on our good "duds." Mother and Piatt were out with Ruddy last night. He wanted to stay with us very much, but his father objected ; he prom ised to let him stay out here with Birch. I have heard nothing from Qendenin, but our colonel says he thinks Dr. Joe will be our physician, even if Clendenin con cludes to accept the post he is offered in the Twenty-sixth. I hope he is right, and as he has had some talk with Governor Dennison on the subject, I am inclined to put faith in his conjecture. Affectionately, your R. Mrs. Hayes. Camp Chase, July 2, i86i. Dearest : — The comet, or the storm, or something makes it cold as blazes this morning, but pleasant. Speaking of shirts, did I leave my shirts at home? I have but two or three here now. Have they been lost here, or how? You need not make me any if they are gone. I intend to wear flannel or mixed goods of some sort, but if there are a few tolerably good ones or collars, you may let Dr. Joe bring them up when he comes. By the by, you know Dr. Joe has been appointed to our regiment. Dr. Clendenin having declined the Twenty-sixth. I wrote Dr. Joe a scolding letter in reply to his note abusing the governor. I did so because I felt confident that he was to be appointed in some way, and I didn't want him to kick the fat 36 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES in the fire by getting in a sensation about it before the matter was finally determined. Matthews and all are very glad. I am more interested in it than in anything else connected with the regiment I believe I told you it would be in good point if you could fix up one or two of my thick vests. I shall talce away from here nothing but my gray travelling suit and thick vests. The military coats will conceal the vests, so they are as good as any other. Dr. Joe better get a good ready before he comes up. It may be difficult for him to get away. As for clothing and fixings, they can all be sent to him; but his business arrange ments better be made, if possible, before he leaves. If he keeps well, as I think he will, he will enjoy this life very much. His rank and pay will be the same as mine. He is allowed two or three horses, and should have at least one. There is no stabling here at present, so he need not now bring his horse, if he would prefer not to keep him at the hotel or in Columbus. Love to Grandma and all. Kisses for the dear boys. They will mourn the loss of their Uncle Joe. I should not be much loss to them now; when they get older I will try to help in their education. Birch, if possible, should be a soldier; Webb will do for a sailor ; Ruddy will do for either or 'most anything else. I am sorry you are to be left with so much responsibility; but, with your mother's advice, do what you both agree is best and it will perfectly satisfy me. Affectionately, yours ever, Rutherford. Mrs. Hayes. Camp Chase, July 5, 1861. Dear Uncle : — I have so little to write that I have, perhaps, neglected you We are getting on very pleasantly here. It is a gentlemanly, social life, with just business and exercise enough to pass the time. I have probably engaged a horse for one hundred dollars — a dark sorrel, good stock, neat, graceful, and of good temper. Dr. Joe has been appointed our surgeon. We have not heard from home since he received the appointment, but I expect him SECESSION AND WAR — 1861 37 to accept it. It will please Lucy and mother particularly. Let me hear of or from you often. Sincerely, R. B. Hayes. S. BiRCHARD. Camp Chase, July 6, i86i. Dearest : — I have written to John Herron to supply you with what money you need for the present, and I suppose it will be convenient for him to dO' so out of a loan I made him some time ago. It does not seem like Saturday. The Fourth was like Sunday here. Colonel Matthews and I formed the regiment into a hollow square (rather oblong, in fact). I read the Declara tion and he made a short pithy speech and wound up with cheers for the Union ; and no more duty during the day. In the evening there were fire-balls and a few fireworks. A little shower this morning laid the dust, a fine thing in our little Sahara. Colonel Matthews came in last night from Columbus, saying he rode out with the surgeon of the Twenty-sixth — the one in tended for us — "and what an escape we have made. He is a green, ignorant young doctor who has all to learn." I suppose Dr. Joe is getting ready to come; we hear nothing from him ; I hope we shall see him soon. I am seeing to his hut which is building today. Uncle is rather better but not decidedly so. We have a lot of Secessionists from Virginia — a good camp sensation. I went in late last night after ball-cartridges, which stirred up the soldiers with its warlike look. I esteem these armed sentinels about as dangerous to friends as to foes. Here is our style of countersign. Done up Know-nothing fashion. Love to all and much for your own dear self. Affectionately, R. B. Hayes. Mrs. Hayes. Camp Chase, July 8, i86i. Dear Uncle : — Lucy came up to Columbus with Birtie Sat urday evening. They have both been out once, and Birch twice to see me in camp. It is very pleasant to see them about. We are jogging on in routine duties. The only variation is the ad- 38 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES vent of twenty-three Secessionists, held as hostages for Union men seized in Virginia. On the release of the Union men, our prisoners were sent home yesterday. I fear from the tenor of McLelland's letters, and what Hale told me, that you are not getting rid of your cough. I hope you will do so soon. It is too bad that you should be unwell now. You would enjoy a little campaigning with me very much, and I would so enjoy having you along. ... — Good-bye. R. B. Hayes. S. BiRCHARD. Camp Chase, July ii, 1861. Dear Uncle : — I am now almost at home. Lucy is at Piatt's with Birch and Webb. Dr. Joe came yesterday bringing Webb with him. We shall have the boys out here a good deal. It is a good place for them. Birch was infinitely disgusted to meet me without my uniform on. I have my horse here and ride him all about the camp and parade ground. Although young, he is sensible to the last. I shall probably not need Ned, Jr. A horse must canter or lope well to be of any account in a camp. The colonel and Matthews have both been disappointed in theirs. Matthews sent his back home yesterday. My sorrel cost one hundred dollars. He is called the cheapest and one of the best horses in camp. . . . Sincerely, R. B. Hayes. S. BiRCHARD. Camp Chase, July 18, 1861. Dear Uncle: — I have just read your letter of the i6th. I hope it is good proof that you are mending rapidly. It is pleasant to see your own handwriting again. Our men are uniformed and we are daily receiving our need ful equipments. The indications are that we shall soon move. In what direction and under whose command, we do not know. We are not very particular. We prefer the mountainous region of Virginia or Tennessee. If Ned, Jr. was down here, I would try what could be done SECESSION AND WAR — 1861 89 with him. But the travelling is done so much by rail, that I hardly need two horses. My sorrel is a good one. My notion is that we shall go within a fortnight. Lucy and the two boys will stay until we go with Piatt. Come down if you can, but not at the risk of health. Write often. No letters are so good as yours. Sincerely, R. B. Hayes. S. BiRCHARD. Columbus, Sunday morning, July 21, 1861. Dear Uncle : — I came in last evening to attend a little tea gathering at Mr. Andrews'; shall return this morning. We are now in condition to move on a few days' notice, and expect to go soon — say a week or two. I constantly at camp am re minded of you. You would enjoy the company we have and the amusing incidents which are occurring. The colonel [Jacob Ammen] of the Twenty-fourth next us is a character. He has been an army officer (West Pointer) many years, a teacher of mathematics, etc., in different colleges, and has seen all sorts of life. He is a capital instructor in military things, and finding Matthews and myself fond of his talk, he takes to us warmly. Dr. Joe is now settled with us, and we are made up. We have had good visits from Mr. Giddings, David Tod, and other State celebrities. . . . It would have been a great happiness to have spent the sum mer and fall fixing up around Spiegel Grove. But in this war I could not feel contented if I were not in some way taking part in it. I should feel about myself as I do about people who lived through the Revolution, seeing their neighbors leaving home, but doing nothing themselves — a position not pleasant to occupy. I hope you will be well enough to come down. If not, I do not doubt we shall be together again one of these days. All well here. Sincerely, R. B. Hayes. S. BiRCHARD. 40 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES July 22. — Just received news of a dreadful defeat at Manassas, or beyond Centreville. General McDowell's column pushed on after some successes, were met apparently by fresh troops, checked, driven back, utterly routed ! What a calamity ! Will not the secession fever sweep over the border States, driv ing out Kentucky, Missouri, (Baltimore) Maryland, etc., etc.? Is not Washington in danger? I have feared a too hasty push ing on of McDowell's column into ground where the Rebels have camped and scouted and entrenched themselves for months. My brother-in-law, as surgeon, is with the Second Ohio Regi ment in advance, and is doubtless among those in the worst position. But private anxieties are all swallowed up in the general public calamity. God grant that it is exaggerated! Our regiments are now likely, I think, to be speedily needed at Washington or elsewhere. I am ready to do my duty, promptly and cheerfully. Would that I had the military knowl edge and experience which one ought to have to be useful in my position 1 I will do my best, my utmost in all ways to pro mote the efficiency of our regiment. It is henceforth a serious business. July 2^. 6 A.M. — This extra* was handed me on our parade ground last evening about 6 P. M. by my brother-in-law, Dr. Joe Webb, who had just galloped out from the city on my sorrel. We had heard the first rumor of a great defeat, but this gave us the details. A routed army, heavy loss, demoraliza tion, on our side; a great victory, confidence, and enthusiasm, on the other, were the natural results to be expected. Washing ton in danger, its capture probable, if the enemy had genius. These were the ideas I was filled with. But so far as we were concerned all was readiness and energy. Colonel Matthews and myself superintended the opening and distribution of cartridge-boxes, etc., etc., until late at night that our regiment might be ready to march at a moment's warning. Slept badly. Meditated on the great disaster. On Lucy prob- * Pasted in the Diary is the report of the disaster at Manassas Junction and the retreat of the Union army, clipped from the Ohio State Journal extra. SECESSION AND WAR — 1861 41 ably hastening to Cincinnati to comfort and be with her mother. I dreamed I was in Washington, Union men leaving in haste, the enemy advancing to take the city, its capture hourly expected. My own determination and feeHngs when awake were all as I would wish. A sense of duty excited to a warmer and more resolute pitch. This morning I rose at the first tap of reveille and went out on the parade-ground. Soon came the morning papers correct ing and modifying the first exaggerated reports. There was a great panic, but if the morning report is reliable, the loss is not very heavy; the army is again in position. The lesson is a severe one. It may be a useful one. Raw troops should not be sent to attack an enemy entrenched on its own ground unless under most peculiar circumstances. Gradual approach with fortifications as they proceeded would have won the day. Last evening Adjutant-General Buckingham took tea with Colonel Scammon. My mind was full of the great disaster. They talked of schoolboy times at West Point; gave the bill of fare of different days — beef on Sunday, fish on etc., etc. — anecdotes of Billy Cozzens, the cook or steward, never once al luding to the events just announced of which we were all full. July 12, Lucy and Birch and Webb came up to Columbus. They spent a few days in camp, she remaining over night but once. They will probably remain until we leave here. Mrs. Matthews and Willie left today (23rd). With her daughter Jennie, they have spent two or three days in camp. Continuing my narrative. — In the place of Colonel Rosecrans, promoted to brigadier-general, Colonel Scammon is appointed to command our regiment. He is a gentleman of military education and experience. Amiable and friendly with us — an intelligent, agreeable gentleman ; but not well fitted for volunteer command ; and I fear somewhat deficient in health and vigor of nerve. We shall find him an entertaining head of our mess of field officers. — After some ups and downs we have succeeded in get ting for our surgeon my brother-in-law. Dr. Joseph T. Webb. Our field officers' mess consists of Colonel Scammon, Lieutenant- Colonel Matthews, Dr. Webb, and myself. 42 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES Camp Chase, July 23, 1861. Dear Uncle : — We are in the midst of the excitement pro duced by the disastrous panic near Washington. We expect it will occasion a very early movement of our regiment. We shall, perhaps, be ordered to the Kanawha line. We certainly shall, unless the recent defeat shall change the plan of the campaign. Colonel DePuy's regiment is on that line, so that the Fremont companies are likely to be in the same body with us. Their as sociation will be pleasant enough, but there are two or three regi ments with them in which I have very little confidence ; viz., the Kentucky regiments "falsely so called." We are yet raw troops, but I think we shall soon grow to it. The Washington affair is greatly to be regretted ; unless speed ily repaired, it will lengthen the war materially. The panic of the troops does not strike me as remarkable. You recollect the French army in the neighborhood of the Austrians were seized with a panic, followed by a flight of many miles, caused merely by a runaway mule and cart and "nobody hurt." The same soldiers won the battle of Solferino a few days ago [later]. But I do think the commanding officers ought not to have led fresh levies against an enemy entrenched on his own ground. Gradual advances, fortifying as he went, strikes me as a more prudent policy. But it is easy to find fault. The lesson will have its uses. It will test the stuff our people are made of. If we are a solid people, as I believe we are, this reverse will stiflfen their backs. They will be willing to make greater efforts and sacrifices. We worked late last night getting our accoutrements ready. In the hurry of preparations to depart, I may not be able to write you before I go. Good-bye. Sincerely, R. B. Hayes. S. BiRCHARD. Camp Chase, July 24, 1861. Dear Uncle: — I am surrounded by the bustle and confusion attendant upon a hurried leaving of camp. We go tomorrow at 5 A. M. to Zanesville by railroad, thence down the Muskingum SECESSION AND WAR — 1861 43 on steamboats to Marietta, and on the Ohio to Ripley Landing, a short distance from Point Pleasant in Virginia. We are to be a part of General Rosecrans' force against Wise. Last night I had a good chat with Fremont. He is a hero. All his words and acts inspire enthusiasm and confidence. He and the governor reviewed our regiment today. Lucy, Laura, and many friends were present. It was a stirring scene. I wish you could have been here. You would subscribe heartily to General Fremont. Good-bye. My saddest feeling — my almost only sad feeling — is leaving you in such bad health. Affectionately, R. B. Hayes. P. S. — Always send me full sheets of paper — the blank sheet is so useful. The use and scarcity of paper is appalling. S. BiRCHARD. July 25 [24]. — A. M. our regiment was reviewed by the Gov ernor and Major-General Fremont. It was a gratifying scene. The Colonel (Fremont — I must always think of the man of fifty-six [as] the colonel) looked well. How he inspires confi dence and affection in the masses of people ! The night before I was introduced to him at the American. He is a romantic, rather perhaps than a great, character. But he is loyal, brave, and persevering beyond all compare. Lucy and Laura were present. July 26 [25]. — Last night I went in to Columbus to bid good-bye to the boys ; on the road met Lucy, Laura, and Mother Webb; advised them to return. After we were at home (Piatt's), Lucy showed more emotion at my departure than she has hitherto exhibited. She wanted to spend my last night with me in Camp Chase. I took her out. We passed a happy evening going around among the men gathered in picturesque groups, cooking rations for three days at the camp fires. Early in the morning, as she was anxious Mother Webb should see the camp before I left, I sent her in by a hack to return with Mother Webb which she did, and they saw us leave the camp. 44 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES I marched in with the men afoot; a gallant show they made as they marched up High Street to the depot. Lucy and Mother Webb remained several hours until we left. I saw them watch ing me as I stood on the platform at the rear of the last car as long as they could see me. Their eyes swam. I kept my emo tion under control enough not to melt into tears. — A pleasant ride to Bellaire; staid in the cars all night. Bellaire, July 26, 1861, Friday morning, 7 :30 A. M. Dear Brother William : — I write for you and Lucy. Please send this note to her. We were ordered at Zanesville to change our destination to this point and Grafton. Whether we are to go from Grafton to the Kanawha country or to Oakland, Mary land, is uncertain; we think Oakland is our point; we hope so. It is to hold in check a rising secession feeling and to sustain Union men. We reached here at midnight and slept in the cars until morning. All in good spirits. I will advise you as to the ultimate determination of our course. If my pistols come to the express office, send them to me by express when you ascertain where we are. You can probably learn at the governor's office, if not direct from me. The ex press to the armies is very safe usually. Love to all. Yours, R. B. Hayes. W. A. Platt. CHAPTER XV CAMPAIGNING IN WEST VIRGINIA — 1861 JULY 27, 1861. — From Bellaire to Clarksburg in Vir ginia. All the way, one hundred and thirty miles, in Vir ginia, greeted by shouts and demonstrations of joy. The people had seen many three-months men going, leaving western Vir ginia for home. This, with the defeat at Washington perhaps, led the people to fear that the Union men were left to the Rebels of the eastern part of the State. Our coming relieved them and was hailed with every demonstration of joy. [Today], Saturday, at 2 P. M. [A. M.] reached Clarksburg. Worked like a Turk in the rain all the morning laying out a camp and getting it up, on a fine hill with a pretty scene before us. Clearing off towards the close of the day. Tried to dry clothes. A busy day but a jolly. In the evening General Rosecrans came over here and ordered Lieutenant-Colonel Matthews to march at 2 A. M. with the right wing in seventy-five waggons, leaving us with left wing and baggage to move at 7 A. M. to Weston. Order of march for our column, ten pioneers, three hundred or four hundred yards in advance of main body ; advance guard of thirty, one hundred yards in advance of main body ; next, main body ; waggon train with baggage, twenty-eight wagons; rear guard of thirty, one hundred and eighty yards in rear of wagons. (I write one letter for all friends and want Lucy to keep all these scrawls for future reference.) Clarksburg, Virginia, July 27, 1861 ( ?) (I believe) Saturday (I know). Dear Wife : — Our second day, from Bellaire to this place, was an exceedingly happy one. We travelled about one hun dred and thirty miles in Virginia, and with the exception of one (45) 46 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES deserted village of Secessionists (Farmington), we were received everywhere with an enthusiasm I never saw anywhere before. No such great crowds turned out to meet us as we saw from Indianapolis to Cincinnati assembled to see Lincoln, but every where, in the corn and hay fields, in the houses, in the roads, on the hills, wherever a human being saw us, we saw such honest spontaneous demonstrations of joy as we never beheld elsewhere. Old men and women, boys and children — some fervently prayed for us, some laughed and some cried; all did something which told the story. The secret of it is, the defeat at Washington and the departure of some thousands of three-months men of Ohio and Indiana led them to fear they were left to the Rebels of eastern Virginia. We were the first three-years men filling the places of those who left. It was pleasant to see we were not invading an enemy's country but defending the people among whom we came. Our men enjoyed it beyond measure. Many had never seen a mountain ; none had ever seen such a reception. They stood on top of the cars and danced and shouted with de light. We got here in the night. General Rosecrans is with us. No other full regiment here. We march tomorrow up the mountains. All around me is confusion — sixteen hundred horses, several hundred wagons, — all the preparations for a large army. Our own men in a crowded camp putting up tents. No time for further description. Captain McMullen will go to Columbus to return. He will get my pistols of Mr. Platt, if they come to Columbus in time. You would enjoy such a ride as that of yesterday as much as I did. It was perfect. Now comes the hard work. Good-bye; love to all. Affectionately, R. B. Haves. P. S. — Colonel Matthews showed me a letter from his mother received at the moment of his leaving. She said she rejoiced she was the mother of seven sons all loyal and true, and that four of them were able to go to the war for the national rights. The view from where I sit is most beautiful — long ranges of CAMPAIGNING IN WEST VIRGINIA — 1861 47 hills, a pleasant village, an extensive sweep of cultivated country, the fortified hill where an Indiana regiment prepared to defend itself against overwhelming odds, etc., etc. Direct all letters and express matters to Clarksburg, Virginia, with my title and regiment until further directions. This is the great depot for operating in western Virginia, and all letters, etc., will be sent from here forward to me. Mrs. Hayes. July 28. Sunday. — Busy from 4 A. M. packing baggage, striking tents, and preparing to move. Baggage enormous and extra ; great delays ; great stew. Our new Irish quartermaster — a failure so far. Got off about 11 A. M., in a great shower. I rode backwards and forwards; got wet; weather hot after the showers; face and nose, softened by the rain, begin to scorch; a peeling time in prospect. Still it was novel, scenery fine. Blackberries beyond all experience line the road; road good. Camped at night in a meadow by the road. Rain-storm soon followed. Many put up no tents ; wearied with the day's march, they threw themselves on the ground and slept through. I got wet through trying to get them sheltered. In the enemy's country, although all we meet are Union men. Many fancied threatening dangers in all novel sights. A broken limb in a tree top was thought to be a spy looking down into the camp ; fires were seen ; men riding by were scouts of the enemy, etc., etc. July 2Q. Monday. — A bright, warm day. Marched yesterday fourteen miles; today, nine miles to Weston, which we reached soon after noon. A pretty county town of one thousand people or so, surrounded by hills, picturesque and lovely. Encamped on a hill looking towards the town, my tent where I now sit opening upon a sweet scene of high hills, green smooth sward, or forests. The west fork of the Monongahela flows at the bot tom of the hill, just below the rear of the field officers' tents. July 30. Tuesday. — Warm, bright morning. Damp in the tent with the fogs of the night. Hang out my duds to dry. 48 RUTHERFORD u.:RCHARD HAYES Have met here divers Cincinnati acquaintances and Lieutenant Conger and Dr. Rice, of Fremont. Just now a fine young first- lieutenant (Jewett of Zanesville) was accidentally shot by a gun falling on the ground out of a stack. A great hole was torn through his foot. The ball passed through three tents, barely missing several men, passed through a knapsack and bruised the leg of one of Captain Mcllrath's men. Weston, Virginia, Tuesday Morning, July 30, 1861. Dear Uncle : — If you look On the map you can find this town about twenty-five miles south of Clarksburg, which is about one hundred miles east of Parkersburg on the Northwest Vir ginia Railroad. So much for the general location; and if you were here, you would see on a pretty sidehill facing towards and overlooking a fine large village, surrounded by lovely hills, al most mountains, covered with forest or rich greensward, a pic turesque encampment, and on the summit of the hill overlooking all, the line of field officers' tents. Sitting in one of them, as [Henry] Ward Beecher sat in the barn at Lenox, I am writing you this letter. I have seen Conger, acting assistant quartermaster of [the] Tenth Regiment. He wishes a place. I ventured to suggest that he could perhaps raise a company in your region by getting an appointment from the governor. All here praise him both as a business man and as a soldier. He must, I think, get some place. His reputation is so good with those he is associated with. Dr. Rice also called to see me; he looks well and is no doubt an efficient man. Dr. Joe has had a consultation with him and thinks him a good officer. We enjoy this life very much. So healthy and so pretty a country is rarely seen. After a month's campaign here the Tenth has lost no man by sickness and has but seven sick. Gen eral Rosecrans takes immediate command of us and will have us with him in his operations against Wise. We shall have mountain marches enough no doubt. So far I stand it as well as the best. . . . CAMPAIGNING IN WEST VIRGINIA — 1861 49 This is the land of blackberries. We are a great grown-up armed blackberry party and we gather untold quantities. Here there are nearly as many Secessionists as Union men; the women avow it openly because they are safe in doing so, but the men are merely sour and suspicious and silent. . . . Men are at work ditching around my tent preparatory to a thunder-shower which is hanging over the mountain west of us. One of them I hear saying to his comrade: "This is the first time I ever used a spade and I don't like it too well." But you have had enough of this incoherent talk. Colonel Scammon and Matthews have both been absent and left me in command, so that I have been exposed to numberless interrup tions. Good-bye. Direct to me by my title "Twenty-third Regiment, Ohio troops, Qarksburg, Virginia," and it will be sent me. R. B. Hayes. Send this to Lucy. S. BiRCHARD. Camp on West Fork of Monongahela River, Weston, Virginia, Tuesday, P. M., July 30, 1861. Dearest : — We are in the loveliest spot for a camp you ever saw — no, lovelier than that; nothing in Ohio can equal it. It needs a mountainous region for these beauties. We do not know how long we shall stay, but we suppose it will be three or four days. We have had two days of marching — not severe march ing at all ; but I saw enough to show me how easily raw troops are used up by an injudicious march. Luckily we are not likely to suffer in that way. We are probably aiming for Gauley Bridge on the Kanawha where Wise is said to be fortified. General Rosecrans is engaged in putting troops so as to hold the principal routes leading to the point. The people here are divided. Many of the leading ladies are Secessionists. We meet many good Union men; the other men are prudently quiet. Our troops behave well. 4 50 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES We have had one of those distressing accidents which occur so frequently in volunteer regiments. You may remember that a son of H. J. Jewett, of Zanesville, President of [the] Central Ohio Railroad, was on the request of his father appointed a first-lieutenant in Captain Canby's company. He joined us at Grafton in company with his father. He had served in Colonel 's regiment of three-months men in all the affairs in western Virginia and is very promising. A loaded gun was thrown down from a stack by a careless sentinel discharging a Minie ball through young Jewett's foot. I was with him in a moment. It is a painful and severe wound, perhaps dangerous. There is a hope he may not be crippled. He bears it well. One of his exclamations was, "Oh, if it had only been a secession ball I wouldn't have cared. Do you think you can save my leg," etc., etc. The ball after passing through his foot passed through three of Mcllrath's tents, one full of men lying down. It cut the vest of one over his breast as he lay on his back and stirred the hair of another ; finally passed clean through a knap sack and struck a man on the leg barely making a slight bruise and dropping down. Dr. Joe has the flattened bullet now to give to Jewett. My horse came over the hills in good style. Pshaw ! I wish you were here ; this is a camp. The field officers' tents are on a high greensward hill, the other tents spreading below it in the sweetest way. As I write I can turn my head and from the entrance of the tent see the loveliest scene you can imagine. . . . Affectionately, R. B. Hayes. Mrs. Hayes. July 31. Wednesday. — Another warm, bright day. Orders from General Rosecrans direct Colonel L)^le to go with his regiment to Sutton and put this place in command of Colonel Scammon. This is supposed to indicate that we are to remain here for some weeks. President Lincoln and Ohio Supporters in the War for the Union, I86I-IS60. SALJION P. CHAS", Secretary of the Treasury and Chief Tustice of the United States. WILLIAM DENNISON, War Governor of Ohio, 1860-1862. and Post- tnaster General. JOHN BROUCH, War Governor of Ohio. ABRAHAM LINCOLN, President. JOHN SHERMAN, United States Senator. EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War. DAVID TOD, War Governor of Ohio. 1S62-1864. BENJAMIN F. WADE, United States Senator. CAMPAIGNING IN WEST VIRGINIA — 1861 51 Camp near Weston, Virginia, Wednesday, P. M., July 31, 1861. Dear Mother: — How you would enjoy sitting by my side on this beautiful hill and feasting your eyes on the sweep of hills that surrounds us. Nothing in Vermont is finer. The great majority of the people here are friendly and glad to have us here to protect them from the Secessionists. This is agreeable; it puts us in the place of protectors instead of invaders. The weather is warm, but a good breeze is blowing. The water is good ; milk and blackberries abundant, and the location perfectly healthy. . The village is a pretty one with many good residences and nice people. The State is, or was, building near where we are en camped a large lunatic asylum — an expensive and elegant struc ture. The war stops the work. This part of Virginia naturally belongs to the West ; they are now in no way connected with eastern Virginia. The only papers reaching here from Richmond come by way of Nashville, Louisville, and Cincinnati. The court house and several churches are creditable buildings, and the shrubbery and walks in the private grounds are quite beautiful. Do not allow yourself to worry if you do not hear often. I think of you often. Love to Laura and all. Affectionately, your son, R. B. Hayes. Mrs. Sophia Hayes. [Weston], July 31, [1861], Wednesday P. M. Dearest : — We are to stay here and keep in countenance the Union people for several days — or a week or more — until others come in to take our places. It is safe, which would please Mother; it is pleasant as a camping ground. I wish you were here. I tell Mr. Schooley to bring me an India-rubber havelock and cape to keep water out of neck — or some such thing; also strong black buttons — a few — and a pair of yellow spurs, regulation style. 52 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES Young Jewett sleeps well and is in no great pain — so far do ing well. His chance of saving his foot is about even — a sad case. We are to be alone in this locality; possibly we may be divided so as to occupy two or three places. Kisses for the boys. Affectionately, R. Mrs. Hayes. August I, [1861]. — Another hot, moist day; deep fogs in the night. Two gentlemen, suspected of secession proclivities, clerks of the courts, were required to take the oath of allegiance to the new State Government of Virginia and to the United States. They say it is not always so rainy here; they lay it to the presence of our troops. Colonel Matthews left with the five right-wing companies for Bulltown and Sutton at i P. M. today. I felt a Httle melancholy to see the fine fellows leaving us. A year ago today was with Lucy travelling from Detroit on the Grand Trunk Railroad eastwardly for pleasure. A telegraph line is completed to this point connecting us with all the world. Governor Wise, it is said, has continued his retreat up the Kanawha towards eastern Virginia. It is said that he has left Gauley River and burnt the bridge. If so western Virginia is now in our undisputed possession. But it is also said that General Lee is coming with a large force to look after General Rosecrans. I suspect that all the movements of the Southern army look to operations about Washington and Baltimore, and that all move ments of troops in other directions are merely feints. Weston, August i, 1861. Dearest : — Do you remember a year ago today we were rid ing on the Grand Trunk Railroad from Detroit by Samia east wardly? Jolly times those. If you were here, these would be as pleasant. The water in the river below our camp flows past you in the Ohio; in these low water days, about a month after they leave here. CAMPAIGNING IN WEST VIRGINIA — 1861 58 We are now in telegraphic communication with the world. Dr. Joe receives dispatches about medicines and Colonel Scammon about military matters from Columbus and Cincinnati. We had the two county court clerks before the colonel taking the oath of allegiance to the United States and to the new Government of Vir ginia. They squirmed a little, but were required to do it or go to Camp Chase. Colonel Matthews left this noon with five companies — right wing — for Sutton, a place forty-four miles south of this place. We suspect that Wise has left western Virginia. If so, our campaigning here is likely to be pacific and uninteresting. August 2. — I have been out to report myself at reveille, and not feeling like resuming my nap, am seated on my trunk jotting down these lines to my darling. Colonel Jewett arrived last night from Zanesville. He finds his boy doing well. It is still very uncertain what is to be the result. It is probable that no amputation will be necessary, and there is hope that he may not be more than very slightly crippled. He will be unable to use his foot, however, for perhaps months. Our news is that Wise has continued his retreat burning the bridges after him. This confirms our suspicions as to his aban doning all west of the mountains. There is, however, a report from the East that General Lee is to be sent out here to look after General Rosecrans, with a considerable force. I do not believe it, but if so, we shall have lively times. Colonel Ammen with the Twenty-fourth is reported in our neighborhood. We shall be glad to be with them again. Puds, here it is Saturday, the 3d, and my foolishness isn't off yet and won't be until Monday. It is so hot and pleasant. I am so lazy and good-natured. Joe says, "I wish Webb was here"; I say, I wish you were all here. We may be ordered to move any hour, and it may be [we] shall be here a week hence. We have got our camp into good order — clean and pretty. Joe was pretty sick last night, but is under a nice shade today, as lazy and comfortable as possible. The eflfect is curious of this fine mountain air. Everybody complains of heat, but everybody is in a laughing humor. No grumbling reaches me today. I have called on divers leading lawyers and politicians, gen- 54 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES erally Union men, and find them agreeable people. The court house here is a good one and is used as a hospital for all these regiments. About one hundred sick are there. When Joe gets perfectly well, which I advise him not to do, he will have charge of all of them. We have four or six there. . . . Very affectionately, your R. "Love me?" I have heard nothing from Ohio except an oc casional newspaper. Write about Uncle and everybody. Our men sing beautifully tonight. Mrs. Hayes. August 2, 1861. — A. M. fired pistol with Captain Zimmerman and P. M. Enfield rifie with Captain Sperry. My pistol shooting rather poor. Rifle shooting at one hundred yards good, at three hundred yards, tolerable. Weather hot. In the evening passed the sentinels to try them, back and forth several times. Found them generally defective ; they took instruction kindly and I hope they may do well yet. August 3, 1861. — Called on James T. Jackson, a Secessionist, for a map of Virginia — one of the Board of Public Works maps. He said he once had one but his brother had sold it to a captain in [the] Seventh Regiment. Called then on William E. Arnold, a lawyer and Union man. He offered every facility for getting information and gave such as he could; also lent us a good map. Hottest day yet. Dr. Joe ailing. Young Jewett doing well, but getting tired and sore. August 4. Sunday. — Visited the hospital. It is airy and com fortable — the court-house of the county, a large good building. The judge's bench was full of invalids, convalescent, busily writing letters to friends at home. Within the bar and on the benches provided for the public were laid straw bedticks in some confusion, but comfortable. A side room contained the very sick, seven or eight in number. The total inmates about seventy- five. Most of them are able to walk about and are improving; CAMPAIGNING IN WEST VIRGINIA — 1861 55 very few are likely to die there. One poor fellow, uncomplain ing and serene, with a good American face, is a German tailor. Fifth Street, Cincinnati; speaks little English, was reading a history of the Reformation in German. I inquired his difficulty. He had been shot by the accidental discharge of a musket falling from a stack ; a ball and several buckshot pierced his body. He will recover probably. My sympathies were touched for a hand some young Canadian, Scotch or English. He had measles and caught cold. A hacking cough was perhaps taking his life. Nobody from the village calls to see them 1 A hot day but some breeze. We hear that Colonel Matthews with the right wing was, on the morning of the third day from here, near Bulltown, twenty-seven miles distant. Governor Wise is somewhere near Lewisburg in Greenbrier County. Cox [Gen eral J. D.] is in no condition to engage him and I hope will not do it. I rather hope we shall raise a large force and push on towards Lynchburg and east Tennessee. Jewettt is doing well. Weston, Virginia, August 4, 1861. Dear Mother : — I write often now, as we soon pass out of reach of mails. We hear the news by telegraph here now from all the home towns, but mails are uncertain and irregular. We are very healthy, but the weather is hotter than any I have known in a great while. Our wounded lieutenant, Jewett, is doing well. His father is here nursing him. The fine large hospital for all this region of country, having one hundred patients belonging to different regiments, is in charge of Dr. Joe. It is the court house. The people here do not find us much of a nuisance. Of course, in some respects we are so, but all things considered, the best of the people like to see us. I mean to go to church this pleasant Sunday. My only clerical acquaintance here is an intel ligent Catholic priest who called to see Colonel Scammon. I have been cross-examining a couple of prisoners — one a Methodist preacher — both fair sort of men, and I hope not guilty of any improper acts. Good-bye. Aflfectionately, R. B. Hayes. Mrs. Sophia Hayes. 56 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES Near Weston, Virginia, August 4, 1861. Dear Laura: — As we ride about this exceedingly pretty country and through this reasonably decent village, I am re minded of young ladies in Ohio by occasionally meeting a damsel wearing a stars-and-stripes apron, or by seeing one who turns up her nose at the said stars, etc. We are leading camp life again — watching Secessionists, study ing geography, sending and receiving scouts and couriers and sich like. Colonel Matthews has gone with the five companies of the right wing forty-four miles further up into the hills. We shall follow him if there are any hostile signs up there, and he will return to us if such sign fail him. You and Jeanie A — have been of use. The bandages are used in dressing the shocking wound of young Jewett of Zanesville — a lieutenant, handsome, gallant, and intelligent. Just the person you would wish to serve in this way. Dr. Joe hopes he will not be crippled. At first it seemed that he must lose his foot; but your bandages or something else are bringing him up. It will be perhaps months before he can walk. The court-house here (about like yours) is a hospital for the sick and wounded of all the regiments hereabouts. It would be a glorious thing if some Florence Nightingales would come here. They could be immensely useful, and at the same time live pleasantly in a pretty mountain village, safe as a bug in a rug. Won't you come ? It is easy getting here and cheap stay ing. Too hot under canvas to write much. Love to all. Your uncle, R. Miss Laura Platt, Columbus. August 5. — Cloudy and showery and sunny at intervals this Monday morning. Went out shooting pistol with Adjutant C. W. Fisher. No good shooting by either. I did the worst, pistol dirty — cleaned it. — More couriers, more rumors of Wise down to wards Greenbrier County. CAMPAIGNING IN WEST VIRGINIA — 1861 57 August 6. — Warm, beautiful weather. A busy day, settling disputes between citizens and their quarrels. I held a sort of poHce court. Dr. Joe also decided cases. The parties under arrest, we hear their stories and discharge or put on bread and water as the case seems to require. All local tribunals suppressed or discontinued. We also are full of courier and express duty. Colonel Withers, a Union citizen of the old-fashioned Intelli gencer reading sort, called. He is a true patriot. We sent out a courier to meet Colonel Ammen with the Twenty-fourth, pre paratory to greeting and escorting him. But he isn't coming yet. Colonel Scammon is policing and disciplining in a good way. The colonel improves. As soon as taps sounds he has the lights put out and all talk suppressed. When we came to Weston, Colonel Lytle was here with four companies. The Seventeenth returning home (three-months men) passed through here about the second or third. The Nine teenth about the first. Colonel E. B. Tyler with the Seventh is beyond Sutton. Colonel Bosley with the Sixth is at Beverly. Weston, Virginia, Tuesday P. M., August 6, i86i. Dear Mother : — I have just read your letter, with Brother William's of the 2nd, — the first I have had from anybody since we came to Virginia. I am sitting in my tent looking out on the same beautiful scene I have so often referred to. It is a bright and very warm afternoon, but a clear, healthful mountain air which it is a happiness to breathe. . . . My horse shows a little weakness in the fore shoulders, but as he can probably work well in an ambulance, I can exchange him for a good government horse, if he gets worse. We have plenty of business. A good deal of it is a sort of law business. As all civil authority is at an end, it is our duty to keep the peace and do justice between the citizens, who, in these irregular times, are perhaps a little more pugnacious than usual. Dr. Joe and I, under direction of the colonel, held courts on divers cases all the forenoon. It was rather amusing, and I think we dispensed very exact justice. As there is no appeal, a case decided is for good and all. 58 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES I am so glad you and Uncle are both getting well. If Uncle wishes to travel, and we remain here, he couldn't please him self better than by a trip this way. He would enjoy a few days very much in our camp, or at the hotel in the village. Young Jewett leaves with his father for Zanesville tonight. I hope he will stand the trip well. I will hand them this letter to mail when they get out of these woods. Send me sometime a neat little New Testament. I have nothing of the sort. I have clothes enough. I am cut short by business. Good-bye. Affectionately, R. B. Hayes. Mrs. Sophia Hayes. August 7, Wednesday. — Another bright, warm day. With Adjutant Fisher pistol shooting this A. M. Tolerably good firing. Last night a picket shot through the hand ; said he fired twice at his assailant; doubted. Supposed to be an accidental wounding. Letters from Ohio, August 8. Thursday. — Rumors of the approach of a great army under Lee from eastern Virginia are still rife. The enemy is said to be near Monterey, the other side of the Alleghanies and aiming to come in this direction to reoccupy western Virginia, capture our stores, and to dash the war if possible into Ohio. The United States ought promptly to push into western Virginia an army of at least fifty thousand men to repel any such attack if made and to push on to the railroad leading from Richmond southwesterly through Lynchburg towards east Tennessee. This would cut off Richmond from the southwestern States and be otherwise useful. Horsemen and waggons are now passing towards Bulltown. This is the hottest day yet ; it must rain be fore night. Weston, Virginia, August 8, i86i. Dear Uncle : — I am glad to learn by a letter from Mother that you are getting well enough to ride about town. I hope you will continue to gain. If you should want to take a short CAMPAIGNING IN WEST VIRGINIA — 1861 59 trip this fall, I am not sure but a journey this way would be as enjoyable as any you could make. By getting a note from Gov ernor Dennison, you could travel on railroad (now run by the Government) to Clarksburg, and thence, there are all sorts of conveyances, from a teetering ambulance to an old-fashioned Pennsylvania six-horse waggon. Our regiment is divided for the present. One half under Colonel Matthews has gone forty-four miles south. We remain in charge of a great supply depot, and charged with keeping in order the turbulent of this region. The Union men are the most numerous, but the other side is the more wealthy and noisy. We are kept busy enough with them. This town is about as large as Fremont was ten years ago, has a fine court-house and other county buildings. A lunatic asylum for the State of great size was building when the war broke out. It is a healthy hilly country, very picturesque, and hotter today than the Cincinnati landing. We are so busy that we do not complain much of the tediousness of camp life. We are now constantly hearing of the approach of General Lee from eastern Virginia with a force large enough to drive us out and capture all our stores, if one-fourth that is told is true. He is said to be about seventy-five miles southeast of us in the mountains. Whether there is truth in it or not, I have no doubt that troops will be urged into this region to hold the country. At any rate, as it is on the route to east Tennessee, and on a route to cut off the railroads from the southwest, I am sure there ought to be a splendid Union army assembled here. I suppose it will be done. Lucy and the boys are in Pickaway County. Dr. Jim was taken prisoner at Manassas, but escaped ; lost his carpet-sack, but captured a secession horse which he brought home. Dr. Joe enjoys it well. Colonel Scammon is an agreeable gentleman to associate with. We have a great deal of amusement. Dr. Joe visits the secession folks, and reports a great many good things. They say that in two weeks they will see us scattering like sheep before the great army of Lee and Wise. When you write, direct to me, "Twenty-third Regiment, Ohio Volunteers, Clarksburg, Virginia," and it will be sent wherever 60 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES I may chance to be. We are now connected by telegraph with the whole country. A dispatch to or from Weston, is more cer tain of delivery than a letter. Love to all. Sincerely, ' R. B. Hayes. S. BiRCHARD. August p. Friday. — The colonel is out of humor with Lieu tenant Rice for letting men on guard go to their tents to sleep and scolds him severely in the presence of his men. A little less grumbling and more instruction would improve the regiment faster. The men are disconcerted whenever the colonel ap proaches ; they expect to be pitched into about something. A good man, but impatient and fault-finding; in short, he is out of health, nervous system out of order. Would he had sound health, and all would go well. He gives no instruction either in drill or other military duties but fritters away his time on little details which properly belong to clerks and inferior officers. — Begun to rain at noon, refreshing rather. Our men returning from Sutton report our right wing under Lieutenant-Colonel Matthews gone on to Summersville. Also that a party in ambush fired on two companies of Colonel Lytle's regiment, killing one and wounding four. This sort of murder must be stopped. The colonel is busy issuing passes to citizens, the patrol or picquets having been ordered to stop all persons travelling on the roads without passes. This must be a great annoyance to the inhabitants. Is there enough benefit to be gained for all the hate we shall stir up by it? The mother of our adjutant at Camp Chase seeing a boy walking up and down on his sentinel's beat took pity on him, sent him out a glass of wine and a piece of cake with a stool to sit on while he ate and drank. She told him not to keep walking so, to sit down and rest! She also advised him to resign ! More rumors of the approach of Lee with fifteen thousand men to attack our forces at Buchanan [Buckhannon]. Lieutenant Reichenbach with his party of twenty men marched yesterday twenty-eight miles and today, by noon, fifteen miles. CAMPAIGNING IN WEST VIRGINIA — 1861 61 Joe Holt* makes the best war speeches of any man in the land. It always braces my nerves and stirs my heart when I read them. At Camp Joe Holt, near Louisville, he said : "Since the sword flamed over the portals of Paradise until now, it has been drawn in no holier cause than that in which you are en gaged." Camp near Weston, Virginia, August 9, 1861. Friday Afternoon. Dearest : — I have just read your letter postmarked the 5th at Kingston. Right pleased with you. Very happy to get your good letter. It has been bright, warm (hot) weather since Sun day, but today at noon a fine rain began to fall, and this after noon I was loafing about in the tents, hard up for occupation. Lying alone in my tent, your letter came in with one from Uncle written Sunday. Wasn't it so lucky? I've nothing to tell you, I believe. Dr. Joe is well — perfectly — again ; busy changing his hospital from the court-house and jail to a secession church which doesn't run now. The colonel is busy giving passes to citizens wishing to travel roads guarded by our picquets. Colonel Matthews under Colonel Tyler has gone to Summers ville about seventy miles south of this. They are looking for Wise. In the meantime we have rumors that General Lee is marching over the mountains to push the Union forces in this region out of the State, and to seize the stores so abundantly gathered hereabouts. We have no means of knowing the truth here; if there is anything in it, we shall be called to Buchanan [Buckhannon], sixteen miles east, where the first attack is ex pected. There is a little more activity among the enemy in this quarter since these rumors became rife. Our party from the * Joseph Holt, born in Breckinridge County, Kentucky, January 6, 1807; died in Washington, August 1, 1894. Famous as a jurist and an orator. He was Postmaster-General in Buchanan's Cabinet for a time and in 1860, when John B. Flood resigned, he became Secretary of War. He was a vigorous Union man, urging his fellow Kentuckians "to fly to the rescue of their country before it is everlastingly too late." In Sep tember, 1862, President Lincoln appointed him Judge-Advocate General of the army, in which capacity he served long with great distinction. 62 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES south, returning today, report that an attack was made up the road on two companies of Colonel Lytle's men by a party in ambush, who fired one volley and ran off into the hills. One man killed and four wounded. Captain Gaines (our prosecutor) called to see me last night. His company is detached from his regiment, guarding a party putting up telegraph wires. Mr. Schooley returned from Cincinnati with late news last night. He says, it [was] so lonely he really wished to get back to camp. I am sorry to have Colonel Matthews and the right wing gone, but except that we are doing nicely. Colonel Scammon is in bet ter health and things go on very smoothly. The soldiers fare very well here, and stand in little need of sympathy, but when I have an opportunity to smooth matters for them, I try to do it, always remembering how you would wish it done. What a good heart you have, darling. I shall try to be as good as you would like me to be. Young Jewett got safely home. He is likely to have a long and serious time getting well, but will probably be very slightly, if at all, crippled. Colonel Ammen is at Clarksburg. If we have any force sent against us, we shall be with him; otherwise, not at present. I am glad you are visiting at Aunt Margaret's this hot weather. Do you recollect when we were up [the] Saguenay a year ago at this time? Here Colonel Scammon came in full of pleasant gossip, feeling happy with letters from his wife and daughters. No more chance to write in time for tonight's mail. Continue to address me at Qarksburg until I direct otherwise. Love to all at Elmwood. Kiss the boys all around. Affectionately, R. B. Hayes. Mrs. Hayes. August 10. Saturday. — Rained a good part of the night. We learned that while the right wing of our regiment occupied the court-house at Sutton, many records, etc., etc., were torn up. It is said the old clerk cried when he saw what had been done. Disgraceful ! What a stigma on our regiment if true I We have CAMPAIGNING IN WEST VIRGINIA — 1861 63 had and deserved to have a good name for our orderly conduct, respect for rights of citizens, etc., etc. I hope nothing has been done to forfeit our place. August II. Sunday. — Raining this morning, very warm. Ar rested, on complaint of a Union man, H. T. Martin, a secession editor, who is charged with holding communication with James and William Bennett, leaders of a guerrilla party. He was formerly from Ohio. Is a Southern state's-right Democrat in talk, and makes a merit of holding secession opinions. Having been engaged in getting up troops for the Southern army, the colonel will probably send him to Ohio. Colonel Lytle's men fired on near Bulltown; one killed, four wounded; guerrilla party in the hills out of reach. Our regiment did not destroy records. We have sent two captains and eighty men after the guerrillas. August 12. Monday. — Showery all day. Sent to Clarks burg H. T. Martin. He will probably be sent to Columbus for safe keeping. I gave him a letter to my brother-in-law to insure him attention there in case he should need. It is impossible to avoid mistakes in these cases. Union men may make charges merely to gratify personal animosity, knowing that in the nature of things a full investigation is impossible. During Monday night a squad of the Tenth Regiment returned from the Buckhannon road with the body of one of the wild men of the mountains found in this country. He followed their regi ment, shooting at them from the hills. They took him in the Bulltown region. He wore neither hat nor shoes, was of gigantic size — weighing two hundred and thirty pounds ; had long hooked toes, fitted to climb — a very monster. They probably killed him after taking him prisoner in cold blood — perhaps after a sort of trial. They say he was attempting to escape. Weston, Virginia, August 12, 1861. Dear Uncle: — We are still getting on nicely. We have a good deal more excitement now than usual. Wagon and cattle trains and small parties are fired on by guerrillas from the hills 64 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES on two of the roads leading from here. Dr. Joe has about eight or ten in charge who have been wounded in this way. Two only have been killed. None in our regiment. The men all laugh at "squirrel guns" and the wounds they make. Several would have been killed if shot in the same part by the conical balls of our military guns. The "deadly rifle" of olden times shoots too small a bullet, and is too short in its range; but as Cassio says, it is often "sufficient." We send out parties who bring in prisoners — sometimes the right men, sometimes not. All this keeps up a stir. In a week or two we shall get up a regular system of scouring the country to get rid of these rascals. The Union men here hate and fear them more than our men. The threatened invasion by Lee from eastern Virginia hangs fire. They will hardly venture in, unless they come in a few days, as we are daily getting stronger. I hope you are still getting better. Good-bye, R. B. Hayes. S. BiRCHARD. August 13. — Still rain. My horse hitched to a tree on the brow of a hill very near my tent broke loose during the night, and, it is said, rolled down the steep hill and swam the river. This morning he was seen trotting about in high feather on the opposite side of the river. He was caught and brought back unhurt, to the surprise of all who saw the place he must have gone down. Our right wing has been sent for to return to Bulltown. Captains Drake and Woodward who are out guerrilla hunting are still absent and not heard from for twenty-four hours. — P. M. Still raining. Captains Drake and Woodward have returned. They caught two of the pickets of the guerrilla party they were after but failed in surprising them, owing to a boy who gave information of their coming. They found a few good Union men ; the mass of the people most ignorant. [They] describe the country in the edge of Webster County as precipitous and difficult; the people timid but cunning. They also brought two other prisoners, men who have been in the secession army. CAMPAIGNING IN WEST VIRGINIA — 1861 65 August 14. Wednesday. — The weather has changed to cool, and although the sky is still clouded I hope this long rain is now over. Our prisoners turn out to be Hezekiah and Granville Bennett, cousins of the notorious James and William Bennett, aged forty-nine and twenty-two, father and son, and Moss and George W. Brothers, aged fifty-eight and forty-eight. Our in formation is not definite as to their conduct. One or more of them belonged to the Southern army, and all are accused by their Union neighbors with divers acts of violence against law-and- order citizens. Last evening Lieutenant Milroy came over from Glenville reporting that Captain R. B. Moore feared an attack from three companies of well armed Secessionists in the region west of them, say Spencer, and was fortifying himself. The people immediately around him are friendly, he having conducted himself with great prudence and good sense and by kindness and justice made friends of the people of all parties. August i§. Thursday. — A bright, lovely day and the prettiest evening of the month. The bright moonlight exhibits the land scape enough to show its loveliness and the lights and shadows. The hills and woods are very picturesque. It makes me long for wife and boys and friends behind. How Lute would enjoy roaming with me through camp tonight. More rumors of attacks by guerrillas, or "bushwhackers" as they are here called, on our couriers and trains. A courier and captain and some wagoners are reported killed or taken below Sutton. My box containing pistols and sash, etc., by mistake sent from Clarksburg to Buckhannon. Made arrangements to send Lieu tenant Richardson and two men with ambulance after it. Weston, Virginia, August 15, 1861. Thursday Morning. Dearest L — : — We had four days of rain ending yesterday morning — such rain as this country of hills and mountains can afford. It was gloomy and uncomfortable but no harm was done. 5 66 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES It cleared ofif beautifully yesterday morning and the weather has been most delicious since. This is a healthful region. Nobody seriously sick and almost everybody outrageously healthy. I never was better. It is a luxury to breathe. Dr. Joe — but don't he go into the corn? He has it three times a day, reminding me of Northampton a year ago and your order for supper on our return from Mount Holyoke. Our regiment has had divers duties which keep up excitement enough to prevent us from stagnating. Colonel Matthews and right wing is fifty miles south. Captain Drake and Captain Woodward, with their companies, spent the four rainy days scouring the steepest hills and deepest gullies for the rascals who waylay our couriers and wagon trains. They captured three or four of the underlings, but the leaders and main party dodged them. Captain Zimmerman and his company have gone west forty miles to escort provisions to Colonel Moor (Second Ger man Regiment of Cincinnati in which Markbreit is Lieutenant) and to clean out an infected neighborhood between here and there. A sergeant and six men are at Clarksburg escorting a prisoner destined for Columbus. Lieutenant Rice and twenty men are es corting cattle for Colonel Tyler's command south of here. A part of our cavalry are gone west to escort a captain and the surgeon of the Tenth to Glenville, thirty-seven miles west. On Saturday I go with Captain Drake's company to meet Captain Zimmerman's company returning from the west, and with the two companies, to go into the hills to the south to hunt for a guerrilla band who are annoying Union men in that vicinity. I shall be gone almost a week so you will not hear from me for some time. The tele graph is now extended south to a station near where I am going to operate, so that we are in reach of humanity by telegraph but not by mail. Dr. Joe has got the hospital in good condition. A church (Methodist South) in place of the court-house for the merely comfortable, and a private house for the very sick. None of our regiment are seriously ill. The sick are devolved upon us from other regiments — chiefly lung complaints developed by march ing, measles, or exposure. Very few, if any, taken here. Divers humane old ladies furnish knickknacks to the hospital and make CAMPAIGNING IN WEST VIRGINIA — 1861 67 glad the poor fellows with such comforts as women can best provide. We find plenty of good Union men, and most of our expedi tions are aided by them. They show a good spirit in our behalf. A large part of our friends in the mountains are the well-to-do people of their neighborhoods and usually are Methodists or other orderly citizens. Good-bye, dearest. I love you very much. Kiss the boys and love to all. Tell Webby that during the rain the other night, dark as pitch, my horse, Webb, fell down the hill back of the camp into the river. Swam over to the opposite shore, and at daylight we saw him frisking about in great excitement trying to get back to his companion Birch. When we got him he was not hurt or scratched even. He stumbles a little, which doesn't do for a riding horse, so I have taken a government horse which looks very much like him; same color and size but not quite so pretty, and given Webb to Uncle Joe for an ambulance horse. I shall call my new horse Webb, so there are to be two Webbys in the regiment. My next horse I shall call Ruddy. Love to Grandma. Affectionately, R. Mrs. Hayes. August i6. Friday. — A morning of small excitements. A wagon train stopped on its way towards Sutton to search for arms or ammunition concealed in boxes of provisions. . . . Drake, Captain, and Woodward search train in vain for con traband. August 17. Saturday. — Dispatches came last [night] from Colonel Matthews. He can't return as ordered for fear of losing his command between Summersville and Sutton ; rumors of Wise, etc., etc. Colonels Tyler and Smith go with him nine miles back towards Gauley Bridge to fortify. The colonel thinks this is a mistake of judgment and is disgusted with it. I think Colonel Scammon is right. 68 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES Lieutenant Rice's men report that three men named Stout were taken near Jacksonville by some of Captain Gaines' men and part of his command and that afterwards Gaines' men killed them, alleging orders of Captain Gaines, etc., etc. This is too bad. If any of my men kill prisoners, I'll kill them. Captain McMullen with four mountain howitzers arrived this morning — i2-pounders. Good! My horse, not Webb first but Webb second, by hard riding foundered or stiffened. Mem.: — Lend no horse ; see always that your horse is properly cared for, especially after a hard ride. Headquarters 230 Reg't, O. V. Inf., U. S. A., August 17, 1861. Dear Uncle : — We are kept very busy, hunting up guerrillas, escorting trains, etc., etc. Attacking parties are constantly met on the roads in the mountains, and small stations are surrounded and penned up. We send daily parties of from ten to one hun dred on these expeditions, distances of from ten to forty miles. Union men persecuted for opinion's sake are the informers. The Secessionists in this region are the wealthy and educated, who do nothing openly, and the vagabonds, criminals, and ignorant barbarians of the country; while the Union men are the middle classes — the law-and-order, well-behaved folks. Persecutions are common, killings not rare, robberies an every-day occurrence. Some bands of Rebels are so strong that we are really in doubt whether they are guerrillas or parts of Wise's army coming in to drive us out. The Secessionists are boastful, telling of great forces which are coming. Altogether, it is stirring times just now. Lieutenant-Colonel Matthews is nearly one hundred miles south of us with half our regiment, and is not strong enough to risk returning to us. With Colonels Tyler and Smith, he will fortify near Gauley Bridge on [the] Kanawha. Dr. Rice is here sick in charge of Dr. Joe. He got in safely from a post that was invested about thirty miles west. He will get well, but has been very sick. This is the healthiest country in the world. I have not been in such robust health for a great CAMPAIGNING IN WEST VIRGINIA — 1861 69 while. My horse is not tough enough for this service. I had better have taken Ned Jr., I suspect, although there is no telling. The strongest horses seem to fail frequently when rackabones stand it well. The Government has a good many horses, and I use them at. pleasure. When I find one that will do, I shall keep it. . . . Sincerely, R. B. Hayes. S. BiRCHARD. Weston, Virginia, August 17, 1861. Dear Mother: — Nothing new to tell you. We are kept more busy than heretofore with watching and hunting after the robbers who are plundering the Union men in our neighborhood. We have rumors of invading forces from eastern Virginia strong enough to drive us out, but we know nothing definite about them. Captain McMullen arrived safely with my box. His company of artillery is a great addition to our strength. Our men are very healthy and busy enough to keep them out of mischief. Dr. Joe finds a number of old ladies who do all in their power to make our sick soldiers comfortable. One poor fellow who was thought to be gone with consumption is picking up under their nursing and strengthening food, and will, perhaps, get well. None of our regiment are seriously ill. We were never in so healthy a country The war brings out the good and evil of Virginia. Some of the best and some of the worst characters I ever heard of, have come under our notice during the last fortnight. It is not likely that we shall move from here for some weeks. We are required to send expeditions to protect Union neighborhoods and wagon trains, and to drive off scamps almost every day. We are prob ably doing some good to the better sort of people in this country, besides the general good which we are supposed to be doing in the cause of the country. My love to all. — Aflfectionately, R. B. Hayes. Mrs. Sophia Hayes. 70 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES Headquarters, 230 Reg't, O. V. Inf., U. S. A., August 17, 1 861. Dearest : — Your letter to Dr. Joe did me much good. Bless the boys. I love to read your talk about them. I had just started this letter when a dispatch came from Cap tain Zimmerman. He had a little brush with some guerrillas in the mountains twenty-five miles from here and had three men wounded. This is the first blood of our regiment shed in fight. He scattered the rascals without difficulty, making some prisoners. We have had a picquet wounded on guard and accidental wound ing but no fighting blood-letting before. This is the expedition I expected to go with when I wrote you last, but the accounts of the enemy not justifying the sending of more than one company, I was not sent. There is a general rising among the Rebels. They rob and murder the Union men, and the latter come to us for help. We meet numbers of most excellent people. We have out all the time from two to six parties of from ten to seventy-five or one hundred men on scouting duty. There are some bloody deeds done in these hills, and not all on one side. We are made happy today by the arrival of Captain McMullen with an excellent company of artillery — four mountain howitzers and complete equipments. They will be exceedingly useful. Lieutenant-Col onel Matthews is nearly one hundred miles south of us with Colonel Tyler and others. The road between here and there is so infested with "bushwhackers" that we have no communication with him except by way of Gallipolis in Ohio. He has been ordered to return here but deems it unsafe to attempt it. Colonel Scammon has fallen in love with Joe. He says if his qualities were known he would get a high place in the Regular Army medical staff, and brags on him perpetually. We have very few of our own men sick, but numbers in the hospital of other regiments. My new horse doesn't turn out any tougher than the other. But Captain McMullen says he has one which I am to try to night. I shall get a "Webby" that can stand hard work and poor fare one of these days. CAMPAIGNING IN WEST VIRGINIA — 1861 71 How about the pants? If they are reasonably good blue, put a light blue stripe down the outside seam and send them to me when you have a chance. I don't care about the color. The blue stripe is enough uniform for this latitude. Hard service for duds. I am well supplied — rather too much of most things. August i8. Sunday P. M. — Since writing the above we have received word that the enemy in force is coming towards us through the mountains to the southeast, and have been ordered to prepare three days' rations and to be ready to march at a moment's notice to attack the enemy. I am all ready. My Httle knapsack contains a fiannel shirt, one oi those you gave me, two pairs of socks, a pair of drawers, a towel, the what-you-may- call-it you made for me to hold scissors, etc., etc. This is enough. We are to go without tents or cooking utensils. A part of Colonel Moor's Second German Regiment are to go with us. Markbreit is among them. They reached here last night. It will be a stirring time if we go, and the result of it all by no means clear. I feel no apprehension — no presentiment of evil, but at any rate you know how I love you and the dear boys and Grandma and all will take care that I am not forgotten. You will know by telegraph long before this reaches you what comes of the anticipated movements. I suspect we are misinformed. At any rate, good-bye, darling. Kisses for all. Aflfectionately, R. Mrs. Hayes. August i8. Sunday. — Last night, about ten or eleven, five companies of Colonel Lloor's (Second German Regiment) Twenty-eighth Regiment arrived from Clarksburg under Lieu tenant-Colonel Becker. My partner, L. Markbreit, is sergeant- major. This morning, raining hard. Exciting rumors and news. A Tennessee regiment and force coming through the mountains east of Sutton — a battery of four guns, one thirty-two-pounder I ! What an anchor to drag through the hills ! Absurd ! Danger of all provisions below here with vast stores being taken by the enemy. We are ordered to cook three days' rations and be ready 72 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES to move at a moment's warning, with forty rounds of ammuni tion. All trains on the route to Sutton are ordered back or to take the way to Buchanan [Buckhannon] via Frenchtown. Eighty thousand rations are ordered to same place from here. All is war. I pack my portmanteau and prepare to move. Oh, for a horse which wouldn't founder, or get lame, or stumble! At night no order to move yet. August 19. Monday. — No more rumors. A tolerably pretty day. At 12 M. [midnight] got orders to quietly strike tents and with three days' rations and the minimum amount of baggage move to Buckhannon. Two companies. Captain Drake's and Captain Zimmerman's, had just returned from a scouting expe dition to Walkersville, etc. No rest yet. After a world of con fusion, aggravated by an incompetent quartermaster, we got off at daylight. August 20. Tuesday. — After marching three miles we stopped for water and to let the teams come up. One man reclining was accidentally shot by another hitting his foot against the hammer of a musket. Poor Carr received the ball in the heel of his shoe; it passed up his leg, grazing it merely, grazed his body and arm and shoulder, and left him without a serious wound ! Fortunate. Reached Buckhannon about 3 :30 P. M. — so sleepy ; no rest or sleep the night before. Stopped at noon — got good bread and milk, honey and blackberry jam, and slept nearly an hour in a barn. Buckhannon a pretty place. August 21. — Changed camping place at Buckhannon to a fine spot one and one-half miles on road to Cheat Mountain. Got settled with McMullen's Battery just as rain set in at night. Had letters from Jim and Will Scott and Uncle George. Buckhannon, Virginia, August 21, 1861. Dear Mother: — You may send this letter, showing my whereabouts, to Lucy. I have no time to write much. On Sun day night, about 12 o'clock, we were ordered to quietly pack and march rapidly to this place. Some of our men had just returned CAMPAIGNING IN WEST VIRGINIA — 1861 73 from long scouting expeditions. They were weary with march ing over the hills in rain and mud, and here was another march without sleeping. It was borne cheerfully — the men supposing it was to meet an enemy. We find this a lovely spot, superior in some respects to the scenery about Weston. We have a beautiful camp about one and one-half miles from the village. There are here parts of five regiments — all but this from Cincinnati. Men are constantly arriving, showing the rapid concentration at this point of a large body of troops. We are ignorant of its purpose, but suppose it to be for service. We are all so healthy. I meet many Cin cinnati friends and enjoy the greetings. I received a letter from Uncle, directed to Clarksburg. I sup pose that is still the best place to direct my letters. Write often. Let Uncle know where I am and how lately you have heard from me. Love to all. Affectionately, R. B. Hayes. Mrs. Sophia Hayes. [August] 22. Thursday. — At our nice camp. P. M. rained and blew violently. In the midst of it we got orders from Gen eral Rosecrans to prepare to march to Beverly. "Early" in the morning would do. Slept in my wet boots. Wrote home and to mother and Uncle. Buckhannon, August 22, 1861. Dear Jim : — I have written hastily to Mr. Warren. I hope he will not be so much disturbed after he reflects on matters. Have you had a formal application before the governor for a place? It should be done by yourself or by a friend in person. I suppose examination may be required. If so, attend to it. Dr. Joe is well. We are expecting an enemy soon. Sincerely, R. B. Hayes. Dr. James D. Webb. 74 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES Buckhannon, Virginia, August 22, 1861. Dearest : — It is a cold, rainy, dismal night. We are all pre paring for an early march. I have made up a large bundle of duds — all good of course — which must be left here, to be got possibly some day but not probably. All are cut down to regu lation baggage. Many trunks will stop here. A tailor sits on one end of my cot sewing fixings. All is confusion. The men are singing jolly tunes. Our colonel takes his half regiment, the left wing, and half of McCook's Germans, and we push off for the supposed point of the enemy's approach. We shall stop and camp at Beverly a while, and then move as circumstances require. How are the dear boys ? Will Scott writes me that he goes into the Kentucky Union regiments. Good-bye, darling. Joe wishes to write and wants my pen. Affectionately, R. B. Hayes. Mrs. Hayes. Friday 23. — Clear, bright day ; mud and water in the road but a bracing air and blue sky overhead. Men marched with spirit. Lovely mountain views and clear mountain streams al ways in sight. Camped on the mountainside in the road ; no tents pitched. Colonel and Dr. Joe, slept in ambulance. I fixed up our cots under the blue canopy, near a roaring mountain stream, and with Adjutant Fisher watched the bright star near the Great Bear, perhaps one of that constellation, which I conjectured was Arcturus, until the moon came in sight. Slept in snatches and was refreshed. Saturday 24. — Doctor and I laughed at a soldier who said it was Saturday. We thought it was Thursday. The finest day's march yet. Streams, mountain views, and invigorating air! Reached Buckhannon [Beverly] at 2 P. M. ; greeted by friends in the Guthries warmly — Captain Erwin, Captain Bense, Cap tains Tinker, Clark. Saw Tatem, sick, Charles Richards, Tom Royse, and others. Danger here ; men killed and an enemy com ing or near Cheat River. Ambulance guide and men of CAMPAIGNING IN WEST VIRGINIA — 1861 75 "Guthries" killed. We camped on a pretty spot. Captain Mc Mullen's howitzers and one-half of McCook's regiment with us on the march. Ours the only band here. Beverly, Virginia, August, Saturday, 24 or 23, 1861. Dearest : — Your letters are all directed right — to Clarksburg, Virginia — got one from you, one from Uncle and one from Mother with a nice Testament today. We marched from Buckhannon as I wrote you; but the rain stopped, the air was delicious, the mountain scenery beautiful. We camped at night in the hills without tents. I looked up at the stars and moon — nothing between me and sky — and thought of you all. Today had a lovely march in the mountains, was at the camp of the enemy on Rich Mountain and on the battlefield. Reached here today. Saw Captain Erwin and friends enough. It is pleasant. We had one-half of our regiment, one-half of McCook's German regiment and McMullen's Field Battery. Joe and I led the column. The Guthrie Greys greeted us hospitably. Men are needed here, and we were met by men who were very glad to see us for many reasons. We go to the seat of things in Cheat Mountain perhaps tomorrow. I love you so much. Write about the dear boys and your kindred — that's enough. Your letter about them is so good. Affectionately, [R.] P. S. — My favorite horse has come out fine again (Webby first, I mean) and Webby second is coming out. Joe and I vote these two days the happiest of the war. Such air and streams and mountains and people glad to see us. Mrs. Hayes. Beverly, Virginia, August 24, 1861. Dear Uncle: — Thank you for the postage stamps. The traitors at home, you need not fear. . . . We are needed here. Shall march towards the enemy tomorrow again. I am 76 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES better pleased with this than with the main army at Washing ton. . Aflfectionately, R. B. Hayes. S. BiRCHARD. Beverly, August 24, 1861. Dear Mother: — Fifty miles further in the mountains. Most lovely streams and mountains. My tent now looks out on a finer scene than any yet. Thank you for the Testament. I see war enough. I prefer to read something else. We expect to move on soon. We are at the jumping-off place. You will not hear often now. Affectionately, R. B. Hayes. Mrs. Sophia Hayes. Beverly, August 25. Sunday. — ^A cold night. Gear but foggy this A. M. No orders to march yet. Good! Provisions and provender, i. e. rations and forage, scarce and poor. Captain Clark, a spirited German (Prussian) officer of the "Greys," dined us yesterday at Widow What's-her-name's hotel. Got let ters here from Lute, Uncle, and Mother, with a Testament from Mother. Shall read it "in course" — through I mean ; begin now. Beverly, Virginia, August 25, 1861, Sunday A. M. Dearest : — Supposing I might have to go on towards Cheat Mountain this morning, I wrote you a very short note last night I now write so soon again to show you how much I love you and how much my thoughts are on the dear ones at home. I never enjoyed any business or mode of life as much as I do this. I really feel badly when I think of several of my intimate friends who are compelled to stay at home. These marches and campaigns in the hills of western Virginia will always be among the pleasantest things I can remember. I know we are in fre quent perils, that we may never return and all that, but the CAMPAIGNING IN WEST VIRGINIA — 1861 77 feeling that I am where I ought to be is a full compensation for all that is sinister, leaving me free to enjoy as if on a pleasure tour. I am constantly reminded of our trip and happiness a year ago. I met a few days ago in the Fifth Regiment the young Moore we saw at Quebec, who went with me to see the animals at Montreal one Sunday. Do you remember the rattlesnakes? Young Bradford goes to Cincinnati today. — We have our troubles in the Twenty-third of course, but it is happiness com pared with the Guthries — fine fellows and many fine officers, but, etc., etc. We saw nothing prettier [last year] than the view from my tent this morning. McCook's men are half a mile to the right, McMullen's Battery on the next hill in front of us. The Vir ginia Second a half mile in front, and the Guthries to the left. We on higher ground see them all ; then mountains, meadow, and stream. Nothing wanting but you and the boys. I want to say to you it will be impossible often, as we get further in the hills, to write, and when I do write it will be only a few lines. Don't think I_ am getting weaned from you and home. It is merely the condition of things compels me. I saw young Culbertson, looking strong and healthy, Channing Richards, the Andersons, etc., etc., all ditto. Young Culbertson is now in a scouting party that is after guerrillas who murdered some of their men in an ambulance. I have got a new boy — a yellow lad in Guthrie Gray uniform, aged about sixteen, named Theodore Wilson. Sunday evening. — Just got orders to go to Huttonsville. Look on my map of Virginia and you will see it geography style, but the beautiful scenery you will not see there. We are to be for the present under General Reynolds, a good officer, and then General Benham or General Rosecrans. All good. The colonel takes our one-half and the German half of McCook and the battery of McMullen. The soldiers are singing so merrily tonight. It is a lovely sweet starlit evening. I rode over to Colonel Sanders- hoff (I think that is the name of McCook's soldierly and gen tlemanly lieutenant-colonel) to tell him about the march, and from his elevated camp I could see all the camps, "sparkling 78 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES and bright." I thought of the night you walked with me about Camp Chase. Good-night. Our most advanced outpost is connected by telegraph, so that in Cincinnati you will know what happens at an early date ; earlier far than any letter of mine can reach you. Kisses to all the boys. Love to Grandma and affection enough for you, dearest. Affectionately, R. B. Hayes. P. S. — It would do mother good to know that I read three chapters in the Testament she sent me. Send a quarter's worth of postage stamps in your next. Mrs. Hayes. Monday evening, August 26. — Marched today up the beau tiful valley, "Tygart's Valley" I believe, to this pretty camp in the hills, eighteen miles. Saw our general. About forty-five, a middle-sized, good-looking man, educated at West Point. An army man, good sense, good talker — General Reynolds. Oh, what a lovely spot! August 26, 1861. Dear Uncle : — We are camped somewhere near, I think, the head of Tygart's Valley, near Cheat Mountain Pass. Several regiments are in sight, and the enemy under Lee so near that our outposts have fights with his daily. We are under a capital general, and are fast getting ready. I think we are safe; if not, we shall be within a very short time. We expect to stay here until we or the enemy are whipped, or back out for fear of a whipping — probably weeks. We are in [a] lovely little valley on a fine clear trout stream, with high mountains on all sides and large trees over us. A per fect camp, perfectly protected by entrenchments for miles up the valley, pickets and scouts in all directions, etc., etc. A telegraph finished to headquarters of our general from General Rose crans' at Clarksburg, and rapid mail carriers daily to the same CAMPAIGNING IN WEST VIRGINIA — 1861 79 place. For instance, your letter of the 19th was handed to me at my tent by the courier within half an hour after our arrival here. Glad Fanny is with you. Lee will not whip us unless we attack him with a force too small. If he attacks us, we are the best off. The postage stamps are all gone. Sincerely, R. B. Hayes. I got four Fremont Journals. Much obliged. S. BiRCHARD. Somewhere in Tygart's Valley, near Cheat Mountain Pass, Virginia, August 26, Monday evening, 8:30 P. M., after a march of eighteen miles, 1861. Dearest: — You will think me insane, writing so often and always with the same story : Delighted with scenery and pleas ant excitement. We are camped tonight in a valley surrounded by mountains on a lovely stream under great trees. With the Third Ohio, Thirteenth Indiana, one-half of McCook's Ninth and the Michi gan artillery, which Mother remembers passed our house one Sunday about the last of May, and McMullen's Battery, all in sight. Our General Reynolds makes a good impression. We are disposed to love him and trust him. We expect to remain here and hereabouts until the enemy, which is just over the mountain, either drives us out, which I think he can't do, or until we are strong enough to attack him. A stay of some weeks, we suppose. What a lovely valley! Joe and I will always stick by Ohio River water. It must be in the summer chiefly made up of these mountain streams than which nothing can be purer. Our mails will come here daily. I got a letter from Uncle delivered at my tent within half an hour after it was up, dated 19th and directed as all letters should be, Clarksburg. We sent back our band to escort in the Germans who were 80 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES three hours behind us. I built a bridge for them, etc., etc. How polite they were. We Hke them so much. Affectionately, R. B. Hayes. Have the daily Commercial sent me directed, "Maj. R. B. Hayes, 23d Ohio Regiment, Clarksburg." Mrs. Hayes. Tuesday, [August] 2^. — Ordered to make a forced march, without tents, knapsacks, or cooking utensils, to French Creek by a mountain path scarcely practicable for horsemen. At about 3 P. M. set out. I led the column afoot. Captain Sperry on Webby. Reached a river over the mountain after dark; kindled fires and slept on ground. Thirteen miles. Wednesday, 28. — A long march over a bad path — thirty miles — to French Creek, or Scotchtown. Boarded with Mrs. Farrell. A fine Union settlement. Forty years ago a Massa chusetts colony came here, and their thrift, morality, and patriot ism are the salt of this region. Slept in tent of Culbertson and Lieutenant of Captain Remley's Fifth Regiment. Noble and generous treatment from them. Thursday, 29. — Moved into the Presbyterian church to await our tents and train. Friday, 30. — Last night Dr. Joe and I did our best to house in Mrs. Sea's bam (a good Union lady, two sons in the army), the Germans of the Ninth, who lay in the mud, without shelter. Spent today in a jolly way, resting. French Creek, August 30, 1861, Friday Night Dearest: — "The best laid schemes of mice and men," etc., especially in war. That beautiful camp at the head of the valley, where we were to stay so long, had just been gotten into fine order, when the order to leave came : "Make a forced march to French Creek by a mountain path, leaving tents, baggage, and CAMPAIGNING IN WEST VIRGINIA — 1861 81 knapsacks to be sent you." We obeyed, and are yet alive. A queer life. We are now as jolly as if we never saw trouble or hardship. Two nights ago and three nights ago we lay in the rain in the woods without shelter, blankets, and almost without food, and after such hard days' toil that we slept on the moun tains as soundly as logs. All the horses used up. Uncle Joe's Birch among the rest, except my pretty little sorrel, Webby, which came through better than ever. Let me describe my kit: Portmanteau containing two pair socks, one shirt, a towel containing bread and sugar, a tin cup, a pistol in one holster and ammunition in the other, a blanket wrapped in the India-rubber you fixed, and a blue (soldier's) overcoat. Seven miles we made after 2 :30 P. M. on a good road to Huttonsville, then by a bridle-path part of the way and no path the rest, following a guide six miles over a steep, muddy, rocky mountain. At the foot of the mountain I put Captain Sperry, who was footsore, on Webby, and pushed ahead afoot. I could see we would not get over the mountain to a stream we wished to camp on until after night, unless we pushed. I put on ahead of [the] guide and reached the top with Lieutenant Botts- ford, the keen-eyed snare-drummer, Gillett (Birch remembers him, I guess), a soldier, and the guide alone in sight. We waited till the head of the column came in sight, got full instructions from the guide, directed him to wait for the column, and leaving him, re-enforced, however, by the silver cornet player, we hurried down. In half an hour it was dark as tar. I led the little party blundering sometimes, but in the main, right, until we could hear the river. Long before we reached it, all sound of the column was lost, and the way was so difficult that we agreed they could not get down until daylight. We got to the river at 9:15 with three matches and a Fremont Journal to kindle fire with, no overcoats and no food. It was a wet night. Didn't we scratch about and whittle to get dry kindling, and weren't we lucky to get it and start a great fire with the first precious match? Now for the column : It reached almost over the mountain single file, ist. Pioneers under a sergeant, ten men; 2nd, Lieu tenant Smith with advance guard of thirty men; 3d, Colonel Scammon and the five companies, Twenty-third; 4th, Captain 6 82 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES McMullen and his four mountain howitzers and mules and eighty men; 5th, Lieutenant-Colonel Sandershoff with five com panies of McCook's regiment. The head of the column got down to us to our surprise at 10 P. M. McMullen gave it up at II P. M. half-way up the mountain, and the Germans were below him. The next day we toiled on thirteen and a half hours' actual marching over the hills to this place, thirty miles. About three hundred of our men reached here at 8 P. M. — dark, muddy, rainy, and dismal — hungry, no shelter, nothing. Three companies of the Fifth under Captain Remley (part of Colonel Dunning's Continentals) were here. They took us in, fed us, piled hay, built fires, and worked for us until midnight like beavers, and we survived the night. Our men will always bless the Cincinnati Fifth. A friend of the doctor's, Davis, named Culbertson, looked after [me] and Dick Wright and others took care of Joe. Those who seemed unable to keep up, I began to order into barns and farmhouses about 6:30 o'clock. The last six miles was somewhat settled and I took care of the rear. In the morning we found ourselves in a warm-hearted Union settlement. We got into a Presbyterian church. We made head quarters at a Yankee lady's and fared sumptuously; but Mc Mullen and the Germans were still behind. They got in twenty- four hours after us in another dark wet night. Dr. Joe was in his glory. He and I took charge of the Germans. They were completely used up. The worst off we took into a barn of Mrs. Sea. I mention the old lady's name for she has two sons and a son-in-law in the Union army of Virginia and gave us all she had for the Germans. We got through the night work about 12 M. [midnight] and today have enjoyed hugely the comparing notes, etc., etc. Our tents reached us just now, and I am writing in mine. The colonel was used up ; Joe and I are the better for it. The move is supposed to be to meet the enemy coming in by a different route. We march on tomorrow but on good roads (reasonably so) and with tents and rations. I love you so much. Kisses for all the boys and Grandma. Good night. R. CAMPAIGNING IN WEST VIRGINIA — 1861 83 Tell Mother, Uncle, Laura, etc., that I get all letters, papers, Testament, etc., that are sent. I have lost nothing, I am sure. Such things are carefully forwarded from Clarksburg. I am in command of the battalion and write this in the bustle of pitching tents preparatory to marching again as soon as fairly settled. Mrs. Hayes. Saturday, [August] 31. — Mustered today. I called the roll of our five companies and of McMullen's Battery. Sunday, i [September]. — Drummed three men (youngsters) out of Captain Drake's company, by [the] colonel's order. The men all approve it but it makes me sick. The boys all probably confirmed thieves before they joined the army, but it makes me sick. Also sent back a waggon-master and drivers. This pleased me. The rascals refused to drive further unless certain con ditions were complied with. Sent off, all right ! Took the mutinous waggon-master off his horse. Tuesday, September 2 [3]. — Twelve miles from Walkersville to Bulltown. Found McCook and had a good time with him. Wednesday, 3 [4]. — Saw General Rosecrans and staff. Caught our guard without a salute. We go with him south today. A good time with McCook and his Ninth. Marched from Bulltown to Flatwoods on road to Sutton, about ten or eleven miles. Camped on a hill with Captain Canby's Company F of our right wing and Captain Moore's Company I, ditto. How pleasant to meet them after our long (five weeks) separation. They have had troubles, hard marches, and fun ; one man shot resisting a corporal, two men in irons for a rape, and one man arrested for sleeping on post (third offence penalty death!) Bulltown, September 3, [4], 1861. Wednesday Morning. Dearest : — Let me say first that the army mail arrangement is perfect. All letters are got promptly here. We march forty or 84 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES sixty miles to a new point. We are hardly stopped at our des tination on a sidehill, in a wood or meadow, before a courier steps up and hands us, privates and all, letters just from Clarks burg. For instance, we are seventy miles over mountains from our last camping place. I had not got off of Webby before a fellow came up, "Are you the Major?" and handed me a letter from you, 27th, from Mother, 26th, from Uncle, 26th, and half a dozen others all late. The same thing is happening all the time. We have had a forced march without tents, cooking utensils, or knapsacks over a mountain road — bridle path. I came out first best. All the horses injured except Webby. . . . Good time here. McCook gathered his whole regiment. They serenaded us and we them. The Ninth and Twenty-third swear by each other. They Dutch, we Yankees. General Rosecrans takes command here. We go south to Sutton, etc., until we meet the enemy. Shall not write often now. Good-bye. Blessings, love, and kisses for all. Aflfectionately, R. B. Hayes. Mrs. Hayes. Bulltown, September 3, [4], 1861. Dear Uncle : — All your letters come safely ; got one of the 26th yesterday. Mail facilities coming this way are perfect. We are now under General Rosecrans in person going south toward Summersville, through Sutton, until we meet the enemy unless he leaves western Virginia. Unless overwhelming[ly] superior in numbers, we shall beat him, accidents always ex cepted. Our numbers are not, perhaps, as great as we would wish, but you must remember we are over one hundred miles from a railroad and bad roads (not very bad) to haul supplies. It is physically impossible to supply a very large army without a very long preparation. The wagon-trains would actually im pede each other, if you were to attempt to crowd too fast, faster than we are now doing. Take it easy, we shall clean them out in time, if the people at home will hold on and be persevering and patient. CAMPAIGNING IN WEST VIRGINIA — 1861 85 We have had the severest experience soldiers are required to bear, except a defeat; viz, forced marches without shelter, food, or blankets over mountain bridle-paths, in the night and rain. Many fail. My little horse came out well and sound again, the best in the regiment. The doctor's gave out and was left. I gain strength and color; a little flesh perhaps. Never before so healthy and stout. You will hear first of our welfare in the [Cincinnati] Commercial. Their "special correspondent" wrote a letter in my tent this A. M. Good-bye. Sincerely, R. B. Hayes. S. BiRCHARD. On Road to Sutton, South from Weston, September 3 [4], 1861. Dear Mother: — We are having great times with forced marches over the hills. It agrees with me. I get all letters by couriers very promptly. . . . We go south under General Rosecrans. All things look en couragingly. We meet friends constantly and unexpectedly. . . . On Sunday we had church in camp, with a Presbyterian Con gregation of Yankees who came here forty-five years ago. We occupied their church for shelter. They treated us most hospit ably. All from Massachusetts and retaining the thrift, morality, and loyalty of their native State, or rather of the State of their fathers, for most of them were born here. Affectionately, R. B. Hayes. Mrs. Sophia Hayes. Sutton, or Suttonville, Virginia, September 5, 1861. Dearest : — We are in another camp of fine views. This is the last stronghold of our army as we advance toward the enemy. We are now part of an army of from six to eight thousand and are pushing towards an advancing enemy stronger in numbers, it is said. Some time will perhaps elapse before we meet, but we are pretty certflin to meet unless the enemy withdraws. This, 86 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES I think, they will do. I like the condition of things. Our force, although not large, is of good regiments for the most part: McCook's Ninth, Colonel Smith's Thirteenth, Lytle's Tenth (Irish), are all here; also Colonel Moor's Twenty-eighth (Mark- breit's regiment). Colonel Lowe's Twelfth, our regiment, and Colonel Porshner's Forty-ninth (Wilstach regiment) coming; also one part company of Regulars; four companies artillery, four companies cavalry. An army about as large as can well manoeuvre in these mountains. General Rosecrans is in com mand in person with General Benham of the Regular Army to second him. We are camped on both sides of Elk River, con nected by a beautiful suspension bridge. Camps on high hills; fortifications on all the summits. "A gay and festive scene," as Artemus Ward would say, especially about sundown when three or four fine bands are playing in rivalry. Elk River empties into Kanawha, so that the water now drip ping from my tent will pass you, perhaps, about a fortnight hence; the clearest, purest water it is too. From the tops of the high hills you can see the rocks in the river covered by ten or twenty feet of water. Nothing finer in Vermont or New Hamp shire. I have just got a letter from Dr. James [D. Webb]. Say to him, let all my letters be opened, and if any are important, send them ; otherwise, not, unless from some especial friend. Send me some stamps and tell me how you are off for cash. We ex pect to be paid soon ; if so, I can send you some three hundred to six hundred dollars. We are to have a bore here in a few days — a court-martial on some officer in the Tenth or Twelfth, and I am to be judge- advocate, unless I can diplomatize out of it, which I hope to do. We got today papers from Cincinnati — the Times of the 28th and the Commercial of the 2d. Think of it; only three days old! It has rumors that General Rosecrans is captured. Well, not quite. He is in good health, and the Twenty-third Regiment is his especial guard. No force can get him here without passing my tent. Among the interesting things in camp are the boys. You recol lect the boy in Captain Mcllrath's company; we have another CAMPAIGNING IN WEST VIRGINIA — 1861 87 like unto him in Captain Woodward's. He ran away from Norwalk to Camp Dennison ; went into the Fifth, then into the Guthries, and as we passed their camp, he was pleased with us, and now is "a boy of the Twenty-third." He drills, plays officer, soldier, or errand boy, and is a curiosity in camp. We are getting dogs too, some fine ones ; almost all the captains have horses and a few mules have been "realized" — that's the word — from Secession ists. It is clearing off, so we shall be happy again. I am sorry you are unwell. Don't get down-spirited. We shall get through and come home again. Love and kisses for all the boys. Affectionate regards to Grandma. Jim's letters will be very acceptable. Good bye, darling. Affectionately, R. B. Hayes. P. S. — If you could see the conveniences (?) I have for writing, you would see how such a scrawl as this becomes a possibility. I have found out the day of the week and month; it is Thursday, the sth September, 1861. Mrs. Hayes. Friday, [September] j [6]. — As judge-advocate, with Gen eral Benham, Colonels Scammon, Smith, et al., I tried two cases. J. W. Trader, etc. Saturday, 6 [7]. — Marched to Birch River. Sunday, 7 or 8. — As officer of the day, I rode all day — ¦ up Birch, crossing it forty times and going fifty to sixty miles. Rode out to pickets with General Benham. Monday, p. — Marched over Powell Mountain and camped eight miles from Summersville. Enemy near us ; a battle to come soon, Tuesday, 10. — Marched seventeen miles, drove enemies' pick ets out of Summersville, followed nine miles to Gauley river. Enemy entrenched on a hill, high, steep, and hidden by bushes, three to six thousand strong. We get ready to attack. We have been divided into three brigades : First, General Ben- 88 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES ham's, consisting of Tenth (Colonel Lytle's Irish), Twelfth (Colonel Lowe's), and Thirteenth (Colonel Smith's) regiments; Second, Colonel McCook's — the Ninth, Twenty-eighth, and Forty-ninth ; Third, — Twenty-third and Thirtieth and Mack's Battery. McMullen's Battery attached to McCook. Stewart's Cavalry, West's to headquarters, and Schaumbeck's Cavalry to McCook's. First Brigade led the attack. We stood near half an hour listening to the heavy cannon and musketry, then were called to form in line of battle. My feelings were not different from what I have often felt before beginning an important lawsuit. As we waited for our turn to form, we joked a great deal. Colonel Matthews, Scammon, Captains Drake and Woodward, and privates — all were jolly and excited by turns. Finally our turn came. I was told to take four companies and follow one of General Rosecrans' staff. I promptly called off Seventh, Eighth, Ninth and Tenth companies. We marched over a hill and through a cornfield; the staff officer and myself leading on, until we reached the brow of a high hill overlooking the Gauley River and perhaps three-quarters of a mile from the entrenchments of the enemy. He [the officer] then said to me that I was to be on the extreme left of our line and to march forward guided by the enemy's guns, that he had no special orders to give, that I was an officer and must use my own judg ment. He never had been over the ground I was to pass over; thought the enemy might retreat that way. I marched to the wood ; found it a dense laurel thicket on the side of a steep hill, rocky and cavernous ; at the bottom a ravine and river and up the opposite hill seemed to be the enemy. I formed the four companies into order of battle, told them to keep together and follow me; in case of separation to push forward in the direction of the declining sun and when the firing could be heard to be guided by it. I handed my horse to one of the unarmed musicians, and drawing my sword crept, pushed, and struggled rapidly down the hill. When I reached the bottom but four or five of Company K (Captain Howard) were in sight. Soon men of Captain Zimmerman's came up and soon I gathered the major part of the four companies. I had sent Captain Wood- CAMPAIGNING IN WEST VIRGINIA — 1861 89 ward and twenty scouts or skirmishers ahead ; they were among the unseen. By this time it was getting late. I formed a line again extend ing from the river up the hill and facing towards the enemy, as we supposed. The firing had ceased except scattered shots. We pushed slowly up, our right up hill, where I was soon en countered [by] the Twenty-eighth — lost. Had a laugh and greeting with Markbreit who was on the left of the Twenty- eighth (he was my partner). The head of my column was near enough to be fired on. Two were wounded, others hit ; none seriously hurt. The face of the hill on which the enemy was posted was towards precipitous rock. We could only reach them by moving to the right in front of the Twenty-eighth, Forty-seventh, and Thirteenth. I have heard nothing clear or definite of the position, either of the enemy or ourselves. The above [drawing] is no doubt very erroneous, but is my guess. I got up nearer than anybody except the Tenth and Twelfth but was down a steep hill or precipice and concealed. Some of my men bore to the right and pushing in front of the Twenty-eighth and Forty-seventh mixed with the Thirteenth. It soon got dark ; all firing ceased. I drew oif single file, Captain Sperry leading; got up the hill just at complete dark; found messengers ordering us to return to the rest of our regiment, on the extreme right. Some thirty of my men were missing — Captain Woodward, Lieutenant Rice, etc., etc. I left ten sentinels along the brow of the hill to direct them where to find us. The greater part soon overtook us. We marched through lost fragments of regiments — Germans mostly, some Irish, talking of the slaughter, until we got into an old field near our regiment. There we waited. Nobody seemed nervous or anxious — all wishing for light. Talked with McCook who criticized the orders, but was in good tem per; had lost three horses. Finally found our regiment and all marched off to bivouac. In the morning great cheering near the fort. Enemy had run away in a panic by a road over the hill back of their works, leaving flag, etc. 90 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES Gauley River, 8 Miles South of Summersville, September ii, 1861. Dear Lucy : — Well, darling, we have had our first battle, and the enemy have fled precipitately. I say "we," although it is fair to say that our brigade, consisting of the Twenty-third, the Thirtieth (Colonel Ewing), and Mack's Battery had little or nothing to do, except to stand as a reserve. The only exception to this was four companies of the Twenty-third, Captains Sperry, Howard, Zimmerman, and Woodward, under my command, who were detailed to make an independent movement. I had one man wounded and four others hit in their clothing and accoutrements. You will have full accounts of the general flght in the papers. My little detachment did as much real work — hard work — as anybody. We crept down and up a steep rocky mountain, on our hands and knees part of the time, through laurel thickets almost impenetrable, until dark. At one time I got so far ahead in the struggle that I had but three men. I finally gathered them by a halt, although a part were out all night. We were near half an hour listening to the cannon and musketry, waiting for our turn to come. You have often heard of the feelings of men in the interval between the order of battle and the attack. Matthews, myself, and others were rather jocose in our talk, and my actual feeling was very similar to what I have when going into an important trial — not different nor more intense. I thought of you and the boys and the other loved ones, but there was no such painful feeling as is sometimes described. I doubted the success of the attack and with good reason and in good company. The truth is, our enemy is very industrious and ingenious in contriving ambuscades and surprises and entrenchments but they lack pluck. They expect to win, and too often do win, by superior strategy and cunning. Their entrenchments and works were of amazing extent. During the whole fight we rarely saw a man. Most of the firing was done at bushes and log and earth barricades. We withdrew at dark, the attacking brigades having suffered a good deal from the enemy and pretty severely from one of those deplorable mistakes which have so frequently happened in CAMPAIGNING IN WEST VIRGINIA — 1861 91 this war — viz., friends attacking friends. The Tenth and Twenty-eighth (Irish and Second German of Cincinnati) fired on each other and charged doing much mischief. My detachment was in danger from the same cause. I ran upon the Twenty- eighth, neither seeing the other until within a rod. We mutiially recognized, however, although it was a mutual surprise. It so happened, curiously enough, that I was the extreme right man of my body and Markbreit the left man of his. We had a jolly laugh and introductions to surrounding officers as partners, etc. The enemy were thoroughly panic-stricken by the solid volleys of McCook's Ninth and the rified cannon of Smith's Thirteenth. The Tenth suffered most. The enemy probably began their flight by a secret road soon after dark, leaving fiag, ammunition, trunks, arms, stores, etc., etc., but no dead or wounded. Bowie knives, awful to look at, but no account in war; I have one. One wagon-load of family stuff — a good Virginia plain family — was left. They were spinning, leaving rolls of wool, knitting, and making bedquilts. I enclose a piece ; also a pass — all queer. They [the enemy] crossed the Gauley River and are said to be fortifying on the other side. We shall probably pursue. Indeed, Colonel Matthews and [with] four of our companies is now dogging them. We shall probably fight again but not certainly. I have no time to write to other friends. The men are now talking to me. Besides, I want to sleep. Dearest, I think of you and the dear ones first, last, and all the time. I feel much encouraged about the war; things are every way looking better. We are in the midst of the serious part of a campaign. Good bye, dearest. Pass this letter around — bad as it is. I have no time to write to all. I must sleep. On Sunday last, I rode nine teen hours, fifty to sixty miles, crossed a stream with more water than the Sandusky at this season at Mr. Valette's from thirty to forty times — wet above my knees all the time and no sleep for thirty-six hours ; so "excuse haste and a bad pen", as Uncle says. Affectionately, R. B. Hayes. P. S. — Joe and his capital assistants are trumps. Mrs. Hayes. 92 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES Birch River, between Summersville and Sutton, Virginia, September 14, 1861. Dear Uncle : — I have no time to write letters. We are getting on finely. Our battle on the loth at Gauley River, you have no doubt heard all about. Nothing but night prevented our getting Floyd and his whole army. As it was, we entirely demoralized them ; got all their camp equipage even to their swords, flag, and trunks (one of the best of which the general gave me). I had an important and laborious part assigned me. An independent command of four companies to be the extreme left of our attacking column. We worked down and up a steep rocky mountain covered with a laurel thicket. I got close enough just at dark to get two men wounded and four others struck in their garments. This is not a dangerous business; after tremendous firing of cannon and musketry, we lost only thirteen killed, about fifteen badly wounded and fifty or sixty slightly wounded. The enemy are no match for us in fair fighting. They feel it and so do our men. We marched rapidly seventeen miles, reaching their vicinity at 2:30 or 3 P. M. We immediately were formed and went at them. They were evidently appalled. I think not many were killed. Governor Floyd was wounded slightly. On yesterday morning I was sent on a circuitous march to head oflf parties hastening to join Wise or Floyd. Four com panies of my regiment, two companies of Colonel Ewing's, and a squadron of Chicago cavalry are under my command. We marched up Gauley River to Hughes Ferry. There we were fired on by a lot of guerrillas concealed in rocks. It was more dangerous than the battle. Three of us who were mounted and in advance were decidedly objects of attention, but for tunately none were hit. We chased them off, getting only one. I am now here relieving a small party of our folks who are entrenched and who have been in constant dread of an attack. We are without tents and expect to return to the battle-ground in six days. In the battle only one commissioned officer was killed. Colonel Lowe. One acquaintance of yours, Stephen McGroarty, an CAMPAIGNING IN WEST VIRGINIA — 1861 93 Irish Democratic orator, formerly of Toledo, now of Cincin nati (a captain), was shot through the body, but kept on his feet until the fight was stopped by the darkness. Pie will recover. One of my comforts is that my horse has come out in better plight than ever. I think he never looked so well and spirited as he did today as we marched over Birch Mountain. If no disaster overtakes us at Washington, we shall soon see signs of yielding by the South. The letters, diaries, etc., etc., found in Floyd's trunks and desks, show that their situa tion is desperate. Thousands are in their army who are heartily sick of the whole business. We retook a large part of the plunder taken from Colonel Tyler as well as prisoners. The prisoners had been well treated, very. The young men in Floyd's army of the upper class are kind-hearted, good-natured fellows, who are [as] unfit as pos sible for the business they are in. They have courage but no endurance, enterprise, or energy. The lower class are cowardly, cunning, and lazy. The height of their ambition is to shoot a Yankee from some place of safety. My regards to all. Send this to Mother and Lucy. Sincerely, R. B. Hayes. P. S. — The enclosed picture of a lieutenant in the army we routed is for Laura, S. BiRCHARD. Birch River, Eighteen Miles North of Sum mersville, Sunday, September 15, 1861. Dearest : — We are as happy and care-f or-nothing [a] set of fellows here today as you could find anywhere. I have now for a while an independent command of four companies. Twenty- third, Captain Moore, Captain Lovejoy, Woodward, and Drake, two companies of the Thirtieth and a squadron of the Chicago Dragoons. We are now about thirty miles from the battlefield, heading oflf (if there are any, which I doubt), reinforcements for the enemy. The men are jolly, the anxieties of the battle 94 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES all forgotten. We seem to be in most prosperous circumstances. I shall rejoin the main army in three or four days. You have heard about the fight. It was a very noisy but not dangerous aflfair. . . . Where I was a few balls whistled forty or fifty feet over our heads. The next day, however, with Captain Drake's company I got into a little skirmish with an outpost and could see that the captain and myself were actually aimed at, the balls flying near enough but hurting no body. The battle scared and routed the enemy prodigiously. . . . I hardly think we will [shall] have another serious fight. Possibly, Wise and Floyd and Lee may unite and stiffen up the Rebel back in this quarter. If so we shall fight them. But if not encouraged by some success near Washington, they are pretty well flattened out in this region. We shall be busy with them for a few weeks, but as I remarked, unless we meet with some serious disaster near Washington, they will not, I think, have heart enough to make a stiff battle. My "Webby," tell the boys, pricked up his ears and pranced when he heard the cannon and volleys of musketry. He is in excellent condition. Dr. Joe and McCurdy were very busy with the sick and wounded during and after the battle. Our troops who were taken from Colonel Tyler and retaken by us say they were very well treated by the enemy. McCurdy is now with me. Colonel Scammon couldn't spare Joe. The last week has been the most stirring we have had during the war. If in all quarters things go on as well as here we shall end the war sometime. The captured letters show that Governor Floyd's army were getting tired of the business. Did I tell you General Benham gave me an awful bowie knife and General Rosecrans a trunk out of the enemy's spoil? The last much needed. Well, dearest, this is one of the bright days in this work. I am prepared for all sorts of days. There will be dark ones of course, but I suspect there is a gradual improvement which will continue with occasional drawbacks until we are finally successful. Love and kisses for all. Good-bye, darling. Affectionately, ^ .^ ^^ ' R. B. Hayes. CAMPAIGNING IN WEST VIRGINIA — 1861 95 P. S. — Captain McMullen who was wounded is well enough for another battle. Since writing in comes a mail carrier out on this road and your letter of the 5th and postage stamps is in his budget. So I put a stamp on it and if I had another envelope would direct it again. Tell Webb that my pretty horse is the original Camp Chase "Webby," the finest horse in the regiment. I tried one or two others, but Webb plucked up and beats them all. Glad, very, you are at home and happy. We are here happy, too. This is all Cincinnati nearly — this army. Yes, Joe, is a great favorite with the colonel and with all. The colonel leans upon [him] entirely. He is really surgeon of the brigade and should Colonel Scammon be a brigadier, Dr. Joe will become his brigade surgeon permanently. All glad to get letters. I love you so much. Good-bye. Affectionately, R. Mrs. Hayes. September 19. — Offered the place of judge-advocate general by General Rosecrans. Have served in five cases — [on the] 5th and 6th at Sutton, i6th, 17th and i8th at Cross Lanes (also the 1 2th) — and a few days between those dates preparing re ports of proceedings. Cross Lanes, near Gauley River, below Summersville, Virginia, September 19, Thursday A. M., [1861]. Dearest : — I fear you do not get the letters I have written the last ten days, as we are out of the reach of mail facilities. I got your letter of the 5th about forty miles north of here out of a waggon-train that I stopped. You can always know of my welfare from the correspondence in the Gazette and [the] Com mercial. They are informed directly from headquarters. I see their correspondents daily. Colonel Scammon being at the head of a brigade (a very little one). Colonel Matthews commands our 96 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES regiment. On the day of the fight, and most of the time since, I have had an independent command. Most [of] the time al most a regiment, made up from our regiment, the Thirtieth, and small parties of cavalry. I have thus far been the sole judge- advocate also of this army; so I am very busy. We tried three cases yesterday. It is a laborious and painful business. And after writing so much I would not write you but for my anxiety to have you know how much I think of and love you. Love and kisses to all the boys. My impression is that the enemy has left our bailiwick en tirely, but there are rumors of re-enforcements, etc., etc. If so, we shall have another fight within ten days. With anything like management and decent luck, we shall surely beat them. But there is a great deal of accident in this thing. Not enough to save them unless they do better than heretofore. Dr. Joe is well. All of us getting thin and tough. Matthews has lost twenty-five pounds, Dr. Joe five pounds. I have lost five to eight. The soldiers generally from ten to twenty pounds. I never was so stout and tough. You need not send my pants unless you see somebody coming direct or get a chance with Mr. Schooley's things. I am well fixed. Dr. McDermott is here, one week from Ohio. We now get news by way of Kanawha in two days from Cincinnati. You need have no fear of my behaviour in fight. I don't know what effect new dangers might have on my nerves, but the other day I was several minutes under a sharp guerrilla fire — aimed particularly at Captain Drake and myself (being on horseback), so I know somewhat of my capacity. It is all right. In the noisy battle, for it was largely noise, none of our regiment was under fire except the extreme right wing of my little command; two were wounded, and I could hear the balls whistle away up in the air fifty feet over my head ; but it amounted to nothing. A por tion of ColoneJ Lytle's men caught nearly all the danger, and they were under a very severe fire. It is beautiful weather — lovely moonlight nights. A great many well cultivated farms ; plenty of fruit, vegetables, and food. Good-bye again. The paymaster is expected soon. I shall be able to send you lots of money if he does [come], as I now CAMPAIGNING IN WEST VIRGINIA — 1861 97 spend next to nothing. Kisses for all. Dearest, I love you so much. Affectionately, Rutherford. P. S. — This letter is so incoherent by reason of interruptions. Joe wants me to say that we had peaches and cream just now. Mrs. Hayes. Cross Lanes, September 19, 1861. Dearest : — It is a lovely moonlight evening. I mailed you a letter this morning, but as Lieutenant Wall of Captain Mcll rath's company has resigned to go with the navy, and will go to Cincinnati tomorrow, I thought I would say a word further while our band plays its finest tattoo tunes. They are sweet, very. Youl see by the enclosed the scrape I am in. I have tried four or five cases on general orders, and here comes an order making me permanently a J. A. [judge-advocate]. It is not altogether agreeable. I shall get out of it after a while somehow. For the present I obey. It is pleasant in one re spect as showing that in my line I have done well. Lieutenant Wall will, I hope, call and see you. He is a good soldier and we are sorry to lose him. If this reaches you before other letters from here and Birch River, you may know that two older and longer ones are after you. One thing in the new appointment: If I can't get out of it, you may see me one of these days, sooner than you otherwise would, as it confers some privileges, and that would be sweet. Love to all. Affectionately, R. B. Hayes. P. S. — We hear tonight of the death of Colonel Lorin An drews at Kenyon.* We feel it more deeply than in most cases. * Lorin Andrews born at Ashland, Ohio, April 1, 1819. Studied law, but soon gave up the practice to devote himself to work of education. He was President of Kenyon College at the outbreak of the war and was the first man in Ohio to offer his services to the country. He was colonel of the Fourth O. V. I. in the first campaign of the war and "died, a martyr to the Union, September 18, 1861." 7 98 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES He was my classmate — a fellow student of Colonel Matthews. He took a great interest in our efforts to get a place in the war, and rejoiced with us when we got a fine regiment. McCook gave me Andrews' spurs when he left for home, to wear until his return. Alas ! we are not to see him. He was an earnest, true man. Hail and farewell ! We have been so full of humor tonight and this saddens us. Good-bye again, dearest Mrs. Hayes. R. Cross Lanes, near Gauley River, south of Summersville, Virginia, September 19, 1861. Dear Mother : — I am in the best possible health. Since the retreat of the enemy I have been too busy to write. You must look in the correspondence of the Commercial or Gazette for my welfare. If I should lose a little toe, it will be told there long before a letter from me would reach [you]. Their cor respondents send by telegraph and couriers every day from this army. Their accounts, making proper allowance for sensa tional exaggeration, are pretty truthful. Dr. Joe and his assistant performed their duty and the duty of about half a dozen other surgeons during and after the fight. Everybody was well cared for — even the enemy. The number of killed and badly wounded did not exceed twenty-five; other wounds about seventy-five, mostly very slight. The suffering is not great. Gunshot wounds are accompanied with a numb ness which relieves the wounded. Laura's bandages figured largely. We are now enjoying ourselves very much; beautiful weather; fine fruit, vegetables, and other food, also pretty nights. Love to all. Affectionately your son, R. B. Hayes. P S. — You must excuse my short letter. I have a pro digious amount of writing to do. I am acting judge-advocate and have tried five cases lately. — H. Mrs. Sophia Hayes. Ohio Generals and Generals Appointed From Ohio — All West Point- Graduates. major-general don major-general irwin major-general john CARLOS BUELL, 1818-98. McDOWELL, 1818-85. POPE, 1822-92.* MAJOR-GENERAL WILLIAM MAJOR-GENERAL GEORGE MAJOR-GENERAL A. McD.. S. ROSECRANS, 1819-98. 15. McCLELLAN, 1826- McCOCK, 1831-1903. 1885.* * Appointed from Ohio. CAMPAIGNING IN WEST VIRGINIA — 1861 99 September 20. — I am ordered to the place of judge-aavo- cate and to be attached to headquarters. I dislike the serv ice but must obey, of course. I hope to be released after a few weeks' service. In the meantime I will try to qualify my self for an efficient discharge of my new duties. I agree with General Rosecrans that courts-martial may be made very serv iceable in promoting discipline in the army. I shall try to introduce method and system into the department. I will keep a record of cases, collect a list of sentences proper for different cases, etc., etc. September 21, 186 1. — Equinoctial storm today. Our regi ment does not move. I am getting ready for my new quarters and duties. Just got ready for bed ; a dark, dismal, rainy night. Visited the hospital tonight. Saw several of Colonel Tyler's men who were wounded and taken prisoners in his surprise a month ago and were retaken by us after the fight at Carnifax Ferry. Intelligent men from Oberlin, one Orton; one from Cleveland. They have suffered much but are in good spirits. The enemy boasted that they would soon drive us out and would winter in Cincinnati. September 22. Sunday. — Cold, raw, and damp — probably will rain. I must get two flannel or thick shirts with collars, also one or two pairs of thick gloves. Cross Lanes, Virginia, September 22, [1861]. Sunday morning, before breakfast. Dearest : — It is a cold, drizzly, suicidal morning. The equi noctial seems to be a severe storm. Part of our force has crossed [the] Gauley to operate in conjunction with General Cox who is near us. The, enemy have retreated in a broken and disheartened condition twenty or thirty miles to near Lewis burg. Unless largely reinforced, they will hardly make another stand. The first fair day our regiment will cross [the] Gauley and the rest will follow as weather permits. We have such a long line of transportation and as the wet fall months are at hand, I suspect we shall not attempt to go further than Lewis- 100 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES burg, possibly to the White Sulphur Springs, before we go into winter quarters. You know I am ordered to be attached to headquarters. As soon as my regiment moves they will leave me. This is hard, very. I shall feel badly enough when they march off without me. There are some things pleasant about it, however. In the first place, I shall probably not be kept away more than a month or two before I shall be relieved. Then, I shall be in much more immediate communication with you. I can at any time, if need be, dispatch you ; so you are within an hour of me. I shall travel a good deal and may possibly go to Ohio. I began my new duties by trying to do a good thing. I have sent for Channing Richards to be my clerk. He is a private in the Guthries. Enough said. If he comes as he is ordered to by the general, and as no doubt he will, I can easily see how his education, brought to notice as it will be, will get him into the way of promotion. I have also a soldier oi the Twenty- third, who has been a sailor, an ostler, and a cook, and will be able to look after me in his several capacities. . . . The wounded are all doing well. The number now in the hospital is small. The doctor has been getting discharges or furloughs for our sick. The rest are getting hardened to this life and I hope we shall continue healthy. Colonel Matthews has been slightly, or even worse, sick, not so as to confine him to his quarters except one morning. His health generally has been excellent. The "poor blind soldier," as Birtie called him, is perfectly well again. . . . It is coming out a bright warm day. Weather is a great matter in camp. A man so healthy and independent of weather as I am can keep up spirits in bad weather; but [to] a camp full, on wet ground, under wet tents, hard to get food, hard to cook it, getting homesick, out of money, out of duds, weather be comes an important thing. Speaking of duds, I ought to have a neckerchief, a pair of officers' thick gloves, two soldiers' shirts with collars, flannel collars same as the shirt. I have worn but one white shirt in two months, and as only one of my thick shirts has a collar. CAMPAIGNING IN WEST VIRGINIA — 1861 101 I am more or less bored for the want of them. I shall get soldiers' shirts by the first arrival. Love to the dear boys. I am hoping to send you money soon. If the paymaster will only come ! Love to all the rest as well and bushels for your own dear self. Affectionately, R. B, Hayes. P. S. — Dr. Clendenin arrived today and is brigade surgeon of our (Colonel Scammon's) brigade. This pleases Joe and all. We are lucky in doctors. Colonel Scammon says, "No doubt Dr. Clendenin is a good man, but I would prefer Dr. Webb." Mrs. Hayes. Cross Lanes, Virginia, Sunday, September 22, 1861. Dear Mother : — ... We are waiting for good weather to go in pursuit of the enemy. Unless some calamity occurs to us at Washington, so as to enable the Rebels to reinforce Wise and Floyd, I do not think they will fight us again. We shall probably not pursue more than forty miles to Lewisburg or White Sulphur Springs, and then our campaign closes for the season. You see, probably, that I am appointed judge-advo cate for the department of the Ohio. This includes the State of Ohio, and, should I continue to hold the place, I shall prob ably be required to go to Columbus and Cincinnati in the course of my duties. But I shall get out of it, I hope, in a month or so. It will separate me from my regiment a good deal, and the increase of pay, about forty or fifty dollars per month, and increase of honor, perhaps, is no compensation for this separa tion. I have acted in all the cases which have arisen in General Rosecrans' army. I shall be with my regiment soon again, I hope. While the general is in the same army with them, we are together, of course. I am constantly interrupted. I am today in command of the regiment, Colonel Matthews being unwell, so I am perpetually interrupted. Good-bye. Affectionately, R. B. Hayes. Mrs. Sophia Hayes. 102 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES Mt. Sewell on pike from Lewisburg down Gauley AND Kanawha Rivers, thirty miles from Lewis burg, Camp Sewell, September 25, 1861. Dear L — : — I am now in General Cox's camp, twenty-five miles from the Carnifax Ferry. The regiment is back about twenty miles. I am here as J. A. [judge-advocate]. Came over yesterday. This camp is on the summit of a high hill or mountain which affords a most extensive view of mountain scenery. The enemy is on a hill about one or two miles from us under Wise. Their strength is not known. Firing continued between the pickets yesterday a good part of the day. Many cannon shot and shell also were let off without much result. One man (Major Hise) slightly wounded on our side. We are ordered not to fight the enemy, not to attack, I mean, until General Rosecrans arrives with our regiment and other forces. McCook is here. If the enemy does not retire, I think there will be a battle in a few days, but I think they will retreat again. They left a strongly fortified position day before yesterday. I found it yesterday. Well, all these matters you read in the papers. Tell uncle I would write him, but I don't know where he is, and I suppose he sees my letters often enough. I am in the best possible health and spirits. I trust you are also. It seems to me we are gradually getting better off in the war. It may, and will last some time, but the prospect improves steadily. I merely write this morning to tell you of my present where abouts, and that I love you dearly. Kisses and love for the boys and all. Affectionately, R. Mrs. Hayes. Sewell Mountain, General Cox's Camp, September 27 (Saturday or Friday, I am told), 1861. Dear L — : — We are in the midst of a very cold rain-storm ; not farther south than Lexington or Danville and on the top of a high hill or small mountain. Rain for fifteen hours; getting CAMPAIGNING IN WEST VIRGINIA — 1861 103 colder and colder, and still raining. In leaky tents, with worn- out blankets, insufficient socks and shoes, many without over coats. This is no joke. I am living with McCook in a good tent, as well provided as anybody in camp; better than either General Cox or Rosecrans. I write this in General Cox's tent. He sits on one cot read ing, or trying to read, or pretending to read, Dickens' new novel, "Great Expectations." McCook and General Rosecrans are in the opposite tent over a smoke, trying to think they are warmed a little by the fire under it. Our enemy, far worse provided than we are, are no doubt shivering on the opposite hill now hidden by the driving rain and fog. We all suspect that our campaign in this direction is at an end. The roads will be miry, and we must fall back for our supplies. My regiment is fourteen miles back on a hill. When clear we can see their tents. Just now my position is comparatively a pleasant one. I go with the generals on all reconnaissances, see all that is to be seen, and fare as well as anybody. We were out yesterday P. M. very near to the enemy's works; were caught in the first of this storm and thoroughly soaked. I hardly expect to be dry again until the storm is over. Good-bye, dearest. Affectionately, Mrs. Hayes. Sewell Mountain, September 29, 1861. Dearest L — : — A beautiful bright Sunday morning after a cold, bitter, dismal storm of three days. It finds me in perfect health, although many a poor fellow has succumbed to the weather. The bearer of this goes home sick — a gentlemanly German. I am still living with McCook, my regiment being back ten miles. We are in doubt as to whether we shall fight the enemy ahead of us or not. We are compelled now by roads and climate to stop and return to the region of navigable waters or railroads. No teams can supply us up here much longer. In this state of things we shall probably be content with holding the strong points already taken without fighting for more until another campaign. 104 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES We have three generals here. Rosecrans, Cox, and Schenck. General Cox is a great favorite, deservedly I think, with his men. We suppose, but don't know, that there are three gen erals in the enemy's camp, viz : Lee, Wise, and Floyd. Their force is believed to be much larger than ours, and many more cannon, but they dare not attack. They are industriously for tifying hills which we care nothing about. My regards to the family. Love and kisses to the boys. The bearer, Mr. Harries, will, I hope, call on you. Affectionately as ever, your R. Mrs. Hayes. Camp Sewell, 'October i, 1861. — About a week ago I left Camp Scott, or Cross Lanes, and came over to General Cox's camp on the top of Sewell Mountain. Our Secesh friends are ¦fortifying in sight. I staid with McCook. General Cox is an even-tempered man of sound judgment, much loved by his men. McCook and he both wanted to occupy Buster's Knob on the left of our enemy's camp, but a dispatch from General Rose crans prevented. The next day the enemy were fortifying it. General Schenck takes command of our brigade. I have tried five cases the last two days. We had a rain-storm, cold, windy, and awful. Must go to winter quarters. The enemy still for tifying. Our pickets killed a colonel or lieutenant-colonel of the enemy who rode among them. All wrong and cruel. This is too like murder. Shooting pickets, etc., etc., ought to be put down. Another cold night. Jolly times we have in camp. Camp Sewell, October 3, 1861. Dearest: — This is a pleasant morning. I yesterday finished the work of a court-martial here; am now in my own tent with my regiment "at home." It does seem like home. I have washed and dressed myself, and having nothing to do I hope to be able today to write to all. I begin, of course, with my darling wife, of whom I think more and more affectionately the longer we CAMPAIGNING IN WEST VIRGINIA — 1861 105 are separated. And the dear boys too — kiss and hug them warmly. We are evidently at the end of our campaign in this direction for this season. The bad roads and fioods make it impossible longer to supply an army so far from railroads and navigable waters. How soon we shall begin our backward march, I do not know. If the enemy were not immediately in front of us we should leave instantly but, no doubt, our leaders dislike to make a move that will look like a retreat from an enemy that we care nothing about. But there is nothing to be gained by staying so far in the mountains, and the danger of starving will send us back to Gauley Bridge long before this reaches you. We shall, no doubt, garrison and fortify the strong points which control western Virginia, and the question with us all is, who is to stay and who go to some pleasanter scene. We are now in General Schenck's brigade, and hope he will have influence enough to get us a place in the Kentucky or some other army. We are, no doubt, the crack American regi ment of all this region, and think we should have the con spicuous place. I think we shall get out of here, but we shall see. I think there will be no battle here. The enemy are strongly entrenched and far superior to us in numbers. Be sides there is no object in attacking them. They have twenty- two pieces of artillery. They will not attack us, unless en couraged to do so by our apparent retreat. If they come out of their entrenchments to fight us we think we have got them. So if our retreat is prudently managed, I suspect there will be nothing but skirmishing. That we have a little of daily. Since we passed into the mountains, we are out of reach of mails. It is almost a month since the date of your last letter. I am still on General Rosecrans' staff although with my regi ment, and you can direct letters as heretofore, except instead of "Clarksburg" put "Gauley Bridge," and ask Dr. James W. [Webb] to leave the new direction at the Commercial office. I am in the best of health. I speak of this always because it is now a noticeable thing. No man in our regiment has been healthier than I have, perhaps none so healthy. I have not been laid up a moment, hardly felt even slightly unwell. 106 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES It is singular how one gets attached to this hfe with all its hardships. We are a most jovial happy set. Our mess now is Colonel Scammon, Lieutenant-Colonel Matthews, Dr. Clendenin, Dr. Joe, and myself. I doubt if anywhere in the country a happier set gather about the table. Joe is full of life, occasion ally unwell a little, but always jovial. Matthews has had some of his old troubles — nothing serious — but is a most witty, so cial man. Colonel Scammon takes medicines all the time, but is getting fat, and is in the best of temper with all of us. General Schenck and his staff are also here. Donn Piatt is one of them. The general and Donn add greatly to our socid resources. In deed I have seen no regiment that will at all compare with us in this respect. . . . I shall be thirty-nine years old, or is it thirty-eight, tomorrow ? Birthdays come along pretty fast these days. Do the boys go to school ? I hope they will be good scholars. but not study at the expense of growth and health. . . . If the paymaster ever gets along I shall be able to send home money enough to pay debts, taxes, and keep you going for some time. We have news of a victory by McClellan. We hope it is true. Whatever may befall us, success at Washington if fol lowed up secures our country's cause. Love to all. Affectionately, as ever, R. Mrs. Hayes. Up Gauley River, Camp Sewell, October 3, 1861. Dear Uncle : — I should have written you, if I had known where you were. We are in the presence of a large force of the enemy, much stronger than we are, but the mud and floods have pretty much ended this campaign. Both the enemy and ourselves are compelled to go back to supplies soon. I think, therefore, there will be no fight. We shall not attack their entrenchments now that they are reinforced, and I suspect they will not come out after us. Donn Piatt just peeped in. He always has funny things. I said, quoting Webster, "I still live." "Yes," said he, "Webster — Webster. He was a great man. Even the old Whigs CAMPAIGNING IN WEST VIRGINIA — 1861 107 about Boston admit that !" And again, speaking of the prospect of a fight, he said: "This whistling of projectiles about one's ears is disagreeable. It made me try to think at Bull Run of all my old prayers; but I could only remember, 'Oh Lord, for these and all thy other mercies, we desire to be thankful.' " We shall soon go into winter quarters at posts chosen to hold this country, Gauley Bridge, Charleston, etc., etc. Who will get into a better place, is the question. We all want to go to Wash ington or to Kentucky or Missouri. We are in General Schenck's brigade, and hope he will make interest enough to get us into good quarters. There is much sickness among officers and men. My health was never better than during these four months. I hope you will continue to improve. I am still in General Rosecrans' staff ; but having just finished an extensive tour of court-martial, am again in camp with my regiment in good order. It is like going home to get back. Still this practicing on the circuit after the old fashion, only more so — an escort of cavalry and a couple of wagons with tents and grub — has its attractions. I shall get out of it soon, but as a change, I rather enjoy it. Between you and Platt, I must get a strong, fleet, sure-footed horse for the next campaign. If the paymaster comes, I shall be able to pay from one hundred and fifty to two hundred dol lars. My present horse turns out well, very well, but the winter will probably use him up, and I must get another. Hereafter, direct to me, Gauley Bridge, instead of Clarksburg. We have just learned that McClellan has had a success at Washington. If so, whatever happens here, the cause is safe. I hope the news is true. Sincerely, R. B. Hayes. S. BiRCHARD. CHAPTER XVI IN WINTER QUARTERS, WEST VIRGINIA 1861 OCTOBER 4, 1861. — My birthday. At Camp Scammon, one and one-half miles from Camp Sewell. A warm day with clouds gathering. General Schenck has assumed command of our brigade — Twenty-third and Thirtieth [Regiments]. Dined with General Schenck — a birthday dinner. His birthday also — he fifty-one. Camp Lookout, Monday, October 7, 1861. Dearest : — The mails are in order again. Letters will now come promptly. On the day after I wrote you last we got all the back letters — lots of papers and dates up to October i. One queer thing, a letter from Platt of July 31 and one from Mother of October i got up the same day. Our campaign is closed. No more fighting in this region unless the enemy attack, which they will not do. We are to entrench at Mountain Cove, eight miles from here, at Gauley Bridge, twenty miles off, and [at] Summersville, about the same. These points will secure our conquest of western Virginia from any common force, and will let half or two-thirds of our army go elsewhere. I hope we shall be the lucky ones to leave here. The enemy and ourselves left the mountains about the same time ; the enemy first, and for the same reason, viz., impossibility of getting supplies. We are now fourteen miles from Mount Sew ell and perhaps thirty miles from the enemy. Our withdrawal was our first experience in backward movement. We all ap proved it. The march was a severe one. Our business today is sending off the sick, and Dr. Joe is up to his eyes in hard work. We have sixty to send to Ohio. This is the severest thing of the campaign. Poor fellows! We do as well as we can with them ; but road-wagons in rain and mud are poor places. (108) WINTER QUARTERS, WEST VIRGINIA, 1861 109 Very glad — oh, so glad — you and Ruddy are well again. You did not tell me you were so unwell. I felt so badly to hear it. Do be very careful. Don't worry about the war. We are doing our part, and if all does not go well, it is not our fault. I still think we are sure to get through with it safely. The South may not be con quered, but we shall secure to the Nation the best part of it. We hope to go to Kentucky. If so, we shall meet before a month. Our regiment is a capital one. But we ought to re cruit. We shall be about one hundred to one hundred and fifty short when this campaign is ended. Tomorrow is election day [in Ohio]. We all talked about it today. We are for Tod and victory. Good-bye. Much love to all. Affectionately, yours ever, R. Tuesday morning, 6 A. M., October 8. Your election day. Dearest : — This wet dirty letter and its writer have had con siderable experience in the last twenty-four hours, and since the above was written. In the first place we have had another bitter storm, and this cold raw morning we shiver unless near the fires. At one time yesterday I thought I should have to take back a good deal of what I said in the letter I had just started for Cincinnati. I was at the hospital three-quarters mile from camp, helping Dr. Joe and Captain Skiles put the sick into wagons to be transported to Gallipolis and Cincinnati, when firing was heard and word came that the enemy in force had attacked our camp. The doctor and I hurried back leaving Cap tain Skiles to look after the sick. All the army, seven regiments (five to six thousand men), were forming in line of battle. I joined my regiment, and after waiting a half hour or so we were ordered to quarters with word that it was only a scouting party driving in our pickets. This was all in a rain-storm. The poor fellows in hospital — many of them — panic-stricken, fled down the road and were found by Dr. Joe on his return three or four 110 RUTHERFORD BiRCHARD HAYES miles from the hospital. Three of our regiment got up from their straw piles, got their guns and trudged up the road and took their places in line of battle. The behavior of the men was for the most part perfectly good. The alarm was undoubtedly a false one. No enemy is near us. We shall go, if the sun comes out, seven miles nearer home, to Mountain Cove, and begin to build quarters and fortifications for a permanent stronghold. This brings us within an easy day's ride of the navigable waters of the Kanawha. Thence a steamboat can take us in about a day or so to Cincinnati. Pretty near to you. Telegraph also all the way. Speaking of telegraph makes me think I ought to say Captain Gaines (our prosecuting attorney) has done as much, I think more, useful service, dangerous too, than any other officer in western Virginia. The history of his company, protecting the telegraph builders, would be a volume of romantic adventures. Lieutenant Christie, of General Cox's staff, tells me Union Chapel has had a division, and troubles. Sorry to hear it. If you are compelled to leave, be in no haste to choose a new church. I want to confer on that subject. I think it important to be connected with a church, and with the right one. Mere nearness is important. This would favor the church near Sev enth and Mound, if you can consent to go to a Presbyterian [church]. But of this hereafter. I somehow think we shall meet within a month or two. I am very well and very full of fun this morning. A credit to be jolly. Affectionately, R. B. Hayes. Captain Howard goes home in broken health. I shall send this, dirty as it is, by some sick officer or soldier. You must see some of them. Mrs. Hayes. WINTER QUARTERS, WEST VIRGINIA, 1861 111 Camp Ewing, Mountain Cove, Six Miles above Gauley Bridge, Wednesday, October 9, 1861. Dearest: — Captain Zimmerman and I have just returned from a long stroll up a most romantic mountain gorge with its rushing mountain stream. A lovely October sun, bright and genial, but not at all oppressive. We found the scattered frag ments of a mill that had been swept away in some freshet last winter, and following up came to the broken dam, and near by a deserted home — hastily deserted lately. Books, the cradle, and child's chair, tables, clock, chairs, etc., etc. Our conjecture is they fled from the army of Floyd about the time of [the] Carni fax fight. We each picked up a low, well-made, split-bottom chair and clambered up a steep cliff to our camp. I now sit in the chair. We both moralized on this touching proof of the sorrows of war and I reached my tent a little saddened to find on my lounge in my tidy comfortable quarters your good letter of October i, directed in the familiar hand of my old friend [Herron]. Love to him and Harriet. How happy it makes me to read this letter. Tell Mother Webb not to give up. In the Revolution they saw darker days — far darker. We shall be a better, stronger nation than ever in any event. A great disaster would strengthen us, and a victory, we all feel, will bring us out to daylight. No, I don't leave the Twenty-third. I have been with them all the time except six days. I am privileged. In the Twenty- third I am excused from duty as major being judge-advocate general. On the staff I am free to come and go as major of the Twenty-third. This of course will not relieve me from labor, but it makes me more independent than any other officer I know of. Dr. Clendenin and Joe tent together and mess with us. Dr. Clendenin's connection with us is permanent. We are in General Schenck's brigade. He lives in our regiment and we like him. We are now in easy two days' ride of Cincinnati by steam boat, all but thirty or forty miles. We shall stay at this place ten days at least. We are building an entrenched camp for 112 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES permanently holding this gateway of the Kanawha Valley. . . . I feel as you do about the Twenty-third, only more so. There are several regiments whose music and appearance I can recog nize at a great distance over the hills, as the Tenth, Ninth, and so on, but the Twenty-third I know by instinct. I was sitting in the court-house at Buckhannon one hot afternoon, with win dows up, a number of officers present, when we heard music at a distance. No one expected any regiment at that time. I never dreamed of the Twenty-third being on the road, but the music struck me like words from home. "That is the band of my regiment," was my confident assertion. True, of course. We have lost by death about six, by desertion four, by dis missal three, by honorable discharge about twenty-five to thirty. About two hundred are too sick to do duty, of whom about one- fifth will never be able to serve. I was called to command parade this evening while writing this sheet. The line is much shorter than in Camp Chase, but so brown and firm and wiry, that I suspect our six hundred would do more service than twice their number could have done four months ago. . . . You need not get any shirts or anything. We get them on this line, very good and very cheap. I bought two on the top of Mount Sewell for two dollars and forty cents for the two — excellent ones. I am now wearing one of them. One of the charms of this life is its perpetual change. Yester day morning we were in the most uncomfortable condition pos sible at Camp Lookout. Before night I was in a lovely spot with most capital company at headquarters. . . . [R] Mrs. Hayes. Headquarters 23d Reg't., O. V. Inf., U. S. A., Mountain Cove, six miles above Gauley Bridge, October 9, 1861. Dear Brother : — We are now near or at the point where an entrenched camp for winter quarters is to be established. It will command the main entrance to the head of the Kanawha Valley, and can be held by a small force ; is within a day's ride WINTER QUARTERS, WEST VIRGINIA, 1861 113 of navigable waters connecting with Cincinnati, and telegraphic communication nearly completed. From half to two-thirds of the men in western Virginia can be spared as soon as a few days' work is done. Indeed, green regiments just recruited could take care of this country and release soldiers who have been hardened by some service. Our regiment is second to no other in discipline, and equal in drill to all but two or three in western Virginia. We think it would be sensible to send us to Kentucky, Missouri, or the sea coast for the winter. We can certainly do twice the work that we could have done four months ago, and there is no sense in keeping us housed up in fortifica tions and sending raw troops into the field. In Kentucky, dis ciplined troops — that is, men who are obedient and orderly — are particularly needed. A lot of lawless .fellows plundering and burning would do more hurt than good among a Union peo ple who have property. We have met no regiment that is better than ours, if any so good. * Now, the point I am at is, first, that a large part of the sol diers here can be spared this winter; second, that for service, the best ought to be taken away. With these two ideas safely lodged in the minds of the powers that be, the Twenty-third is sure to be withdrawn. If you can post the Governor a little, it might be useful. We are pleasantly associated. My mess consists of Colonel Scammon, Lieutenant-Colonel Matthews, Drs. Clendenin and Webb. The general (Schenck) and staff quarter in our regi ment, so that we have the best of society. My connection with General Rosecrans' staff, I manage to make agreeable by a little license. I quarter with my regiment, but am relieved from all but voluntary regimental duty. I think I have never enjoyed any period of my life as much as the last three months. The risks, hardships, separation from family and friends are bal anced by the notion that I am doing what every man, who pos sibly can, ought to do, leaving the agreeable side of things as clear profit. My health has been perfect. A great matter this is. We have many sick, and sickness on marches and in camps is trebly distressing. It makes one value health. We now have our sick in good quarters and are promised a ten days' rest. 8 114 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES The weather today is beautiful, and I don't doubt that we shall get back to good condition in that time. Your election yesterday, I hope, went overwhelmingly for "Tod and Victory." We talked of holding an election here, but as we Hked Jewett personally, it was not pushed. We should have been unanimous for the war ticket. Letters now should be sent to Gauley Bridge. Love to all. Sincerely, R. B. Hayes. ¦» Wm. a. Platt. October lO, Camp Ewing, seven miles above Gauley Bridge. — A pretty day in a pleasant camp, surrounded by mountain scen ery. We had a false alarm in Camp Lookout; formed in line of battle. I was at the hospital but rode rapidly up and was on hand before the line was ready. Some men at hospital fled. Some were suddenly well and took [their] place in line of battle. October ii. Camp Etving. — Wet, cold. We hear of enemy back at Camp Lookout and rumors of, over New River. On this road are many deserted homes — great Virginia taverns wasted. The people are for the most part a helpless and harmless race. Some Massachusetts people have come in and made pleasant homes. We are on a turnpike leading up the Kanawha to White Sulphur Springs and so on to eastern Virginia. October 12. At Camp Ewing. — Rode down to Hawk's Nest with General Schenck and Colonel Scammon and Lieutenant Chesebrough ; a most romantic spot. A cliff seven hundred feet perpendicular projects out over New River; a view of New River ?This letter was placed in the Governor's hands for his information. It v/as then sent to Mrs. Hayes, who on October 23 forwarded it to Mr. Birchard. In her accompanying letter Mrs. Hayes wrote that she had seen Colonel Matthews, who had told her that "Rutherford was almost the only man who had not been sick or afifected some by the campaign, that he was perfectly well and looking better than ever." Mrs. Hayes tries bravely to conceal her sense of loneliness, but it appears unmis takably in her closing paragraph where she writes : "We would be so glad to see you. Yours and Rutherford's room is waiting — the books are lonely and everybody and everything would meet you so gladly." WINTER QUARTERS, WEST VIRGINIA, 1861 115 for a mile or two above and below the cliff, rushing and foaming between the mountains. On the top was a small entrenchment built by Wise. A Union man (like other Union men) wishing to move to Ohio, says he means to burn his house to keep it from falling into secession hands. October 14. Camp Tompkins, General Rosecrans' Headquar ters, near Gauley Bridge. — I came down here to hold court today. Left my regiment about eight miles up the pike. Mrs. Tompkins lives here in a fine large white house. Her hus band, a graduate of West Point, is a colonel in the secession army. Why devastate the homes and farms of poor deluded privates in the Rebel army and protect this property ? Treat the lady well, as all women ought always to be treated, but put through the man for his great crime. Near Gauley Bridge, October 15, 1861. Dear Uncle : — I am practicing law on the circuit, going from camp to camp. Great fun I find it. I am now in General Rose crans' headquarters, eight miles from my regiment. This is the spot for grand mountain scenery. New River and Gauley unite here to form the Kanawha. Nothing on the Connecticut anywhere equals the views here. Glad Ohio is sound on the goose. Sandusky County for once is right. We shall beat the Rebels if the people will only be patient. We are learning war. The teaching is expensive and the progress slow, but I see the advance. Our army here is safe and holds the key to all that is worth having in western Virginia. . . . Sincerely, R. B, Hayes. P. S. — Send letters, etc., care of General Rosecrans as here tofore. How about Treasury notes? Patriotism requires us to take and circulate them, but is there not a chance of their sharing, sooner or later, in a limited degree, the fate of the Conti nental money of Revolutionary times? S. Birchard. 116 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES Camp Tompkins, Gauley Bridge, October 15, 1861. Dear Mother : — You will be pleased to hear that I am here practicing law. The enemy having vanished in one direction and our army having retired to this stronghold in the other, I, yesterday, left my regiment about seven miles up the river and am here at General Rosecrans' headquarters, looking after of fenders. It is safe enough in all this region. Our soldiers occupy all the leading roads and strong places. We hear of nobody being fired on, even by murderous bushwhackers. . . . We are in the midst of glorious mountain scenery. Hawk's Nest and Lover's Leap are two of the most romantic spots I have ever seen. A precipitous cliff over seven hundred feet high, with high mountains back of it, overlooks a wild rushing river that roars and dashes against the rocks, Niagara fashion. The weather too has been, and is, lovely October weather. Love to all. Affectionately, your son, Rutherford. Mrs. Sophia Hayes. October 77, 1861. Camp Tompkins, near New River, two and one-half miles above Gauley Bridge, at General Rosecrans" Head quarters. — A threatening morning, a steady rain, fall fashion, in the afternoon. Received a letter by Mr. Schooley, dated 9th, from Lucy. Ruddy had been sick with a chill and Lucy not so well. Dear wife! She is troubled in her present trials that I am absent, but stoutly insists that she can bear up, that she is "a good soldier's wife." She sends me pants, etc., etc. A great many papers today in the court-martial fine. Dr. Menzies called. Somewhat gloomy but not more so than is his wont. Camp Tompkins, near Gauley Bridge, October 17, 1861. Dearest: — I am practicing law again. My office is pleas antly located in a romantic valley on the premises of Colonel Tompkins of the Rebel army. His mansion is an elegant mod em house, and by some strange good luck it has been occupied WINTER QUARTERS, WEST VIRGINIA, 1861 117 by his family and escaped uninjured while hundreds of humbler homes have been ruined. Mrs. Tompkins has kept on the good side of our leaders, and has thus far kept the property safe. The Twenty-third is seven miles or so up the valley of New River. I was there last evening. Dr. Joe has been sick a couple of days but is getting well. Very few escape sickness, but with any sort of care it is not dangerous. Not more than one case in a hundred has thus far proved fatal. Colonel Matthews has gone home for a few days. You will see him, I hope. If he succeeds in one of the objects of his trip, I shall probably visit you for a few days within six weeks or so. Our campaign here is ended, I think without doubt. We hear stories which are repeated in your papers which look a little as if there might be an attempt to cut off our communications down the Kanawha, but I suspect there is very small foundation for them. We are strongly posted. No force would dare attack us. To cut off supplies is the most that will be thought of, and any attempts to do that must meet with little success, if I am rightly informed about things. We have had the finest of fall weather for several (it seems many) days. The glorious mountains all around us are of every hue, changing to a deeper red and brown as the frosts cut the foliage. I talk so much of the scenery, you will suspect me to be daft. In fact I never have enjoyed nature so much. Being in the open air a great part of each day and surrounded by magnificent scenery, I do get heady I suspect on the subject. I have told you many a time that we were camped in the prettiest place you ever saw. I must here repeat it. The scenery on New River and around the junction of Gauley and New River where they form the Kanawha, is finer than any mere mountain and river views we saw last summer. The music and sights belonging to the camps of ten thousand men add to the effect. Our band has improved and the choir in Mcllrath's Company would draw [an] audience anywhere. The companies, many of them, sound their calls with the bugle, which with the echoes heightens the general charm. 118 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES I wish you and the boys were over in the Tompkins house. How you would be happy and wouldn't I? I do hope you will keep well, all of you. Kiss the little fellows all around and the big boy Birch too. Tell Webby the horse Webb is in excellent plight. I suppose "Birch" (the horse) has got home. Love to Grandma and all. Affectionately, R. B. Hayes. Mrs. Hayes. Camp Tompkins, October i8, 1861. Dearest : — Soon after I had sent off my letter yesterday, Mr. Schooley stopped with your bundle and letter. All most acceptable, gloves, etc., particularly. I get all your letters. . . . Don't worry about the country. Things are slowly working around. For a first campaign by a green people, we have done well. The Rebellion will be crushed even at this rate by the time our three years are up. McClellan is crowding them. They must fight or run soon, and I think either is death. We have a little excitement every day over some guerrilla story. But the rumors as they are sifted vanish rapidly into smoke. Dr. Menzies was here today. He is troubled about his fam ily, about his colonel, and so on. Very queer how some clever people manage to keep in a worriment under all circumstances. One paymaster has come up. We hope to see ours some day. I shall send you funds as soon as they are paid me. It is raining — a settled fall rain. But we are in a valley (not on top of Mount Sewell). I have a board floor to my tent. Whe cares for the rain? — especially if my wife and bairns are safe under a tight roof by a warm fire. Keep up good courage. Kiss the boys, give my love to all, and continue to have happy dreams about your Affectionate husband, Rutherford. Mrs. Hayes, WINTER QUARTERS, WEST VIRGINIA, 1861 119 Camp Tompkins, October 19, 1861. Dearest : — I got your letter of last Sunday yesterday. You can't be happier in reading my letters than I am in reading yours. Very glad our Httle Ruddy is no worse. Don't worry about suffering soldiers, and don't be too ready to give up President Lincoln. More men are sick in camps than at home. Sick [men] are not comfortable anywhere, and less so in armies than in good homes. Transportation fails, roads are bad, contractors are faithless, officials negligent or fraudulent, but notwithstanding all this, I am satisfied that our army is better fed, better clad, and better sheltered than any other army in the world. And, moreover, where there is want, it is not due to the general or state Government half as much as to officers and soldiers. The two regiments I have happened to know most about and to care most about — McCook's Ninth and our Twenty-third — have no cause of complaint. Their cloth ing is better than when they left Ohio and better than most men wear at home. I am now dressed as a private, and I am well dressed. I live habitually on soldiers' rations, and I live well. No, Lucy, the newspapers mislead you. It is the poor fami lies at home, not the soldiers, who can justly claim sympathy. I except of course the regiments who have mad officers, but you can't help their case with your spare blankets. Officers at home begging better be with their regiments doing their appropriate duties. Government is sending enough if colonels, etc., would only do their part. McCook could feed, clothe, or blanket half a regiment more any time, while alongside of him is a regiment, ragged, hungry, and blanketless, full of correspondents writing home complaints about somebody. It is here as elsewhere. The thrifty and energetic get along, and the lazy and thoughtless send emissaries to the cities to beg. Don't be fooled with this stuff. I feel for the poor women and children in Cincinnati. The men out here have sufferings, but no more than men of sense ex pected, and were prepared for, and can bear. I see Dr. S — wants blankets for the Eighth Regiment. Why isn't he with it, attending to its sick? If its colonel and 120 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES quartermaster do their duties as he does his, five hundred miles off, they can't expect to get blankets. I have seen the stores sent into this State, and the Government has provided abundantly for all. It vexes me to see how good people are imposed on. I have been through the camps of eight thousand men today, and I tell you they are better fed and clothed than the people of half the wards in Cincinnati. We have sickness which is bad enough, but it is due to causes inseparable from our condition. Living in open air, exposed to changes of weather, will break down one man in every four or five, even if he was "clad in purple and fine linen and fared sumptuously every day." As for Washington, McClellan and so on, I believe they are doing the thing well. I think it will come out right. Wars are not finished in a day. Lincoln is, perhaps, not all that we could wish, but he is honest, patriotic, cool-headed, and safe. I don't know any man that the Nation could say is under all the circum- .stances to be preferred in his place. As for the new governor, I like the change as much as you do. He comes in a little over two months from now. A big dish of politics. I feared you were among croakers and grumblers, people who do more mischief than avowed enemies to the country. It is lovely weather again. I hope this letter will find you as well as it leaves me. Love and kisses for the dear ones. Affectionately, ever, R. B. Hayes. Mrs. Hayes. Camp Tompkins, near Gauley Bridge, October 19, 1861. Dear Uncle : — It is late Saturday night. I am away from my regiment at General Rosecrans' headquarters and feel lone some. The weather is warm, threatening rain. We are wait ing events, not yet knowing whether we are to stay here or go to some other quarters for the winter. I can't help suspecting that important events are looked for near Washington which may determine our course for the winter. All things in that direction have, to my eye, a hopeful look. A victory there if WINTER QUARTERS, WEST VIRGINIA, 1861 121 decisive will set things moving all over. We know the enemy we have been after is heartily sick of this whole business, and only needs a good excuse to give it up. A party of our men, bearing a fiag of truce, spent a night with a party of Lee's men a few days ago, and the conversations they report tell the story. Matthews has gone home for a fortnight. It is quite probable that I shall go home during the fall or winter for a short visit. We have done no fortifying yet. We occasionally hear of a little guerrilla party and scamper after them, but no important movements are likely to occur here, unless a road should be opened from Washington to Richmond. I see that Buckland is in the war. That is right. The notice able difference between North and South in this war is, that South, the leading citizens, the lawyers and pubHc men of all sorts, go into the fight themselves. This has not been so with us in the same degree. I am less disposed to think of a West Point education as requisite for this business than I was at first. Good sense and energy are the qualities required. . . . Sincerely, R. B. Hayes. S. Birchard. Camp Tompkins, October 21, 1861. Monday morning before breakfast. Dearest : — Dr. Clendenin goes home this morning and I got up early to let you know how much I love you. Isn't this a proof of affection? I dreamed about you last night so pleas antly. The doctor will give you the news. I see Colonel Tom Ford has been telling big yarns about soldiers suffering. They may be true — I fear they are — and it is right to do something ; but it is not true that the fault lies with the Government alone. Colonel Ammen's Twenty-fourth has been on the mountains much more than the G. G — s [Guthrie Greys], for they have been in town most of the time ; but nobody growls about them. The Twenty-fourth is looked after by its officers. The truth is, the suffering is great in all armies in the field in bad weather. 122 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES It can't be prevented. It is also true that much is suffered from neglect, but the neglect is in no one place. [The] Government is in part blamable, but the chief [blame] is on the armies them selves from generals down to privates. It is certainly true that a considerable part of the sick men now in Cincinnati would be well and with their regiments, if they had obeyed orders about eating green chestnuts, green apples, and green corn. Now, all the men ought to be helped and cared for, but in doing so, it is fooHsh and wicked to assail and abuse, as the authors of the suffering, any one particular set of men. It is a calamity to be deplored and can be remedied by well directed labor, not by indiscriminate abuse. I am filled with indignation to see that Colonel Ewing is ac cused of brutality to his men. All false. He is kind to a fault. All good soldiers love him; and yet he is published by some lying scoundrel as a monster. I'll write no more on this subject. There will be far more suffering this winter than we have yet heard of. Try to relieve it, but don't assume that any one set of men are to be blamed for it. A great share of it can't be helped. Twenty-five per cent of all men who enlist can't stand the hardships and ex posures of the field if suddenly transferred to it from their homes, and suffering is inevitable. Love to all. Affectionately, R. B. Hayes. Mrs. Hayes. Sunday morning before breakfast, Tompkins' farm, three miles from Gauley Bridge, October 2y, 1861. Dear Uncle : — It is a bright October morning. Ever since the great storms a month ago, we have had weather almost exactly such as we have at the same season in Ohio — occasional rainy days, but much very fine weather. We are still waiting events. Our winter's work or destination yet unknown. De cided events near Washington will determine our course. We shall wait those events several weeks yet before going into winter quarters. If things remain there without any events, WINTER QUARTERS, WEST VIRGINIA, 1861 . 123 we shall about half, I conjecture, build huts here and hereabouts, and the rest go to Ohio, and stay there, or go to Kentucky or Missouri as required. I hope and expect to be of the half that leaves here. But great events near Washington are expected by the powers that be, and it looks, as you see, some like it. I have been occupied the whole week trying cases before a court-martial. Some painful things, but on the whole, an agree able time. While the regiment is in camp doing nothing, this business is not bad for a change. The paymasters are here at last, making the men very happy with their pretty government notes and gold. The larger part is taken (seven-eighths) in paper on account of the bother in carry ing six months' pay in gold. Each regiment will send home a very large proportion of their pay — one-half to three-fifths. The death of Colonel Baker is a national calamity, but on the whole, the war wears a favorable look. Lucy says you are getting ready to shelter us when driven from Cincinnati. All right, but if we are forced to leave Cincinnati, I think we can't stop short of the Canada line. There is no danger. These Rebels will go under sooner or later. I know that great battles are matters of accident largely. A defeat near Washington is possible, and would be disastrous enough, but the Southern sol diers are not the mettle to carry on a long and doubtful war. If they can get a success by a dash or an ambuscade, they do it well enough, but for steady work, such as finally determines all great wars, .our men are far superior to them. With equal generalship and advantages, there is a perfect certainty as to the result of a campaign. Our men here attack parties, not guerrillas merely, but uniformed soldiers from North Carolina, Georgia, South Carolina, etc., of two or three times their number with entire confidence that the enemy will run, and they do. They cut us up in ambuscades sometimes, and with stratagems of all sorts. This sort of things delays, but it will not prevent, success if our people at home will pay the taxes and not tire of it. Breakfast is ready. Sincerely, R. B. Hayes. 124 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES P. S. — You hear a great deal of the suffering of soldiers. It is much exaggerated. A great many lies are told. The sick do suffer. A camp and camp hospitals are necessarily awful places for sickness, but well men, for the most part, fare well — very well. Since I have kept house alone as judge-advocate, my orderly and clerk furnish soldiers' rations and nothing else. It is good living. In the camp of the regiment we fare worse than the rest, because the soldiers are enterprising and get things our lazy darkies don't. Warm bedding and clothing will be greatly needed in the winter, and by troops guarding mountain passes. The supply should be greater than the Government furnishes. Sewing Societies, etc., etc., may do much good. The Government is doing its duty well. The allowance is ample for average service ; but winter weather in mountains requires more than will per haps be allowed. S. Birchard. Camp Tompkins, October 27, 1861. Dearest : — I have had a week's work trying twenty cases before a court-martial held in one of the fine parlors of Colonel Tompkins' country-seat. I have profaned the sacred mansion, and I trust that soon it will be converted into a hospital for our sick. My pertinacity has accomplished something towards that end. My week's work has had painful things, but many pleasant ones. I trust no life will be lost, but I fear it. Still I have done my duty kindly and humanely. The weather generally has been good. The paymasters are here and general joy prevails. I expect to remain at this camp about a week or ten days. Whether I shall return to my regiment or go around to Grafton is not yet certain, probably the latter. I see that the Sixth Street ladies are at work for the Tenth. All right. Clothing, but blankets and bedding comforts, etc., still more, will be needed this winter. Army blankets are small and are getting thin and worn-out. As cold weather comes on WINTER QUARTERS, WEST VIRGINIA. 1861 125 the well, even, will need all they can get. As yet, in this region, nobody but sick men have any business to complain. Dr. Joe has an order from General Rosecrans to Jim to come out and assist him. If he comes let him bring a good blanket or comfort for me. If I am away it can be kept for me till I return or used by somebody else. During the next ten days I shall get money plenty to send you for all debts, etc., etc. I can quite certainly make you a visit, but I hardly know when to do it. Dr. Joe will want to visit home sometime this fall or winter and you better "maturely consider," as the court- martial record says, when you would prefer him to come. Of course he must wait for Dr. Clendenin and I for Colonel Mat thews. My preference is about December. Mother and Jim both seem to think letters never reach us. We get all your letters now, and quite regularly. There was a period after Carnifax when we were out of reach, but now we are in line again. We see Cincinnati papers of the 24th on the 26th. By the by, you need not renew my subscription to the Commercial. No use to send papers. We get them from the office sooner in another way. If Jim comes let him get an assortment of late papers. Har per's, Atlantic, etc., etc., and keep them till he gets to our camp. We are the outermost camp and people are coaxed out of their literature before they get to us. . . . I dined in a tent with fourteen officers and one lady on Wed nesday. Her husband was formerly a steamboat captain, now a major in [the] First Kentucky. She evidently enjoyed her sin gular position; bore her part well. . . . Affectionately, your Rutherford. Things I would like before winter sets in — I am not sure that Dr, Jim better bring them — there is no hurry : I. A good large blanket; 2. An India-rubber coat, common black, — Dr. J — 's size ; 3. A pair of gloves, riding, buckskin or sich; 4. A thick dark blue vest, military buttons and fit; my size at Sprague's; 5. Enough blue cord for seams of one pair 126 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES of pants ; Dr. Joe's poem, "Lucile" ; 6. Two blank books, size of my diaries — good nice ruled paper, 6 or 8 inches by 4 or 5 ; 7. A pocket memorandum book. I could make a big list, but I'll quit. Mrs. Hayes. Camp Tompkins, Tuesday morning, October 29, 1861. — A bright, cold October morning, before breakfast. This month has been upon the whole a month of fine weather. The awful storm on Mount Sewell, and a mitigated repetition of it at Camp Lookout ten days afterward, October 7, are the only storms worth noting. The first was unprecedented in this country and extended to most of the States. On the whole, the weather has been good for campaigning with this exception. Camp fever, typhus or typhoid, prevails most extensively. It is not fatal. Not more than four or five deaths, and I suppose we have had four or five hundred cases. Our regiment suffers more than the average. The Tenth, composed largely of Irish laborers, and the Second Kentucky, composed largely of river men, suffer least of any. I conjecture that persons accustomed to outdoor life and exposure bear up best. Against many afflictions incident to cam paigning, men from comfortable homes seem to bear up best. Not so with this. I have tried twenty cases before a court-martial held in Colonel Tompkins' house the past week. One conviction for desertion and other aggravated offenses punished with sentence of death. I trust the general will mitigate this. We hear that LieutenantrColonel Matthews, who left for a stay of two weeks at home about the i8th, has been appointed colonel of a regiment. This is deserved. It will, I fear, sepa rate us. I shall regret that much, very much. He is a good man, of solid talent and a most excellent companion, witty, cheerful, and intelligent. Well, if so, it can't be helped. The compensation is the probable promotion I shall get to his place. I care little about this. As much to get rid of the title "Major" as anything else makes it desirable. I am prejudiced against "Major." Doctors are majors and (tell it not in Gath) Dick WINTER QUARTERS, WEST VIRGINIA, 1861 127 Corwine is major! So if we lose friend Matthews, there may be this crumb, besides the larger one of getting rid of being the army's lawyer or judge, which I don't fancy. Colonel Baker, gallant, romantic, eloquent soldier, senator, patriot, killed at Edwards Ferry on the upper Potomac! When will this thing cease? Death in battle does not pain me much. But caught surprised in ambush again I After so many warn ings. When will our leaders learn? I do not lose heart. 1 calmly contemplate these things. The side of right, with strength, resources, endurance, must ultimately triumph. These disasters and discouragements will make the ultimate victory more pre cious. But how long? I can wait patiently if we only do not get tricked out of victories. I thought McClellan was to mend all this. "We have had our last defeat, we have had our last retreat," he boasted. Well, well, patience! West Pointers are no better leaders than others. October 29, 1861. Evening. — This is the anniversary of the IJtgr^r^j^^CJyi). — the society with which so much of my life is associated. It will be celebrated tonight. The absent will be remembered. I wish I was there. How many who have been members are in the tented field! What a roll for .our little club! I have seen these as members: General Pope, now com manding in Missouri; Lieutenant-Colonel Force of the Twenti eth, in Kentucky; Major Noyes of the Thirty-ninth, in Mis souri ; Lieutenant-Colonel Matthews, Twenty-third, in Virginia ; Secretary Chase, the power (brain and soul) of the Administra-^ tion; Governor Corwin, Minister to Mexico; Tom Ewing, Jr., Chief Justice of Kansas ; Ewing Sr., the great intellect of Ohio ; Nate Lord, colonel of a Vermont or New Hampshire regi ment; McDowell, a judge in Kansas; McDowell (J. H.), a senator and major in Kansas ; Oliver and Mallon, common pleas judges; Stanton, a representative Ohio House of Representa-1 fives; and so on. Well, what good times we have had! Wit, anecdote, song, feast, wine, and good fellowship — gentlemen and scholars. I wonder how it will go off tonight. Queer world! We fret our little hour, are happy and pass away. Away! Where to? "This longing after immortaHty! 128 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES These thoughts that wander through eternity" ! I have been and am an unbeliever of all these sacred verities. But will I not take refuge in the faith of my fathers at last ? Are we not all impelled to this? The great abyss, the unknown future, — are we not happier if we give ourselves up to some settled faith? Can we feel safe without it? Am I not more and more carried along, drifted, towards surrendering to the best religion the world has yet produced? It seems so. In this business, as I ride through the glorious scenery this loveliest season of the year, my thoughts float away beyond this wretched war and all its belongings. Some, yes many, glorious things, as well as all that is not so, [impress me] ; and [I] think of the closing years on the down-hill side of life, and picture myself a Christian, sin cere, humble, devoted, as conscientious in that as I am now in this — not more so. My belief in this war is as deep as any faith can be; — but thitherward I drift. I see it and am glad. All this I write, thinking of the debates, the conversations, and the happiness of the Literary Club. It has been for almost twelve years an important part of my life. My best friends are among its members — Rogers, Stephenson, Force, James. And how I have enjoyed Strong, McConkey (alas!), Wright, McDowell, Mills, Meline, and all! And thinking of this and those leads me to long for such communion in a perfection not known on earth and to hope that in the future there may be a purer joy forever and ever. And as one wishes, so he drifts. While these enjoyments are present we have little to wish for; as they slip from us, we look forward and hope and then believe with the college theme, "There is more beyond." And for me to believe is to act and live according to my faith. Camp Tompkins, Virginia, October 29, 1861. Tuesday morning after breakfast. My dear Boy : — If I am not interrupted I mean to write you a long birthday letter. You will be eight years old on the 4th of November — next Monday, and perhaps this letter will get to Cincinnati in time for your mother or grandmother to read it to you on that day. WINTER QUARTERS, WEST VIRGINIA, 1861 129 If I were with you on your birthday I would tell you a great many stories about the war. Some of them would make you almost cry and some would make you laugh. I often think how Ruddy and Webby and you will gather around me to listen to my stories, and how often I shall have to tell them, and how they will grow bigger and bigger, as I get older and as the boys grow up, until if I should live to be an old man they will become really romantic and interesting. But it is always hard work for me to write, and I can't tell on paper such good stories as I could give you, if we were sitting down together by the flre. I will tell you why we call our camp Camp Tompkins. It is named after a very wealthy gentleman named Colonel Tomp kins, who owns the farm on which our tents are pitched. He was educated to be a soldier of the United States at West Point, where boys and young men are trained to be officers at the expense of the Government. He was a good student and when he grew up he was a good man. He married a young lady, who lived in Richmond and who owned a great many slaves and a great deal of land in Virginia. He stayed in the army as an officer a number of years, but getting tired of army life, he resigned his office several years ago, and came here and built an elegant house and cleared and improved several hundred acres of land. The site of his house is a lovely one. It is about a hundred yards from my tent on an elevation that commands a view of Gauley Bridge, two and a half miles distant — the place where New River and Gauley River unite to form the Kan awha River. Your mother can show you the spot on the map. There are high hills or mountains on both sides of both rivers. and before they unite they are very rapid and run roaring and dashing along in a very romantic way. When the camp is still at night, as I lie in bed, I can hear the noise like another Niag ara Falls. In this pleasant place Colonel Tompkins lived a happy life. He had a daughter and three sons. He had a teacher for his daughter and another for his boys. His house was furnished in good taste ; he had books, pictures, boats, horses, guns, and dogs. His daughter was about sixteen, his oldest boy was four teen, the next twelve, and the youngest about nine. They lived 9 130 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES here in a most agreeable way until the Rebels in South Carolina attacked Major Anderson in Fort Sumter. Colonel Tompkins wished to stand by the Union, but his wife and many relatives in eastern Virginia were Secessionists. He owned a great deal of property which he feared the Rebels would take away from him if he did not become a Secessionist. While he was doubt ing what to do and hoping that he could live along without taking either side. Governor Wise with an army came here on his way to attack steamboats and towns on the Ohio River. Gov ernor Wise urged Colonel Tompkins to join the Rebels; told him as he was an educated military man he would give him the command of a regiment in the Rebel army. Colonel Tompkins finally yielded and became a colonel in Wise's army. He made Wise agree that his regiment should be raised among his neigh bors and that they should not be called on to leave their homes for any distant service, but remain as a sort of home guards. This was all very well for a while. Colonel Tompkins stayed at home and would drill his men once or twice a week. But when Governor Wise got down to the Ohio River and began to drive away Union men, and to threaten to attack Ohio, Gen eral Cox was sent with Ohio soldiers after Governor Wise. Governor Wise was not a good general or did not have good soldiers, or perhaps they knew they were fighting in a bad cause. At any rate, the Rebel army was driven by General Cox from one place to another until they got back to Gauley Bridge near where Colonel Tompkins lived. He had to call out his regiment of home guards and join Wise. General Cox soon drove them away from Gauley Bridge and followed them up this road until he reached Colonel Tompkins' farm. The colonel then was forced to leave his home, and has never dared to come back to it since. Our soldiers have held the country all around his house. His wife and children remained at home until since I came here. They were protected by our army and no injury done to them. But Mrs. Tompkins got very tired of living with sol diers all around, and her husband off in the Rebel army. Finally a week or two ago General Rosecrans told her she might go to eastern Virginia, and sent her in her carriage with an escort WINTER QUARTERS, WEST VIRGINIA, 1861 131 of ten dragoons and a flag of truce over to the Rebel army about thirty miles from here, and I suppose she is now with her hus band. I suppose you would like to know about a flag of truce. It is a white flag carried to let the enemy's army know that you are coming, not to fight, but to hold a peaceful meeting with them. One man rides ahead of the rest about fifty yards, carrying a white flag — any white handkerchief will do. When the pickets, sentinels, or scouts of the other army see it, they know what it means. They call out to the man who carries the flag of truce and he tells them what his party is coming for. The picket tells him to halt, while he sends back to his camp to know what to do. An officer and a party of men are sent to meet the party with the flag of truce, and they talk with each other and transact their business as if they were friends, and when they are done they return to their own armies. No good soldier ever shoots a man with a flag of truce. They are always very polite to each other when parties meet with such a flag. Well, Mrs. Tompkins and our men travelled till they came to the enemy. The Rebels were very polite to our men. Our men stayed all night at a picket station in the woods along with a party of Rebels who came out to meet them. They talked to each other about the war, and were very friendly. Our men cooked their suppers as usual. One funny fellow said to a Rebel soldier, "Do you get any such good coffee as this over there?" The Rebel said, "Well, to tell the truth, the officers are the only ones who see much coffee, and it's mighty scarce with them." Our man held up a big army cracker. "Do you have any like this?" and the Rebel said, "Well no, we do live pretty hard," — and so they joked with each other a great deal. Cdftonel Tompkins' boys and the servants and tutor are still in the house. The boys come over every day to bring the general milk and pies and so on. I expect we shall send them off one of these days and take the house for a hospital or something of the kind. And so you see Colonel Tompkins didn't gain anything by joining the Rebels. If he had done what he thought was right, everybody would have respected him. Now the Rebels suspect 132 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES him, and accuse him of treachery if anything occurs in his regi ment which they don't like. Perhaps he would have lost prop erty, perhaps he would have lost his life if he had stood by the Union, but he would have done right and all good people would have honored him. And now, my son, as you are getting to be a large boy, I want you to resolve always to do what you know is right. No matter what you will lose by it, no matter what danger there is, always do right. I hope you will go to school and study hard, and take exer cise too, so as to grow and be strong, and if there is a war you can be a soldier and fight for your country as Washington did. Be kind to your brothers and to Grandmother, and above all to your mother. You don't know how your mother loves you, and you must show that you love her by always being a kind, truthful, brave boy; and I shall always be so proud of you. Give my love to all the boys, and to Mother and Grandmother. Affectionately, your father, R. B. Hayes. Birchard A. Hayes, October 30. Tompkins Farm. — [I] walked with Captain Gaines two and one-half or three miles down to Gauley Bridge. Called on Major William H. Johnston and Swan, paymaster and clerk for our regiment [for] Cracraft, quartermaster sergeant, who wanted Dr. McCurdy's pay. To get it, drew my own and sent him two hundred and sixty dollars and blank power-of-at- torney to me to draw his pay. The doctor is sick and wants to go home. Our regiment suffers severely with camp fever. About one hundred and twenty absent, mostly sick, and as many more prescribed for here. This out of nine hundred and fifty. Severe marches, ilRimed, in rain, etc., etc., is one great cause. Then, most of our men have been used to comfortable homes, and this exposed life on these mountains is too much for them. Well, we dined at a Virginia landlady's, good coffee, good biscuit; in short, a good homelike dinner. Walked immediately back. WINTER QUARTERS, WEST VIRGINIA, 1861 133 October 31. Tompkins Farm. — Smoky, foggy, and Indian- summery in the morning; clear, warm, and beautiful in the afternoon. I rode up to the regiment at Camp Ewing, gave some directions as to making out the new muster-rolls. Saw several of the officers sick with the camp fever. Poor "Bony" Seaman, it is said, will die. What a good- hearted boy he was ! His red glowing face, readiness to oblige, to work — poor fellow! He was working his way up. Starting as private, then commissary sergeant, then sergeant-major, and already recommended and perhaps appointed second-lieutenant. I shall never forget his looks at the battle of Carnifax. We were drawn up in line of battle waiting for orders to go down into the woods to the attack. The First Brigade had already gone in and the firing of cannon and musketry was fast and furious. "Bony" rode ahead to see, and after an absence of twenty minutes came galloping back, his face radiant with joyous excitement and his eyes sparkling. He rode up to Colonel Scam mon and myself calling out: "I've been under fire, the bullets were whistling all about me, and I wasn't scared at all!" He looked like my Birtie when he is very happy and reminded me of him. His dress was peculiar too — a warm-us and a felt grey hat Hke mine. Good boy, noble, true, must he die ? Captain Drake and Captain McIlrath had a quarrel last night. Captain Drake had been drinking (not enough to hurt). Captain McIlrath, putting his face close to Captain Drake's mouth to smell his breath, said: "Where did you get your whiskey?" And so it went, the plucky Captain Drake striking the giant McIlrath, but no fight foHowed. McIlrath as captain of com pany A was first in line of promotion for major and Captain Drake had been just recommended for the place. This fact had nothing to do with it, merely a coincidence. Returned to camp in the evening; rode part way with Colonel McCook, open and minatory against Rosecrans. At eight P. M. a dispatch from Adjutant-General Buckingham announced my promotion to lieutenant-colonel vice Matthews, and J. M. Courtly [Comly] as major. The latter is I fear an error. He is a stranger to the regiment. It will make a fuss, and perhaps ought to. Captain Drake is a brave, generous old fellow, excitable 134 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES and furious, but when the heat is off sound to the core, with the instincts of a gentleman strong in him. November i. Camp Tompkins. — Cold, gusty, but sunshiny. The fine band of the Second Kentucky does discourse glorious music. A dapper little fellow with a cane, "a nice young man," fit for Fourth Street in piping times of peace, walked by my tent just now. Not a fellow in camp with his army blue, tattered or not, who does not feel above him. The enemy have just begun to fire on the ferry and on the teams and passers between here and Gauley Bridge, They have cannon and riflemen on the opposite side of New River. Went with Sweet scouting to ascertain exact position of enemy. Fol lowed up rihs and ravines, running imminent risk of breaking necks; discovered tolerable views of the enemy. The echoes of the cannon and bursting shells were grand in these defiles. Two of our men slightly wounded. The ferry stopped during daylight (but doing double duty at night), is all that was accom plished. Great waste of ammunition, great noise, excitement among soldiers. Vox prceterea nihil. Got home at night, tired enough, in the rain. Camp Tompkins, Virginia, November 2, 1861. Dearest Lucy : — I am about to return to my regiment, six or eight miles up New River at Camp Ewing. I shall probably be comfortably settled there tonight. Colonel Matthews having been promoted to the colonelcy of the Fifty-first, I have been promoted to the lieutenant-colonelcy of the Twenty-third and relieved, for the present at any rate, of the duties of judge-advocate. I of course regret very much the loss of Colonel Matthews. But you know we have been separated more than half the time since we came to Virginia ; so it is more a change in name than in fact. I hope he has a good regiment. If he has decent materials he will make it a good one. I am pleased, as people in the army always are, with my promo tion. I confess to the weakness of preferring (as I must here after always be called by some title) to be called Colonel to being styled Major. WINTER QUARTERS, WEST VIRGINIA, 1861 135 We had a noisy day yesterday. A lot of Floyd's men (we suppose) have got on the other side of the river with cannon. They tried to sink our ferry-boats and prevent our crossing Gauley River at the bridge (now ferry for Wise destroyed the bridge). They made it so hazardous during the day that all teams were stopped; but during the night the ferry did double duty, so that the usual crossing required in twenty-four hours was safely done. Both sides fired cannon and musketry at each other several hours, but the distance was too great to do harm. We have two wounded and thought we did them immense dam age. They probably suffered little or no loss, but probably imagined that they were seriously cutting us. So we all see it. Our side does wonders always. We are not accurately informed about these Rebels, but appearances do not make them formid able. They can't attack us. The only danger is that they may get below on the Kanawha and catch a steamboat before we drive them off. I wish you could see such a battle. No danger and yet enough sense of peril excited to make all engaged very enthusiastic. The echoes of the cannon and bursting shells through the moun tain defiles were wonderful. I spent the day with two soldiers making a reconnaissance — that is to say trying to find out the enemies' exact position, strength, etc., etc. We did some hard climbing, and were in as much danger as anybody else, that is, none at all. One while the spent rifle balls fell in our neighbor hood, but they hadn't force enough to penetrate clothing, even if they should hit. It's a great thing to have a rapid river and a mountain gorge between hostile armies. . . . Affectionately, R. B. Hayes. P. S. — I have been paid half of my pay, and will send you two or three hundred dollars at least, the flrst chance. I wish you would get Dr, Jim to buy one or two pairs of lieutenant-colonel's shoulder-straps to send with the privilege of returning if they don't suit. We expect Dr. Clendenin daily. Mrs. Hayes. 136 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES Camp Ewing, Virginia, November 3. Sunday. — Yesterday and today it has been rainy, stormy, and disagreeable. I came up to my regiment yesterday as lientenant-colonel. The men and officers seem pleased with my promotion. All regret the loss of Colonel Matthews and say that if I go their interest in the regi ment is gone. The paymaster has paid me up to the 31st [of] August, four hundred and ninety-six dollars. Lieutenant Richard son has also collected for me two hundred and fifty dollars of money lent the company officers. I can send home seven hundred dollars and still have two months' pay due me. I have been very economical in order to a fair start for my family. I shall now feel relieved from anxiety on that score and will be more liberal in my expenditures. A Mr. Ficklin, of Charlottesville, Virginia, a brother-in-law of Mrs. Colonel Tompkins, came with her bearing a flag of truce. He staid with us last night. He is an agreeable, fair- minded, intelligent gentleman of substance, formerly and per haps now a stage proprietor and mail-carrier. He says he entertains not the shadow of a doubt that the Confederate States will achieve independence. He says the whole people will spend and be spent to the last before they will yield. On asking him, "Suppose on the expiration of Lincoln's term a state-rights Democrat shall be elected President, what will be the disposition of the South towards him?" he replied hesi tatingly as if puzzled, and seemed to feel that the chief objection to the Union would be removed. So it's Lincoln, Black Repub lican, prejudice, a name, that is at the bottom of it all. His account of things goes to show that great pains have been taken to drill and discipHne the Rebel troops, and that their cavalry are especially fine. All the sick sent over Gauley last night. A new lot appear today. We have had three deaths by the fever. I now enter on new duties. I must learn all the duties of colonel, see that Colonel Scammon does not forget or omit any thing. He is ready to all but so forgetful. He loves to talk of West Point, of General Scott, of genteel and aristocratic people; and if an agreeable person is found who will seem to WINTER QUARTERS, WEST VIRGINIA, 1861 137 be entertained, he can talk by the hour in a pleasant way to the omission of every important duty. Camp Ewing up Nezv River. November 4. Monday. — Cold and clear ; rain probably over. My boy's birthday — eight years old. It was such a morning as this eight years ago. I hope they are all well and happy at home. They will think of me today as they eat the birthday dinner and give him the birthday presents. Dear boy! This morning four yawls were hauled into camp. It shows that it is intended to cross the river and attack the enemy. The blunder is in hauling them up in daylight. The enemy have thus been told of our design and will guard the few practicable ferries, as I fear, to our serious loss if not defeat. Stupid! stupid ! About seven hundred and fifty men are present this morning. Sixty-nine are sick. This, after sending off one hundred and fifty-nine sick men. Only one second-lieutenant for duty — a bad showing. Sun shining at 11 A. M. All the company officers gloomy and grumbling. The paymaster coming just at this time is all that makes endurable this state of things. 3 .'30 P. M. — Cannon firing heard. Shelling McCook's camp on the hills below. I order out Captain McIlrath and company to go with Mack's Battery. Camp Ewing, November 4, 1861. Dear Uncle: — Your letter of October 21 came to hand the day before yesterday. I am very glad you are so much better. If you will now be careful, I hope you will be able to get comfort ably through the winter. You have no doubt heard that Matthews has been promoted to a colonelcy and has left us. I have been promoted to his place of lieutenant-colonel. We regret to lose him. He is a good officer. I have now been relieved from duty as judge-advocate, and will hereafter be with my regiment. The colonel of our regiment is a genial gentleman, but lacks knowledge of men and rough life, and so does not get on with the regiment as well as he might. Still, the place is not an unpleasant one. 138 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES The enemy has appeared in some force, with a few cannon, on the opposite side of New River at this point, and on the left bank of Kanawha lower down, and are, in some degree, obstructing our communications with the Ohio. To get rid of this, we are canvassing divers plans for crossing and clearing them out. The river here is rapid, the banks precipitous rocks, with only a few places where a crossing, even if not opposed, is practicable; and the few possible places can be defended suc cessfully by a small force against a large one. We are getting skiffs and yawls from below to attempt the passage. If it is done, I shall do what I can to induce the generals to see before hand that we are not caught in any traps. This is Birch's birthday — a cold, raw November morning — a dreadful day for men in tents on the wet ground. We ought to be in winter quarters. I hope we shall be soon. We are sending from this army great numbers of sick. Cincinnati and other towns will be full of them. . . . [R. B. Hayes.] S. Birchard. Camp Ewing, November 5. — Six hundred and fifty-seven present for duty; sixty-nine sick. Total strength nine hundred and thirty-six. Absent one hundred and ninety-three — all sick but about forty on detached service. Captain Woodward worse and in great danger. Enemy firing again on McCook's camp. No casualties at 10:30 o'clock. Camp Ewing, November 5, 1861. Tuesday morning. Dearest Lucy : — ... We are having stirring times again. The enemy on the other side of New River are try ing to shell such of our camps as lie near the river bank. We are just out of reach of their shot. McCook, in sight of us below, is camped in easy range, and they are peppering at him. I hear their guns every two or three minutes as I write. He doesn't like to move, and probably will not until they do him some serious harm. They fired all day yesterday without doing any other mischief than breaking one tent pole. A ball WINTER QUARTERS, WEST VIRGINIA, 1861 139 or sheU would hardly light before his men would run with picks to dig it up as a trophy. It is probable that we shall cross the river to attempt to drive them off in a day or two. You will know the result long before this letter reaches you. I had a note from Jim yesterday, saying he had reached the steamboat landing below here. We look for him today. I hope he will get up so as to be here to help take care of things here while we cross the river. I have nearly one thousand dollars, seven hundred or eight hundred dollars of which I will send you the first good chance. Two months' more salary is due me besides about eighty-five dollars as judge-advocate. So we shall have funds plenty for this winter. I thought of you all yesterday, and wished I could look in on you at Birch's birthday dinner. You were thinking of the absent father and uncles. * So it is. We love each other so much that on all sad or joyous occasions we shall always have each other in mind. . . . Good-bye. Love to all. Lovingly, Rutherford. Mrs. Hayes. Camp Ewing, November 8. — A beautiful fall day. About six hundred and fifty for duty, about two hundred and twenty-five * Mrs. Hayes, writing November 4, said : "All we lacked of happiness was your presence. Not much time passes that you are not thought of, talked of, and sometimes cried over, but that is always done decently and in order, so I think I pass for one of the most cheerful, happy women imaginable, I do not dare to let Birchie see me downcast for he has so much sympathy that it is very touching to see him, and I do not want to cloud his young life with sorrow. Today is his birthday. He is very happy. Uncle George brought him an air-pistol, and he started to school, all of which, makes him really happy. The book which I get for him from you will complete his joy. . . . I felt finely this morning. Every thing right. . . . But this afternoon, felt almost down. Ruddy's chill is one cause, Birchie's absence another and Fremont the last and greatest. I cannot give him up, yet it looks dark and forbidding. It will be the last moment that I give up his honor, patriotism, and power to successfully command an army." 140 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES sick, present and absent. All sent off who are in hospital but four ; nine hundred and twenty-nine men still in regiment. '•' We are getting ready to leave. I send home all I can, pre paratory for rapid movements with weak trains of transporta tion. Still we have thirty-nine waggons, thanks to Gardner. Captain Woodward died Tuesday, our hardiest officer. In dustrious, faithful soldier, he has made his company from the poorest to almost the best. A sad loss. We send his remains home. Our fourth death in camp. Camp Ewing, November 8, 1861, Thursday A. M. Dearest: — Mr. Fuller, our waggon-master, goes tO' Cincinnati today. We are [so] busy preparing to send expeditions against the enemy, sending off sick and baggage, that I have no time to write. I send you a few things that I would not want lost. My Diary, up to date, for your eye alone, etc., etc. Drs. Joe and Jim are busy as bees also. We shall go into winter quarters in a fortnight or so I think, when we shall have plenty of leisure. I see the papers are full of foolish stories, sent by frightened people to terrify without rhyme or reason. Nobody is hurt by all this cannonading. One killed and three wounded covers the casualties of five days. Our provisions are plenty and we are in no peril here. "Love to all the boys" and Grandma. Bushels — no, oceans for yourself. Affectionately, P. S. — Jim laughs when he sees me and says I must send home my picture to show you that I tell the truth about health. You need not buy any lieutenant-oolonel's shoulder-straps or send me anything more to this region. Mrs. Hayes. * For some weeks after this date, nearly every entry in the Diary- contained a report similar to the one in this paragraph. WINTER QUARTERS, WEST VIRGINIA, 1861 141 Camp Ewing, November 9, 1861. — A wet disagreeable morn ing. Anticipating hasty movements — expeditions without bag gage against the enemy and the like — I yesterday sent home my jottings up to this time and begin today a new book. We were yesterday expecting to use four skiffs or yawls and two boat frames built here covered with canvas in crossing New River at a point five miles above here. It was hoped to surprise the enemy. Indications yesterday showed that the enemy were preparing to meet us. The passage to the water is down pre cipitous rocks six or seven hundred feet. The stream is very rapid and deep. McCook says one hundred yards wide by one hundred and fifty yards deep! The ascent on the opposite side is equally difficult. One hundred men could resist the passage of one thousand. We were not ordered over in view of these facts. What will be done is yet unknown. Last night ate a turkey supper at commisary building [with] Captains Skiles and Drake and Lieutenant Avery and others. Yesterday I drew resolutions on occasion of death of Captain Woodward ; today, on leaving of Colonel Matthews. Last night Sergeant Blish of Company I, a very competent, good officer, died — making, I think, the fifth death in camp in our regiment. Camp Ewing, November 9, 1861. Dear Mother : — It is a rainy disagreeable November day. I have done up all the little chores required, have read the article in November number of the Atlantic Monthly on "Health in Camp," and hope not to be interrupted until I have finished a few words to you. I wish you could see how we live. We have clothing and provisions in abundance, if men were all thrifty — food enough and good enough in spite of unthrift. Blankets, stockings, undershirts, drawers, and shoes are always welcome. These articles or substitutes are pretty nearly the only things the soldiers' aid societies need to send. India-rubber or oilcloth capes, or the like, are not quite abundant enough. Our tents are floored with loose boards taken from deserted secession barns and houses. For warmth we have a few stoves, but generally 142 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES fires in trenches in front of the tents or in little ovens or furnaces in the tents formed by digging a hole a foot deep by a foot and a half wide and leading under the sides of the tent, the smoke passing up through chimneys made of barrels or sticks crossed cob-house fashion, daubed with mud. There is not much suffering from cold or wet. The sickness is generally camp fever — a typhoid fever not produced, I think, by any defect in food, clothing, or shelter. Officers, who are generally more comfortably provided than the privates, suffer quite as much as the men — indeed, rather more in our regiment. Besides, the people residing here have a similar fever. Exposure in the night and to bad weather in a mountain climate to which men are not accustomed, seems to cause the sickness irrespective of all other circumstances. We have nine hundred and twenty- five men and officers, of whom two hundred and thirty are sick in camp, in hospitals in Virginia and in Ohio. Less than one-fourth of the privates are sick. One-half the captains, and one-half the lieutenants are or lately have been sick. Few are seriously or dangerously sick. Almost all are able to walk about. Only five out of about as many hundred cases have died. Three of them were very excellent men. Overwork and an anxiety not [to] give up had much to do with the fatal nature of their attacks. One was one of our best and hardiest captains, and one a most interesting youngster who somehow always re minded me of Birch — Captain Woodward, of Cleveland, and Bony Seaman, of Logan County. I never was healthier in my life. I do not by any means consider myself safe from the fever, however, if we remain in our present location — higher up in the mountains than any other regiment. If I should find myself having any of the symptoms, I shall instantly come home. Those who have done so have all recovered within a week or two and been able to return to duty. I do not notice any second attacks, although I suppose they sometimes occur. Other regiments have had more deaths than we have had, but not generally a larger sick- list. Our men are extremely well-behaved, orderly, obedient, and cheerful. I can think of no instance in which any man has WINTER QUARTERS, WEST VIRGINIA, 1861 143 ever been in the slightest degree insolent or sullen in his manner towards me. During the last week the enemy have made an attempt to dislodge us from our position by firing shot and shell at our camps from the opposite side of New River. For three days there was cannonading during the greater part of daylight of each day. Nothing purporting to be warfare could possibly be more harmless. I knew of two or three being wounded, and have heard that one man was killed. They have given it up as a failure and I do not expect to see it repeated. Dr. Jim Webb came here a few days ago, on a dispatch from the general, and will aid in taking charge of the sick in some part of the army, not in our regiment. He brought many most ac ceptable knickknacks and comforts from home. . . . The newspapers do great mischief by allowing false and ex aggerated accounts of suffering here to be published. It checks enlistments. The truth is, it is a rare thing for a good soldier to find much cause of complaint. But I suppose the public are getting to understand this. I would not say anything to stop benevolent people from contributing such articles of clothing and bedding as I have described. These articles are always put to good use. — Love to all. Affectionately, your son, R. B. Hayes. Mrs. Sophia Hayes. Camp Ewing, November lo, 1861. Sunday morning. — I am officer of the day today and interested in the weather. It stopped raining towards evening yesterday. It is foggy and damp this morning — wiH probably be pleasant during the day. I have to visit all the pickets ; the stations are ten or twelve in number and it takes about three hours' riding to visit them. They are on the Lewisburg pike for three or four miles, on the Chestnut- burg road about the same distance, and on suitable points com manding views of the country on either side and of the river. Went with Colonel Scammon, Captain Crane [Company A, Twenty-sixth Ohio], [and] Lieutenant Avery to Pepperbox 144 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES Knob and looked over into enemy's camps on [the] south side of New River ; thence with Avery to Townsend's Ferry, the pro posed crossing place. Most romantic views of the deep moun tain gorge of New River, near the ferry. Climbed down and up the hill by aid of ropes. Two Rebel soldiers got up an ex tempore skiff, just opposite where our rnen were getting our skiffs, and crept down the cliffs. They came over and were caught by our men as they landed. They were naturally sur prised and frightened. A third was seen on the other bank who escaped. So our scheme is by this time suspected by the enemy. Camp Ewing, November lo (Sunday night late), 1861. Dearest : — I have just returned from a hard day's work examining the romantic mountain gorge of New River which we are preparing to cross, but which I suspect we shall not cross. A glorious day — exciting, and delightfully spent. Got your letter by Dr. Clendenin on my return at dark. A good letter, darling. Write 'em often. Yes, Fremont's removal hurts me as it does you. I hate it as much as I did the surrender of Sumter. It may be justified and required by the facts ; but I don't see it in anything yet published against him. Mrs. Herron is misinformed about Matthews. I know all about it. The colonel would have returned and expected to return. He wished a change immensely, but he would not have resigned. I am sorry to lose him. I know he did his best to get me with him. He got a promise which he thought would please me even better. — It is all agreeable with me here — per fectly so. I can't say when I shall be able to go home. Not for some weeks, but sometime during December or January, I see no reason to doubt that I shall see you. . . . We sent home a lot of things and would send more if we could. (Take care of the soldier with the scalded hand. You will, of course.*) The reason is, the roads are bad and when * Mrs. Hayes wrote November 19 : "We had kept the soldier, Harvey, here. His hand was badly burnt, but mother has dressed it every day, and now it is well." WINTER QUARTERS, WEST VIRGINIA, 1861 145 we move as we must do often, we shall be compelled to leave or destroy all surplus baggage. Affectionately, Rutherford. Mrs. Hayes. Camp Ewing, November ii. Monday. — Today private Roach, Company I, was killed by a pistol shot accidentally dis charged by a comrade. Rode down to reconnoitre enemy's posi-. tion up the river. Saw Captain Mack fire at them with Parrott six-pound guns. Camp Ewing, Virginia, wp New River, twelve miles above Gauley. November 12. Tuesdaxy. — Officer of the day. Rode to Townsend's Ferry to see Major Crawford's folly. Saw it. Preparations to cross New River although the enemy must be aware of our purpose — a thing difficult if unopposed, impossible and ruinous if opposed. Why don't these generals have common sense ? Fayetteville, Virginia, November 19, 1861. (Tuesday). Dearest : — We are housed comfortably in a fine village de serted by its people, leaving us capital winter quarters. Floyd intended to winter here, but since his retreat we are left in possession. We have had severe marching; two nights out without tents — one in the rain and one on the snow. We stood it well. Not a man sick of those who were well, and the sick all im proving — due to the clear frosty weather. Dr. Joe is reading with much satisfaction the news of the success of our fleet. It is most important. We are hoping to stay here for the winter if we do not leave Virginia. It is much the best place we have been in. All, or nearly aU, people gone, fine houses, forage, healthy location, etc., etc. Direct to Gauley as usual. I think of you almost constantly these days. We are now entirely clear of the enemy. I met a party of 10 146 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES Georgians yesterday with a flag of truce; had a good friendly chat with them. They are no doubt brave fine fellows but not hardy or persevering enough for this work. They really envied us our healthy and rugged men. They are tired of it heartily. I can't yet teU when Dr. Joe or Jim or myself will come home, but one of us will pretty certainly come within a fortnight. No, / shall not be able to come so soon, but one of the doctors, will I think. Love to the dear boys and Grandma and so much for your own dear self. Affectionately, R. Mrs. Hayes. Camp Union, Fayetteville, Virginia, November 25, 1861. Dear Mother : — I have just read your letter written at Dela ware, and am glad to know you are so happy with Arcena and the other kind friends. You may feel relieved of the anxiety you have had about me. After several days of severe marching, camping on the ground without tents, once in the rain and once on the snow, we have returned from a fruitless chase after Floyd's Rebel army, and are now comfortably housed in the deserted dwellings of a beautiful village. We have no reports of any enemy near us and are preparing for winter. We should quarter here if the roads to the head of navigation would allow. As it is we shall probably go to a steamboat landing on the Kanawha. Snow is now three or four inches deep and still falling. We are on high ground — perhaps a thousand feet above the Kanawha River — and twelve miles from Gauley Mountain. Our troops are very healthy. We have here in my regiment six hundred and sixty-two men of whom only three are seri ously ill. Perhaps fifteen others are complaining so as to be excused from guard duty. The fever which took down so many of our men has almost disappeared. . . . This is a rugged mountain region, with large rushing rivers of pure clear water (we drink it at Cincinnati polluted by the Olentangy and Scioto) and full of the grandest scenery I have Ohio Major-Generals, 1861-1865. MAJOR-GENERAL 0. M. MITCHEL* 1810-62. MAJOR-GENERAL JACOB D. COX, 18'2S-1900. MAJOR-GENERAL M. D. LEGGETT, 1881-96. * West Point graduate. MAJOR-GENERAL D. S. STANLEY,* 1828-1902. MAJOR-GENERAL Q. A. GILLMORE,* 1825-88. MAJOR-GENERAL ROBERT C. SCHENCK, 1807-82. MAJOR-GENERAL GODFREY WEITZEL,* 1835-84. MAJOR-GENERAL JAMES A. GARFIELD, 1831-81. MAJOR-GENERAL JAMES n. STEEDMAN, 1818-83. WINTER QUARTERS, WEST VIRGINIA, 1861 147 ever beheld. I rode yesterday over Cotton Hill and along New River a distance of thirty miles. I was alone most of the day, and could enjoy scenes made still wilder by the wintry storm. We do not yet hear of any murders by bushwhackers in this part of Virginia, and can go where we choose without appre hension of danger. We meet very few men. The poor women excite our sympathy constantly. A great share of the calamities of war fall on the women. I see women unused to hard labor gathering corn to keep starvation from the door. I am now in command of the post here, and a large part of my time is occupied in hearing tales of distress and trying to soften the ills the armies have brought into this country. Fortunately a very small amount of salt, sugar, coffee, rice, and bacon goes a great ways where all these things are luxuries no longer pro curable in the ordinary way. We try to pay for the mischief we do in destroying corn, hay, etc., etc., in this way. We are well supplied with everything. But clothes are worn out, lost, etc., very rapidly in these rough marches. People disposed to give can't go amiss in sending shoes, boots, stock ings, thick shirts and drawers, mittens or gloves, and blankets. Other knickknacks are of small account. Give my love to Arcena, Sophia, and to Mrs. Kilbourn. Affectionately, R. B. Hayes. Fayetteville (Camp Union), Virginia, November 2/. Wednes day. — We left all baggage on the morning of the 13th early, except what the men could carry, and started down to Gauley to pursue Floyd or rather to attack him. My memo[randa] are as follows : — November 13. — Had a good march down to Gauley — the whole Third Brigade under General Schenck. Weather warm as summer, almost hot. Crossed New River at ferry near its mouth, worked by Captain Lane and his good men, thence down left bank of the Kanawha to the road from Montgomery Ferry to Fayetteville, thence about two miles to Huddleston's farm, where we bivouacked among briars and devil's-needles — officers 148 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES in corn fodder in a crib. The band played its best tunes as we crossed New River, Captain Lane remarking, "I little hoped to see such a sight a week ago when the enemy were cannonading us." About 10:30 o'clock General Schenck got a dispatch from General Benham saying Floyd was on the run and he in pursuit, and urging us to follow. At midnight the men were aroused and at one we were on the way. November 14, Thursday. — A dark, cold, rainy morning. Marching before daylight in pitchy darkness. {Mem. : — Night marches should only be made in extremest cases ; men can go farther between daylight and dark than between midnight and dark of the next day, and be less worn-out.) We stopped in the dark, built fires, and remained until daylight, when we pushed on in mud and rain past enemy's entrenchments on Dickinson's farm to Fayetteville where we arrived about eight or nine A. M. After passing enemy's works, [we found] the road strewed with axes, picks, tents, etc., etc. — the debris of Floyd's retreating army. FayetteviHe, a pretty village, de serted by men and by all but a few women. We quartered with Mrs. Mauser; her secession lord gone with Floyd. We heard P, M. of General Benham's skirmishers killing Colonel St. George Croghan today — colonel of Rebel cavalry and son of Colonel George Croghan of Fort Stephenson celebrity. Died in a bad cause ; but Father O'Higgins, of the Tenth, says he be haved like a Christian gentleman. Colonel Smith wears his sword. Shot through the sword-belt. November 15. Friday. — General Benham's brigade return from the pursuit of Floyd. He runs like a quarter-horse. One of the servants says that when Floyd was here, Mrs. Mauser said she hoped he wouldn't leave. He replied: "I assure you, madam, I'll not leave Cotton Hill until compelled by death or the order of the Secretary of War" ; and, added the darkey, "The next I saw of him he was running by as fast as he could tar." At night, a fierce snow-storm; no shelter for many of the troops; bivouac in it! Saturday, November 16. — General Benham's brigade marched back towards Gauley, leaving here with cheers after their in- WINTER QUARTERS, WEST VIRGINIA, 1861 149 clement night! Colonel Scammon went on reconnaissance to wards Raleigh, in command ; nothing to do. Present for duty four hundred and nine. No sick ; all sick and weakly gave out before we reached here; a number left to guard property, do work at Gauley, etc. November i/. Sunday. — I was sent in command of one hun dred men of Twenty-third and one hundred of Twenty-sixth six miles towards Raleigh to Blake's to watch a road on which it was thought Colonel Jenkins' Rebel cavalry might pass with prisoners and plunder from Guyandotte. We bivouacked on the snow in fence corners — ice half inch thick — and passed the night not uncomfortably at all. A party of Rebels from Floyd's army met us here with a flag of truce. Had a good little chat with several of them. They did not seem at all averse to friendly approaches. It seemed absurd to be fighting such civil and friendly fellows. I thought they were not so full of fight as our men — acted sick of it. One youngster, a lieutenant in Phillips' Legion, T. H. Kennon of Milledgeville, Georgia, wanted to buy back his little sorrel mare which we had captured — a pleasant fellow. They were after Croghan's body. Monday, l8. — No signs of Jenkins last night. Heard cannon firing down Kanawha and got ready some rail barricades under direction of Colonel Ewing — rather shabby affairs; could see it gave confidence to men. Ordered back to Fayetteville; re turned at dark. (Tuesday, 19. — General Schenck and staff left today. Gen eral Schenck sick — not health enough for this work. We are rejoiced reading news of the naval expedition to Port Royal. It looks well. I hope the present anticipations will be fully realized. Wednesday, 20. — A wet disagreeable day. Captain Reynolds returned from a trip to Raleigh with a flag of truce. Town of Raleigh abandoned. Floyd on beyond. They treated the cap tain and his party well. The impression is they are not averse to peace. Once taught to respect the North, they will come to terms gladly, I think. 150 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES Thursday, 21. — Colonel Ewing bent on a quarrel with Avery about an old secesh horse; a nice gentleman. Colonel Ewing, but so "set in his way." Lieutenant Hunter returned. Lieu tenant Warren gone to headquarters to be captain of ordnance. Friday, 22. — Rode alone down to Gauley over Kanawha and Gauley Rivers, up New River, and stayed at headquarters of General Rosecrans. Always treated well there. Ate pickled oysters immoderately and foolishly ; drank mixed drinks slightly but foolishly. But spent an agreeable night with General Rose crans, Major Crawford, and Captain Reynolds and Major Jos. Darr. Good men all. Cold, desperately windy night; slept coldly in Captain Hartsuff's tent. Saturday, 23. — Rode up to Captain Mack's (Regular-army artillery officer) ten miles up N[ew River] and near our old Camp Ewing. Business : To appraise under order from General Rosecrans damage done citizens by our men. Board consisted of Colonel McCook, self, and Captain Mack. Met McCook mend ing road. [He] said he would sign what we should agree to. Did the work and slept with Captain Mack in his new Sibley tent, warmed by a stove. A good institution, if [tent is] floored, for winter. Sunday, 24. — Rode in rain and snow, chiefly snow, down to Gauley over Kanawha and back to Fayetteville; a hard ride in such a day and alone, too. How I enjoy these rides, this scen ery, and all! Saw a teamster with a spike team (three horses) stalled; got on to his leader and tried to help through; gave it up; took a pair of his socks — he had a load. Fayetteville, Virginia, November 27, 1861. Dearest : — I sent you a rifie for Birch. It was loaded, as I learn. The lieutenant promised to take the load out. If he has forgotten it, have our neighbor of all work, comer of Long- worth and Wood, take out the load before Birch plays with or handles it. You may send my vest by anybody coming direct to my regiment. We expect to move two or three days nearer to you the last of this week. The point is not yet known — per- WINTER QUARTERS, WEST VIRGINIA, 1861 151 haps Cannelton or Charleston on the Kanawha. I have got a "contraband," a bright fellow who came through the mountains a hundred miles, hiding daytime and travelling nights to get to us. Daniel Husk is his name. His story is a romantic one, if true, as it probably is. I would have Mr. Stephenson invest in Government 7 3/10 per cent five hundred or six hundred dollars. I shall send you three hundred or four hundred dollars more, as soon as the pay master comes again. . . . Colonel Scammon is absent. I command the regiment and the post, so I am busy. Excuse brevity, therefore. Love to the boys. Affectionately, R. Mrs. Hayes. Fayetteville, Virginia, Thursday, 28. — Thanksgiving at home. Dear boys and wife! I hope they are enjoying a happy dinner at home. Here it is raining and gloomy. We do not yet know where we are to winter; men are growing uneasy and dissatis fied. I hope we shall soon know; and if we are to stay here I think we can soon get into good case again. — Decided that we are to stay here for the winter. Wrote to Uncle and Laura humorous letters — attempts — describing our prospects here. Two smaU redoubts to be built soon. Quarters to be prepared. Rain, mud, and cold to be conquered ; drilling to be done, etc., etc. Fayetteville, Virginia, November 29, 1861. Dear Uncle: — We have just got our orders for the winter. We are to stay here, build a little fort or two, keep here fifteen hundred men or so — sixty horsemen, a battery of four or six small cannon, etc., etc. We shall live in comfortable houses. The telegraph will be finished here in a day or two. We shall have a daily mail to the head of navigation — sixteen miles down the Kanawha. On the whole a better prospect than I expected in western Virginia. Our colonel will command. I am conse quently in command of the Twenty-third Regiment. This is the 152 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES fair side. The other side is, sixteen miles of the sublimest scenery to travel over. \Ye get supplies chiefly, and soon will wholly, by pack mules. We have a waggon in a tree top ninety feet high. If a mule slips, good-bye mule! This is over the "scenery," and where there is no scenery, the mud would apj)al an old-time Black Swamp stage-driver. If rations or forage give out, this is not a promising route, but then we can, if forced, march the sixteen miles in one day — we have done it — and take the mouths to the food if the food can't be carried to the mouths. If the river gets very low, as it sometimes does, the head of navigation will move thirty or forty miles further off; and if it freezes, as it does once in six or eight years, there will be no navigation, and then there will be fifteen hundred souls hereabouts anxiously looking for a thaw. You now have the whole thing. I rather like it. I wish you were in health. It would be jolly for you to come up and play chess with the colonel and see things. As soon as we are in order, say four or five weeks, I can come home as well as not and stay a short time. . . . Sincerely, R. B. Hayes. S. Birchard. Fayetteville, Virginia, November 29, 1861. De.\r Laura: — Thanks for your letter. I hope I may think your health is improved, especially as you insist upon the pair of swollen cheeks. We are to stay here this winter. Our busi ness for the next few weeks is building a couple of forts and getting housed fifteen hundred or two thousand men. We oc cupy a good brick bouse, papered and furnished, deserted by its secession proprietor on our approach. Our mess consists of Colonel Scammon, now commanding [the] Third Brigade, Col onel Ewing of [the] Thirtieth, Dr. Joe, and a half dozen other officers. The village was a fine one — pretty gardens, fruit, flowers, and pleasant homes. All natives gone except three or four families of ladies — two very attractive young ladies among WINTER QUARTERS, WEST VIRGINIA, 1861 153 them, who are already turning the heads or exciting the gal lantry of such "gay and festive" beaux as the doctor. We are in no immediate danger here of anything except starva tion, which you know is a slow death and gives ample time for reflection. All our supplies come from the head of navi gation on the Kanawha over a road remarkable for the beauty and sublimity of its scenery, the depth of its mud, and the dizzy precipices which bound it on either side. On yesterday one of our bread waggons with driver and four horses missed the road four or six inches and landed ("landed" is not so descriptive of the fact as lit) in the top of a tree ninety feet high after a fall of about seventy feet. The miracle is that the driver is here to explained that one of his leaders hawed when he ought to have geed. We are now encouraging trains of pack mules. They do well among the scenery, but unfortunately part of the route is a Serbonian Bog v/here armies whole might sink if they haven't, and the poor mules have a time of it. The distance luckily to navigable water is only sixteen to twenty miles. If, however, the water gets low, the distance will increase thirty to forty miles, and if it freezes — why, then we shall all be looking for the next thaw for victuals. We are to have a telegraph line to the world done tomorrow, and a daily mail subject to the obstacles aforesaid, so we can send you dispatches showing exactly how our starvation pro gresses from day to day. On the whole, I rather like the prospect. We are most com fortably housed, and shall no doubt have a pretty jolly winter. There will be a few weeks of busy work getting our forts ready, etc., etc. After that I can no doubt come home and visit you all for a brief season. So the nice young lieutenant is a Washington. Alas ! that so good a name should sink so low. I am interrupted constantly. Good-bye. Love to all. Can't write often. Send this to Lucy. Affectionately, your uncle, Ruddy. Miss Laura PIatt. 154 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES Fayetteville, Virginia, Saturday, 30. — Snow on the ground ; not cold, but raw and disagreeable. Granting furloughs to four men from each company keeps me busy. A week or two ago the colonel sent a recommendation to appoint Sergeant Haven, of Company A, a captain, for services in connection with our naval expedition across New River. His services were probably important, but the jump over the heads of lieutenants is rather too big. Fayetteville, Camp Union, November 30, 1861. Dearest: — We are now engaged in getting winter quarters fixed comfortably. There are not houses enough to lodge all the men without too much crowding. We hope soon to have elbow-room. We ease it off a little by being very liberal with furloughs. We allow four men — "men of family preferred — " to go from each company for twenty days. As a consequence, there must be daily some of our men going through Cincinnati. The bearer will bring (probably) besides this letter, the accou trements which go with Birt's Mississippi rifle, and a couple of gold pieces, one for a present for you and one for Grandma Webb. We are doing well. Today is bright and warm after a three- days storm of rain and sleet. I had a letter from Laura. You may send my vest; also "Lucile." All sorts of reading matter finds grabbers, but I think of nothing except any stray Atlantic or Harper's of late date. I do not wish to go home for some weeks, but if necessary, I can now go home at any time. I prefer that every other officer should go before I do. Dr. Joe is now acting as brigade surgeon, Colonel Scammon as briga dier, and I as colonel; Dr. Jim, as temporary surgeon of the Thirtieth. All the people hereabouts are crowding in to take the oath of allegiance. A narrow-chested, weakly, poverty-stricken, ignorant set. I don't wonder they refuse to meet our hardy fellows on fair terms. Captain Sperry says : "They are too ignorant to have good health." WINTER QUARTERS, WEST VIRGINIA, 1861 155 Love to "all the boys," to Mother Webb, and ever so much for your own dear self. Affectionately, R. Mrs. Hayes. Sunday, December i, [1861]. — A dry, cold day, no sun, leaden sky, — threatens snow. About noon gets gusty, wintry and colder. No severe cold yet. Am preparing to have regular lessons and drills. P. M. Began to drizzle — a wintry rain. Loup Creek or Laurel, up yesterday, prevented our waggons crossing. Today fifteen wagons with food came in. Read Hal- leck's "Lectures on the Science and Art of War." Goodish. Youth, health, energy are the qualities for war. West Point good enough, if it did not give us so much of the effete. Monday, 2. — Snows all day in the mud. Letter from Lucy dated 24th. Seems in pretty good heart. Kanawha ferry stop ped — flood wood too much for the rope. Men engaged fixing quarters as well as they can in such bad weather. Fayetteville, Virginia, December 2, 1861. Dearest: — . . . Dr. Joe made up his mind to go by the first wagon to Gauley on his way to Cincinnati. Won't the boys jump to see him ! I should like a first-rate pair of military boots — not so high as common — high in the instep and large. Two or three military books — good reading books. We have HaHeck ["Ele ments of Military Art and Science"] an,d Scott's dictionary and don't want them. . . . Affectionately, Mrs. Hayes. Fayetteville, Virginia, Thursday, December 5. — Another bright, warm day; the afternoon was like spring. Held the first meeting of regimental officers in the adjutant's office last 156 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES evening. Went over guard duty in the "Regulations." I learned something and think the others did. Today a foolish young countryman came in with apples, pies and bread, [and] tobacco. Undertook to sell apples at ten cents per dozen, pies twenty cents. The soldiers got mad and robbed the apple cart in the streets. I got mad ; paid the F. F. V. five dollars out of my own pocket; got Colonel Eckley to do like wise; had the colonel informed and the thing suitably noticed. Drilled after parade in a few simple movements; got along tolerably. Friday, December 6. — A warm, bright day. The chaplain returned today ; not an agreeable or useful person. He has been absent over two months. I wish he had not returned. Colonel Scammon gave me a good, long confidential talk. Like all men having some trifling peculiarities which are not pleasant but who are sterling in all important things, he is best liked when best known. He is a gentleman by instinct as well as breeding and is a most warm-hearted, kindly gentleman; and yet many of the men think him the opposite of all this. I must take more pains than I have [taken] to give them just ideas of him. Saturday, December 7. — Another warm, bright day — the roads improving. People come twenty-five miles to take the oath. How much is due to a returning sense of loyalty and how much to the want of coffee and salt, is more than I know. They are sick of the war, ready for peace and a return to the old Union. Many of them have been Secessionists, some of them, soldiers. Rode Schooley's high-tailed, showy horse twice. Drilled after evening parade. Met the sergeants for instruction tonight. Sunday, December 8. — A cloudy morning, threatening rain. After ten A. M. cleared up and a bright, warm day. Inspected quarters informally with Lieutenant-Colonel Eckley. Favorable impressions of his disposition confirmed; dined with him and his adjutant. Lieutenant James, of Urbana, and Rev. Long, ditto. Wrote letters — very short — to Uncle, mother, and Lucy. Had a good drill after evening parade. Colonel Scammon, Lieutenant Gardner, quartermaster, and Major Comly play whist WINTER QUARTERS, WEST VIRGINIA, 1861 157 in the other room. . . . We have intimations that Jenkins and his cavalry are coming in here again. The colonel is taking precautions against surprise. I shall see that my regiment is ready, if possible. Camp Union, December 8, i86i. Dearest : — It is Sunday — inspection day. Visited all quar ters and hospital. All in improving condition. Tell Dr. Joe we have had five bright warm lovely days and a fair prospect for as many more. Roads improving ; telegraph wire here, and will be in working order tomorrow or day after. Have the daily Commercicd mailed to me here from the ofiice for one month. If it comes as often as twice a week, I will renew the subscription, otherwise not. A trunk full of nice doings, socks, mittens, small looking- glasses, needle doings, etc., etc., came up from Gauley among our baggage. Nothing to show who from or who to. I as sumed that it was an instalment from Cleveland for the Twenty- third and Dr. McCurdy disposes of it accordingly. . . . I am feeling anxious about you. Write often all about your self. Love to the dear boys and all. Ever so much for yourself. Affectionately, Mrs. Hayes. Tuesday, December lo. — A Httle warm rain last night: cloudy and threatening rain in morning; turned off bright and clear. Had a good drill after evening parade. Moved into^ a good room in a pretty cottage house owned by J. H. Phillips, a drygoods dealer, who has left with the Rebels. His store was burned by McCook's men because he was a persecutor of Union men. Captain Sperry and Lieutenant Kennedy are my co-ten ants. We shall take good care of the premises and try to leave them in as good condition as we find them. Wednesday, January [December] ii. — A cold morning, threatening rain; rained a little last night. Turned off bright. clear, and cold in the afternoon. Had a headache in morning, 158 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES drank a little bad wine last night ; all right after dinner. Living so cozily in my new quarters. Oh, if Lucy was here, wouldn't it be fine! How she would enjoy it! Darting! I think of her constantly these days. A drill; formed squad in four ranks; marched, closed in mass. Thursday, December i2. — A bright, pretty, cold winter morn ing; our eighth fine day It Ground froze in the morning; dry and warm all day after sun got one-third up. In [the] morning walked with Lieutenant-Colonel Eckley around southern part of town, in the woods, visiting pickets and noticing the lay of the land. He agrees with me that the chief danger of an attack is a hasty assault to burn the town; that for this purpose a stockade or log entrenchment should be thrown up at the lower end of town. Drilled P. M. — No letters or news. Friday, December 13. — Another beautiful winter day — cold, quiet. Sun strong enough to thaw all mud and ice. No ice on streams yet that will bear a man. Building redoubts at either end of town. Since I came to Virginia in July, I have not shaved ; for weeks at a time I have slept in all clothes except boots (occasionally in boots and sometimes with spurs), a half dozen times on the ground without shelter, once on the snow. I have wore [worn] no white clothing (shirts, drawers, etc.) for four months ; no collar or neckerchief or tie of any sort for two months; and have not been the least unwell until since I have taken winter quarters here in a comfortable house. Now I have but a slight cold. December 14, Saturday. — A fine day, warm and bright, — the tenth! Western Virginia is redeeming itself. Our men think there is something wrong. The nights are clear, frosty, and moonHt. Camp Union, Fayetteville, Virginia. Sunday, December 15. — Another fine day. Had a review this morning — fine spectacle. Received a letter from Dr. Joe, dated loth, last night. All well at home. Lucy looking for her troubles to be over soon. Dear Lute! I hope she will get on well. Some fieecy clouds in the sky; the good weather must end soon. WINTER QUARTERS, WEST VIRGINIA, 1861 159 Camp Union, Fayetteville, Virginia, December 15, 1861. Dear Uncle : — I have often wished since I have been in Vir ginia that you were well enough to come and spend a few weeks with me. I have never wished it more than now. I am quartered alone in a pleasant cottage house, with plenty to run and do whatever I want done. The weather is lovely. We are drilling our men, building forts, etc., etc., and are undisturbed by the world. The people hereabouts, many of them fresh from the Rebel armies, come in, take the oath, and really behave as if they were sick of it, and wanted to stop. Nothing but ill luck, or a great lack of energy, will prevent our wiping out the Rebellion, The common people of this region want to get back to coffee and salt and sugar, etc., etc., none of which articles can now be got through whole extensive districts of country. If nothing occurs to prevent, I shall come home in January for thirty days. Will visit you at Fremont, if you do not happen to be in Cincinnati or Columbus. . . . Good-bye, S. Birchard. R. B. Hayes. Camp Union, Monday, December 16, 1861. — A beautiful day. Rode with Colonel Scammon to Townsend's Ferry. That is we rode to the top of the cliffs on New River; thence with six men of Company B we scrambled down by the path to the river, perhaps by the path three-quarters of a mile. A steep rocky gorge, a rushing river, the high precipices, all together make a romantic scene. It was here we intended to cross with General Schenck's bri gade to cut off Floyd's retreat. Boats were prepared, four skiffs brought from Cincinnati, but the river rose, just as we were about to cross, making it impossible. It has always been a question since whether the enemy were aware of our purpose and would have opposed our crossing. I supposed that so much work preparing could not have escaped their notice, and that they were ready for us. Opposition on such a path would have 160 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES been fatal. From all I saw at the ferry, I am inclined to think they knew nothing of our purpose. There are no signs of pickets or ambuscades to be found on this side. The distance from the river to this village is only two miles and we could probably have taken it and held it. The bold enterprises are the successful ones. Take counsel of hopes rather than of fears to win in this business. Fayetteville, Virginia, December i6, 1861. Dearest: — ... I think of you constantlty now. Keep up good courage. Let me know all about you all the time. I will send you a dispatch from here as soon as our operator is at work just to show you that we are not far apart. We are very healthy and contented here. The sick are less and less daily. I see somebody knits woollen gloves for soldiers. That's sensible. A few stockings, gloves, woolen shirts, and the like are always wanted at this season. I write this by Captain Howard. He is probably to resign on account chiefly of ill health. Kisses for all the boys and "love you much." Affectionately, R. Did you get the gold pieces, etc? Mrs. Hayes. Camp Union, Tuesday, December ly, 1861. — Our thirteenth fine day. The frost still coming out of the ground ; freezes hard nights, thaws all day in the sun. Mud deeper in many places than it was a week ago ; on the hills and ridges getting dry. . . . Drilled as usual at night. Men improving in drill. Lieutenant Durkee returned yesterday or day before — health restored ; weighs one hundred and eighty [pounds], looks well; left Camp Ewing over the river in October, apparently a doomed man. Captain Moore returned today, apparently in good health. Talks gloomily of the regiment ; thinks Captain Drake, Lieutenant WINTER QUARTERS, WEST VIRGINIA, 1861 161 Avery, etc., will not return; that he and most of the officers will resign. Chief difficulty is the governor appointed Major Comly in my place as major. It [the appointment] ought to have been made from our own regiment. Captain Drake was recommended and would have been satisfactory to a majority. But Major Comly has shown himself so diligent, gentlemanly, and reasonably [reasonable], withal so well acquainted with tactics and the duties of a soldier, that those who have been here the last six weeks are reconciled to his appointment and think it is well for the regiment. Captain Moore also reports an impression he got that I was to be a colonel soon and leave the regiment. I don't believe it. Camp Union, Tuesday, December 17, A. M., 1861. Dearest : — I can't let another chance slip without a letter to show you I am thinking of you. Still lovely weather. Rode to the scene of the naval expedi tion on this side of New River, a romantic place. I send this by Lieutenant Kennedy's father. He brought from Bellefontaine gloves, socks, blankets, and shirts — enough and to spare all around — for Captain Canby's company. I get something every time anything comes. We are in glorious trim now. Some of the companies still lack comforts, but we drill with life. The paymaster is here and it is white days with us. The Rebels are getting sick of it. Nobody but Jenkins holds out in all this country. Rebel soldiers come and give up their arms, etc. Dearest, good-night. Love to all the boys and Grandma. . . . I do hope you will get along well. You shall keep Dr. Joe till the trouble is over. Affectionately, TVT TT R- B. Hayes. Mrs. Hayes. Fayetteville, Virginia, Camp Union. Wednesday, December 18. — Another fine day. Sergeant John McKinley, Company 11 162 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES G, left for Mount Vernon this morning; took a letter to Lucy and a watch to be repaired. He is a character, an erect, neat, prompt old soldier. English of Lancaster, or rather Irish of England, he talks the most profuse flattery, but it does win, fulsome as it is. He does his whole duty. As he left me he said "I want to see that 'Lieutenant' from before your name. Every good man should go up." Drilled as usual. Weather very warm at evening. "Jeff Davis," a boy who came into Camp Chase with Company A and who drilled like an old sergeant, though aged but thirteen, returned yesterday from Cleveland. Camp Union, Fayetteville, Virginia, December i8, 1861. Dearest : — You will think I have nothing to do but to write to you. I can't let a good chance slip without sending you word that "I am well and doing well and hope, etc." Sergeant Mc Kinley, an old soldier, or rather I ought to say an experienced soldier, offers so generously to go and see you that I must let him. Birch ought to hear him talk. He has many scars received in battle, and Birt would like to hear about them. He is trusty. Love to all the boys and ever so much for yourself. I suspect I am getting more anxious about you than the people at home. You must keep up good heart. We shall be together pretty soon again. If we have another little boy, we will have enough for a file in four ranks — which Birtie knows, I suppose, is requisite for a march by the flank. "Companions in battle" they are called. If it is a daughter, why bless you darling, won't we have a nice family? . . . This is our fourteenth beautiful day and prospects of more, teU Joe. — Love to all. Affectionately, dearest, your R. Mrs. Hayes. WINTER QUARTERS, WEST VIRGINIA, 1861 163 Camp Union, Fayetteville, Virginia, December 19, 1861. Dear Uncle : — Yesterday morning, a party of contrabands started for Ohio. It is not unlikely that some of them will find their way to Fremont. Allen, a mulatto, with his wife and one or two children, is one of a thousand — faithful, intelligent, and industrious, — will do for a house servant — would just answer your purpose. His wife can cook — is neat and orderly — a most valuable family, you will find them, if you put them into the new house, or anywhere else. If you don't want them, you can safely recommend them. Quite a number have come to me, but these are the pick of the lot. They have another black man and wife with them who are well spoken of ; I do not know them. It is, of course, doubtful whether Allen will find you; I think he wiH. I send him because I think he will just answer your purpose. They will all be entitled to freedom, as I understand the rule adopted by our Government. Their master is a Rebel, and is with Floyd's army as quartermaster, or the like, being too old for a soldier. These people gave themselves up to me, and I let them go to Ohio. The rule is, I believe, that slaves coming to our lines, especially if owned by Rebels, are free. Allen gave me valuable information as to the enemy. These facts, if nec essary hereafter, can be proved by members of Captain Mcllrath's Company A, Twenty-third Regiment, Cleveland, or of Captain Sperry's Company H:, Ashtabula County. Of course, there is little present danger of attempt to recapture them under the Fugitive Bill, but it may be done hereafter. You, perhaps, know that Dr. Joe took a contraband to Cin cinnati. These people do not go to Cincinnati, preferring the country, and fearing relatives of their master there. The party start for Gallon in company with the servant of one of our men ; from there, they will probably get to you. Sincerely, S. Birchard. ^ ^- ^^^^^- Camp Union, Fayetteville, Virginia. Friday, December 20. — A. M., before breakfast, some clouds and wind but sun now 164 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES shining. Change threatened. We have here Twenty-sixth Regi ment, now under Lieutenant-Colonel Eckley, who also commands the post; Thirtieth Regiment, five companies, under Colonel Ewing; Twenty-third, now under my command; McMullen's Battery, and a Pennsylvania cavalry company, stationed on the road towards Raleigh. Twenty-third here 550, Twenty-sixth, 600, Thirtieth, 200, battery, 40, cavalry, 40 — 1430 men. Building two forts on hill northeast of town, one on hill southwest of town. Wind and clouds during the day, but the sun shone brightly on our dress parade, making this our sixteenth good day. Saturday, 21. — A cold, bright winter day. Sent a dispatch home to Lucy. Paymaster here getting ready to pay our men. The James D. (Devereux) Bulloch* was a good friend of mine at Middletown, Connecticut, (Webb's school) in 1837-8 from Savannah, Georgia — a whole-hearted, generous fellow. A model sailor I would conjecture him to be. Rebel though he is, I guess him to be a fine fellow, a brave man, honorable and all that. It is rumored that Great Britain will declare war on account of the seizure of Slidell and Mason. I think not. It will blow over. First bluster and high words, then correspondence and diplomacy, finally peace. But if not, if war, what then? First, it is to be a trying, a severe and dreadful trial of our stuff. We * Pasted in the Diary is the following clipping from the Richmond News of November 30: — "Captain James D. Bulloch, who lately suc cessfully ran the blockade while in command of the steamship Fingal, has arrived in Richmond. He thinks there is a likelihood of Lord Palraerston's proving indifferent to the question involved in the seizure, by Captain Wilkes, on the high seas, from a British vessel, of Messrs. Mason and Slidell." Captain James D. Bulloch was the "Naval Representative of the Confederate States in Europe" during the Civil War. It was under his direction and through his energy that the Alabama and other cruisers were built and equipped to prey on American commerce. In 1883 Captain Bulloch published in two volumes a most interesting narrative, entitled "The Secret Service of the Confederate States in Europe, or How the Confederate Cruisers Were Equipped." It may also be recalled that Captain Bulloch was a brother of President Roosevelt's mother. WINTER QUARTERS, WEST VIRGINIA, 1861 165 shall suffer, but we will stand it. All the Democratic element, now grumbling and discontented, must then rouse up to fight their ancient enemies the British. The South, too, will not thou sands then be turned towards us by seeing their strange alHes? If not, shall we not with one voice arm and emancipate the slaves? A civil, sectional, foreign, and servile war — shall we not have horrors enough? Well, I am ready for my share of it. We are in the right and must prevail. Six companies paid today. Three months' pay due not paid. A "perfectly splendid" day — the seventeenth ! I Sunday, December 22. — The Forefathers' day — Pilgrim day. We are at the same high cafl here today — freedom, freedom for all. We all know that is the essence of this contest. Cold, but the sun gilds the eastern sky as I write, and a few thin clouds gathered during the night are rolling away. . . . At 3:30 P. M. a cold rain begins to fall — the end of our fine weather. How long shall we now be boused up by stormy weather? . . . Monday, December 23. — Wet, cold, windy ; sleet last night. Five companies of the Thirtieth came up last night. Little lor no preparations to shelter them — all their field officers gone. A sorry plight. At dinner today with Captain Sperry and Lieutenant Ken nedy, I was handed the following dispatch: "Cincinnati, December 23, 1861. "Lieutenant-Colonel R. B. Hayes, Twenty-third Regiment. "Wife and boy doing well. Stranger arrived Saturday eve ning, nine o'clock P. M. J. T. Webb." Good! Very! I preferred a daughter, but in these times when women suffer so much, I am not sure but we ought to rejoice that our girls are boys. What shall I call him? What will Birt say, and Webb, and Babes? "Babes" no longer. He is supplanted by the little stranger. Cold wind and snow-storm outside. Dear Lucy! I hope she will keep up good heart. I replied by telegraph : "Congratulations and much love to mother and son. All well." 166 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES Camp Union, December 23, 1861. Dearest : — I am so happy to hear today by telegraph that your troubles are over (at least the worst, I hope) and that "mother and son are doing well." Darling, I love you so much and have felt so anxious about you. The little fellow, I hope, is healthy and strong. It is best it was not a daughter. These are no times for women. . . . What do the boys say? . . . Tell me all about him. Captain Sperry will take this. I shall time it so as to come about the time that Dr. Joe will leave — say, the 15th to 20th January, unless something occurs to stop it. I shall send either to you or to Platt five hundred dollars by Captain Sperry. Get aH you want — Christmas presents for the boys and all. Kiss the boy, yes, "all the boys" for me. Affectionately, R. Mrs. Hayes. Fayetteville, Virginia, December 23, 1861. Dear Uncle : — I have just heard by telegraph of the birth of my fourth son. In these times, boys are to be preferred to girls. Am glad to hear Lucy is doing well. . . . Yes, we are in winter quarters, most comfortable quarters. I have to myself as nice a room as your large room, papered, carpeted, a box full of wood, and with a wild snow-storm blow ing outside to make it more cheerful by contrast. We have had eighteen days of fine weather to get ready in, and are in pretty good condition. We have our telegraph line running down to civilization; get Cincinnati papers irregularly from four to ten days old. I have enjoyed the month here very much. Busy fortifying — not quite ready yet, but a few more days of good weather will put us in readiness for any force. The enemy are disheartened ; the masses of the people want to stop. If England does not step in, or some great disaster befall us, we shall conquer the Rebellion beyond doubt, and at no distant period. . . . WINTER QUARTERS, WEST VIRGINIA, 1861 167 I shall go home about the time Dr. Joe starts back here — say the 15th to 20th January, if nothing new occurs to prevent. If you can't come down to Cincinnati, I shall go to Fremont. Sincerely, R, B. Hayes. S. Birchard. Headquarters 230 Reg't. O. V. Inf. U. S. A., December 23, 1861. Dear Doctor: — Thanks for your letter of the i6th. You win of oourse stay with Lucy until after she is out of all danger, if it is a month or more, and all will be weh. Some arrange ment, or no arrangement, it will be all right. I will come home unless something turns up to prevent, which I do not anticipate, so as to reach there just before you leave. McCurdy would like to go home during the next month, but it can all be arranged. I will make Jim assistant at any time if it is thought best, but I do not wish to put him over McCurdy. This, however, need not trouble you. You can stay as long as you please, and I will see it duly approved. You have authority to send home our men, but to stop all cavil I send you an order which you can fill up with the name of any officer, commissioned or non-commissioned, who you think can be trusted, directing him to bring here all men who are able to come. At dinner just now I got your dispatch as to the boy. . . . Welcome to the little stranger! I hope he will be stout and healthy. . . . Did Lucy get a draft for eighty-seven dollars by Captain Drake or Lieutenant Richardson, and two gold twenty-doUar pieces by a Company A man? Get Lucy for me some ring or "sich" thing that she wiU like — something nice. Sincerely, R. B. Hayes. Dr. J. T. Webb. 168 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES Tuesday, December 24. — Good weather. Moderately cold; ground frozen so it wiH bear teams, whitened with a thin sprinkling of snow. Captain Sperry left this morning with Sergeant Hall and Private Gillet for home via Cincinnati. . . . Fayetteville, Virginia, Wednesday, 25. — A beautiful Christ mas morning — clear, cool, and crisp (K. K. K.), bright and lovely. The band waked me with a serenade. How they im prove ! A fine band and what a life in a regiment ! Their music is better than food and clothing to give spirit to the men. . . . Dined with Mcllrath's company — sergeants' mess; an eighteen-pound turkey, chickens, pies, pudding, doughnuts, cake, cheese, butter, coffee, and milk, all abundant and of good quality. Poor soldiers ! A quiet orderly company under good discipline ; speaks well for its captain. In the evening met at the adjutant's ofiice the commissioned officers of the regiment. Much feeling against the promotion from third sergeant to captain of Company G of Sergeant Haven, Company A. It was an ill-advised act. I think highly of Sergeant Haven. He will, I think, make a good officer. But the regular line of promotion should [be departed from] only in extraordinary cases, and then the promotion should be limited to the merits of the case. The lieutenants passed over — all the first and second-lieutenants — are much dissatisfied and the captains who are not yet reconciled to the major are again ex cited. They have a story that the colonel recommended Sergeant McKinley for promotion to a first lieutenancy. It can't be pos sible, and if not, the other case will lead, I think, [to] no un pleasant action. We adjourned to my quarters. I sent for oysters to the sutler's; got four dollars and fifty cents' worth and crackers. They were cooked by Lieutenants Warren and Bottsford. A good time ; Bottsford, a little merry and noisy. Present, Major Comly, Captains Canby and Moore, First-Lieutenants Warren, Hood, and Rice and Naughton, Second-Lieutenants Bottsford, Hastings, Ellen, Adjutant Kennedy, Stevens. Retired at 11 P. M. WINTER QUARTERS, WEST VIRGINIA, 1861 169 Camp Union, Christmas morning, 1861. Dearest: — A merry Christmas to you and the little stranger (I suppose he is a stranger to you no longer) — and to aH at home. At this home-happiness season, I think of you constantly. ... Oh the boys, how they must enjoy Uncle Joe and the presents ! You will see they get some from "Uncle Papa" too. A Dr. Hayes is here as brigade surgeon. Scarcely any sick in our regiment, so Dr. Joe can feel easy about his absence. Beautiful weather again. Only one bad day. The rest of the Thirtieth has come up. It is now the strongest regiment here. This half is better stuff too and had some service. Captain Zimmerman takes this. I sent a chair and five hundred dollars, by Captain Sperry. Let Joe tell me what money you have received from me. It is all right, I suppose, but I would like to know. . . . Affectionately, darling, Mrs. Hayes. „ Thursday, December 26. — A cloudy day — thawing and muddy. The colonel is planning an expedition through Raleigh to Princeton to capture what is there of the enemy, — viz. six hundred sick with a guard of about one hundred men, arms and stores, with a possibility of getting Floyd who is said to be without guard at and to burn the railroad bridges near Newbern. The plan is to mount one-half the force on pack mules and ride and tie — to make a forced march so as to surprise the enemy. He does not seem willing to look the difficulties in the face, and to prepare to meet them. He calls it forty or fifty miles. It is sixty-seven and one-half. He thinks men can move night and day, three of four miles an hour. Night in those muddy roads wiH almost stop a column. With proper preparations, the thing is perhaps practicable. Let me study to aid in arranging it, if it is to be. Dear wife! how is she? — Soon after breakfast the sun chased the clouds away and we had a warm spring day. The bluebirds are coming back if they ever left. Our twenty-first fine day this month. 170 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES Friday, December 27. — A cold and windy but ciear morning — good winter weather. It was warm last night until 2 [A. M.], wind veered around from south to north and [it was] cold as blazes (why blazes?). Rode with Major Comly down to Cap tain Mcllrath's. He preferred remaining in his quarters to a trip to Raleigh. Five companies to be sent to Raleigh to occupy it, — to push further if best to do so. Drilled in a clear, brisk air. Colonel Scammon is preparing to send to Raleigh in the hope that a party of the enemy at Princeton may be surprised; also that railroad bridges near Newbern may be destroyed. Harvey Carrington and T. S. Dickson, Company C, complain of Sergeant Keen and Thomas Mason for keeping two hundred and ten dollars won at "Honest John." They say the agree ment was that whatever was lost or won was to be returned and that they played merely to induce others to play. I told them that as they, by their own stories, were stool-pigeons, they were entitled to no sympathy. They admitted that much of the money had been won gaming. I declined to order the money returned to them. I sent for Sergeant Keen and Mason, who denied the story of Carrington and Dickson, but admitted winning the money. I ordered them to pay the money into the company fund of Company C where it will be used to buy gloves and such other comforts as the Government does not furnish for all the company. Saturday, December 28. — Cold very, but still and clear — good weather. Warm in the afternoon. Rode with Colonel Scammon to the different works. They are well done as works, not very necessary, and not perhaps in the very best localities, but well enough. They are, I suspect, creditable to Colonel Scammon as military earthworks of no great pretension. At tended the funeral of another man of Company B. Sad and solemn. The lively music after all is over offends my taste. — A good, lively drill. Camp Union, Fayetteville, Virginia, Sunday, December 29. — Major Comly (J. M.) with five companies marched today to occupy Raleigh twenty-five miles south of here. Companies F WINTER QUARTERS, WEST VIRGINIA, 1861 171 and G, Twenty-third, two companies of Thirtieth, and one com pany. Twenty-sixth. Weather, bright and clear; ground, frozen hard; roads, good. Success attend them! Company inspection. Camp Union, Fayetteville, Virginia, December 29, 1861. Dearest: — I have no letter from home since the boy was born. I have by mail ConMn,ercials of several days later date and hoped for a letter; but I comfort myself by thinking that all is going well with you, or the telegraph would inform me. I now begin to think anxiously of coming home. If nothing occurs unforeseen, I must get home before the next month runs out. We have sent Major Comly with a detachment to occupy Raleigh, twenty-five miles further into the bowels of the land, and his absence may prevent my coming so soon as I hope, but I shall come if possible. Dr. McCurdy is sick, and will probably go home soon. Dr. Hayes, the brigade surgeon, seems to be a nice gentleman, and gets along well with Dr. Jim, as surgeon of the Twenty-third. Colonel Scammon has been unwell, and says that while he likes Dr. Hayes as a gentleman, he would prefer to be doctored by Dr. Joe, and inquires often as to his coming. I tell him Dr. Joe will in no event return before the lOth and not then unless you are out of all danger. Make Joe tell me all about "the boy." Does "the face of the boy indicate the heart of the boy"? Do you love him as much as the others ? Do you feel sorry the fourth was not a daughter ? I think it's best as it is. — Love to "all the boys" and kiss the little one. Affectionately, ..,.,., R. B. Hayes. Mrs. Hayes. Monday, December 30. — A "magnificent splendid" day — the twenty-fifth fine day this month; twenty-five out of the last twenty-six!! The companies at Raleigh diminish our strength. Five hundred and twenty present. Total in companies here seven hundred and forty-three. 172 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES Tuesday, December 31, 1861. — New Year's Eve — the last day of the year — a busy day with me. A review, an inspection, and a muster of the regiment all by me ; also an inspection of McMullen's Battery. Yesterday received letters from Platt and Dr. Joe. The little stranger is more like Birt than the others and smaller than Rud. Birch indignant that he isn't big enough to drill ! — A lovely day today. Twenty-six fine days this month; a few [of] them cold, not severely so, but all good weather. Lucy getting on well. Good, all ! CHAPTER XVII CAMP ROUTINE AND IMPATIENT WAITING, WEST VIRGINIA WINTER 1862 /~^AMP Union, Fayetteville, Virginia, Wednesday, New v-/ Year's Day, 1862. — Sun shone brightly an hour or two ; mild winter weather, then windy and threatening. Rode with Colonel Scammon four or five miles southwest of town. Wind blew all day as if a storm were by brewing, but no rain or snow. I set it down as a pleasant day. Number i for January 1862. At dinner, speaking of naming my boy, I said: "The name was all ready if I had heard that a daughter was born." "Fanny Lucy" or "Lucy Fanny" — linking together the names of the two dear ones, wife and sister. Dear Fanny! what an angel she was, and, may I hope, now is. Heard from home. Sergeant [John] McKinley, with letter and watch — tight, drunk, the old heathen, and insisting on seeing the madame! I didn't dream of that. He must be a nuisance, a dangerous one too, when drunk. A neat, disciplined, well-drilled soldier under rule, but what a savage when in liquor ! Must be careful whom I send home. Thursday, January 2, 1862. — Cleared off moderately cold ; quiet and beautiful weather. Remarkable season. Rode with Colonel Scammon about the works. Major Comly reports finding about one hundred and twenty muskets, etc., concealed in and about Raleigh; also twelve or fifteen contrabands ar rived. What to do with them is not so troublesome yet as at the East. Officers and soldiers employ them as cooks and servants. Some go on to Ohio. Nobody in this army thinks of giving up to Rebels their fugitive slaves. Union men might perhaps be differently dealt with — probably would be. If no doubt of their loyalty, I sup pose they would again get their slaves. The man who repu diates ah obligations under the Constitution and laws of the (173) 174 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES United States is to be treated as having forfeited those rights which depend solely on the laws and Constitution. I don't want to see Conjfress meddling with the slavery^ question. Time and vthe progress jof events a.resqlYing-.il- the questions arising out •^or slavery in a way consistent with eternal principles of justiceL I Slavery is getting death-blows. As an "institution," it perishe.s in this war. It will take years to get rid of its debris, but the ^'sacred" is gone. Fayetteville, Virginia, January 2, 1862. Dearest: — I hope you all enjoyed New Year's Day. I dis patched you "a happy New Year's" which I suppose you got. We had nothing unusual. The weather still good. Twenty-six fine days in December, and a start of two for the new year. Dr. Jim got a letter from Joe yesterday. Sergeant McKinley was drunk. I doubted him somewhat, but thought if trusted with an errand, he would keep straight until it was done. A good soldier in camp — somewhat obtrusive and talkative, but always soldierlike. He got into the guard-house for raising Ned at Gallipolis."' For convenience of forage, and at the request of Union citi zens, a detachment of five companies — two of Twenty-third, one of Twenty-sixth, and two of Thirtieth — have occupied Raleigh. All quiet there. One or two other places may be occupied in the same way, in which case I shall go with the next detachment. This all depends on the continuance of good weather and roads. I do not mean to let it prevent my going home the latter part of this month, and it will not unless the enemy wakes up again. At present their attention is so occupied on the seacoast and elsewhere that we hear nothing of them. . . . Dr. Hayes is a quiet, nice gentleman. Jim likes him very much. Jim is now act ing surgeon of the Twenty-third under employment by Dr. * Mrs. Hayes wrote, January 5 : "Your Sergeant McKinley is a curiosity. . . . Don't say anything about the sergeant's condition when he called, for getting home had overcome him and it did not affect me in the least." CAMP ROUTINE — WINTER 1862 175 Hayes as "a private physician" — that is, at a hundred dollars per month. As detachments are likely to be sent off if this good weather lasts. Dr. Joe better return when it is perfectly safe for him to do so — not before. I shall come home as soon as possible. Nothing but these good roads and fine weather keeps me here now. If the weather and roads were bad I would start within a week; but in such weather I don't feel that it would be safe to leave. We may be required to move forward, or to be ready for movements of the enemy. Such weather puts us into a campaign again. We have had men sixty miles further south and forty east within a- week or ten days. No symptom of enmity anywhere. . . . Affectionately, R. Mrs. Hayes. Friday, January 3. — Last evening threatened snow but too cold. Today cold and dry. P. M. 4 o'clock began to rain ; may rain for a month now. Charles, an honest-looking contraband — six feet high, stout- built, thirty-six years old, wife sold South five years ago, — came in today from Union, Monroe County. He gives me such items as the following: Footing boots $9 to $10. New boots $18 to $20. Shoes $4 to $4.50. Sugar 25 to 30 [cents a pound], coffee 62^, tea $1.50, soda 62}^, pepper 75, bleached domestic 40 to 50 [cents a yard.] Alex Clark [his master], farmer near Union (east of it), Monroe County, one hundred and fifty (?) miles from Fayetteville — fifty miles beyond (?) Newbern. Started Saturday eve at 8 P. M., reached Raleigh next Monday night ; crossed New River at Packs Ferry. ( Packs a Union man. ) Companies broken up in Rebel army by furloughs, discharges, and sickness. Rich men's sons get discharges. Patrols put out to keep slaves at home. They tell slaves that the Yankees cut off arms of some negroes to make them worthless and sell the rest in Cuba for twenty-five hundred dollars each to pay cost of war. "No Northern gentlemen fight — only factory men 176 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES thrown out of employ." They (the negroes) will fight for the North if they find the Northerners are such as they think them. Union is a larger and much finer town than Fayetteville. Wil liam Erskine, keeper of Salt Sulphur Springs, don't let Rebels stay in his houses. Suspected to be a Union man. Lewisburg three times as large as Fayetteville. Some Fayetteville people there. People in Greenbrier [County] don't want to fight any more. General Augustus Chapman the leading military man in Mon roe. Allen T. Capdton, the other mem[ber] of Legislature, Union man, had his property taken by them. Named Joshua Seward, farmer. Henry Woolwine, ditto, for Union, farmer, [living] near Union — three and three and one-half miles off. Dr. Ballard a good Union man (storekeeper) on the road from Giles to Union, twelve miles from Peterstown, also robbed by Floyd. Wm. Ballard and a large connection, all Union men — all in Monroe. Oliver Burns and Andrew Bums contributed largely to the Rebels. John Eckles in Uniqp has a fine brick house — a Rebel colonel. Rebels from towards Lynchburg and Richmond would come by way of Covington, forty-five miles from Union. Landlords of principal hotel Rebels — one at Manassas. Two large, three-story high-school buildings, oppo site sides of the street, on the hill this end of town. "Knobs," or "Calder's Peak," three miles from town. A hilly country, but more cleared and better houses than about Fayetteville. They "press" poor folks' horses and teams not the rich folks'. Poor folks grumble at being compelled to act as patrols to keep rich men's negroes from running off. "When I came with my party, eleven of us, in sight of your pickets, I hardly knew what to do. If you were such people as they had told us, we would suffer. Some of the party turned to run. A man with a gun called out halt. I saw through the fence three more with guns. They asked, 'Who comes there?' I called out 'Friends.' The soldier had his gun raised ; he dropped it and said : 'Boys, these are some more of our colored friends,' and told us to 'come on, not to be afraid,' that we were safe. Oh, I never felt so in my Hfe. I could cry, I was so full of joy. And I found them and the major (Comly) and all I have seen so friendly — such perfect CAMP ROUTINE — WINTER 1862 177 gentlemen, just as we hoped you were, but not as they told us you were." Saturday, January 4, 1862. — Major Comly calls his camp at Raleigh "Camp Hayes." It rained last night as if bent to make up for the long drouth. Foggy this morning ; warm and muddy enough to stop all advances. Besides, yesterday the Twenty- sixth Regiment was ordered from here to Kentucky. Two other regiments go from below. Ten regiments from New York in same direction. Such an immense force as is gathering ought to open the Mississippi River, capture Memphis, New Orleans, and Nashville before the heat of summer closes operations on that line. Oh, for energy, go-ahead! With horses here we could do wonders, but such a rain as last night forbids any extensive movement. Sent today as recruiting officers for the regiment Captains Lovejoy and Skiles, Sergeants Hicks and Powers, privates Seekins and Lowe, to report at Camp Chase to Major McCrea, U. S. A. No rain today, but mist and clouds with occasional flakes of snow. Camp Union, Fayetteville, Virginia, January 4, 1862. Dear Mother : — I have a chance to send letters direct to Columbus by a recruiting officer this morning and write in great haste. We are still in good quarters and good health. The peo ple we meet are more and more satisfied that it is best to return to their allegiance. Our men, pickets and outposts, are daily pushed out further into what has been the enemy's country, and everywhere they meet friends, or at least people who no longer behave like enemies. Part of our regiment is fifty miles south of here, and no signs even of hostility from anybody. Not a man has been fired at in this brigade for more than a month. If no disaster befalls our armies on the Potomac or in Kentucky, the masses of the people in Virginia are ready — would be glad — to submit. England out of the way, and a little patience and determination will crush the Rebellion. 12 178 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES You say you are glad I am coming home — that you didn't expect it. I hope to start the latter part of this month. All the officers but five have been home and returned or are now absent. My turn is next to the last. I shall go before Colonel Scammon. Of course, events may occur to prevent my leaving, but I don't anticipate them. Affectionately, your son, R. B. Hayes. Mrs. Sophia Hayes. Camp Union, January 4, 1862. Dear Doctor : — You have probably learned that Dr. Mc Curdy has gone home to recruit his health. If Dr. Jim does not break down (I have some fears on that score) this absence of Dr. McCurdy need not hasten your departure. Our men are generally very healthy ; the sick are daily returning, for the most part well. Captain Skiles and Captain Lovejoy are to recruit in Ohio. It is possible that I may not come, if Lucy gets on well, until you return. If we do not move the Twenty-third on to Raleigh, I would prefer to wait, if possible, until you get here. If we go on to Raleigh where Major . At this point, I learned that the Twenty-sixth is ordered to Kentucky. If so, it win stop our going on to Raleigh; besides, it has just begun to rain, so I suppose we are fixed. If so, I shall be coming home in two or three weeks, I think. Possibly "not. You need send me nothing except newspapers. The Comm,ercial via Galli polis by mail comes in good time. We have some interesting contrabands coming in daily. Eleven came in yesterday. The rain seems to be a "settled" one. If so, all movements in this quarter are at an end. Sorry, but it can't be helped. . . . Yours, R. Dr. J. T. Webb. Fayetteville, Virginia, Sunday, January 5, 1862. — Ground frozen, moderately cold. A slight swelling of the left gland of the throat — the first symptom of influenza since I came to CAMP ROUTINE — WINTER 1862 179 war. Generally with the first cold weather in November and frequently again in the latter part of the winter, I have a week's pretty severe influenza. I think I shall escape it this year, not withstanding this slight symptom. Orders issued for a march to Raleigh early Tuesday morning — Twenty-third and Thirtieth to go, with intention to push farther if possible. But I suspect the weather and roads forbid. In the evening rain and sleet. Monday, January 6. — Snow on the ground. Rainy and blustering — turning into a big fall of snow soon after noon. . . . A big snow-storm — wind whistling in its wintriest way. Not so severe as the northwest storms of the lake shore, but re spectable. Fayetteville, Virginia, January 6, 1862. Dear Joe : — I yesterday received yours of the 26th ; at the same time the Commercial of the first — six days later. Am glad to know you are doing so well at home. . . . We go up to Raleigh tomorrow. A considerable march in the winter, if the mud thaws, as now seems likely. There is no difficulty in teams reaching [there] with goods and stores, but footing it, is, to say the least, disagreeable. Don't buy a new chest for me or anybody now. In the spring will be time enough. It is possible you wiU start for here before this reaches Cin cinnati; if not, come on, unless you hear by telegraph, without delay, if the condition of the family will allow. Love to all the dear ones — "wee" one and all. Yours, R. Dr. J. T. Webb. Fayetteville, January 6, 1862. Dear Mother: — I yesterday received your letter dated Christmas. It was very welcome. I also got a letter from home of one day's later date. Glad to know you are all well. It is impossible yet to fix the time of my visit home. It may be a month yet. If the weather allows, we are going tomorrow to Raleigh — twenty-five miles further from the steamboat landing. 180 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES and rendering our communications with home somewhat more precarious. We are now in a region where the resident population is friendly, and we are urged to come to Raleigh by Union citi zens for protection. We have established a camp there, and may, perhaps, push our movements further toward the interior. . . . I am busily engaged getting ready to move. January 7. — It has been snowing steadily for several hours, and all thought of going further is indefinitely postponed. We shall stay in our comfortable quarters until the snow melts, and the floods abate, and the weather again allows the roads to settle. This, very likely, will not be until after my visit home, so I shall not see "Camp Hayes," as my friend Major Comly has cahed the post at Raleigh, until after I see some other Hayeses who are in another direction. I suspect I shall get home in between three and four weeks. I know no reason which will prevent my visit ing you at Delaware and uncle at Fremont for a day or two each. Affectionately, Your Son. Mrs. Sophia Hayes. Tuesday, January 7, 1862. — Snowing scattered flakes. Not more than three inches of snow has fallen. The weather is not cold for the season. Seven companies here now. Joseph Bean resides nine miles from Boyer's Ferry on the old road between pike and river, five miles from Sewell (Mount) Camp; a Union man. . . . Mr. Bean is on the common errand, justice (possibly, vengeance or plunder) against his Rebel neighbors. Very unreliable stories, these. The day before Christmas private Harrison Brown, Company B, stole a turkey from a countryman who came in to sell it. I made Brown pay for it fifty cents and sent him to the guard house over Christmas. I hated to do it. He is an active, bright soldier, fuH of sport and lawless, but trusty, brave and strong. He just came in to offer me a quarter of venison, thus "heaping coals of fire on my head." He probably appreciated my disagree able duty as well as any one and took no offense. Lieutenant Avery (Martin P.) and Lieutenant Kennedy are CAMP ROUTINE — WINTER 1862 181 my messmates. Avery is a capital soldier. He joined the regular army as a private, five or six years ago, before he was of age, served a year and a half; joined the Walker expedition to Nicaragua, was in several fights and saw much severe service. He joined a company in Cleveland as a private — was made a second lieutenant and has since been promoted to first and was by me appointed adjutant. He is inteUigent, educated, brave, thoroughly trained as a soldier and fit to command a regiment. Kennedy is of Bellefontaine, an agreeable, gentlemanly youngster, dead in love, reads novels, makes a good aide, in which capacity he is now acting. Took a long walk with Avery in the snow. Tuesday, January 7, 1862. Dearest L — : — The enclosed letter to Dr. Joe did not get off yesterday and thinking it likely he may be off, I enclose it with this to you. Since writing yesterday a deep snow has fallen postponing indefinitely all extensive movements southward. We shall have a thaw after the snow, then floods, bad roads for nobody knows how long, and so forth, which will keep us in our comfortable quarters here for the present at least. Write me one more letter if you can before I come home. I shall not leave for home in less than three weeks. I trust my absence will not continue much longer than that time. Take care of yourself and you will be able to be up with me and about long before I leave. I must visit Columbus, Delaware, and Fremont (unless Uncle happens to be at Cincinnati) while at home, besides doing a great many chores of all sorts. I don't expect you to be able to go with me, but I hope you will be well enough to be with me a good deal while we are in Cincinnati. I just ran out in the snow to detail four men to run down a suspicious character who is reported as hanging around the hos pital and lower part of the village. A queer business this is. I sent Laura some letters written by lovers, wives, and sisters to Rebels in Floyd's army. The captured mails on either side afford curious reading. They are much like other folks — those Rebel sweethearts, wives, and sisters. 182 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES I trust we shall crush out the Rebellion rapidly. The masses South have been greatly imposed on by people who were well informed. I often wish I could see the people of this village when they return to their homes. On the left of me is a pleas ant cottage. The soldiers, to increase their quarters, have built on three sides of it the awkardest possible shanty extensions — one side having a prodigious stone and mud chimney, big enough for great logs ten feet in length. On three of the prominent hills of the village considerable earthworks have been built. There are no fences in sight except around the three buildings occupied by leading officers. Such is war. One young lady writing to her lover speaks of a Federal officer she had met, and laments that so nice a gentleman should be in the Union army. . . . . /ou must be ever so careful for a good while yet. Good night, dearest. Much love to all and, as about forty affectionate Rebels say, a large portion for yourself. Affectionately, R. Mrs. Hayes. Wednesday, January 8. — "New Orleans," "The Union — it must and shall be preserved," "Old Hickory forever." These are the watchwords of today. This is our coldest day — clear, bright, and beautiful. Not over three inches of snow. Rode with Adjutant Avery and two dragoons to Raleigh, twenty-four miles. A cold but not disagreeable day. The village of Raleigh is about ten to twelve years old ; three or four hundred inhabitants may have lived there before the war; now six or eight families. Two churches, two taverns, two stores, etc., etc., in peaceful times. Our troops housed comfortably but too scattered, and too little attention to cleanliness. {Mem.: — Cooking ought never to be allowed in quarters.) I fear proper arrangements for repelling an attack have not been made. Thursday, January 9, 1862. Raleigh, Virginia, (Beckley's Court-house). Cloudy; rained during last night, thawing. CAMP ROUTINE — WINTER 1862 183 foggy, etc., etc. Rode with Avery to the mill of young Mr. Beckley on Piney River. Found it a most romantic spot. Beck- ley's family, a pretty wife and daughter, there in a cabin by the roaring torrent in a glen separated from all the world. I shall long remember that quiet little home. — One man of com pany died at Fayetteville. Friday, January jo.— -Heard rumors from Fayetteville of a great battle and victory at Bowling Green. Three thousand of our men killed and wounded. Enemy driven into the river — camp taken. One adds thirteen thousand taken prisoners. Floyd captured, says another. Fort Sumter retaken, says a third, and so on. Rode to Raleigh [slip of the pen for Fayette ville] with Avery, — very muddy — twenty-five miles in five to six hours. Rumors of the battle varied and conflicting. We ask all pickets and all we meet. As we approach Fayetteville the rumor loses strength. At Fayetteville, "Nothing of it. Colonel," says a soldier. So we go. Fayetteville, Camp Union, January ii. Saturday. — Pleasant weather — warm and very muddy. A soldier of Company C died last night. Few cases of sickness but very fatal ; calls for great care. Must see to clean livers at once. Made the com mander of the post vice Colonel Eckley who is to leave with the Twenty-sixth (he to command the Eightieth) in a day or two. Sergeant McKinley brings me a letter from Lucy, the first since her confinement. She says she is well again ; calls, as she speaks of him, the little fourth "Joe." Well, Joe it shall be — a good name, after the best of brothers and uncles. Reports of preparations southward to meet and cut off our expedition to the railroad and the impassable roads have fast bound our intended enterprise. Sunday, January 12, 1862. — Very warm, threatening rain all day. Three of our men died yesterday and today — two of them just recruited. Good letter from Dr. Joe. Bothered about our not going to Kentucky and such nonsense, but full of interesting particulars about the boys and family. 184 RUTHERFORD CIRCHARD HAYES Fayetteville, Virginia, Sunday A. M., January 12, 1862. Dearest Lucy : — I was made very happy by your letter of the 6th per Sergeant McKinley, and again this morning by a capital account of the boys — rose-colored by his affectionate partiality, but very enjoyable — from Dr. Joe. Such letters from home are next to meeting you all again. You speak of the fourth boy as "Joseph." Well, "Joe" it shall be if you wish it. Indeed, I thought of suggesting that name but I didn't know what you might have thought of, and one dislikes sometimes to disregard suggestions even on such subjects, and I thought to be, like Lincoln on the Mason and Slidell question, prudently silent. I hope you are not getting about the house so early as to put in hazard your health. Do be very careful. We are letting a good many of our soldiers go home now that the snow, rain, and thaw have spoiled the roads. Joe seems worried that we are not holding somebody's horses in the "grand army" (a foolish phrase) in Kentucky. We are, or rather, have been, having our share of enterprises towards the jugular vein of Rebeldom — the Southwestern Virginia Railroad, and have cap tured arms, etc., in quantity. I was out beyond Raleigh ("Camp Hayes") last week and returned the day before yesterday. Such consternation as spread among the Rebels on the advance of our troops was curious to behold. The advance party went fifty miles from here. People prepared to go as far up as Dublin Depot. Regiments were sent for to Richmond. Rumor said two bodies of Yankees, one thousand strong, were approaching, one on each bank of New River. The militia of five counties were called out, and a high time generally got up. There are many Union men south of here who kept us well posted of Rebel movements. Major Comly is left at Raleigh, and I feel somewhat apprehensive about him. Since the Twenty-sixth has been recalled, I am put in command of the post here. I just stopped writing to give a pass to Ohio for a man belong ing to the sutler department of the Thirtieth who turned out to be a Kinsell of Delaware. He promised to see mother. I wrote a short note to you or Joe this morning, saying he had CAMP ROUTINE — WINTER 1862 185 better come home (camp is always spoken of as home) if he can safely leave you. Colonel Scammon is really quite unwell, and while he likes Dr. Hayes as a gentleman, would prefer Dr. Joe as a physician. Dr. Jim or I can perhaps go to Cincinnati on his return. My going is rendered doubtful for the present by the departure of Colonel Eckley of the Twenty-sixth and the sickness of Colonel Scammon. Colonel Ewing of the Thirtieth will not return until the first week in February. I may possibly be obliged to await his return. 13th. — The newspapers from the Commercial office still get here three or four days in advance of other news, except dis patches. I shall send home a sabre captured by Company G on the late trip up New River towards the railroad. It is one of about a dozen taken, which belonged to a company of Rich mond cavalry commanded by Captain Caskie. I send you the letter I got from Major Comly with the sabre. You will send Joe off as soon as it is safe for him to go. I am always amused with his talk on one subject. He is re solved to consider our regiment as a much abused and neglected one. We were in about the only successful campaign made the past summer. We have the best winter quarters in the United States. He thinks we can't be favorites of General Rosecrans because he don't send us away to Kentucky or somewhere else I And so on. But old bachelors must grumble at something, and as he seems now to be enjoying everything else, it is perhaps right that he should be unhappy about the regiment. . . . I feel a little embarrassed about Joe. He says, "Telegraph if you want me," etc., etc. Now, the truth is, he ought not to be absent without or beyond his leave. I have constantly said that if it was not safe to leave you he ought to stay, and I would see it [made] all right. This I repeat. But what annoys me is, Joe seems to feel as if something was wrong about the regiment; as if he would like to leave it, etc., etc. Now, if he isn't satis fied with it, I will do all I can to get him a place in another regiment. Don't let him stay in this on my account. I am liable to leave it at any time, and I really don't want anybody in high position in the regiment who is dissatisfied, and particularly if he is a friend or relative of mine. I feel a duty in this matter. 186 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES The happiness of several hundred men is affected more or less if one of the prominent officers allows himself to be habitually out of sorts about things. You may show this to Joe. Don't let there be any misunderstanding. I prefer greatly that Dr. Joe should be our surgeon, but if he feels that he can't return to western Virginia, or go anywhere else that the chances of war may take us, without feeling injured and soured, then my preference is that he do not come. I will do all I can to get him another place, as I said before, but I don't want to see him with us if he feels "snubbed" because we are not sent to Kentucky. I ought not to trouble you with this, but it is written and you will not think me unkind, will you? Love to all the dear boys, little Joe and all. Very glad Mother Webb is so well. Affectionately, as ever your R. Mrs. Hayes. Sunday, January 12, 1862. Dear Joe: — . . . Generally healthy ; less sickness than ever, but more fatal. Come as soon as you safely can. Jim or I will return as soon as you get here. Can't come now. Don't think our position an insignificant one. We make more captures and do more than any regiment I have yet heard of in Kentucky. Worrying on such subjects is simply green. It makes me laugh. I was much interested in your account of the boys ; very glad to have such favorable stories of them all. Love to 'em. Sincerely, R, B. Hayes. Dr. J. T. Webb. Monday, January 13, 1862. — As commander of the post have charge of the pass business. Have deputized to do the clerkly part, and private Gray, Company I, to do the orderly and department part, an erect, neat, fine old soldier; like him much. . . . CAMP ROUTINE — WINTER 1862 187 The Twenty-sixth preparing to leave. Will take William Smith, a crack shot and well known bushwhacker, to Charleston or Columbus. James Phillips the owner of this cottage was in the habit of going to Miller's Ferry to shoot at our men. Mr. Mauser opposed it, said the town would be burned. To no purpose. PhilHps kept at the business. Tuesday, January 14, 1862. — My old veteran orderly, Gray, says it makes his flesh creep to see the %vay soldiers enter offi cers' quarters, hats on, just as if they were in civil life! [The] Twenty-sixth Regiment left today. Three or four inches snow. Some winter ! Spent the afternoon looking over a trunk full of letters, deeds, documents, etc., belonging to General Alfred Beckley. They were buried in the graveyard near General Beckley's at Raleigh. Some letters of moment showing the early and earnest part taken by Colonel Tompkins in the Rebellion. The general Union and conservative feeling of General Beckley shown in letters carefully preserved in his letter-book. Two letters to Major Anderson, full of patriotism, love of Union and of the Stars and Stripes — replies written, one the day after Major Anderson went into Sumter, the other much later. His, Gen eral Beckley's, desire was really for the Union. He was of West Point education. Out of deference to popular sentiment he qualified his Unionism by saying, "Virginia would stay in the Union as long as she could consistently with honor." General Beckley's note from "J. C. Calhoun, Secretary of War," informing him of his appointment as a cadet at West Point, and many other mementos, carefully preserved, were in the trunk. Title papers and evidence relating to a vast tract of land, formerly owned by Gideon Granger and now by Francis Granger and brother, were also in it. All except a few letters as to the Rebellion were undisturbed. January 75. Wednesday. — A swashing rain is falling on top of the snow. What floods and what roads we shall have ! No more movements in this quarter. Yesterday a party from Camp Hayes went out after forage to the home of a man named Shumate who had escaped from the guardhouse in Raleigh a 188 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES few days ago. They stopped at his house. As one of the men were [was] leaving, he said he would take a chunk along to build a fire. Mrs. Shumate said, "You'll find it warm enough before you get away." The party were fired on by about thirty bushwhackers ; two horses badly wounded. Four men had nar row escapes, several balls through clothing. Two more contrabands yesterday. These runaways are bright fellows. As a body they are superior to the average of the un educated white population of this State. More intelligent, I feel confident. What a good-for-nothing people the mass of these western Virginians are! Unenterprising, lazy, narrow, listless, and ignorant. Careless of consequences to the country if their own lives and property are safe. Slavery leaves one class, the wealthy, with leisure for cultivation. They are usually intelligent, well-bred, brave, and high-spirited. The rest are serfs. Rained all day ; snow gone. I discharged three suspicious persons heretofore arrested ; all took the oath. Two I thought too old to do mischief, Thurman and Max; one I thought pos sibly honest and gave him the benefit of the possibility. He was from Logan County. Knew Laban T. Moore and my old friend John Bromley. John, he says, is "suspect" of Secesh. Thursday, January i6, 1862. — Bright, warm weather. Col onel Scammon moved from Mrs. Manson's house to Dr. Stites'. Lieutenants Warren and Smith start for Ohio. / send letters to Mother, Uncle, and Lucy. Warm and so muddy. The Ka nawha up. Three steamboats at Loup Creek. Navigation good. Not having written "Thursday" above until this moment I thought it was Wednesday, and by a bet with Lieutenant Reichenbach lost a bottle of wine and the sardines. Present Dr. Jim W. [James Webb] ; Lieutenants Reichenbach, Avery, and Kennedy. I fear Avery loves liquor "not wisely but too well." Major Comly says he has captured two hundred and five law books. Fayetteville, January 16, 1862. Dear Lucy : — Lieutenants Warren and Smith leave today. We are very weH. Mud awful deep and streams overflowing. CAMP ROUTINE — WINTER 1862 189 I shall apply for leave of absence soon after Captains Sperry and Zimmerman return, provided Dr. Joe is here. Of course it would not do for two prominent officers of the same family to be absent at the same time. These leaves of absence are so abused, that in the absence of some great necessity, I would not leave my regiment unless plenty of officers remain. I shall leave about the last of the month, I think, unless Dr. Joe should be detained on your account. I am writing in much haste with a host of citizens growling. Love to all. Good-bye, dearest. R. B. Hayes Mrs. Hayes. Fayetteville, Virginia, January i6, 1862. Dear Uncle : — I am in receipt of your favor of New Year's. So Allen got along. I hope he will not cause you more bother than he is worth. He was a good man here. I shall not be at all surprised if some day his owners undertake to recover him. You need not say this to him. His master still refuses to come in and take the oath of allegiance although an opportunity has been given him. He is a Rebel in the Rebel service. We are doing well in all respects. I was at Camp Hayes, twenty-five miles further south, last week. They have pretty active times there with a few Rebel bushwhackers that infest the roads. Men are occasionally slightly wounded, but the shooting is from such great distances, and with common rifles, that no serious harm is done. The vast majority of the people are friendly. As soon as four or five absent officers return, I shall ask for leave of absence. Say, in about three weeks. Sincerely, S. Birchard. ^- S- H^yeb. Friday, January 17, 1862. — 'FxQzt last night to harden mud; cold and clear this morning ; warm and bright all day. We feel rather lonely — so many gone. One regiment departed. 190 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES We hear of the resignation of Cameron and Welles. What does this mean? I think we must gain by it. I hope such men as Holt and Stanton wiH take their places. If so, the Nation will not lose by the change. Read Nat Turner's Insurrection of 183 1. I suspect there will be few such movements while the war continues. The negroes expect the North to set them free, and see no need of risking their lives to gain what will be given them by others. When they discover their mistake and despair of other aid, then trou bles may come. Saturday, January 18, 1862. — Attempting to rain this morn ing. All important movements everywhere stopped by the rain and mud already. Still further "postponement on account of weather." How impatiently we look for action on Green River [and] at Cairo. As to the Potomac, aH hope of work in that quarter seems to be abandoned. Why don't they try to flank the Rebels — get at their communications in the rear? But patience! Here we are in a good position to get in the rear via two railroads. Suppose two or even three or four bodies of men were to start, one by way of Lewisburg for White Sulphur Springs and Jackson Depot, one via Peterstown and Union, east side of New River, for Central Depot, one via Princeton and Parisburg [Pearisburg] right bank of New River, for Dub lin, and another via Logan Court-house for some point lower down on the railroad. A heavy rain falls — warm, spring-like, copious. The scen ery of New River is attractive. The river runs in a deep gorge cut through the rock to a depth of one thousand to two thou sand feet. The precipitous cliffs, occasionally cut through by streams running into the river, the rapid rushing river, and brawling mountain streams furnish many fine views. The Glades, a level region near Braxton and Webster Counties, where streams rise, and a similar region, called the Marshes of Cool, are the cattle grounds of this part of western Virginia. Braxton and Webster are the haunts of the worst Rebel bush whackers of the country. Steep mountains, deep gorges and glens afford them hiding-places. They are annoying but not CAMP ROUTINE — WINTER 1862 191 dangerous except to couriers, mail-carriers, and very small par ties. They shoot from too great a distance at large parties to do much harm. . Fayetteville, Virginia, January 19, Sunday A. M. — It rained almost all night; still falling in torrents. A great freshet may be expected. . . . Great war news expected. Burnside's expedition sailed ; near Cairo, a great movement forward ; Green River, ditto. What we need is greater energy, more drive, more enterprise, not unac companied with caution and vigilance. We must not run into ambuscades, nor rush on strongly entrenched positions. The battle of New Orleans and many others in our history teach the folly of rushing on entrenchments defended by men, raw and undisciplined it may be, but all of whom are accustomed to the use of firearms. Such positions are to be flanked or avoided. Camp Union, Fayetteville, Virginia, January 20, 1862. Mon day. — This is the birthday of sister Fanny. Dear, dear sister, so lovely, such a character! She would have been forty-two years old today. Now six years — six years next June — since she left us. Rained during the night. Warm, and probably more rain today. This is the January thaw. The mud is beaten down by the rain. The thunder roaring now. Very few thunder-storms ; not more than three or four since we came to western Virginia. A pleasant luH in the storm gave me a chance for a parade last evening, or rather the adjutant asked if we should have one. I, supposing him to be joking, said, "Yes, the weather is so favorable." He ordered it and I was caught. I got a cap tured Caskie Cavalry sabre, slung if across my shoulder, and went through with [it] . We returned in column by companies closed in mass. The men marched well in the mud and it went off with spirit. Spent the evening reading the [Cincinnati] Gazette of the i6th, eating peaches with Avery and Gardner, and listening to their tales of life on the plains and in Mexico. Avery's story 192 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES of the Navajos running off goats and sheep and his killing an Indian wiH do to tell Birch. Tuesday, January 21, 1862. — Colder, but still raining. What a flood this wiU cause if it's general, as I think it is. After being aroused by Thomas building a fire, I fell into a doze and dreamed. I thought Lucy had come and was in the room opposite to mine. I seemed to be partially asleep, and couldn't awake. She came in and stood by the bedside, not very affectionate in manner. I tried to arouse and succeeded in telling her how much I loved her. She was kind but not "pronounced." I thought, as I happened to see little Joe in her arms, that she was waiting to see me notice him and was hurt that I had not done so sooner. I spoke up cheerfully, held out my arms for him. I saw his face. He was a pretty child — like Webb, with sister Fanny's eyes, a square forehead, but his face looked too old, bright, and serious for a boy of his age; looked as a child of two or three years who had lost flesh. I also dreamed during the night of being at home — anxiously, so anxiously, looking at the newspapers for news from the Cairo expediiion; feared it would be defeated; reflected on the ad vantages the enemy had in their fortifications over an attacking party, and began to feel that the news must be disastrous. Wednesday, January 22, 1862. — Cold, threatening rain or snow all day. ... In the evening reports from Raleigh. Three of Company K, Thirtieth, and young Henderson, scout Company H, captured by the enemy. Report says no fighting except by Henderson. No other fired a gun. Rumor says they were drunk. A great bushwhacker captured with three others. In the night bushwhacker taken with pains in his bowels — roHed over the floor, etc., etc., suddenly sprang up, seized two muskets and escaped! This is the official (false!) report. The other prisoners report that the sentinels were asleep, and the bushwhacker merely slipped out, taking two muskets with him. Report says that three thousand milish of Mercer [County] are on or near Flat Top Mountain twenty miles from Raleigh and thirteen hundred cavalry!! CAMP ROUTINE — WINTER 1862 193 Three prisoners brought down last night. Captain McVey, a bushwhacking captain, armed with sword and rifle, was ap proaching a Union citizen's house to capture him, when [the] Union man, hearing of it, hid behind a log, drew a bead on Secesh as he approached, called out to him to lay down his arms, which Secesh prudently did, and thereupon the victor marched [him] to our camp at Raleigh. Another prisoner, a son of General Beckley, aged about sixteen. Why he was taken I don't understand. He carried dispatches when the militia was out under his father, but seems inteUigent and well-disposed. Dis liking to see one so young packed into a crowded guardhouse (thinking of Birch and Webb, too), I took him to my own quarters and shared my bed with him last night. He talked in his sleep incoherently, otherwise a good bedfeHow. Thursday, [January] 23. — A pretty fair day, warm and no rain. Dr. Joe arrived. Friday, [January] 24, 1862. — A cold morning, ground frozen; promises to be a fine day. Snowed all the afternoon. A busy day. Had a good confidential talk with Colonel Scammon. He gains by a close and intimate acquaintance. Alfred Beckley, Jr., left with a pledge to return if he failed to get exchanged for young Henderson, Company H, Twenty- third, the captured scout. Two women wanted me to compel a neighbor to pay for tobacco and hogs he had stolen from them. One had a hus band in the Secesh army and the other in the Union army. An old man who had been saved by our soldiers because he was a Mason, so he thought, wanted pay for rails, sheep, and hogs; another, for hogs; another would give security for his good behavior, having been discharged, on condition he would do so, from Columbus, Ohio. Sixteen Rebels captured in Raleigh County by Captain Haven sent in. Thirteen of our men found thirteen of them in a house armed to the teeth. They surrendered without firing a shot ! ! A mail-carrier caught with letters of the 17th. Many from soldiers of the Twenty-second Virginia to their friends in Boone County. 13 194 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES Dr. Joe in a stew and much laughed at by Dr. Jim and myself because he left his trunk, etc., on the river in a big skiff in charge of a blacksmith he had never seen before. Saturday, January 25. — Snow thawing into the deepest mud and slush imaginable. Thawed into water; sky cleared off; a drying wind and a pleasant evening. Examined the eighteen prisoners; generally gave me truthful answers; a queer lot of people. Yesterday had pictures taken — Avery, Sperry, Adjutant Bottsford, Thomas (our colored man), and Gray, the Scotch veteran orderly, at dinner table and fencing. Great news of a victory at Cumberland Gap. I hope it is true. Sunday, [January] 26. — A lovely winter day, frozen in the morning, warm and thawing before noon. Inspected with Ad jutant Avery the quarters ; creditably clean. Feel happy today ; fine weather, good health, the probable victory over ZolHcoffer, the prospect — this chiefly — by next Sunday of seeing my dar ling Lucy and the boys — "all the boys." A pleasant trip with Lieutenants Avery and Ellen and two riflemen of Company B to Long Point, with its romantic views of New River. The only dash to this pleasure is the report that my friend Bob McCook is seriously wounded. Later, not seriously only gloriously wounded. Good ! He and I were friends before the war and more intimately since. His regi ment and ours also fraternized very cordially — Yankees and Germans. Sperry went to Raleigh last night with Company B. Monday, [January] 27, 1862. — Snow, sleet, finally rain. Ru mors of "Secesh" cavalry and troops in various directions. Six hundred crossing Packs Ferry, threatening Raleigh. A like number of cavalry crossing to Princeton, ditto. Colonel Tomp kins and a regiment above Camp Lookout, etc., etc. All prob ably with very slight foundation in fact. Two howitzers sent to Camp Hayes. Houses prepared to resist an attack by Major Comly. The major is plucky beyond question. All safe in that quarter. CAMP ROUTINE — WINTER 1862 195 Tuesday, January 28, 1862. — Dr. Jim left this morning for home, taking letters to Lute, Mother, Uncle, Platt, and others. Warm and bright all day, but oh, so muddy ! Called on by two really good-looking ladies — Mrs. Thurman (husband Secesh sol dier) and Miss Mary Mars. General Rosecrans replies to my application for thirty days' leave : "Ask Hayes if thirty days isn't too long for these times ?" I construe this as friendly, but the colonel thinks it is another instance of injustice to him. He thinks after he has recommended it, and in view of the fact that Colonel Ewing has over sixty days. Colonel Fyffe ditto, Lieutenant-Colonel Eckley about the same, Majors Ferguson and Degenfeld and Lieutenant-Colonel Jones, all of this brigade, and all our company officers, it looks unfair. "Ah, but," said I, "circumstances may have changed." "Yes," said he, "but I have judged of that in asking the leave, and he don't take my judgment." Well, well, I have made up my mind to do my duty and do it cheerfully in this war, and if orders don't suit me I shah obey them without demur. Captain Gunckle, ordnance officer, Gauley, will furnish new bright muskets, shoulder-straps and plates, and ball and buck cartridge. [Fayetteville], January 28, 1862. Tuesday A. M. — before breakfast. Dear Lute : — I am getting impatient to be with you. I have sent for leave of absence during the month of February. I expect to get a favorable answer so as to leave here by the last of the week. If so, nothing but some inroad of the enemy south of us will delay my coming. They are threatening "Camp Hayes" — mustn't let that be taken — and we sent Captain Sperry's company and two of McMullen's Battery there in the night, last night. I suspect that will settle the thing. I am delighted with the Kentucky victory, and particularly that my friend McCook and his regiment take the honors. We were good friends before the war, but much more intimately so since 196 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES we came into service. Our regiments, too, fraternized more cordially with each other than with anybody else. Do not give it up, if I should not come quite so soon as I wish. I am bent on coming as soon as possible — am getting ready. Sold my horse. Sorry to do it, but he was unsafe — would sometimes stumble. WiH get another in Ohio. I do want to see you "s'much," and I love you ''s'much.'' Good-bye. Affectionately, R Mrs. Hayes. Fayetteville, Western Virginia, January 28, 1862. Dear Brother William : — The excellent glass has reached me. It is all I could ask. I will settle with you when I see you. In the meantime, accept thanks. I have applied for leave of absence during February, and if granted, shaU leave for home the last of the week. We are a good deal in the field just now, and have made some good moves lately, considering the weakness of our forces, and that we have but forty cavalrymen. I see in the papers a good deal said about "too much cavalry accepted." If we had only five hundred now, we could do more injury to the enemy than has yet been done by the Port Royal expedition. We are elated with the victory in Kentucky. I am especially pleased that McCook gets the plumes. Sincerely, R. B. Hayes. W. A. Platt, Columbus, Ohio. Thursday, January 30, 1862. — Rained heavily last night, nearly all night; cloudy this morning. Received permission for twenty-one days to go home, from headquarters, seven days additional from Colonel Scammon, and an assurance of three days' grace. Total thirty-one. People constantly come who are on their way to Ohio, Indi ana, or other Western States. Many of them young men who CAMP ROUTINE — WINTER 1862 197 are foot-loose, tired of the war. No employment, poor pay, etc., etc., is driving the laboring white people from the slave States. Mr. ElHson and his wife and Httle boy are here to see their son John R., who is a prisoner in our guardhouse; to be sent to the government prison at Columbus as a prisoner of war. They seem glad to find their son safe out of the Rebel ranks and not at all averse to his going to Columbus as a prisoner of war. Their only fear seems to be that he will be exchanged into the Rebel army again. Spent the evening in a jolly way at headquarters with Avery, Kennedy, Hunter, etc. Colonel Scammon gone to Raleigh; ex pected his return but didn't come. Read the "Island," in "Lady of the Lake," to Avery. Camp Union, January 31, 1862. — Inspection day. Good weather untU dark when a rain "set in." Had a review and inspection. Satisfactory. Cannon firing with a new brass six- pounder, cast by Greenwood. First two shots four hundred and fifty yards, plumb in line, two and one-half feet below the centre of the target. At parade, had practice in musket firing — six rounds — eight hundred shots. Put one hundred and fifty- four baHs in a board five feet high by twenty inches broad — one hundred yards. Very good. A jolly evening. Read the letters in the 27th and 28th Commercials to Avery, Bottsford, Captain Moore, Dr. Webb, etc. ; then a talk and laugh at campaign jokes. Colonel Scammon returned from Raleigh; thinks the mud too deep for forward movements for a month or six weeks. Camp Union, Fayette, Virginia, February i, 1862. — Rain all night last night; mud indescribable and unfathomable. Lieu tenant Avery and Secesh prisoners start today. At 2 P. M., having heard that General Schenck would perhaps reach camp in a day or two, and fearing that he would object to my absence (he having himself been away two months and over!!) I started on the doctor's stumbling gray for Loup Creek Landing. It rained a cold storm, mud deep. Thomas, the gay, dramatic colored servant of Dr. Webb, and my orderly (Barney) in a waggon with my baggage. I got to Loup Creek 198- RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES Landing, sixteen miles, after dark alone. Stayed there in a cabin, fitted up with bunks for soldiers, with Lieutenant Avery's guard of the seventeen Secesh prisoners. BiU Brown the life of the party. Poor accommodations for sleeping. Little sleep ing done. So ends the first. Loup Creek Landing, five miles below Landing, February 2. — Sunday morning finds us waiting for a steamboat to get down Kanawha River. General Meigs took us aboard about 12 M. A cold ride — occasional gleams of sunshine — down the Ka nawha to Charleston. A picturesque vaHey, high hills, ruins of salt-works, etc., etc., a fine river, make up the scene. A servant girl of Mrs. Mauser, apparently under the auspices of Thomas (he passed her on the steamer as his wife!), was met by our team yesterday and taken aboard a half mUe out of Fay etteville. She must have been there by preconcert with Thomas. The feeling of the soldiers, a sort of indifferent satisfaction, eas ily roused to active zeal, expressed itself, "Another shade of Mrs. Mauser's lost." Not another syllable by way of comment in a circle of six around the camp-fire. Reached Charleston before dark. Avery and I took quarters at the Kanawha Plouse, a good hotel. Visited General Cox; a good talk ; a sound man ; excellent sense. I wish he commanded our brigade. . . . Heard the church beHs at Charleston — the first for six months ; a home sound. Monday, February 3. Charleston, Virginia. — Leave this morn ing on the steamboat for Gallipolis. Reached there at 2 P. M. A drizzly, cold day, snow on the hiUs, mud, snow, and slush at Gallipolis. With Avery and BUI Brown over town; oysters, eggs, and ale. At nine P. M. on Dunleith down the Ohio. Steamboat Dunleith, Ohio River, Tuesday, February 4, 1862. — A bright cold winter day ; a good sail down the Ohio. Banks fuH. Beautiful river. Reached home as the clock finished striking 12 midnight. A light burning in front room. Wife, boys. Grandma, all well. "Perfectly splendid." CAMP ROUTINE — W^INTER 1862 199 [The entries in the Diary for the next few days are very brief. Tuesday, February ii, Hayes went to Columbus to visit his brother-in-law, W. A. Platt, and family ; two days later to Delaware where he remained two days with his mother. The week-end he spent "happily at Fremont with Uncle. All the talk is of battles — the late victories at Roanoke Island, Fort Henry, and the pending struggle at Donelson." Monday, the 17th, returning to Cincinnati, he hears "of the decisive victoiy at Fort Donelson as we reached Crestline and Gallon. Joy and excitement, cannon, flags, crowds of happy people everywhere." The following days at home in Cincinnati "getting ready to re turn to his regiment."] Delaware, February 14, 1862. Friday morning. Dearest Lucy: — I reached here last night. Mother, Mrs. Wasson, and Sophia, all well and happy. Old Delaware is gone ; the bright new town is an improvement on the old. Snov/ deep, winter come again. Old times come up to me — Sister Fanny and I trudging down to the lanyard with our little basket after kindling. AU strange ; you are Sister Fanny to me now, dearest. I go to Fremont this evening. Mother sends love. Write to her. Love to aU. Affectionately, Mrs. Hayes. Cincinnati, February 18, 1862. Dear Uncle : — It will be agreeable to Lucy to go to Fremont with the family as soon as you wish. She proposes to take all of our furniture that may be wanted there — to store the rest, and to rent the house — thus in effect moving to Fremont until the war is ended. This or any other plan you prefer wiH suit. Our furniture wiH be enough for aU purposes — unless you wish to show off in some one room or something of that sort. All well here. The great victory is a crusher. Sincerely, S. Birchard. ^ R. B. Hayes. 200 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES Cincinnati, February 22, 1862. Dear Mother: — I am ready to start back to Virginia on the first steamer for the Kanawha River. I expect to get off tomorrow or next day. I found Uncle in good health for him. The other friends were as usual. ... I returned home Monday finding all here as I left them. The recent victories convince everybody that the Rebellion can be conquered. Most people anticipate a speedy end of the war. I am not so sanguine of a sudden wind-up, but do not doubt that the Confederacy is fatally wounded. We are having a gaudy celebration of the 22nd here with the usual accompaniments which delight the chUdren. Affectionately, your son, Rutherford. Mrs. Sophia Hayes. Cincinnati, February 2^, 1862. Tuesday. — A. M., 8:30, bright, cold, gusty, started in cars on Marietta Railroad; reached Hamden, junction of raUroad to Portsmouth, about 2 P. M. ; twenty-five miles to Oak Hill on this raUroad; Cuthbert, in quartermaster department under Captain Fitch at Gauley Bridge, my only acquaintance. Took an old hack — no cur tains, rotten harness, deep muddy roads — for Marietta [Galli polis]. The driver was a good-natured, persevering youngster of seventeen, who trudged afoot through the worst holes and landed us safely at Gallipolis [at] three-thirty A. M., after a cold, sleepless, uncomfortable ride. He said he had joined three regiments; turned out of two as too young and taken out of the third by his father. Poor boy ! His life is one of much greater hardship than anything a soldier suffers. Wednesday, 26. — Spent in Gallipolis waiting for a steamboat going up the Kanawha. Quartermaster Cuthbert and I slept, walked, and watched the clouds and rain. CAMP ROUTINE— WINTER 1862 201 Gallipolis, February 26, 1862. Dear Uncle: — On my way to the wars again. Left aU well and happy at home. Your letters reached me. There will be no difficulty about "camping down" in your house. Lucy could get up out of her furniture a camp chest which wUl be ample for comfort without buying anything. I shaU be away from mails soon. Shall not write often. You will hear all important things by telegraph. Sincerely, R. B. Hayes. S. Birchard. Thursday, [February] 27. — Clear, cold, windy. On steamer Glenwood passed up to Camp Piatt. Left Gallipolis about 9 A. M., reached Charleston 7 P. M., Camp Piatt at 10 P. M. Fayetteville, Virginia, Febraury 28, 1862. Friday. — Reached here after a hard ride of forty miles from Camp Piatt. Found the Twenty-third men pleased to see me ; felt like getting home. Had been absent four weeks, less one day, on furlough. Road from Camp Piatt a good part of the way very good ; but from the ferry to Fayetteville execrable. The weather moderate, windy, threatening a storm. Cincinnati — no, Fayetteville, Virginia, Saturday, March i, 1862. Dear L — : — I reached here in good condition last night. Find Dr. Joe very weU. How he loves the boys ! All things look bright and cheerful. Colonel Scammon goes home today. People seem glad to see me, and I am glad to see the Twenty-third again. They greet me a good deal as the boys did at home. Darling, you will be pleased to know, and so I tell you, I never loved you more than I do as I think of you on my late visit, and I never admired you so much. You are glad I feel so? Yes; well, that's "pretty dood." No time to write much. Love to Grandma and kisses for all the boys. 202 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES I brought all the grub in my haversack except three biscuits clear here. More welcome here than on the road. Ask Dr. Jim to see that my Commercial and Joe's Gazette are sent. They don't come. Affectionately, R. Mrs. Hayes. Monday, March 3. — Still raining, some sleet, cold as blazes at night. Ride my new horse, a yeHow sorrel of Norman stock; call him Webby. Tuesday, 4. — Bright, cold, snow on ground. Ride with Dr. Joe, A. M. Webby doesn't like the bit; it brings the blood. A good horse, I think. Today a German soldier, Hegelman, asks to marry a girl living near here. She comes in to see me on the same subject; a good-looking girl, French on her father's side, name, Elizabeth Ann de Quasie. A neighbor teUs me she is a queer girl; has belonged to the Christian, Baptist, and Methodist church, that she now prefers the Big Church. She has a doubtful reputa tion. When Charles Hegelman came in to get permission to go to Gauley to get married by the chaplain of the Twenty- eighth, I asked him why he was in a hurry to marry; if he knew much about her; and what was her name. He replied, "I like her looks" ; and after confessing that he didn't know her name, that he thought it was Eliza Watson ( !), he admitted that the thing was this : Eight hundred dollars had been left to him payable on his marriage, and he wanted the money out at in terest ! A jolly evening with Drs. Webb and McCurdy and Lieuten ants Avery and Bottsford at my room. Bottsford giving his California experience — gambling, fiddling, spreeing, washing clothes, driving mules, keeping tavern, grocery, digging, clerking, etc., etc., rich and poor, in debt and working it out; all in two or three years. News on the wires that the Rebels have Murf reesboro ; that Pope takes four or six guns from Jeff Thompson ; that there is CAMP ROUTINE — WINTER 1862 203 appearance of a move at Centreville and also of a move on Charleston, Virginia, and the capture of six hundred barrels of flour. Fayetteville, Virginia, Wednesday, March 5. — Snow, raw weather. Rode with Dr. Joe four or five miles. The new horse doesn't seem to care for pistol firing. Open-air exercise agrees with me so well that I often feel as if an indoor life was unworthy of manhood ; outdoor exercise for health ! Read news of the 28th and [March] i, Cincinnati. Rebel papers afford good reading these days. Thursday, 6. — Snow two or three inches deep on top of the mud. Dr. Webb and Adjutant Avery started for Raleigh in the storm, or rather on the snow and mud. There is no storm, merely snowing. P. M., with Captain McMuUen and Lieu tenant Bottsford rode out toward Bowyer's Ferry; horses "balled" badly; fired a few pistol shots. My Webby (new) shies some and was decidedly outraged when I fired sitting on his back. Practiced sabre exercise. Evening, heard the tele graphic news ; General Lander's death, the only untoward event. How many of the favorites are kUled! General Lyon, Colonel Baker, Major Winthrop, and now General Lander. I should mention Colonel Ellsworth also. He was a popular favorite, but by no means so fine or high a character as the others. Army in Tennessee "marching on." The newspapers and the telegraph are under strict surveiHance. Very little of army movements transpire [s]. On the upper Potomac a movement seems to be making on the enemy's left in the direction of Winchester. Night, very cold — very. Fayetteville, March 6, 1862. Dearest : — Dr. Joe has been in his happiest mood every since my return — all the regiment are perfectly healthy. Avery and he started for Raleigh with Thomas this morning. Snowing — snow three inches on mud twelve inches. All of the Twenty- third goes up soon. We shall be "to ourselves" a little while up there. . . . The telegraph line wUl extend to Raleigh soon. 204 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES Lieutenant Bottsford says the picture I bring of you is not so pretty as you are! What do you say to that? Affectionately, R. Mrs. Hayes. Saturday, March 8. — Ground frozen ; sun came out bright and warm, speedUy thawing all snow. Company C and four wagons carry all the "plunder" of the company and the ad jutant's office to Raleigh. P. M. a glorious ride to the scenery of New River at and about Long Point ; a rapid ride back ; Doctors McCurdy, Twenty- third, and Potter, Thirtieth, Lieutenant-Colonel Jones, and Ad jutant-General Hunter for companions. How the blood leaps and thrills through the veins as we race over the hills ! Physical enjoyments of this sort are worth a war. How the manly, gen erous, brave side of our people is growing! With all its evUs war has its glorious compensations. News by telegraph this evening very meagre. A fine, affec tionate letter from my dear wife, written last Sunday. She is so distressed at my absence but would not have me do otherwise. Fayetteville, March 9, 1862. Sunday P. M, Dearest : — I received your letter last night — sent by Mr. Schooley. You wrote it a week ago. A rainy, gloomy day here too, but made rather jolly by Dr. Joe's good nature, with Avery and Bottsford to help me laugh. Dr. Joe is in his best humor these days and makes all around him happy. Today is a lovely spring day — but getting lonely here. I am a hen with one chicken. All but one company, I have sent to Raleigh since Colonel Scammon left. We have been here almost four months. The men are pleased to go. I shall start in a day or two when the hospital goes. No sickness — not a man who can't go about, and only four who need a hospital. Eight hundred weU men here and at Raleigh. There is a real gloom among the men caused by a report that CAMP ROUTINE — WINTER 1862 205 I am to be colonel of the Sixth. It is no doubt a repetition of an idle rumor I heard in Cincinnati. But as the thing may come up, I wish you and Stephenson to know that I would not want the place unless it was agreeable generally that I should have it. Young Anderson is probably entitled to it, and I would not want it in opposition to him or his friends. The place is, perhaps, not preferable to my present position and I do not desire it, unless it is all smooth — particularly with Anderson. If I were sure of continuing my present command of the Twenty- third, I would not wish a colonelcy of any other regiment; but in the present uncertainty I am willing to take a certainty in any good regiment. My new horse performs beautifully. I am in the best of health. There is only one thing : You are not here. Don't you think I love you as much as you do me ? Why, certainly. There, I have fixed this letter so you can't show it to "Steve." I'll write him a note. . . Affectionately, R. B. Hayes. Mrs. Hayes. Monday, lo. — Captain Moore (R. B.), of WiHoughby, has resigned. I yesterday invited him to quarter with me, his com pany (I) having gone to Raleigh. The weather is warm and threatening rain. Last night there was a thunder-storm. Tuesday ii. — A warm bright day. Dined at the hospital with our exceUent assistant surgeon. Dr. McCurdy. Sent Com pany E to Raleigh. The last of the Twenty-third quartered in Fayette is gone. Camp Hayes, Raleigh, headquarters henceforth. Heard of the evacuation of Manassas by the Rebels. If so, it is evidence of a breaking away that almost decides the con test. But how did they do it undisturbed? What was McClel lan doing? A great victory over the combined forces of Van Doren, Price, McCuHoch, and Mcintosh reported to have oc curred in Arkansas. Wednesday, March 12. — A bright warm day. I go to Raleigh, bidding good-bye to Fayetteville. We entered Fayetteville 206 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES either the 13th or 14th of November; four months in one home, not unpleasant months, considering the winter weather of this region. Rode to FayetteviHe [slip of pen for Raleigh] on my new bright bay — a good ride. Reached Fayetteville [Raleigh] just as our regiment was forming for dress parade. Eight companies in line looked large. Was greeted warmly. I gave them the news of the evacuation of Manassas and the victory in Arkansas. Three cheers given for the news ; three more for General Curtis, and three for the colonel ! All seemed pleased to be again together. How well they looked. The band is in capital condition. How I love the Twenty-third. I would rather command it as lieutenant-colonel than to command another regiment as colonel. Camp Hayes, Raleigh, Virginia, Thursday, [March] 13. — Spent the day arranging quarters, guards, etc., etc. I room with Avery. Messed three meals with Colonel Burgess. Hash — such hash! Colonel Burgess was a venomous Secesh but is now mollified and so strong a Union man that with a body of our troops he attacked a gang of his old Secesh friends at Jumping Branch and killed one of them! Before noon it began to rain. Cleared a little in time for evening parade. Read confirmation of good news of yesterday. Five, only think, five ! ! Secesh prisoners captured ! Negligence in the Potomac army. A new division and assignment of commands gives great satisfaction to us aU. General McClellan no longer acts as Commander-in-Chief. Three great divisions created. General McClellan commands the Potomac, General HaHeck the Mississippi, and General Fremont the Mountains (supposed to be our case) . General Fremont has a strong hold on the hearts of the people and of the soldiers. We all feel enthusiasm and admiration for him. Camp Hayes, Raleigh, Virginia, March 13, 1862. Dearest : — I came up last night just as the regiment was forming for dress parade. For the first time in months we are aU together; health good; ranks very full. Oh! it was a beautiful sight ; we had plenty of cheering, music, and our best marchnig. CAMP ROUTINE — WINTER 1862 207 The men were never in finer condition. You would enjoy seeing the Twenty-third now ; well dressed, bravely looking, and soldier- Hke. We expect to remain here until a forward movement is made — perhaps two to four weeks, possibly longer. Dr. Joe very well and in good spirits. My new Webby stUl does finely. It is just daylight. Captain Slocum who left us at Camp Chase, has visited us and goes home this morning. Love to all. Most affectionately, your R. Mrs. Hayes. Camp Hayes, Raleigh, Virginia, Friday, March 14, 1862. — A fine pleasant morning. About 11 A. M. Captain Gilmore of Company [C, First] Pennsylvania [Virginia] Cavalry, came in, saying, "My scouts sent out this morning have all been killed or captured" ; two only returned. It turned out that eight cavalry patrols of his company, who left here about 8:30 A. M., this morning, were fired upon by a gang of men concealed in the woods about seven miles from here on the Princeton Road near Hunly's. Two were kiUed, two wounded, one taken prisoner. One of the wounded men and two unhurt galloped into camp, having taken a circuitous route over the hiUs and through the woods. At this writing our loss is two killed and one taken prisoner. I think the manner of this scouting or patroHing very objec tionable. Six to ten men every morning about the same hour have been in the habit of riding out six to ten miles on this road. Nothing was easier than to lay an ambush for them. I suspect that the enemy fled instantly, that they are bushwhack ers or militia. I sent out the whole cavalry company under Captain GUmore and Companies B, H, and K, under Captain Drake, to get the bodies of the dead and the wounded man. Hunly is suspected to communicate intelligence to the enemy. None of these people are perfectly reliable. They will do what is necessary to protect their property. Henderson, of Company H, taken prisoner last January, re turned last night. He was exchanged and left Richmond Feb ruary 23. He is caUed "Cleveland" by his company from the 208 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES place of his enlistment. Others caH him the "Pet Lamb," from his delicate and youthful appearance. He is a quiet, observing, enterprising youngster ; slender, sickly-looking, amiable ; runs all risks, endures all hardships, and seems to enjoy it. A scout in fact, he is in constant danger of being taken for a spy. I must watch him. I suspect he is a genius. His father and mother died when he was a child. Headquarters, Camp Hayes, Raleigh, Virginia, March 14, 1862. Sir : — A scouting party consisting of Sergeant A. H. Bixler, and seven men belonging to Captain George W. Gilmore's Com pany C, First Virginia Cavalry, was this morning attacked about seven miles from Raleigh on the pike leading to Princeton, by about fifty bushwhackers. Sergeant Bixler and Private James Noble were killed. Privates Jacob McCann and Johnson Mal- lory were dangerously wounded, and Private Thomas B. PhU- lips was taken prisoner. Three escaped unhurt. The attacking party rendezvous on Flat Top Mountain. Major Hildt wUl, perhaps, recognize the names of some of them. Christ Lilley, Daniel Meadows, and Joshua Rowls were certainly of the party. On hearing of the affair I dispatched Captain Gilmore with his cavalry, and Captain Drake with three companies of infantry to the scene of the occurrence. They found that the bush whackers had instantly fled to their fastnesses in the hiUs, barely stopping long enough to get the arms of the dead and to rob them of their money. Captain Drake foUowed them until they were found to have scattered. Two horses were killed, one captured, one wounded, and one lost. Vigilant efforts wUl be made to ascertain the hiding-places of the bushwhackers and when found, unless orders to the contrary shall be received, all houses and property in the neighborhood which can be destroyed by fire, wiH be burned, and all men who can be identified as of the party will be kUled, whether found in arms or not. Will you direct the brigade quartermaster to procure tents enough for Captain Mcllrath's Company A, Twenty-third Regi ment O. V. I., as soon as practicable, and send that company CAMP ROUTINE — WINTER 1862 209 here as soon as the tents arrive. There will be no quarters for them until the tents are obtained. I desire to have your views in the premises. Respectfully, R. B. FIayes, Lieutenant-Colonel Twenty-third Regiment O. V. I., Commanding. [General J. D. Cox ( ?) ] Saturday, March 15. — Changed the manner of scouting. Hereafter the cavalry are to scout at irregular intervals on routes changed daily, and an infantry scouting party of twenty-. five to a full company v/ill be sent in the general direction of apprehended danger to skirmish the woods and by-roads. Lieu tenant Hastings with twenty-five men of Company I does this duty today. P. M. Rained and cleared up half a dozen times during the day; a heavy thunder-storm. April weather. Lieutenant Hast ings with a man he found four or five miles out on the Prince ton Road, named Hull, scoured the country near the scene of the attack on the cavalry patrol ; found where about twelve to fifteen of the bushwhackers staid during the night after the affair at an empty house owned by Saulsbury; burned it, also burned two other houses owned by bushwhackers. Captain Drake burned three. James Noble buried yesterday. Sunday, 16, A. M. — Another change — a snow-storm ; March fuss and fury. Received a note from Lieutenant-Colonel Jones, directing vigilance and to be in readiness for an attack by the enemy or for a forward movement, — the abandonment by the Rebels of eastern Virginia on the Potomac rendering it likely that the enemy will come here or we go there ! ! . . . Camp Hayes, Raleigh, Virginia, March 16, 1862. Dear Uncle: — I am in most respects pleasantly fixed here. I am here in command of nine companies of the Twenty-third, 14 210 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES one section (two guns) of an artUlery company (thirty men) and one company of cavalry. We are quartered in the court house, churches, and deserted dwellings. It is near the spurs of the AHeghany Mountains, which about twenty miles from here are fiUed with militia. A few regulars and bushwhackers are just in front of us. We are kept on the alert all the time by such events as the one referred to in the enclosed notes. As a general rule, we get the better of the bushwhackers in these affairs. There is no hesitation on our part in doing what seems to be required for self-protection. Since writing the note en closed, have done a good deal towards punishing the cowardly bushwhackers. We have April weather, for the most part — thunder-storms, rain, and shine. Today we are having a winter snow-storm. Since the rumored abandonment of Manassas, we have been notified to be in constant readness to move. My letters will probably be more irregular than usual after we get started, but all important events occurring with us will be sent you by tele graph. We take the wires with us. Love to aU. Sincerely, R. B. Hayes. S. Birchard. Camp Hayes, Raleigh, Virginia, Monday A. M., March 17, 1862. — Cold raw morning ; snow at last lying on the ground enough to whiten it. Stormy (rather Aprilish) and bright by turns all day. Mrs. Beckley (General) called (with another lady) in tears saying her husband, the general, was at home. Had concluded to surrender himself ; that she hadn't seen or heard from him for three months, hoped we would not send him to Columbus, etc., etc. In his letter he pledged his honor not to oppose the United States ; to behave as a loyal citizen, etc., etc. I called to see him; found him an agreeable old gentleman of sixty; converses readily and entertainingly ; told an anecdote of General Jackson capitaHy; he said. Old Hickory's hair bristled up, his eyes shot fire, and his iron features became more prominent, as. CAMP ROUTINE — WINTER 1862 211 in a passion, raising both hands, he said (speaking of a postmaster General Beckley wished to retain in office, and who had him self taken no active part against General Jackson but whose clerks had been against the general) : "What if the head is still when both hands are at work against me !" — shaking his hands outstretched and in a tearing passion. The lieutenant (then) subsided in the presence of such wrath. General Beckley thinks western Virginia is given up to us, and that his duty is to go with his home — to submit to the powers that be. I agreed to his views generally and told him I would recommend General Cox to assent to his surrender on the terms proposed. Sent Captain Zimmerman and company out scouting the woods in our vicinity; Captain Harris out to break up a bush whacking party he thinks he can surprise. Tuesday, March i8. — A. M., very cold but looks as if the storm was at an end and bright weather come again. P. M., a lovely day. Rode with Avery on the Logan Road three miles to Evans' and Cook's. Drilled the regiment. Adjutant Avery drilled skirmish drUl. P. M., drilled sergeants in bayonet exer cise, and regiment in marching and squares. Spent the evening jollying with the doctors and reading Scott. A queer prisoner brought in from New River by Richmond. Richmond, a resolute Union citizen was taken a prisoner at his house by three Rebels — two dragoons and a bushwhacker. One of the dragoons took Richmond up behind him and off they went. On the way they told Richmond that he would have to . Thereupon Richmond on the first oppor tunity drew his pocket-knife slyly from his pocket, caught the dragoon before him by his hair behind and cut his throat and stabbed him. Both fell from the horse together. Richmond cut the strap holding the dragoon's rifle; took it and kUled a second. The third escaped, and Richmond ran to our camp. Jesse Reese brought in as a spy by Richmond, says he is a taUor ; was going to Greenbrier to collect money due him. Says he married when he was about fifty; they got married because they were both orphans and alone in the world! 212 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES [Dr. J. T. Webb, in a letter, of March 12, to his sister (Mrs. Hayes), tells the story of Richmond's feat in the following graphic recital: "About thirty miles from here, on New River, lives an old man (Richmond) and several sons. His boys are all grown and living to themselves, some four and five miles from the old man. They have lived out there many years and for this country are all rich. Besides being wealthy they are all very powerful (physicaHy) and are the leaders, as it were, of society. They have the best horses, cattle, etc. of any one out here. They are noted for their fine horses. They are all strong Union men, and have been very much angered by the Rebels taking their cattle, sheep, etc. — stealing them. A few days since some Rebel cavalry concluded they would arrest the squire and take his horses. Accordingly day before yesterday, just at daybreak, three Rebel cavalry caHed at the squire's and took him prisoner. They also took three of his fine horses. They put the squire on a horse behind one of the cavali^ymen, and started off with him. After they had gone some ten miles, they came to a noted Rebel's house, and all cheered at the capture of the squire. This was too much for him, and he determined to make his escape. They had gone but a short distance when the Rebel behind whom he was riding fell back behind the other two some distance. Now was the time for the squire. So drawing a long knife from his pocket, he caught the Rebel by his hair, drew him back, and cut his throat. Both fell off the horse together. As they fell he plunged the knife into the Rebel's bowels. Then he took the Rebel's gun, and got behind a tree when one of the others returned, and the squire shot him dead. The third took to his heels and left the squire victor of the field. There is no mistake about this ; he came to camp with their two guns. His knife and coat-sleeve is covered with blood. Richmond is a trump and two hundred such men would clean out this country of Rebels."] Camp Hayes, Raleigh, Virginia, March 19, 1862. — Before breakfast. A lovely day. Captain Haven returned last night CAMP ROUTINE— WINTER 1862 213 after an extensive scout; burned seven empty houses — occu pants gone bushwhacking. Burned none with women in them. About noon a gentleman rode up and inquired for the colonel commanding. He turned out to be Clifton W. Tayleure, a local editor, formerly of Baltimore American, lately of Rich mond Enquirer. Left Richmond a week ago to avoid the draft. All between eighteen and forty-five to be drafted to fill up the old regiments; all between sixteen and eighteen and forty-five and fifty-five to be enrolled as home guards to protect the homes and guard the slaves. He is a South Carolinian by birth ; lived there untU he was fifteen; came North; has been a "local" in various cities since; has a family in Baltimore; went to Rich mond to look after property in August last; couldn't get away before ; got off by passes procured by good luck, etc., etc. ; is a Union man by preference, principle, etc., etc. This is his story. He is about thirty-three years of age, of prepossessing appearance, intelligent and agreeable. Gives us interesting ac counts of things in the Capital of Secession. Says the trades people are anxious for peace — ready for the restoration of the old Union. He seems to be truthful. I shall give him a pass to General Cox there to be dealt with as the general sees fit. — WUl he visit them (Colonel Jones and General Cox) and report himself, or wiU he hurry by? Thursday, 20. — Cold; no rain falling this morning, but the storm not over. Fremont at the head of our department, the Mountain District, western Virginia and east Tennessee. Good ! I admire the general. If he comes up to my anticipations, we shall have an active campaign. Colonel Scammon returned, also Major Comly, to Fayette- vUle. They send no news and bring no newspapers. Thought less fellows! No, I must not call the colonel fellow. He put down a countryman who came in with, "Are you the feller what rents land?" Colonel Scammon: "In the first place I am not a feller; in the second place, take off your hat! and in the third place, I don't rent land. There is the door" ! Friday, 21. — Storm not over yet ; snows P. M. . . . News of retreat of enemy after leaving Manassas. If McClellan pur- 214 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES sues vigorously he wUl thrash or destroy them. A vic tory that crushes the Rebellion as a power. It may be a great annoyance afterwards but nothing more. Vigor, energy now for a few weeks and the thing is done. He (McClellan) ought not to have allowed them to steal away from him, but if he now crushes them he redeems it all and becomes the Nation's idol. I hope he will do it. I do not quite like his views of slavery if I understand them ; but his cautious policy if now followed by energy wiH be vindicated by the event. Saturday, 22. — StUl snowing. I write home and to Mother this morning. Captain R. B. Foley, of Mercer County signs himself Captain of Confederate Company; Captain Michael Hale, Raleigh, ditto; Joel F. Wood, James N. Wood, Wm. A. Walker, Geo. A. Walker, [and] Charles Walker (Rev.), all of Raleigh. The foregoing people agree to remain peaceably at home if we wUl not molest them. I wrote as foUows : "No citizen who remains peaceably at home and who neither directly nor in directly gives aid or comfort to the enemies of the United States will be molested in person or property by the troops under my command." Raleigh, Virginia, March 22, 1862. Dearest: — Your letters, 13th and 15th, reached me yesterday. Also the gloves and [percussion] caps. They suit perfectly. You don't know how I enjoy reading your accounts of the boys. Webb is six years old. Dear little fellow, how he wiU hate books. Don't be too hard with him. Birch's praying is really beautiful. We are in the midst of one of the storms so frequent in these mountains. We caU it the equinoctial and hope when it is over we shall have settled weather. It is snowing in great flakes which stick to the foliage of the pine and other evergreen trees on the hills, giving the scene in front of the window near me a strangely wintry appearance. To kill time, I have been reading "LucUe" again, and you may know I think of you constantly and oh, so lovingly as I CAMP ROUTINE — WINTER 1862 215 read. When I read it first we were on the steamer in the St. Lawrence River below Quebec. What a happy trip that was! It increased my affection for you almost as much as my late visit home. Well, well, you know all this. You know "I love you so much." We are all feeling very hopeful. We expect to move soon and rapidly, merely because Fremont is commander. I do not see but this war must be soon decided. McCleUan seems de termined, and I think he is able to force the retreating Manassas army to a battle or to an equally disastrous retreat. A victory there ends the contest. I think we shall be months, perhaps even years, getting aH the small parties reduced, but the Rebel lion as a great peril menacing the Union wiU be ended. General Beckley, whose sword-belt Webby wears, came in and surrendered to me a few days ago. Mrs. Beckley brought me his note. She is a lady of good qualities. Of course, there were tears, etc., etc., which I was glad to relieve. The old general is an educated military gentleman of the old Virginia ways — weak, well-intentioned, and gentlemanly ; reminds one of the characters about Chillicothe, from Virginia- — probably of less strength of character than most of them. A citizen here described him to Dr. McCurdy as "light of talent but weU edu cated." Gray, "the blind soldier" you saw at Camp Chase, is, I notice, on duty and apparently perfectly well. Gray, the orderly, you saw drunk is in good condition again, professing contrition, etc. McKinley is bright and clean, looking his best. Inquires if you see his wife. So, you go to Fremont. You wiH once in a while see our men there, too. Some five or six Twenty-third men belong in that region. You ought to see what a snow-storm is blowing. Whew! I had a tent put up a few days ago for an office. Before I got it occupied the storm came on and now it is split in twain. Our regiment was never so fine-looking as now. It is fun to see them. No deaths, I believe, for two months and no sick ness worth mentioning. Chiefly engaged hunting bushwhackers. 216 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD PIAYES Our living is hard, the grub I mean, and likely not to improve. Salt pork and crackers. The armies have swept off all fresh meats and vegetables. A few eggs once in a great while. Love to Grandma and all the boys. Affectionately, as ever, R. Mrs. Hayes. Camp Hayes, Raleigh, Virginia, March 22, 1862. Dear Webby : — You are six years old — a big boy. I want you to be a very good boy ; tell the truth, and don't be afraid. Learn to read and write, and you shall have horses to ride and a gun when you get a little bigger. You must learn to spell well, too. A man is ashamed if he can't spell. Tell Birch that the tall fifer that took Spencer is now playing the bugle, and plays well. His name is Firman. Good-bye. Your father, R. B. Hayes. Master Webb Hayes. Raleigh, Virginia, March 22, 1862. Dear Mother: — . . . We are in the midst of one of the storms so common in this mountain region. We hope it is the equinoctial and will be followed by good weather. It is a driving snow-storm. The pine trees are crusted with it giving a peculiarly wintry appearance to the hills. Fortunately we are all com fortably housed, except two companies who are on a scout in the mountains after bushwhackers. I hope they wiU find some sort of shelter these stormy nights. We all feel more hopeful than ever about an early close of the war. It looks to us as if General McClellan must succeed in forcing a battle that wiH decide the fate of the RebeUion. I do not expect we shall be released from duty for months, perhaps years, but it seems almost certain that a victory in eastern Virginia will decide the war. I hope you wiU be able to see the little folks all gathered at Fremont as you anticipate. The boys look forward to it im patiently. Webb was six years old the day before yesterday. CAMP ROUTINE — WINTER 1862 217 He is now to go at his books. His mind runs on horses more than on books. Birch is a very sincere believer in the efficacy of prayer in our common affairs and is finishing the war in that way, famously, as he thinks. Love to aH. — As Fremont is commander of this division, we expect prompt and rapid movements. I shall write to you rarely when we once set out. All important events occurring to me or this army you will know by telegraph. The wires still follow us wherever we go. Affectionately, your son, Rutherford. Mrs. Sophia Hayes. Monday, A. M., Raleigh, March 24, 1862. — It is snowing still. What a climate ! This storm began Wednesday last. . . Captain Drake returned. He was very lucky — caught fifteen bushwhackers, captured twelve horses, eighteen rifles and mus kets, fifteen hundred pounds bacon, ten sacks flour, six canoes ; destroyed the Rebel headquarters and returned safely. Abram Bragg and Wm. C. Richmond with fifteen or twenty Union men joined them and acted as guides, etc., etc. Raleigh, Virginia, March 24, 1862. Dear Uncle: — Your letter of the 14th came to hand the day before yesterday. We all feel pleased to be in Fremont's division. The only drawback is that it seems to keep us in the mountains, and we have had about enough of the snows, winds, and rains of the mountains. We have had a five-days snow storm. It seems to be now clearing off bright. We occupy ourselves in these storms very much as you do, reading news papers and discussing the war news. The recent victories con vince a great many in the region south of us that the game is up. On the other hand, the Government at Richmond is making desperate efforts to get out under arms nearly the whole male population of military age. Many are running away from the drafting. Being the extreme outpost we see daily all sorts of 218 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES queer characters. They sometimes come in boldly, sometimes with fear and trembling. I am often puzzled what to do with them, but manage to dispose of them as fast as they come. An odd laughable incident occurred to Joe the other day. You know his fondness for children. He always talks to them and generally manages to get them on his knee. Stopping at a farm-house he began to make advances towards a little three- year old boy who could scarcely talk plain enough to be under stood. The doctor said, "Come, my fine little fellow. I want to talk to you." The urchin with a jerk turned away saying some thing the doctor did not comprehend. On a second approach the doctor made it out "Go to Hell, you dam Yankee!" This from the little codger was funny enough. . . . I send you a dime shinplaster. — Good-bye. Sincerely, R. B. Hayes. S. Birchard. Thursday, March 27. — A wintry morning — snow two or three inches deep, ground frozen; the ninth day since this equi noctial set in. P. M. The sun came out bright and warm about 9 A. M. ; the snow melted away, and before night the ground became [began] to dry off so that by night we had a very fair battalion drill. News of a battle near Winchester in which General Shields was wounded. Union victories. I am gradually drifting to the opinion that this Rebellion can only be crushed finally by either the execution of all the traitors or the abolition of slavery. Crushed, I mean, so as to remove all danger of its breaking out again in the future. Let the border States, in which there is Union sentiment enough to sustain loyal State Governments, dis pose of slavery in their own way ; abolish it in the premanently disloyal States, in the cotton States — that is, set free the slaves of Rebels. This will come, I hope, if it is found that a stubborn and prolonged resistance is likely to be made in the cotton States. President Lincoln's message recommending the passage of a resolution pledging the aid of the general Government to States CAMP ROUTINE — WINTER 1862 219 which shall adopt schemes of gradual emancipation, seems to me to indicate that the result I look for is anticipated by the Administration. I hope it is so. Camp Hayes, Raleigh, Virginia, March 28, 1862. Friday. — . . . Dr. Webb received an order from the medical director on General Rosecrans' staff to report for examination before a medical board at Wheeling. If he is singled out, it is an in dignity and I do not blame him for resigning rather than submit. I have written to see what it means. I hope we are not to lose him. Captain Sperry returned with thirteen prisoners and a few horses. Several of the prisoners wished to come in but feared to [do] so. The Rebels are vindictive in punishing all who yield. Abram Bragg and Wm. C. Richmond with other Union men never sleep at home; they hide up on the hills during the night. This they have done for two months past. . . . Saturday, March 29. — Raining like fun again. Two fine days in ten. I dispatched Dr. Clendenin that Dr. Webb had been ordered to Wheeling for examination and asked him if they were aware he had already been examined. He replied : "Yes, and I have remonstrated; rather than submit, he ought to resign." The doctor wUl leave me his resignation, go to Wheeling, and if he finds the examination insisted on, wiU re sign by telegraphing me to that effect. Raleigh, March 30, 1862. Sunday night. Dearest : — I received your good letters tonight. I will recol lect WiU De Charmes and do what I can properly, and more too. I wish you and the boys and Grandma were here tonight to enjoy the sacred music of our band. They are now full (eighteen) and better than ever. The regiment is also strong and looks big and effective. Eight companies on dress parade looked bigger than the regiment has ever seemed since we left Camp Chase. The service performed the last ten days, breaking up bushwhackers and Governor Letcher's militia musters, is prodigious. They have marched in snow four to six inches deep 220 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES on the mountains sixty-five miles in three days, and look aU the better for it. — Much love to Grandma and the dear boys. Ever so lovingly yours, R. I hear of Lippett's arrest and Whitcomb's death ; both sad for families, but Lippett better have gone into the army and been kiUed. Mrs. Hayes. Monday, 31. — A lovely day ; a glorious inspection I How finely the men looked! Dr. Webb left us today. I hope so much that he will return. We are being paid off today. Mr. Walker, clerk of Major Cowan, attends to it. I send home by Dr. Webb three hundred and fifty dollars for my wife. . . . Took advantage of the fine day to march off to a field half a mile or more and drUl "charge bayonet, with a yeU." Good — very; first-rate! Will do it more. Saw the moon accidentally and honestly over the right shoulder! CHAPTER XVIII ADVANCE AND RETREAT WEST VIRGINIA SPRING OF 1862 rUESDAY, April J. — Cloudy and threatening this morning. . . . All Fools' day. Soldiers sent companies to get pay out of time ; bogus dispatches and the like. I hear that Dr. Joe is in his trouble by consent of Scammon. Was he induced to ask for his examination ? If so, how foolish ! I can hardly be angry, and yet [I am] vexed outrageously. He [Scammon] has been operated on, used. Surely he wouldn't do such a thing if he was wide-awake. April 2. Wednesday. — A windy day ; roads drying rapidly. Rode out with Avery. Saw the companies drill skirmish drUl. The militia called out to be enrolled in this county on the Union side. About a hundred queer-looking, hoHow-chested, gaunt, awkward fellows in their tattered butternut garments turned out. A queer customer calls our scouts "drives," another calls it "drags." A feUow a little sick here calls it "trifling." He says, "Yes, I feel 'trifling,' " meaning unwell. Sent Captain Zimmerman with Company E and Lieutenant Bottsford, Company C, the scout Abbott, and two or three citi zens out towards Wyoming. WUl be gone two or three days. Camp Hayes, Raleigh, Virginia, April 2, 1862. Dear Mother: — I received your letter yesterday, just one day after it was written. Very glad you are so well and happy. You do not seem to me so near seventy years old. I think of you as no older than you always were. I hope you may see other happy birthdays. Our men stationed here, nine companies, were paid for the third time yesterday. They send home about thirty thousand dollars. Many families will be made glad by it. A small pro- (221) 222 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES portion of our men have families of their own. The money goes chiefly to parents and other relatives. . . . I send you two letters showing the business [we] are in. General Beckley is the nabob of this county ; commanded a regi ment of Rebels until we came and scattered [it]. He is now on his parole at home. The other is from an old lady, the wife of the Baptist preacher here. Her husband preached Secession and on our coming fled South. We are all in the best of health. Love to Sophia and Mrs. Your affectionate son, Rutherford. P. S. — The total amount sent home from our regiment fig ures up thirty-five thousand dollars. Mrs. Sophia Hayes. Raleigh, Virginia, Thursday, April 3. — The rain last night was merely an AprU shower. It has cleared off bright and warm. The grass looks fresh and green. I have one hundred and fifty dollars in treasury notes. Last night Lieutenant Hast ings with Company I started for the Marshes of Cool to protect the election and if possible catch the Trumps Election day for West Virginia. One hundred and eight votes polled here, all for the new Constitution. I doubt its success. Congress will be slow to admit another slave State into the Union. The West Virginians are blind to interest as well as duty, or they would abolish slavery instantly. They would make freedom the distinguishing feature of West Virginia. With slavery abolished the State would rapidly fill up with an indus trious, enterprising population. As a slave State, slaveholders wiH not come into it and antislavery and free-labor people wiU keep away. Camp Hayes, Raleigh, Virginia, April 4, 1862. Friday. — Very warm, windy. Mud drying up rapidly. Dr. Webb has returned. Dr. Hayes was at the bottom of the affair. Colonel Scammon telegraphed that Dr. Webb couldn't be spared and ordered him to return here. I suspect that Dr. Hayes made ADVANCE AND RETREAT — 1862 223 such representations to Colonel Scammon as induced him to re port Dr. Webb for examination. On reflection Colonel Scam mon no doubt felt that he had yielded too much and will now, I presume, put a stop to further proceedings. About 4 or 5 P. M. yesterday I received an order requiring Lieutenant Stevens and a corporal and six men to arrest General Beckley and take him to Wheeling. The arrest was made. General Beckley's wife and family felt badly enough. The gen eral said he recognized the propriety of it and did not com- I)lain. A thunder-storm last night. Will it clear off or give us "falling weather" ? The natives with their queer garments and queerer speech and looks continue to come in. Camp Hayes, Raleigh, Virginia, April 5, 1862. Saturday. — Windy, cloudy, threatening more rain. Captain Haven in com mand of companies G and K started for the Bragg and Rich mond settlement this morning to defend that Union stronghold and to operate if practicable against a force of cavalry and bushwhackers who are reported to be threatening it. They will remain at least three days. Lieutenant Stevens, Sergeant Deshong, a corporal, and six men started this morning with General Beckley for FayettevUle and probably Wheeling. Company A came up about 3 P. M. Hardy, weU drilled. Camp in Sibley tents in court-house yard in front of my quar ters. Captain Zimmerman with Companies C and E and ten pris oners returned at 4 P. M. Marched fifty miles; burned the residence of Pleasant Lilly. Lieutenant Hastings came in about same time; had protected the election in the Marshes, and marched forty miles. Sunday, [April] 6. — A lovely morning. Sent Sergeant Ab bott to Fayetteville with five prisoners. Company A look splen didly; driU well, sing weU, and, I doubt not, fight well. Re ceived orders to be ready to move by Wednesday night. We need canteens, a quartermaster, ammunition. Must see that captains are all ready. 224 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES Camp Hayes, Raleigh, Virginia, April 6, 1862. Dearest : — . . . We are to move southward this week. You wiH not hear from me so often as heretofore. At any rate, you wUl get shorter letters — none but the shortest ; but you wUl feel and know that I am loving you as dearly as ever, and think of you and the dear boys with so much affectionate sympathy. The poor Lippetts ! How sad ! I did not doubt it. A man who always spends more than he earns is on the downward road. I advised him to go into the army, but he said his family would not listen to it. Far better to be in the place of Mrs. Whitcomb and chUd. Pshaw ! it is absurd to make the comparison. After the sharpness of the first grief is over, its bitterness wUl be mixed with a just pride that in time will be a gratification rather. Children would be sure to so regard it. Corwine married to a girl of twenty-two ! Joe tells a story of a Lexington gate-keeper's remark to General Coombs about his marriage: "Men must have been scarce where she comes from." Affectionately ever, R. Mrs. Hayes. Camp Hayes, April 6, 1862. Dear Mother : — ... We are to move southward be fore this wUl reach you, and before you will hear from me again. . . . We are now about beginning our campaign. Your philosophy as to what befalls us is the true one: What is best for us will occur. I am satisfied that we are doing an important duty, and do not, therefore, feel much anxiety about conse quences. . . . The pleasantest thing in this part of our work is that, in this region, the best people are on our side. We are not in an en emy's country. [R. B. Hayes.] Mrs. Sophia Hayes. Monday, April 7. — Rained violently all day. Visited all offi cers to see if they were provided with canteens, etc., etc. AU ADVANCE AND RETREAT — 1862 225 very nearly ready. Streams will rise and roads deepen so that no movement can now be made. A gloomy day to pass in camp, especially after getting ready to move. Set at liberty two citizens in guardhouse. Tuesday, 8. — A. M. StiH raining! Have borrowed "Jack Hinton" to read to pass time. Rained all day. At night heard a noise; found the sutler was seHing whiskey; ordered two hundred bottles poured out. Camp Hayes, Raleigh, Virginia, April 8, 1862. Dear Uncle : — We are getting ready to move south. Our first halt, unless the enemy stops us, will be at Princeton, forty- two mUes from here, the county-seat of Mercer County. We shall stop there for supplies, etc., etc., and to suppress Rebel recruiting and guerrilla bands probably a fortnight, then on to the railroad at Wytheville, Dublin, or some other point. The enemy will try to stop us. They wUl do their best, as the rail road is of the utmost importance to their grand army in eastern Virginia. Colonel Scammon has a brigade consisting of [the] Twenty- third, Thirtieth, and Thirty-seventh Ohio Regiments, a fine bat tery of eight pieces, and a smaH force of cavalry. I command the Twenty-third which has the advance. General Cox com mands the division consisting of three brigades. At present only one brigade (ours) moves up this side of New River. We should move tomorrow, but heavy rains yesterday and today have filled the streams so that they can't be forded. I have got two companies cut off by the freshet, and have been taxing the Yankee ingenuity of a company from Ashtabula in getting grub to them. I think it has succeeded. It is much pleasanter carrying on the war now than last cam paign. Now the people, harried to death by the Rebel impress ment of provisions and also of men, welcome our approach, receive us gladly, send us messages to hurry us forward, and a few turn out to fight. Guides are plenty, information furnished constantly, etc. All which is very different from carrying on an invasion of a hostile people. 15 226 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES I can't think that the new armies of the South will fight as well as the old ones. Besides being raw, large numbers are unwilling. Our troops have improved beyond all expectation. Our regiment is now a beautiful sight. The Thirtieth too has become, under the driUing of the last two months, a capital body in appearance. The Thirty-seventh is a German regiment — has companies from Toledo, Sandusky, and Cleveland. I have not yet seen it. I prefer Lucy should let the house remain empty this summer, or rented to some [family] to take care of it with my name on the door, etc., and in the faU we will see as to permanent ar rangements. The war wUl certainly last another campaign — I mean through this summer and until next fall. Even with victories on the Potomac and at Corinth and Memphis, it will take months, if not a year or two, to crush out the Rebellion in all quarters. Sincerely, R. B. Hayes. S. Birchard. April 9, 1862. Wednesday. — Rain ; cooler than yesterday. Company B sent off to effect a crossing over Piney. Ten refu gees from Monroe [County], escaping [Governor] Letcher's draft, just in. A crossing over Piney effected. Captain Haven, with [Companies] G and K, reported to have fifteen prisoners and twenty-five horses. Kept back by the high water. P. M. Cold and windy, but stiH raining. Have read "Jack Hinton" these two gloomy days with Avery. How pleased I am to hear from Lucy that Birtie has been a good scholar; that at the school exhibition he was caUed up to speak and spoke Logan's speech very well. . Captain Drake returned tonight. Sent my money by the pay master to my wife. He reports that the Thirtieth Regiment is under marching orders for this point; that the Thirty-fourth is at FayettevUle, and that a cavalry regiment, the Second Vir ginia, is to form part of our brigade. ADVANCE AND RETREAT — 1862 227 April 10. Thursday. — A. M. Ground whitened with snow; still threatening bad weather. 3. P. M. Captain Haven, Company G, and Lieutenant Bacon, Company K, have just returned. They bring fifteen prisoners and about fifteen horses, with a number of saddles and bridles. They were captured over New River in Monroe County. At 8 P. M. F. M. Ingram (the silent telegrapher) came in say ing we had gained a victory at Corinth; Major-General Lew Wallace kiUed; [Albert] Sidney Johnston, ditto; Beauregard lost an arm. Later told me that Island Nmnber 10 was taken with six thousand prisoners. Glorious, if true ! Night, clear and cold. Friday, April 11. — Clear and cold, ^et with Avery that five men could not put a great log across Piney. Rode out to see the work. The pine log was water-soaked, long, large, and very heavy. Five men from Company C worked resolutely at it two or three hours, when Avery gave it up. — Threatening again. Further news shows that on Sunday our men near Pittsburg [Landing] were surprised by the Rebel army in great force from Corinth, Mississippi. They were driven from their camps with heavy loss, took shelter near the river under protection of the gunboats. Early next day Buell came up and attacked the enemy, routing him. Sidney Johnston reported kiUed and Beau regard wounded — lost an arm. We barely escaped an awful defeat, if these first accounts are true. Island [Number] 10 was a great capture. Cannon, stores, etc., etc., in prodigious quantities were taken. These victories if followed up give us Memphis and New Orleans. — Nothing said about our moving the last three or four days. Camp Hayes, Raleigh, Virginia, April 12, 1862. Saturday. — Windy, cold, and cloudy — another storm impending. Cleared up towards noon. Had two good driUs. A first-rate ride, — new horse getting up to it. Further news confirms the victory at Pittsburg or Corinth. The first day, last Sunday, our men [were] surprised and badly whipped; the second day, the fresh troops redeemed the day 228 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES and gained a great victory. Island Number lo, a most important capture; now said to have taken six thousand prisoners. Nothing as to our future movements. Perhaps we are wait ing to see what effect these victories will have. — Blowing up a storm again. Sunday, 13. — Rain begins at guard-mounting. A year ago today Sumter was taken. Great events, great changes, since then. The South was eager, prepared, "armed and equipped." The event found the North distracted, undecided, unarmed, wholly unprepared, and helpless. Then came the rousing up of the lion-hearted people of the North. For months, however, the superior preparation of the South triumphed. Gradually the North, the Nation, got ready ; and now the victory over Beau regard and [that] at [Island] Number 10, following Fort Don elson, put the Nation on firm ground, while the Rebellion is waning daily. Tonight received Commercial of the loth, with pretty full accounts of the great battles. Captain Haven and Lieutenant Bacon, Companies G and K, marched seventy miles on their late scout into Monroe. Scout Jackson, Company B, gone one week today toward Logan. I hope he is all right. Monday, 14, 1862. — Still raining. No further knowledge of movements. Lieutenant Reichenbach's party that went to Co lumbus with prisoners, returned this evening. We hear of the taking of Huntsville, Alabama, today, the death of Beauregard, and news of the siege of Yorktown. Tuesday 13. — StiH rain! — Read Bulwer's "Strange Story." One idea I get: "We have an instinctive longing for a future existence" ; ergo, there is a future. "Jack Hinton" and "Strange Story" both read in these days of rain and suspense. I think often of my wife and mother as I read news which seems to point to an early termination of the war. How happy peace win make many famUies! Lieutenant Harris, [a] corporal, and seven men go with pris oners to FayetteviHe. Two will go on to Ohio. P. M. Cleared off enough to have a parade in the evening. Evening, read Commercial of nth containing more particulars ADVANCE AND RETREAT — 1862 229 of the fight, the great battle at Pittsburg Landing. What a complete success General Pope's operations against Island Num ber 10 turned out to be ! Complete. It must weaken the enemy more than any blow they have yet received. April i6. Wednesday. — A. M. Sun shining brightly. I have hopes of weather now that will allow us to move forward. A fine day at last! Major Comly drilled the non-commissioned officers as a company, A. M. and P. M. I drilled the regiment after parade. In the evening the new sutler, Mr. Forbes, brought me [a] letter from Lucy and portrait. Dear wife, the "counterfeit presentment" is something. Also papers of I2th. The victory at Pittsburg [Landing] was not so decisive as I hoped. The enemy still holds Corinth, and will perhaps fight another battle before giving it up. Captain Bragg came in tonight, reporting a gang of bush- V/hackers in his neighborhood. Would send out a company if I were not afraid that orders to move would catch me unpre pared. Thursday, April 17. — Another fine day ; very warm this A. M. Drilled three times. Heard that Colonel Scammon and Mc Mullen's Battery were on the way here from Fayetteville; that we must get ready for them. Raleigh, Virginia, April 17, 1862. Dearest: — I was made happy by your letter and the fine picture of you it contained. You seem undecided which you intended should have it, Uncle Joe or your husband. But I shaU keep it. You will have to send another to Joe. Very glad the money and everything turned out all right. I get the Commercial quite often — often enough to pay for taking it. And you paid Mr. Trenchard ! Why, you are getting to be a business woman. I shall have to let the law out to you when I come home again. I do not know that I shall have an oppor tunity to do much for Will De Charmes, but I shall bear him in mind. If Fremont ever comes along here I may succeed. We are still hunting bushwhackers, succoring persecuted 230 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES Union men, and the like. Our intended advance was stopped by a four-days rain which, like the old four-days meeting, I began to think never would end. We are now getting ready to go on — in fact we are ready, but waiting for others. A great battle at Pittsburg [Landing] and probably not a very great vic tory. It will all come right, however. We are told that Captain Richardson of the Fifty-fourth was kiHed. You wiH perhaps remember him as a gigantic lieutenant of Company D, whose wife was at Camp Chase when you were there. i8th, A. M. — We shall make a short march today. Letters, etc., may be directed as heretofore. Very glad to hear your talk about the boys. It is always most entertaining to me. You wUl be a good instructor for them. Let me hear from you as often as you can. You need not feel bound to write long let ters — short ones will do. I always like your letters to be long, but I don't want you to put off writing because your time will not allow you to write long ones. It begins to look like spring at last. We are on very elevated ground. The season is weeks later than in the valley of the Kanawha. Kiss all the boys. Love to Grandma. I wish so much to be with you all. I think of you constantly and with much happi ness and love. Good-bye. Affectionately, your R. P. S. — 1 8th, P. M. I am ordered to advance to Princeton tomorrow morning, in command of [the] Twenty-third, a sec tion of McMullen's Battery, and a squadron of cavalry. We are all delighted with this plan. Mrs. Hayes. Friday, i8. — A. M. Finished letter to Lucy. Must get ready to move. Put all the regiment into tents today, by one o'clock. A shower fell just after the tents were up. Colonels Scammon and Ewing [arrived] ; Lieutenant Kennedy, A. A. A. G. to Colonel Scammon, and Lieutenant Muenscher, ADVANCE AND RETREAT — 1862 231 aide, with an escort of horsemen came with them. The Thirti eth began to arrive at 2 :30 P. M. They came in the rain. Major HUdt came to my quarters. I joined the regiment out in camp — the camp in front of General Beckley's residence one mile from Raleigh. Rainy all night. Our right rest on the road leading southwardly towards Princeton, the left on the graveyard of Floyd's men. The graves are neatly marked; Twentieth Mississippi, PhiUips' Legion, Georgia, Fourth Louisi ana, furnished the occupants. Four from one company died in one day! (November 2, i86i.) Slept in Sibley tent. Received orders to proceed with Twenty- third, thirty [of] Captain GUmore's Cavalry, and a section of McMullen's Battery to Princeton tomorrow at 7 A. M. Saturday, April 19. — Rained violently; starting postponed. Order modified to marching by easy stages to Flat Top Moun tain, there to choose strong position. General Fremont speaks of our forces as his right wing; the left must be up towards Cheat Mountain. We are now at the pivot; to proceed slowly untU the left wheels so as to face southwardly with us. Rained all day; couldn't move. At evening looked slighteoiw/y like clearing off. Sunday, 20. — Rained four or five hours, part very violently. I fear we can't cross Piney. Sent to Piney ; find it too high to cross teams, but not so high as to preclude the hope that it wiU run down in a few hours after the rain stops f aHing. A cold rain coming; men sing, laugh, and keep mirthful. I poke about from [the] major's tent to my own, listen to yarns, crack jokes, and the like. Avery won a knife and fifty cents of Dr. McCurdy (a cool-head Presbyterian) today at (what is it?) freezing poker! The doctor couldn't play himself and sent for Bottsford to play his game. This, Sunday! Queer antics this life plays with steady habits ! Received by Fitch, Company E, a Commercial of i6th. Pitts burg battle not a decided victory. Beauregard in a note to Grant asks permission to bury his dead ; says that in view of the rein forcements received by Grant and the fatigue of his men after two days' hard fighting, "he deemed it his duty to withdraw 232 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES his army from the scene of the conflict." This is proof enough that the enemy was repulsed. But that is all. Two or three Ohio regiments were disgraced; [the] Seventy-seventh mus tered out of service, [the] Seventy-first has its colors taken from it, etc., etc. Lieutenant De Charmes, the brother of Lucy's friend, killed. What a day this is ! Cold rain, deep mud, and "Ned to pay." Cold and gusty. Will it snow now ? Camp near Beckley's, Easter Sunday, April 20, 1862. Dearest: — We left Raleigh the day before yesterday and came here intending to continue our march at least as far south as Flat Top Mountain. But just as we had got our tents up the rain began to fall and by morning all movement was out of the question. It has rained ever since. The streets of the camp are trodden into mortar-beds, the weather is getting cold, and you would naturally think that a gloomier set of fellows could hardly be found. But we are jolly enough. A year ago we used to read of these things and sympathize with the suffering soldiers. But a year of use has changed all that. Like sail ors in a storm, the soldiers seem stimulated to unnatural mirth by the gloomy circumstances. We are guessing as to when it will stop. We hope this is the last day of the storm, but there is no trusting to experience in the Virginia mountains. Every new storm has a new set of phenomena. The men sing a great deal, play fiddle, banjo, etc. At the stated calls, the fifer, buglers, and band exert themselves to play their liveliest airs, and so we manage to get on. I (when alone) get out your two pictures and have a quiet talk with you. Joe is in the next tent with Major Comly and Dr. McCurdy singing sacred music. I am alone in a tall Sibley tent writing this on a book on my knee, my ink on my trunk. The mess-chest open is before me; next to it, saddle, etc., then India-rubber cloth and leggings, old hat, haversack, glass, and saddle-bags; by my side, trunk; behind me cot with overcoat and duds, and on the other side of the tent Avery's truck in simUar disorder. We have a sheet-iron stove in the centre — ADVANCE AND RETREAT — 1862 233 no fire now. So you see us on a muddy sidehill. I can't find time to write often now. If we are resting I don't feel like writing; when going, of course I can't. Send this to Mother Hayes. She is seventy years old this month, about these days. She will think I am forgetting her if I don't send her some "scrabble" (western Virginia for "scribbling") of mine. — Love to all at home. Affectionately, your _ Mrs. Hayes. Beckley's farm near Raleigh, Virginia, Monday, April 21. — A. M. All night a high wind and driving cold rain ; mud in camp deep. Like the Mount Sewell storm of September last. All day rain, rain — cold, cold rain. Rode to Raleigh, called on Colonel Scammon and Lieutenant-Colonel J.qnes and Major Hildt of Thirtieth. Talked over the troubles between the men of the Twenty-third and the men of [the] Thirtieth. The talk very satisfactory. Camp South of Raleigh, Virginia, AprU 22, 1862. Dear Uncle: — The ugly chap on the enclosed bUl is Gov ernor Letcher of Virginia. He is entitled to our lasting gratitude. He is doing more for us in this State than any two brigadiers I can think of. He has in all the counties, not occu pied by our troops, little squads of volunteers busily engaged in hunting up and "squadding in," as they caU it, all persons capable of mUitary duty. Thousands who wish to escape this draft are now hiding in the mountains or seeking refuge in our lines. Meantime the rascals are plundering and burning in all directions, making friends for the Union wherever they go. The defeat of the enemy in eastern Virginia sends this cobhouse tumbling very fast. We left Raleigh last week and have been struggling against storms and freshets ever since. Today it has snowed, rained, sleeted, and turned off bright but gusty a dozen times. Camp muddy, tents wet, but all glad to be started. I have for the present an independent command of the 234 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES Twenty-third Regiment, a section of McMullen's Battery, and a small body of horse. We are the advance of Fremont's col umn. We are directed to move by "easy marches" forward south. The design being, I suppose, to overtake us in force by the time we meet any considerable body of the enemy. We meet and hear of small bodies of enemy now constantly, but as yet nothing capable of serious resistance. I see that Buckland's Seventy-second was in the great battle at Pittsburg. Glad they are not reported as sharing the dis grace which seems to attach to some of the other new regiments. There was shocking neglect there, I should guess. Generals, not the regiments, ought to be disgraced. A sudden surprise by a great army with cavalry and artillery can't be had without gross negligence. The regiments surprised ought not [to] be held up to scorn if they are stricken with a panic in such a case. A few thousand men can slip up unperceived sometimes, but for an army of fifty or sixty thousand men to do it — pshaw! it's absurd. What happened to Buckland's regiment? Send your newspapers of Fremont giving letters from the regiment. I see that your friend McPherson * is one of the distin guished. Good. Colonel Scammon is back with the brigade. Thirtieth, Thirty- fourth, and a regiment of cavalry. Good-bye, R. B. Hayes. April 23. — Since writing the foregoing I have received Commercials of 17th and i8th containing the doings of Buck- land and the Seventy-second. They did well. It is absurd to find fault with men for breaking away under such circumstances. The guilty officers ought to be punished — probably Grant or Prentiss, or both. — H. S. Birchard. * James B. McPherson, a native of Sandusky County. He was at that time chief engineer on General Grant's stafif. A brilliant and able officer who rose to the position of corps commander. He was killed in battle at Atlanta, July 22, 1864, — the officer highest in rank and command killed during the war. His grave is at Clyde, Ohio, marked by an im posing monument. One of the entrances to Spiegel Grove bears his name. MAJOR-GENERAL C. R. WOODS,* 1827-85. BRIGADIER-GENERAL W. S. SMITH,* 1830-1902. MAJOR-GENERAL JAMES W. FORSYTH,* 1836-1906. Ohio Generals, 1861-1865. major-general kenner GARRARD,* 1880-79. BRIGADIER-GENERAL JOSHUA W. SELL,* 1831-62. MAJOR-GENERAL ROBERT S. GRANGER,* 1816-94. BRIGADIER-GENERAL J. S. MASON,* 1824-97 MAJOR-GENERAL WAGER SWAYNE, 1834-1902. " West Point graduate. ADVANCE AND RETREAT — 1862 235 Price's Farm, four miles south of Raleigh, Virginia, April 24, 1862. Thursday. — Left camp at Beckley's at 10 :30 A. M. with Twenty-third, a section of McMullen's Battery under Lieutenant Crome, twenty horse under Captain Gilmore and his first lieu tenant, Abraham. Reached here at i :30 P. M. A short march but crossed two streams somewhat difficult. Broke one whiffle- tree. AU right, with this exception. Camp on fine ground, sandy, rolling and near to Beaver Creek. Floyd camped here on his retreat from Cotton Hill. The men carried their knap sacks ; shall try to accustom them to it by easy marches at first. They are in fine spirits ; looked well. A hostUe feeling exists toward the Twenty-third by the Thirtieth. Had a talk with Colonel Jones, Major Hildt, and Colonel Ewing. All agree that Major Comly and myself have treated them well, but the company officers of the Twenty-third have not behaved fraternally towards them. The immediate trouble now is some defilement of the quarters we left for the Thirtieth in Raleigh. This must be looked into and punished if possible. This is one of the finest camping spots I have seen. Soil sandy, surface undulating, in the forks of two beautiful moun tain streams; space enough for a brigade and very defensible. It began to rain within half an hour after our tents were pitched and was "falling weather" (west Virginia phrase for rainy weather) the rest of the day. This is the sixth day of falling weather, with only a few streaks of sunshine between. Friday, April 25. Camp Number 2, Price's Farm, four miles. — Rained in torrents all night. The windows of heaven were indeed opened. By midnight the streams we crossed with teams yesterday swum a courier's horse. At 7:30 this morning they were impassable — swollen to rushing rivers. About seven this morning rain ceased to fall. Received orders last evening to send party to New River to crush one hundred and twenty-five Rebels who crossed Monday evening. In view of the storm, order countermanded this A. M. Hereafter the camps of this detachment will be known by their number. This is Number 2. Men catch fish this morning — 236 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES a species of chub. We have a corps of scouts organized. Ser geant Abbott commanding, composed chiefly of citizens — six or eight citizens. Names : Russell G. French, Mercer County farmer, and Thos. L. Bragg, Wm. C. Richmond, Maxwell, and Simpkins, all of Raleigh. Prepared during the afternoon to send four companies. A, E, G, and H, to the junction of New River and Bluestone to "bag" (favorite phrase with officers) a party of one hundred and twenty-five Rebels supposed to be there on this side, shut in by the high water. They left in the night under Major Comly, Dr. Webb accompanying. Had a dress parade and a spirited little drill after it. The' sun set bathing the western sky and its fleecy clouds in crimson. Said to indicate fair weather. I hope so. The streams stUl too high to be crossed. Camp Number 2, near Raleigh, Virginia, Saturday, April 26, 1862. — The sky is still overcast. We shall move on five miles today if it clears up. At General Beckley's residence are the females of three fami lies. Mrs. Beckley and all cried when we left. One young lady. Miss Duncan, has a lover in Company F ; Miss Kieffer, in hospital staff, and all the other damsels in the like category. They all speak of our regiment as such fine men ! We burned all their rails! WiH pay for them if General Beckley is dis charged. At 10 o'clock marched to Shady Spring; camped on a fine sandy piece of ground belonging to Dr. McNutt. The Secesh burned the dwelling, the doctor being a Union man. Floyd camped here also. A large spring gives the name to the place. The water gushes out copiously, runs on the surface a few rods and runs again into the earth. The grass is starting. The horses of the cavalry were turned loose on it and played their liveliest antics. The sun came out bright, a clear, bracing breeze blowing. Altogether a fine afternoon and a happy time. Camp Number 3, Shady Spring, nine miles' march from Rd- eigh. Sunday, April 27. — A shower during the night ; clear and beautiful again this morning. Scrubbed all over; arrayed in the glories of clean duds ! ADVANCE AND RETREAT -- 1862 237 Six fugitives from Wyoming [County] came in today. Major Comly returned. No enemy at the point where expected. Ex pedition a "water-haul." Monday, 28. — A fine, warm spring day. DriHs as usual. . . . . Four of Company I, a sergeant, two corporals, and one private, left on Sunday to forage. They have not returned. Their leave of absence extended a few hours — not to [be] longer than the evening dress parade. They stayed last night with two of Company B near Flat Top and in the morning sepa rated from the Company B men saying they would not return until they got something, but would be in by the Monday dress parade "which period has now expired." I much fear that they are taken. Sergeant Abbott's party of scouts were fired on last evening; "nobody hurt." We must break up the gang (Foley's) near Flat Top before we shall be rid of them. Camp 3, Shady Spring, Tuesday, April 29, 1862. — Rain fell at intervals last night; f aHing in a "drizzling manner" this morning. Colonel Scammon says we have rifled muskets at Gauley. If good long-range pieces, this is good. We must have pieces that will carry half a mile, or we shall never hit these fellows in western Virginia. Sent Lieutenant Botts ford with Company C sixteen miles after Foley's bushwhackers. Camp Number 3, Shady Spring, April 29, 1862. Dearest : — We are camped in a beautiful healthy place at the foot of Flat Top Mountain, on the line between Raleigh and Mercer Counties, Virginia. The whole "surroundings" are ex hilarating — just enough of enemy's guerrillas to keep men awake. We are in the advance, the only grumbling being be cause we are not aUowed to push on as fast as we would like. . . . Our only drawback is the frequency of rain-storms. I don't know but they prepare our minds to appreciate more keenly the bright bracing air that succeeds them. I need not say that I read all the accounts of the great battle. We made a narrow escape there. It wiH probably save us from similar disasters in the next two or three engagements. 238 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES We fear we have lost four good men in a scout a few days back. They disobeyed or neglected a positive order and have, I fear, been captured or worse. You must, I suppose, be getting ready for a move northwardly. I hope you will enjoy the new home as much as we have the old one. I do not quite feel like giving up the old home yet, but when I think of the boys, I think of it as a duty jwe owe to them. . . . Affectionately, dearest, your loving husband, R. P. S. — Our four lost men escaped. They were fired on but have got back safely. It is hard to punish men over whose escape we are so rejoiced, but it must be done. Mrs. Hayes. Camp 4, Miller's Tannery, twelve miles from No. 3, April 30, 1862. — Mustered the men before breakfast at reveiUe ; marched for this camp twelve miles; arrived in good condition. Rained P. M. Joined by Lieutenant-Colonel Paxton and Major Curtis, Second Virginia Cavalry, with four companies, fine horses and men. Report from Bottsford that he found Foley's nest but the bird gone. Camp 5, Princeton, May i, 1862. Thursday. — Marched at 6 A. M. Heard firing in advance. Turned out to be Company C on Camp Creek, attacked by Lieutenant-Colonel Fitzhugh with four companies, dismounted, Jenkins' Cavalry and Foley's bush whackers. The company was in line ready to move off to return to camp when they saw a party of bushwhackers coming down the road who called out (Captain Foley caHed) : "Don't fire; we are Richmond's men." Immediately after, a volley was fired into our men from all sides. They were surrounded by three hundred Secesh. Finding the attack so heavy. Company C was ordered by Lieutenant Bottsford to take shelter in the log house where they had quartered. They kept up such a spirited fire that the enemy retreated, leaving four dead, four mortally [wounded], four more dangerously. AH these we got. Cap- ADVANCE AND RETREAT — 1862 239 tain Foley had his shoulder broken. The enemy fled in confu sion leaving their dead and wounded on the field. This was a splendid victory for Lieutenant Bottsford and Sergeant Ritter, of Company C, and Sergeant Abbott, Company I. They were the prominent officers. Our loss was a German, Pf effer, killed ; Lenox and another mortally wounded, three severely wounded, and fifteen others slightly. Sergeant Ritter had a bullet shot into his head lodging between the scalp and skull. He fell, but instantly jumped up saying, "You must shoot lower if you want to kill me." It was a gallant fight. Company C wears the honors. I came up to the scene of the conflict soon after the enemy fled. They say our coming drove them away. I couldn't speak when I came up to the gallant little company and they presented arms to me. I went around shaking hands with the wounded. They all spoke cheerfully. We immediately pushed on in mud and rain after the retreating foe. Captain Mcllrath's company (A) [led]. At a house where three cavalrymen were leaving two of the enemy's wounded, they kUled one and captured his horse and shotgun, etc. I then sent the cavalry under Lieu tenant-Colonel Paxton in advance. They soon were fired on by a gang of bushwhackers from a hill and their horses badly stampeded. One horse threw his forelegs over Colonel Pax- ton's horse's neck. The cavalry dismounted, charged up the hill, and caught one dragoon. Finding the cavalry would dismount and skirmish all the bad hiUsides (and they were abundant — being twelve miles of de files), I again put the Twenty-third in advance. At Ferguson's we saw Captain Ward, quartermaster Rebel army, badly wound ed and another young soldier. We pushed on rapidly, crossing Wolf Creek, Camp Creek, and wading Bluestone waist-deep — rain falling, mud deep and slippery. We came in sight of the wagons of the retreating foe, but for want of cavalry familiarized to the business, we were un able to overtake them. We were told of great reinforcements at Princeton or soon to be at Princeton. The Forty-fifth [Vir ginia] there or coming. Captain Ward, a pleasant gentleman, said we would probably "get thunder at Princeton." We kept 240 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES ahead. On approaching town we saw great clouds. Some thought it smoke, some supposed it was clouds. Within two miles we knew the Rebels were burning the town. We hur ried forward ; soon reached an elevated ground overlooking the place. All the brick buildings, court-house, churches, etc., were burning. I ordered up the howitzers to scatter out the few Rebel cavalry who were doing it; deployed the regiment by a file right into a field and marched forward by battalion front. The town was soon overrun. Some fires were put out; four or five tolerably fine dwellings were saved; a number of small buUdings and some good stables were also saved. And so ended the first of May — twenty-two miles in mud and rain. An exciting day. Five enemy killed, nine badly wounded that we got; three unwounded prisoners, and about a dozen Rebels wounded. Total five killed, three prisoners, twenty-one wounded. A good day's work. Camp No. 5, Princeton, May 2, 1862. Friday. — A fine day. The cavalry yesterday took the Bluff Road and came into [the] road from Princeton to Giles five miles. They came across tracks leading to Princeton. Soon saw soldiers, opened fire and had a f usiHade of wild firing, the enemy fleeing to the moun tains. It was the Forty-fifth Virginia coming to reinforce Princeton. Slightly "too late." Spent A. M. organizing de tachment of occupation. Camp Number 5, Princeton, May 2, 7:30 A. M., 1862. Sir: — Your strictures on the expedition under Lieutenant Bottsford are very severe. I wrote you my account of it hastily during a momentary delay of the column and am perhaps blam able for sending to you anything so imperfect as to lead to such misapprehension. I was, however, compelled to write such an account or none at all. I trusted to your favorable judgment of what was done rather than to the fulness and accuracy of what I was writing. I thought that a most meritorious thing in all respects had been done and did not imagine that it could be so stated as to give you such a view of it as you have taken. You seem to think that the expedition was an improper one ADVANCE AND RETREAT — 1862 241 and that Lieutenant Bottsford or his men must have been guilty of great negligence. I think the expedition was strictly according to the spirit and letter of instruction given by both you and Gen eral Fremont and that no blame ought to attach to any one for the manner of it in any particular. I knew by reliable informa tion, which turned out to be perfectly correct, that Captain Foley and his notorious gang of bushwhackers were camped within sixteen or eighteen miles of the camp at Shady Spring where I was stationed; that Foley's force was from thirty to sixty men, and that the only way of catching him was by surprising his camp at night or early daylight. I sent Lieutenant Botts ford with about seventy-five men of Company C, aided by Ser geant Abbott and his scouts, six in number, to do this service. I was satisfied that the enemy had no force worth naming nearer than Princeton, and at Princeton their force was small, prob ably not over two hundred or three hundred. All this informa tion has turned out to be correct. Lieutenant Bottsford left camp at 9 P. M., April 29, and reached Foley's about daylight. He found the nest warm but the bird was gone. I can find no blame in this. He was compelled to move slowly in a strange country at night. A scout could easily give the required warn ing without fault on our part. On the 30th, Lieutenant Bottsford scouted the country for the bushwhackers; camped in a house very defensible within four to six miles of where he knew I was to camp with the regiment. In the meantime Lieutenant-Colonel Fitz Hugh, or Fitzhugh, had marched with the whole force at Princeton, four companies of Jenifer's Cavalry, dismounted, numbering over two hundred, to aid Foley. This was done on the morning of the 30th, and on that evening Foley with bushwhackers and militia, to the number of seventy-five or one hundred, joined Fitzhugh. During the night they got as near Lieutenant Bottsford as they could without alarming his pickets, not near enough to do any mischief. In the morning Lieutenant Bottsford prepared to return to camp. . He drew in his pickets, formed his line, and then for the first time, the enemy came within gunshot. Botts- ford's men, in line of battle in front of a log house, saw the enemy approaching. A volley was fired on each side, when 16 242 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES Lieutenant Bottsford, finding the strength of the attack, took shelter in the house and fired with such spirit and accuracy as to drive the enemy out of gunshot, leaving his dead and four of his wounded on the field, all of whom were taken possession of by Lieutenant Bottsford's men immediately, besides four wounded prisoners who didn't run far enough before hiding. This attack was in no blamable sense "a surprise." It found Lieutenant Bottsford perfectly prepared for it. You seem to think there was nothing gained by this affair; that it is a "disaster" and that "we lost twenty men." Surely I could have said nothing to warrant this. Of the twenty wounded over two-thirds were able and desired to march to Princeton with us. Our loss was one kiHed, two dangerously, perhaps mortally, wounded, and two, possibly three, others dis abled, — perhaps not more than one. The enemy's loss was thirteen dead and disabled that "we got." Captain Foley was disabled and we know of four others in like condition and I know not how many slightly wounded. This is not a disaster, but a fight of the sort which crushes the Rebellion. You speak of Company C as advanced beyond "supporting distance." We heard the firing and if the enemy had been stubborn should have been in good time to help drive him off. He reported here that our advance did in fact drive him off. If this is not supporting distance, parties cannot leave camp without violating an important rule. Lieutenant Bottsford had retreated to within four miles of us. Upon the whole, I think that the affair deserves commenda tion rather than censure, and I take blame to myself for writing you a note under circumstances which precluded a full statement ; such a statement as would prevent such misapprehension as I think you are under. Respectfully, R. B. Hayes, Lieutenant-Colonel 23RD Regiment, O. V. I., Commanding. [Colonel Scammon.] ADVANCE AND RETREAT — 1862 243 Camp Number 5, Princeton, May 2, 8 A. M., [1862.] Sir: — Lieutenant-Colonel Paxton with the cavalry reached here by the Giles Road about dark. He left the direct road to Princeton at Spanishburg and took the Bluff Road, which strikes the road from GUes to Princeton four mUes from Prince ton. We found it impossible to send the cavalry to the Tazewell or Wytheville Road, at least in time, and they went to the Giles Road hoping to catch the enemy retreating on that road. The enemy took the Wytheville Road to Rocky Gap and escaped. The cavalry on entering the Giles Road found a great number of fresh tracks leading to Princeton. Hastening on, they came suddenly on the Forty-fifth Virginia coming to the relief of Princeton. As soon as the cavalry came in sight there was a "skedaddling" of the chivalry for the hills and a scattering of knapsacks very creditable to their capacity to appreciate danger. There was a good deal of hurried firing at long range, but nobody hurt on our side and perhaps none on the other. The regiment seemed to number two or three hundred. We suppose they wUl not be seen again in our vicinity, but shall be vigilant. This is a most capital point to assemble a brigade. The best camping for an army I have seen in western Virginia. Stabling enough is left for aH needful purposes, two or three fine dweU- ings for headquarters, and smaller houses in sufficient numbers for storage. The large buHdings were nearly all burned, aH of the brick buildings included. Churches all gone and public buUdings of all sorts. Meat — sheep, cattle, and hogs — in sufficient quantities to keep starvation from the door. If you win send salt we shaH be able to live through the bad roads. Forage I know nothing of — there must be some. Our couriers were fired on at Bluestone. They report Foley's gang is scat tered along the road. There should be a strong force at Flat Top under an enterprising man like Colonel Jones. The country we passed over yesterday is the most dangerous I have seen ; at least twelve miles of the twenty-two [miles] needs skirmishing. If quartermasters are energetic there ought to be no scarcity here. The road can't get worse than it was yesterday and our trains kept up to a fast-moving column nearly all the way. The 244 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES Twenty-third marched beautifully. A steady rain, thick slippery mud, and twenty-two miles of travelling they did, closed up weH, without grumbling, including wading Bluestone waist-deep. The section of the battery behaved well. I have already praised the cavalry. You see how I am compelled to write — a sen tence and then an interruption; you will excuse the result. I am very glad the telegraph is coming; we shall need it. I have just heard that the train and one piece of artUlery was in rear of the point where our cavalry came on the Forty-fifth. I would be glad to pursue them but am bound to obey instructions in good faith. Rest easy on that point. The men are praying that they [the enemy] may be encouraged yet to come to us. RespectfuUy, R. B. Hayes, Lieutenant-Colonel 230 Regiment O. V. I. P. S. — Lieutenant-Colonel Paxton will act as provost marshal. He is admirably fitted for it and is pleased to act. [Colonel Scammon.] Camp Number 5, Princeton, May 2, 1862. 4 :3o P. M. Sir : — Company B and a company of cavalry scouted the road towards Wytheville several miles today. They report the enemy all gone to Rocky Gap. None, bushwhackers, or others, any where in the direction near here. Numbers of mUitia who were in service here yesterday are reported escaped to their homes and willing to take the oath of allegiance and surrender their arms. A cavalry company scouted the road towards GUes. They re port the Forty-fifth retreated in great haste to Giles, saying they found Princeton just occupied by two thousand cavalry and eight thousand infantry. Their panic on falling in with Colonel Paxton's cavalry was even more complete than was supposed. They left knapsacks, blankets, and baggage. They had marched over twenty miles yesterday to get here and were worn-out. There was a mistake as to the enemy firing on our couriers. No bushwhackers have been seen between here and Flat Top since we passed. Three parties have passed the entire distance since baggage trains. Negro servants of officers straggling ADVANCE AND RETREAT — 1862 245 along alone, etc., etc., and nobody disturbed by the enemy. The courier rode past a picket post of one of my scouting parties refusing to halt, and was therefore fired on. Captain Gilmore is here with his company. Lieutenant Cooper and property left at Shady Spring is here. Forage is turning up in small quantities in a place but amounts to an important item in the aggregate. Fifteen head of cattle have been gathered up. There are sheep and hogs of some value. Only twelve men reported excused from duty out of seven hundred Twenty-third men who came up. Company C I left behind to look after their wounded. They will come up to morrow. Russell G. French wiH perhaps be crippled for life, possibly die. Can't he be put in the position of a soldier en listed, or something, to get his family the pension land, etc., etc. ? What can be done? He was a scout in our uniform on duty at the time of receiving his wound. If the present indications can be relied on, this region will soon return to its allegiance. If nothing new of interest trans pires, will not one dispatch each day be sufficient hereafter, with the understanding that on any important event occurring a mes senger win be sent? Respectfully, R. B. Hayes, Lieutenant-Colonel 230 Regiment O. V. I. [Colonel Scammon.] Camp No. 5, Princeton, Mercer CotTNTY, Virginia, May 2, 1862. Dearest : — I reached yesterday this town after a hard day's march of twenty-two miles through deep, slippery mud and a heavy rain, crossing many streams which had to be waded — one, waist-deep. The men stood it bravely and good-humoredly. Today, only twelve are reported as excused from duty. Our advance company (C), Lieutenant Bottsford in command, had a severe battle. Seventy-five of them were attacked by two hundred and forty of Jenkins' Cavalry, now Jenifer's, with seventy-seven of Foley's guerrillas. The battle lasted twenty 246 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES minutes, when the Rebels fied, leaving their kUled and wounded on the ground. One of our men was killed outright, three mor tally wounded, and seventeen others more or less severely in jured. The whole regiment came up in a few moments, hearing the firing. Didn't they cheer us? As I rode up, they saluted with a "present arms." Several were bloody with wounds as they stood in their places ; one boy limped to his post who had been hit three times. As I looked at the glow of pride in their faces, my heart choked me, I could not speak, but a boy said: "All right, Colonel, we know what you mean." The enemy's loss was much severer than ours. We pushed on rapidly, hearing extravagent stories of the force waiting for us at Princeton. Prisoners, apparently candid, said we would catch it there. We would have caught Lieutenant- Colonel Fitzhugh and his men, if our cavalry had had experience. I don't report to their prejudice publicly, for they are fine fel lows — gentlemen, splendidly mounted and equipped. In three months they wUl be capital, but their caution in the face of ambuscades is entirely too great. After trying to get them ahead, I put the Twenty-third in advance and [the] cavalry in the rear, making certainly double the speed with our footmen trudging in the mud, as was made by the horsemen on their fine steeds. We caught a few and killed a few. At the houses, the wounded Rebels would be left. As we came up, the men would rush in, when the women would beg us not to kiU the prisoners or the wounded. I talked with several who were badly wounded. They all seemed grateful for kind words, which I always gave them. One fine fellow, a Captain Ward, was especially grateful. This work continued all day; I, pushing on; they, trying to keep us back. The fact being, that General Heth had sent word that he would be in Princeton by night with a force able to hold it. As we came on to a mountain a couple of miles from Prince ton, we saw that the Rebels were too late. The great clouds were rolling to the sky — they were burning the town. We hurried on, saved enough for our purposes, I think, although the best buildings were gone. The women wringing their hands and crying and begging us to protect them with the fine town ADVANCE AND RETREAT — 1862 247 in flames around us, made a scene to be remembered. This was my May-day. General Heth's forces got within four miles ; he might as well have been forty [mUes away]. We are in pos session, and I think can hold it. Joe and Dr. McCurdy had a busy day. They had Secesh wounded as well as our own to look after. Dr. Neal of the Second Virginia Cavalry (five companies of which are now here in my command), a friend of Joe's, assisted them. Saturday morning. — I intended to send this by courier this morning, but in the press of business, sending off couriers, prisoners, and expeditions, I forgot it. Telegraph is building here. Anything happening to me will be known to you at once. It now looks as if we would find no enemy to fight. The weather yesterday and today is perfect. The mountains are in sight from aU the high grounds about here, and the air pure and exhilarating. The troubles of women who have either been burnt out by Secesh or robbed of chickens and the like by us, are the chief thing this morning. One case is funny. A spoiled fat Englishwoman, with great pride and hysterics, was left with a queer old negro woman to look after her wants. Darky now thinks she is mistress. She is sulky, won't work, etc., etc. Mistress can't eat pork or army diet. There is no other food here. The sight of rough men is too much for her nerves! AH queer. We are now eighty-five mUes from the head of navigation in time of flood and one hundred and twenty-five in ordinary times; a good way from "America," as the soldiers say. "I love you so much." Kiss the dear boys. Love to Grandma. Ever so affectionately, Yours, •p Mrs. Hayes. • Camp 5, Princeton, May 3. Saturday. — The Forty-fifth Regiment had marched twenty miles through the rain to reach here, were very tired and straggled badly. They were regularly stampeded, panic-stricken, and routed. They report three killed in one party of stragglers. They had a cannon drawn by six 248 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES horses, but our men "yelled so" and "fired so fast" that it was no place for cannon; so they wheeled it about and fled with it AH queer! Company C kiHed eleven. Colonel Jenifer burned Rock}' Gap (four houses) and continued his flight towards Wytheville. The Rebels report us two thousand cavalry and eight thousand infantry ! ! Got our tents today ; got into a good camp overlooking the town. Camp 5, Princeton, May 4, 1862. Sunday. — A fine day. Rode with Avery out two or three miles. This is a fine country. Mountainous but with much good land and tolerably well cul tivated. A train of waggons with eight or ten thousand rations arrived about 2 P. ]\I. escorted by Captain Townsend's Com pany B, Thirtieth. Captains Hunter and Lovejoy arrived from Cincinnati bringing good letters from Lucy — all about the dear boys. . . . She takes a great interest in WiH De Charmes ; I have today written Corwine of Fremont's staff to get him a place if possible. A pleasant night — the men sitting around their fires and in tents on the fine hillside, laughing, joking, singing so happily ! A more happy lot of men can't be found. It is every where cheerfulness and mirth. Camp Number 5, Princeton, May 4, 6 A. M. [1862]. Sir: — At this time I have received no communication from [you] written after you heard of the capture of this point. I shall hold this until 10 o'clock if I don't sooner hear from you. I send you enclosed a list of Captain Foley's men, the "Flat Top Copperheads," taken from the pocket of one killed by Lieutenant Bottsford's men. You have the precious document with spelling, etc., etc. It should be copied for aH who are likely to catch any of the scamps. Foragers yesterday found considerable quantities of well-cured bacon and fresh meat. With the new grass coming on and this meat, an enterprising army is not going to starve. This move was not made a day too soon; a further advance while the panic prevails is a plain duty and I doubt not you will order it as soon as you arrive. Company C wUl be very anxious to come here to be ready to ADVANCE AND RETREAT — 1862 249 go forward with us. If a guard is required when you reach them for their wounded, I suggest that you order a detail of say two men from each company of this regiment, to do that duty and thus relieve the company. Two citizens of Kanawha County fled here with their slaves soon after our forces entered the valley, — Colonel Ward and Blain, or some such names. They hesitated about taking the oath to support Governor Pierpont's Government. They wUI take the oath to the United States. This simply means secession. One of them got a pass from General Cox, dated December 17. I think these wealthy scoundrels ought to be treated with the same severity as other Rebels. They want food for their slaves. We have none to spare to such men. Colonel P. [Paxton] will perhaps pass them to you. If you allow quartermaster Gardner to furnish them, let them pay sutler's prices the same as our soldiers do. If I hear that you put them in the guard-tent, I shall be pleased. They may not leave here until you come. I have stricken Rev. Amos Wilson's name from the rolls. If he sends his resignation, all well; if not the order wUl be published if you approve. I enclose Major Comly's remarks on the Foley list. Respectfully, R. B. Hayes, Lieutenant-Colonel 230 Regiment O. V. I., Commanding. [Colonel Scammon.] Camp 5, Princeton, May 5, 1862. Monday. — A rainy day. Very interesting today. The citizens admitted freely. Militia men, Union men, and all, coming in taking the oath. The enemy reported running with a big scare, hurrying through Rocky Gap, burning it, their tents and arms even. Tazewell Court-house,' deserted by troops, reported burned. Giles Court-house reported ditto!!! Got a fine Mississippi rifle, brought in today by a repentant Rebel. My orderly. Gray, will carry it for me. The Narrows of New River deserted, too. 250 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES Camp Number 5, Princeton, May 5, 8 A. M. [1862]. Sir: — There will be no difficulty in turning the enemy's position at the Narrows of New River. There are paths or open woods accessible to infantry leading across the mountains to the right of the Narrows into the valley of Wolf Creek; thence by good roads to the mouth of Wolf Creek, four to six mUes from Giles Court-house, and in the rear of the Nar rows. This you will understand by looking at any map of this region. Guides can be procured who will undertake to pilot us across, a circuit of perhaps ten or twelve miles. I doubt whether the enemy will attempt to hold the Narrows. Their force was the Forty-fifth Regiment, and about eight hundred militia of GUes, Montgomery, and Counties. The Forty-fifth has a large part of it scattered over towards the Wytheville Road, a part missing, and the remnant at the Narrows will run on the first excuse. The force now here can take the Narrows on your order in forty-eight hours. They are said to have some artillery — three to six pieces. I have sent reliable scouts to try to get accurate information. A Rebel captain of the Forty-fifth said : "No man could stand the yeUing of the Yankees, especially as they fired so fast I !" Twenty wagons [with] provisions and Company B, Thirtieth, arrived at 2 P. M. They report the roads hence to Raleigh very good and improv ing; the trouble is from Raleigh to Gauley. Captains Hunter and Lovejoy have arrived. They report Captain Foley died of his wounds. This will be a death-blow to the "Copperheads." AH the people tell us we need apprehend no bushwhacking this side of that gang, either here or in front of us. I am much gratified with the order and messages you send. I know I have not given you as full and explicit reports of things as would have been desirable. But when actually en gaged in an enterprise I am so occupied in trying to do the best thing that I can't write satisfactorily. I think in this matter every important thing was right, save possibly one which I wiU explain when we meet. We can get here and in the country in front considerable meat — some cured but mostly fresh. In ADVANCE AND RETREAT — 1862 251 sending forward provision trains this can to some extent be considered. More salt and less meat can be sent. Will you dispatch General Cox that our long-range muskets are much needed in the present service. Our experience the last few days satisfies everyone that a man who can kill at four hundred yards is worth three or four men with common muskets. The quartermaster wiU never, send them unless General Cox orders it. It rained during the night and is cloudy this morning. I think we shall not have another "smart spell of faHing weather," however. In the house intended for your headquarters are ten or fifteen rooms of all sorts, some chairs and tables but no bedding, a good kitchen cooking stove, two negro women and all appendages. Thomas will be able to make it a good estab lishment in a few hours for everybody you want and room for hospitality. If, however, you prefer smaller quarters, there are three or four others that will do as well, and the house in ques tion can be a hospital if needed. No sick here now. , You must have your bedding with you when you arrive if possible. RespectfuHy, R. B. Hayes, Lieutenant-Colonel 230 Regiment O. V. I,, Commanding Detachment. {Colonel Scammon.] Camp Number 5, Princeton, May 5, 1862. Sir: — This whole region is completely conquered. Rapid movement is all that is needed to take possession of the railroad and several good counties without opposition. Militiamen are coming in glad to take the oath and get home "to work crops." A part of Jenifer's force retreated through Tazewell, abandon ing Jeffersonville and it is reported burning it. Humphrey Marshall is reported on the railroad and near or at Wytheville. The Forty-fifth retreated on to Giles abandoning the Narrows,' .'eaving the position deserted. These are the reports. Not perfectly reliable, but I am inclined to credit them. At the Rocky Gap many muskets even were burned, the militiamen thinking it safer to return home unarmed. There is a report 252 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES from TazeweH that a battalion of cavalry is approaching through Logan and McDowell, the other part of the Second Virginia. If so they wUl meet with no opposition worth naming. It is about certain that the enemy had but one cannon at the Nar rows. AH I give you is rumor, or the nature of rumor, except the conduct and disposition of the new militia. I hear that from their own lips. An active command can push to the raUroad, taking coffee, salt, and sugar, and subsist itself long enough to get the railroad from Newbern a hundred mUes west. I speak of the future in the way of suggestion that your thoughts may turn towards planning enterprises before the scare subsides. The rations I speak of because we ought to have a larger supply of some things, counting upon the country for the others. Colonel Little will send in reports perfectly reliable as to the Narrows tomorrow. I hear a report that the enemy — the Forty-fifth — didn't stop at Giles but kept on towards Newbern ! I give these reports as showing the drift of feeling in this country, and [as] hints at truth rather than truth itself. Monday night. — I now have reliable information of the enemy, I think. It differs in many respects from rumors men tioned in the foregoing. The Forty-fifth Regiment during Fri day and Saturday straggled back to its camp at the mouth of Wolf Creek, a short distance above the Narrows. About four- fifths of the force got back foot-sore, without hats, coats, knap sacks, and arms in many cases. In the course of Friday and Saturday a considerable part (perhaps half) of the cavalry we drove from here reached the same point (mouth of Wolf Creek) having passed through Rocky Gap and thence taken the Wolf Creek and Tazewell Road easterly. On Saturday evening they were preparing to leave camp ; the Forty-fifth to go to Richmond whither they had just been ordered, and the cavalry and the few militia were to go with them as far as Dublin. The mUitia were uncertain whether they were to remain at Dublin or go west to the Salt Works in Washington and Wythe Counties. They aH expected to be gone from Wolf Creek and the Narrows during Sunday. There would be no fighting the Yankees this side of Dublin — possibly at Dublin a fight. The militia of Wythe, Grayson, and Carroll, seven hundred strong, are the ADVANCE AND RETREAT — 1862 253 force [at] WytheviUe. At Abbington, one thousand [of] Floyd's men. In Russell County Humphrey Marshall is still reported with three thousand men badly armed and worse disciplined. The great Salt Works (King's) work four hundred [men], ten furnaces, and turn out seventeen hundred bushels every twenty-four hours. No armed force there. All this from con trabands and substantially correct. Later. — Seven more contrabands just in. They report that on Sunday the Forty-fifth and other forces, except about thirty guards of baggage, left the vicinity of the Narrows arriving at Giles Court-house Sunday afternoon on their way to Dublin Depot ; that from there they expected to go west to Abbington. The contrabands passed the Narrows; only a smaU guard was there with a few tents and wagons. No cannon were left there. I do not doubt the general truthfulness of the story. It con firms the former. The enclosed letters perhaps contain some thing that ought to be known to General Fremont; if so you can extract a fact or two to telegraph. They were got from the last maU sent here by the Rebels. The carrier stopped seven miles south of here and the mail [was] picked up there. I wish to send three companies or so to the Narrows im mediately to see if we can catch the guard and baggage left behind. If you approve send me word back immediately and I wUl start the expedition in the morning. Latest. — Two more contrabands ! ! We can surely get the baggage in six hours (eighteen miles) without difficulty. Do send the order. Respectfully, R. B. Hayes, Lieutenant-Colonel 230 Regiment O. V. I., Commanding Detachment. [Colonel Scammon.] Princeton, May 6, 1862. Tuesday evening. — A clear, cold, bright day. Got a letter from my dear wife, very patriotic, very affectionate. An angel of a wife, I have. And the boys, dear Httle fellows ! I hope we shall be together again before many months. 254 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES I have been rather anxious today. We heard from contra bands and others that the Narrows [of New River] was de serted except by a smaU guard for property and tents. Major Comly with Companies H, I, and K and Captain GUmore's Cavalry was dispatched to the point eighteen to twenty-two mUes distant. No tidings yet, although a courier ought to have reached here before this time if they and he traveHed rapidly. I suggested that if necessary to secure property they go to GUes Town. In the meantime I hear that a foraging party of six of our men as guards under Corporal Day, with three battery men and a waggon, have been taken by a large party of cavalry on the Tazewell Road, ten miles. Jenifer's Cavalry have gone to Tazewell; got their horses and are now in the saddle ready to cut off our men. Oh, for an enterprising cavalry force! I have looked for a messenger since 5 o'clock from Major Comly. At midnight received a message from Major Comly that the party finding the Narrows deserted and all property gone, had gone on to Giles and taken it completely by surprise, capturing some prisoners and a large amount of stores, — two hundred and fifty barrels of flour and everything else. Very lucky! and Colonel Scammon thereupon approved of the whole expedition, although it was irregular and in violation of the letter of orders. The enemy just out of Giles were at least eleven hundred and had forces near to increase it to fifteen hundred. Our party was only two hundred and fifty! The colonel fearing the capture of our little party ordered me to proceed at daylight with two companies Second Virginia Cavalry and the rest of [the] Twenty-third Regiment to reinforce Giles. Giles Court-house, or Parisburg [Pearisburg], Camp Num ber 6, May 7, 6:30 P. M. Wednesday. — Just reached here from Princeton after a fatiguing march of twenty-eight miles. Found the major very glad to see us. All anxious, hearing reports of [the] Forty-fifth reinforced by [the] Thirty-sixth or [the] Twenty-second with artillery, etc., etc. Now aU safe if we are vigilant. The country after the road strikes New River is romantic, highly cultivated, and beautiful. GUes Court-house is ADVANCE AND RETREAT — 1862 255 [a] neat, pretty vUlage with a most magnificent surrounding country both as regards scenery and cultivation. The people have all been Secesh, but are polite and intelligent. When Major Comly, Captain GUmore, and Captain Drake entered town, the people were standing on the corners, idly gossiping — more numerous than the invaders. They did not at first seem to know who it was ; then such a scampering, such a rushing into the streets of women, such weeping, scolding, begging, etc., etc. Spent the night posting pickets and arranging against an attack so as to prevent a surprise. At midnight a citizen came in saying the enemy were preparing to attack us— -the Forty- fifth and Twenty-second — when he was at their camp, twelve miles from here at Cloyd's Mountain. I doubled the pickets, dressed myself and kept about quietly all the rest of the night. Camp Number 6, Giles, May 7, 1862, 6 :3o o'clock. Sir : — We arrived here after a pretty severe march of twenty- eight miles. We know really very little of the enemy. It is reported that the Jenifer Cavalry is at Newbern, the Forty-fifth at Cloyd's Mountain, thirteen miles distant, also the Twenty- second. We are without artUlery and perhaps you would do well to send us some. We are told that the enemy are informed of our strength and of the large amount of property of theirs in our hands. There is no reason other than this fact for apprehending an attack. The current rumor is that they intend fortifying Cloyd's Mountain. You can judge from these facts what is required. My opinion is we are perfectly safe. The property is valuable, very valuable, especially for us here. It is worth here not less than five thousand dollars. Respectfully, R. B. Hayes, Lieutenant-Colonel 230 Regiment O. V. I., Commanding. P. S. — General Heth is nowhere near here. [Colonel E. P. Scammon.] 256 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES Parisburg [Pearisburg], Virginia, May 8, 1862. Thursday. — A perfectly splendid day. No attack or approach last night. Passed out at daylight a mUe and a half in direction of enemy. Selected my ground in case of an approach of the enemy. Talked with Mr. Pendleton [and] Colonel English. Find more intel ligence and culture here than anywhere else in Virginia. Today Sergeant Abbott found a Rebel picket or scouting party on the mountain overlooking the village, peering into us with a fine glass. A reconnaissance today discovered three regiments in line marching coolly and well to the front as our men crossed Walker's Creek, ten or twelve mUes from here. They are said to have three pieces of artUlery and some cavalry. We get no reinforcements today and hear of none on the way. I have asked for artillery two or three times and get none. No message even today. It is a great outrage that we are not reinforced. We are losing stores all the time which the enemy slips away, — not [to] speak of the possibUity of an attack by an overwhelming force. Shameful ! Who is to blame ? I think we shall not be attacked, but I shall have an anxious night. Camp Number 6, Giles Court-house, May 8, 1862, 4:30 A. M. Sir: — A citizen came in from Dublin last [night] about il o'clock. He reports no troops there except a few guards, and the enemy engaged in removing all stores to Lynchburg; they commenced removing before we came here. He came over Cloyd's Mountain and in the Gap, posted strongly, he found the Forty-fifth and its militia, perhaps five hundred strong, and the Thirty-sixth, which had just joined them from the other side of New River (they had been at Lewisburg), three hundred strong, with five (5) pieces artiUery, one large and four small. They had ascertained that the "advance guard of Yankees" which took Giles was only two hundred and fifty strong and were then getting ready to march against us to attack last night, with one cannon. He heard when he came within four mUes that we were being reinforced; the negro reporting it thought ADVANCE AND RETREAT — 1862 257 there must be fifteen thousand now in Giles. He said if they heard of the reinforcements it would certainly stop their coming. They had hope of reinforcements to stop us at Cloyd's Mountain from the men on furlough from Floyd's Brigade. The brigade is to be reorganized immediately. It will form part of three regiments. No other reinforcements hoped for in the camp talk of the enemy. This is the substance of the information given me. I think it reliable. I doubled the pickets at 12 last night and sent cavalry patrols four mUes to the front. I could not help wishing, if our information was correct, that the enemy would be discovered approaching. But aU is reported quiet. I suspect they will let us alone. If they had approached in the force reported we should have flogged them well. As to reinforcements, we should have some artUlery. All others should bring tents with them. The houses are all occupied. If the Thirtieth comes let them take two days, it is too severe on feet to march twenty-eight miles on stones and hard knobs. The necessity for strengthen ing this post lies here : The country has a great deal of forage, and we can't get it unless we are strong. The enemy yesterday ran off six hundred bushels of shelled corn from near here. We have two hundred and fifty barrels of flour, nine barrels corn- meal, six barrels salt, sugar, drugs, some corn, and a vast variety of stuff such as ammunition, tools, harness, material of wear in stuff, etc., etc., all hauled into town and under guard. But a great deal is slipping through our fingers for want of force to take and hold it. This is a lovely spot, a fine, clean village, most beautiful and romantic surrounding country, and polite and educated Secesh people. It is the spot to organize your brigade. For a week or two we are almost independent of quartermasters. The road from you to this place has some very bad places — perhaps five mUes in aH ; the rest is hard, smooth, and dry, a good road. Our teams broke down a good deal but got within twenty miles. I left a guard at Wolf Creek Bridge. That is where the road from Tazewell comes to the river and the bridge is very im portant. We got Rebel papers to the 5th. Notice the article marked in the Lynchburg paper mentioning our advance. Also 17 258 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES letters, etc., which you wUl find interesting; also important list of captured stores. Our prisoners, the officers and mUitia, nice gentlemen but of no importance. I found [turned?] them out on parole. You will not greatly disapprove of this when you know the facts. In short, if you can get the permission you want to come here with your brigade, do so by all means as fast as you can get tents for them. We are in no need of rein forcements for defense, if our information is correct, as yet, but the point is too important to lose. You wUl see some be ginnings at fortifying the Narrows. It was a strong place. I still retain GUmore's Cavalry. It is a necessity. Captain Gilmore and his two lieutenants pretty much captured this town. They have behaved admirably. Do get a revocation of the order sending them to the rear, at least for the present. You wiU need them very much. Will you send up their tents and baggage today? They must stay for the present. They can send tents, etc., up with their own teams now there. I say nothing about the major and his command. They deserve all praise. Say what you please that is good of them, and it will be true. The taking of GUes Court-house is one of the boldest things of the war. It was perfectly impudent. There were more Secesh stand ing on the corners than were in the party with Major Comly and Captain Gilmore when they dashed in. Respectfully, R. B. Hayes, Lieutenant-Colonel 230 Regiment O. V. I., Commanding. Colonel E. P. Scammon, Commanding Third Brigade. Camp Number 6, Giles Court-house, May 8, 1862. 7 P. M. Sir: — We are getting on very prosperously gathering up forage, etc. We have in town six hundred bushels corn in addi tion to amount heretofore reported. Our stores of all sorts exceed anything this side of Fayette. We are in much need of shoes. We have got a lot of Secesh which though inferior wiU ADVANCE AND RETREAT — 1862 259 help until our quartermaster gets a supply. It is ascertained that the enemy is fortifying beyond Walker's Creek in a gap of Cloyd's Mountain, twelve or thirteen miles from here; that they have the Forty-fifth, Thirty-sixth, and probably the Twenty- second Virginia, also a small number of cavalry and three to six pieces of cannon. They advanced to within four miles of us last night, but learning of our reinforcements they retreated. Their advance guard was seen by my patrols and promptly re ported, but on scouting for them, they were found to have turned back. Today I sent Captain Gilmore with half of his men and a company of the Second Virginia cavalry to make a reconnais sance. They drove in the enemy's pickets, crossed Walker's Creek, and went within a mUe of the enemy's position. The whole force of the enemy was marched out and formed in order of battle. The apparent commander with a sort of body-guard of twenty or so rode up to Lieutenant Fordyce drawing a re volver when he was shot from his horse by Colonel Burgess. He was certainly an important officer. No one on our side hurt. The cavalry quietly fell back when the enemy burned the bridge over Walker's Creek after our cavalry had turned back. This indicates to my mind that as yet the enemy is disposed to act on the defensive, but it is certain we ought to be promptly and heavily reinforced. I do not doubt you have men on the way. We shall not be attacked, I think, in advance of their coming; if so we shall be ready, but the stores and position are too valuable to be left in any degree exposed. With a large force we can get much more property. Today while our scouting party of cavalry was in front, about twenty of the enemy under an officer with a large glass was seen by Sergeant Abbott and a scout, examining the village from a very high mountain whose summit, two mUes distant, overlooks the whole town. 8 130 P. M. — Couriers have arrived bringing messages for the cavalry, but none for me. No words of any rein forcements either. In any event, the want of force wUl prevent us gathering all the provisions and forage our position here en titles us to have. Major Comly says a conversation with the family he boards in, satisfies him that the enemy has three regi ments at Walker's Creek. We shall be vigilant tonight, and 260 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES shaH be astonished tomorrow if we do not hear of the battery, at least, moving to us before another of these clear moonlight nights has to be watched through.RespectfuHy, R. B. Hayes, Lieutenant-Colonel 230 Regiment O. V. I., Commanding. [Colonel E. P. Scammon.] Parisburg, [Pearisburg], May 9. Friday. — A lovely day. — No reinforcements yet; have asked for them in repeated dis patches. Strange. I shall be vigilant. Have planned the fight if it is to be done in the houses at night, and the retreat to the Narrows, if in daylight with artiUery against us. The town can't be held if we are attacked with artiUery. Shameful ! We have rations for thirty days for a brigade and tents and other property. Camp Number 6, Giles Court-house, May 9, 1862. A. M. Sir: — Your dispatch of yesterday reached me about 10:30 o'clock P. M. Its suggestions and cautions wiU be carefully heeded. If in any important respect my reports are defective, I shall be glad to correct the fault. The novelty of my situation and the number and variety of claims upon my attention must be my apology for what may seem negligence. Our men and horses are getting worn-out with guard, picket, and patrol duty, added to the labor of gathering in forage and provisions. You say nothing of the forward movement having been disapproved, nor of abandoning or reinforcing this point. I infer that we may look for reinforcements today. It is of the utmost importance that we get prompt and large additions to our strength. The facts are these : Large amounts of forage and provisions which we might have got with a larger force are daily going to the enemy. The enemy is recovering from his panic, is near the ADVANCE AND RETREAT — 1862 261 railroad and getting reinforcements. He is already stronger than we are, at least double as strong. But aH this you already know from repeated dispatches of mine and I doubt not you are doing all you can to bring up the needed additions to our force. I learn from contrabands that there is a practicable way for foot and horse, not teams, up Walker's Creek on this side, by which a force can pass over the mountains, five or seven miles from the road and reach the rear or turn the enemy's position. From the general appearance of the hills near here I think that some such passage can be found. The enemy has destroyed the boats at the ferries, or removed them from this side wherever it was possible to do so. The quartermaster is rigging up mule teams and ox teams to do the extra hauling with considerable success. There is of course some grumbling among owners of wagons, etc., but I teU them it is a mUitary necessity. The morn ing papers of Lynchburg are received here frequently the eve ning of the same day and regularly the next day. This shows how near we are to the centre of things. Respectfully, R. B. Hayes, Lieutenant-Colonel 230 Regiment O. V. I., Commanding. P. S. — Details are constantly made from the force ready for battle to take care of prisoners, guard bridges, etc., etc., until our force here is reduced to a very small figure. Instant action is required one way or the other. Colonel E. P. Scammon, Commanding Third Brigade. Camp Number 6, Giles Court-house, May 9, 1862, 10:30 (P. M.) Sir: — You wUl have to hurry forward reinforcements rapidly — as rapidly as possible — to prevent trouble here. This is not a defensible point without artillery against artUlery. No news 262 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES of a movement by the enemy but one may be expected soon. Shall we return to the Narrows if you can't reinforce? Respectfully, R. B. Hayes, Lieutenant-Colonel 230 Regiment O. V. I., Commanding. P. S. — A party the other side of the river is firing on our men collecting forage and provisions. Colonel E. P. Scammon, Princeton. Adair's, ten and one-half miles from Parisburg [Pearisburg], Saturday, May 10, 4 P M. — We were attacked at 4 o'clock this morning. I got up at the first faint streak of light and walked out to see the pickets in the direction of the enemy. As I was walking alone I heard six shots. "No mistake this time," I thought. I hurried back, ordered up my own and the adjutant's horse, called up the men and officers, [and] ordered the cavalry to the front. [I ordered] Captains Drake and Sperry to skirmish before the enemy and keep them back; the rest of the regiment to form in their rear. Led the whole to the front beyond the town ; saw the enemy approaching — four regiments or battal ions, several pieces of artillery in line of battle approaching. The artUlery soon opened on us. The shell shrieked and burst over [our] heads, the small arms rattled, and the battle was begun. It was soon obvious that we would be outflanked. \Ye retreated to the next ridge and stood again. The men of the Twenty-third behaved gloriously, the men of Gilmore's Cavalry, ditto ; the men of Colonel Paxton's Cavalry, not so well. I was scratched and torn on the knee by a shell or something, doing no serious injury. I felt well all the time. The men behaved so gallantly! And so we fought our way through town, the people rejoicing at our defeat, and on for six hours until we reached the Narrows, five and one-half miles distant. The time seemed short. I was cheered by Gilmore's Cavalry at a point about three and one-half miles from Giles Court-house, and we ADVANCE AND RETREAT — 1862 263 were all in good humor. We had three men killed, a number wounded, none severely, and lost a few prisoners. In the Narrows we easily checked the pursuit of the enemy and held him back until he got artillery on to the opposite side of New River and sheUed us out. Reached here about i P. M. safely. A well-ordered retreat which I think was creditable. Camp near Adair's, Giles Coimty, Virginia, Sunday (?) May II. — This is the first Sunday that has passed without my knowing the day of the week since chUdhood. The men biv ouacked on a sidehill near New River. Nothing exciting during the day. The enemy in the Narrows, but not coming through. Our masterly retreat of yesterday lost the Twenty-third one killed, Ployt C. Tenney, Company B, and three missing — prison ers and mosdy drunk; perhaps eight or ten wounded, generally slightly. The cavalry, one kiHed, three missing, and some wounded. Gilmore's Cavalry, one killed and one wounded. The Twenty-third behaved admirably, cool, steady, obedient. A few cowards — a corporal or two in Company H, the most exposed company, a sergeant of Company , etc., etc.; but men of the Twenty-third with teams, etc., from Raleigh hastened to share our fate; five for every one who left. The Second Virginia Cavalry left us! Bad state of things. Camp at Adair's, near Narrows of New River, May II, 1862. Sir :— Yesterday morning, loth inst., at dawn, our mounted pickets three mUes south of Parisburg [Pearisburg] gave notice that the enemy was approaching in order of battle. It was soon discovered that his force was from twenty-five hundred to three thousand, and that he had a battery of five pieces. In pursuance of your order and according to a plan previously arranged, the following disposition of my command was made. All our teams and all the teams we could press were loaded and started for the Narrows of New River. The cavalry under Captain Gil more, numbering thirty-five, and detachments of two companies of the Second Virginia V. C. [Volunteer Cavalry] under Cap tains Emmons and Scott respectively were dispatched to the 264 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES front with instructions to harrass and delay the enemy. Com pany H, Captain Drake, and Company B, Captain Sperry of the Twenty-third Regiment O. V. I. were assigned a simUar duty. The remaining seven companies (Company C not having joined the regiment) of the Twenty-third Regiment were drawn up in line of battle on a ridge in the rear of the vUlage and about a half a mile in rear of our skirmishers. My whole force did not exceed six hundred men. The enemy on approaching the first line of skirmishers halted and opened upon it with their artUlery. The enemy, soon after the firing commenced, sent detachments right and left to flank our skirmishers. The skirmishers slowly and in good order withdrew keeping up a constant and galling fire upon the advanc ing lines. The enemy continued to press forward slowly and occasionally halting until they reached the seven companies of the Twenty-third Regiment in line of battle. Our whole force was gradually pushed back, the enemy following with his whole force, halting frequently to place his guns in position. In this way the fight was kept up four or five hours when we reached the Narrows of New River five and a half miles north of Paris burg [Pearisburg]. Here we were able to take advantage of the narrow pass and brought the enemy to a stand. He made no serious effort to enter the Narrows in the face of the force I had posted at the extreme southern entrance of the Narrows at Wolf Creek Bridge. After perhaps two hours' delay the enemy succeeded in getting two guns on the opposite bank of New River and at a distance of tv.'O hundred and fifty or three hundred yards began to throw shell into the detachment defending the pass. Our force drew back to a new position out of range. The enemy again ad vanced his guns, and thus gradually we were forced to the lower entrance of the Narrows. No part of the enemy's force suc ceeded in getting through the Narrows. About the time the enemy ceased to push forward, the cavalry under your command came up. The fighting lasted seven or eight hours during which time the detachment under my command retreated about seven mUes. Our loss was two killed and ten wounded and six missing. ADVANCE AND RETREAT — 1862 265 Of these the Twenty-third O. V. I. lost Private Hoyt C. Tenney, Company B, killed; and Privates Thomas Redmond, Company I, John Leisure, Company D, and Henry Ward, Company B, missing and probably taken prisoners. The wounded are all doing weU. Sergeant-Ma j or Eugene L. Reynolds was hit in the head by a fragment of shell while fighting in the front line of skirmishers and knocked down. He had a narrow escape, but was not seriously hurt. A severe wound was received by Ser geant O. H. Ferrell, Company H. The other wounds are all slight. The names of the injured in the Second Virginia Cavalry have not been sent in. We brought off our prisoners taken when we entered Paris burg [Pearisburg] and carried away all our quartermaster stores and ammunition. We lost the provisions we had previously captured from the enemy (except what we had consumed), of which there was a large quantity. The enemy's loss in kUled and wounded is not known. The officers and men of Captain GUmore's Cavalry behaved with the greatest gallantry during the entire day. The two com panies of the Second Virginia Cavalry rendered important serv ice when dismounted and acting as skirmishers on the right of our line in the morning. The Twenty-third Regiment, officers and men, were cool and steady and the whole retreat in the face, and for the most part under the fire, of an overwhelming superior force was conducted without the slightest confusion or haste on their part. It is much to be regretted that reinforcements which I had so frequently and urgently requested could not be sent in time to save Parisburg [Pearisburg], as the loss of position and prop erty is very serious. "" Respectfully, j^ ^ ^^^^^^ Lieutenant-Colonel 23D Regiment O. V. I., Commanding. Copy [of] report to Colonel Scammon of retreat from Giles C. H. May 10, submitted May 11. * [This paragraph] erased before signing on request of Colonel Scam mon— not because I did not deem it true, but because he wished it, and I did not want to embarrass him. 266 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES Camp at Mouth of East River, Giles County, Virginia, May ii, 1862. Dearest : — Since I wrote you last I have lived a great deal. Do you know that GUes Court-house was captured with a large amount of stores, etc., etc., by a party sent by me from Prince ton ? It was so bold and impudent ! I went with six companies of the Twenty-third to reinforce. I soon found that unless further reinforced we were gone up. The enemy, three thousand strong, were within ten miles of us with a battery of artillery. We had none. The place, a lovely mountain village, was wholly indefensible except by a large force. I sent two couriers a day to beg for reinforcements for three days. None came. At the last moment the order came that I should retreat if attacked by a largely superior force. This was easy to say, but to do it safely, after waiting tUl the enemy is on you, is not a trifle. I was up every night. Had guards and pickets on every point of approach. . Well, yesterday morning, I got up before daylight, and visited the outposts. Just at dawn, I heard the alarm guns. The enemy were coming even in greater force than we expected. Four regiments, a battery of guns, and a small force of cavalry. I had only nine companies of the Twenty-third, much weakened by detachments guarding supply trains, etc., and two weak com panies of cavalry. Not more than one-fourth of the enemy's strength. But all went on like clockwork. Baggage was loaded and started. Captains Drake and Sperry undertook to hold the enemy with their companies and Captain Gilmore's Cavalry until the rest could take position in rear of the town. I went out with Captains Drake and Sperry. Just before sunrise. May 10, a lovely morning, we saw the advancing battalions in line of battle in beautiful order. They were commanded, it is said, by General Heth. They opened first with cannon firing shell. The first personal gratification was to find that my horse stood it well. Soon I saw that the men were standing it well. As they came in range of our skir mishers, some fatal firing checked them; but they were rapidly closing around us. Now was the first critical moment: Could our men retreat without breaking into confusion or a rout? ADVANCE AND RETREAT — 1862 267 They retired slowly, stubbornly, in good spirits and in order! I got a scratch on the right knee, just drawing blood but spoiling my drawers. But what of that? Things were going well. The enemy now approached our main line. Could it retreat also in order, for I knew it must be forced back. Here was the crisis of our fate. They stood firmly. The enemy halted to get his guns in position again. Soon we were in a fair way to be sur rounded. The men were ordered to retire slowly, firing as they went, to a ridge forty rods back, and then to form again. They did it to perfection, and I knew we were safe. From that time, for five hours, it was only exciting fun. The fight lasted seven hours, we retreating six and one-half miles until we came to a narrow pass where three of our companies could hold back any number. Here we were safe. The Twenty-third looked glori ously after this. We got off as by a miracle. We lost one kiHed, one wounded badly and a host slightly, in the regiment; about the same' in the cavalry. Applause was never so sweet as when right in the midst of the struggle, Gilmore's Cavalry gave me three cheers for a sharp stroke by which I turned the column out of range of the enemy's guns, which, with infinite trouble, he had placed to sweep us. It was a retreat (which is almost a synonym for defeat) and yet we all felt grand over it. But warn't the men mad at some body for leaving us? We were joined by a battery and the Thirtieth Regiment at 4 P. M. under Colonel Scammon, starting at the seasonable hour of 7 A. M. ! We are now strong again, but driven from a most valuable position with a loss of stores we had captured worth thousands. I am reported dangerously wounded by some of the cowardly cavalry (not GUmore's) who fled forty mUes, reporting us "routed," "cut to pieces," and the like. Never was a man prouder of his regiment than I of the Twenty-third. I keep thinking how well they behaved. — Love to all. Affectionately, r_ g Hayes. I2th, A. M. — Since writing the foregoing, we have got information which leads me to think it was probably well we 268 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES were not reinforced. There would not have been enough to hold the position we had against so great a force as the enemy brought against us. You see we were twenty mUes from their raUroad, and only six to twelve hours from their great armies. . . . Mrs. Hayes. Monday, May 12. Camp at north of East River near line be tween Giles and Mercer Counties, eleven miles from Giles Court house. — We moved here to a strong position. The whole bri gade as now organized is with us. This is the First Brigade of the Army of the District of Kanawha — General Cox. It con sists of [the] Twelfth, Twenty-third, and Thirtieth Ohio Regi ments, McMullen's Battery (two brass six-pounders and four howitzers), and four companies [of] Paxton's or Bowles' Second Virginia Cavalry; with Captain GUmore's Cavalry for the present. Brigade commanded by Colonel Scammon. Colonel White of [the] Twelfth a clever gentleman. Lieu tenant-Colonel Hines, ditto, but a great talker and a great memory for persons and places. Fine weather since Sunday the 4th. Out of grub, out of mess furniture. Rumors of the defeat of MUroy and of overwhelm ing forces threatening us. Great news by telegraph: The cap ture of Norfolk, blowing up the Merrimac, and the like ! Corinth being abandoned. York peninsula faHing into McClellan's hands. If all that this indicates comes to pass, the Rebellion is, indeed, on its last legs. Headquarters 230 Regt. O. V. I., Camp ai Mouth OF East River, Giles County, Virginia, May 12, 1862. Sir : — Enclosed I send you the proceedings of the company commanders of the Twenty-third Regiment O. V. I. nominating Rev. RusseH G. French, a clergyman of the Methodist Episcopal Church, to the office of chaplain of the regiment. I have to request that Mr. French may be immediately commissioned — his commission to bear date May i, 1862. ADVANCE AND RETREAT — 1862 269 Rev. Amos Wilson was the former chaplain. He resigned on the 30th of April. His resignation was accepted and I directed his name to be stricken from the roll of officers of the Twenty- third Regiment. Mr. French is a loyal citizen of Mercer County, of unblem ished character, and with a fair reputation as a Christian and clergyman. He was driven from his home because he was a Union man; joined my command at Raleigh to act as guide and scout. We found him a most valuable man. He served without compensation. When serving with Company C in the late fight at Camp Creek he had his right thigh shattered to pieces by a Rebel ball. He is probably mortally wounded; in any event, he is crippled for life. Lieutenant Bottsford, who commanded Company C, says he behaved with great gallantry. He has a large family and small means. Officers and men all desire his appointment as herein requested. Respectfully, R. B. Hayes, Lieutenant-Colonel 23D Regiment O. V. I., Commanding. Brigadier-General C. P. Buckingham, Adjutant-General. Copy [of] letter to Governor Tod asking a commission for Russell G. French, our zvounded scout, etc., etc., as chaplain Twenty-third Regiment 0. V. I. Tuesday, [May] 13, Same Camp, Giles County, Virginia. — StUl dry and dusty! We shall soon need rain! Queer need in Virginia ! No bread in camp today, but beans and beef and some bacon. Had an evening parade. The regiment looked strong and well. Our camp, on a hill overlooking New River in front and East River in the rear — the Twelfth and Thirtieth in the valley of East River, McMullen's Battery near by — is very pic turesque. High m.ountains all around; some finely cultivated country in sight. The Second Virginia Cavalry, out foraging, came rushing in covered with foam; reported a great force of Rebel cavalry 270 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES near by ! Turned out to be our own — Gilmore's Cavalry ! What a worthless set they are proving to be. Camp near Mouth East River, Giles County, May 14, 1862. Wednesday. — Rained violently last night ; not a bad morning, however. Rumors of defeat of General MUroy up northeast by StonewaU Jackson. Don't believe it. If true, it is not very important, if the taking of Norfolk holds out. We ought to catch the whole Rebel army near Richmond. With gunboats at West Point up York River, up James River, and so on, we must have that whole region soon. We now have a base of opera tions close up to the enemy's right. — Rain in violent storms during the day two or three times. No bread; men want crackers. Transportation insufficient. But for the large quantities of bacon we get in this neighbor hood, we should suffer. General Cox with Second Brigade is at Napoleon French's, six or seven miles from here. WiH be here tomorrow. General McClellan within twenty mUes of Rich mond ! The crisis is now at hand. If no serious disaster occurs in the next ten days, the Rebel cobhouse tumbles speedily and forever ! Same Camp, Thursday, May 15, 1862. — Cloudy and threat ening rain. Several warm showers during the day. Firing be tween pickets constantly going on two or three mUes down the river. We send out two or three companies and a howitzer or six-pounder to bang away, wasting ammunition. If the enemy is enterprising he will capture some of these parties and per haps a cannon. Camp, Mouth of East River, Giles County, Virginia, May 15, 1862. Dear Mother : — We have marched a great many miles through this mountain region since I last wrote you. We have had some fighting, some excitement, and a great deal to do. We are now in a strong position. General Cox commands the army, about five thousand strong, in this vicinity. We feel pretty safe, although the success of our arms at the East seems ADVANCE AND RETREAT — 1862 271 to be driving the enemy to these mountains in greater strength than before. The scenery is finer than any we have before seen. How you would enjoy the views from my tent. In sight, at the bottom of the hill the Twenty-third is camped on, runs New River, a stream larger than the Connecticut at Brattleboro, then a beauti ful cultivated country along its banks, and steep high mountains bounding the scene on aH sides. I am afraid I am ruined for Hving in the tame level country of Ohio. The reports indicate that the Rebellion is going under very rapidly. If no serious disaster befaUs us the struggle wiU hardly outlast the summer. I shall write very rarely. You wUl hear by telegraph all important news of us. I think of you and all the dear ones often — constantly. Affectionately, R. B. Hayes Mrs. Sophia Hayes. Saturday, May 17. — A very hard day, — muddy, wet, and sultry. Ordered at 3 A. M. to abandon camp and hasten with whole force to General Cox at Princeton. He has had a fight with a greatly superior force under General Marshall. We lost tents, — we slit and tore them, — mess furniture, blankets, etc., etc., by this hasty movement. I was ordered with the Twenty- third, GUmore's Cavalry, and two pieces McMullen's Battery, to cover the retreat to Princeton. We did it successfully, but oh, what a hard day on the men ! I had been up during the night, had the men out, etc., etc. We were all day making it. Found aU in confusion; severe fighting against odds and a further re treat deemed necessary. Bivouacked on the ground at Princeton. Mem. : — I saved all my personal baggage, tent included ; but no chance to use it at Princeton. Sunday!! Came again unawares upon me at Princeton. At I or 2 A. M. aroused to prepare to move. Moved off quietly; got off, again unmolested, to this point, viz., Bluestone River, 272 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES Mercer County, Virginia. I hope this is the last of the retreat. We have [the] Thirty-fourth, Twenty-eight, Twelfth, Twenty- third, Thirtieth, Thirty-seventh O. V. I.; Second Virginia Cav alry ; and Simmonds' and McMullen's Batteries. The enemy re ported to have three thousand or so under General Heth and five thousand or so under General Humphrey MarshaH. The num bers are nothing, but at present our communications can't well be kept up. All will soon be remedied under Fremont. Then, for ward again! In the fights we have lost in our army, chiefly Thirty-seventh and Thirty-fourth, near one hundred killed, wounded, and prisoners. Camp on Flat Top Mountain, May 20, 1862: — Monday, 19th, marched from camp on Bluestone River to this point (yes terday) — a hot dry march — with knapsacks. I supposed we were to go only five miles ; was disappointed to find we were retreating so far as this point. Being out of humor with that, I was out of sorts with all things; scolded "some" because the column was halted to rest on the wrong side of a stream which had to be crossed single file ; viz., the near instead of the oppo site side; mad because Colonel Scammon halted us in the sun half an hour — no water — without telling us how long we were to halt, etc., etc. But got good-humored again soon. Must swear off from swearing. Bad habit. Met Dr. Jim Webb, assistant surgeon of [the] Twelfth, yesterday as we approached here. March fourteen miles. [Today] , Tuesday, 20th, rains occasionally — a cold rain. No tents, some trouble, but men are patient and hardy. Heard of Ike Nelson's wounds, four to six in number and twenty bullet holes in his clothing. Left for dead but got well. Avery and Captain Drake go to Raleigh this morning. We are holding on, waiting for supplies in the place of the tents, etc., v/e have lost. No news yet of Richmond's having been taken, but it is likely soon to fall unless we are defeated. ADVANCE AND RETREAT — 1862 273 Camp on Flat Top Mountain on Line between Mercer and Raleigh Counties, May 20, 1862. Dear Uncle : — The last three weeks has been a period of great activity with us — severe marching, sharp fighting, and all sorts of strategy and manoeuvring. I had command of the advance southward and marched to within ten mUes of the raU road, seventy miles south of this. This was ten days ago. On the morning of the loth the enemy attacked us in greatly superior numbers and with artillery. In obedience to orders we have been falling back ever since. I was much vexed that we were not reinforced. Perhaps I was wrong. It is now believed that the enemy, since their reverses in eastern Virginia, have been sending heavy bodies of troops this way; that our force is wholly inadequate to its task, and must wait here untU largely strengthened. I am not sure about this, but accept it without much grumbling. As I had command of the advance, I also had command of the rear-guard during the two most perilous days of the retreat. I am glad to know that nobody blames me with anything. Perhaps nobody ought to be blamed, certainly not if the force of the enemy is correctly reported. We have got off very well, having the best of all the fighting, and losing very little property in the retreat, and conducting it in good order. General Cox and staff narrowly escaped capture. My com mand had a narrow escape. With any common precautions we should have been captured or destroyed, but luckily I had mounted pickets two miles further out than usual and got notice of the trap in time. The total loss of my command up to yes terday since May i inclusive is seven kiUed, six missing, and thirty-five wounded. We have killed forty to fifty of the enemy, captured about fifty, and wounded a large number. We have captured and destroyed many arms, and lived on the enemy's grub a week. We also took several teams and waggons. We have lost our tents (except headquarters) and part of our mess furniture. We shall remain here and hereabouts some time to get rein forced and to get supplies. We are in telegraphic communica tion with the world and only sixty miles from navigation. 18 274 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES Dr. James Webb is now in this brigade, assistant surgeon of the Twelfth Regiment O. V. I. Dr. Joe is brigade surgeon. We shall enjoy a few days' rest here. The Twenty-third is a capital set. They always stood up squarely to the work and enjoyed it. A vast difference between raw troops and those who have tried it enough to be at home. Love to all. Good-bye. R. B. Hayes. S. Birchard. Camp on Flat Top Mountain, May 20, (Tuesday), 1862. Dearest : — Here we are "back again" — fifty or sixty miles in rear of the advanced position we had taken. The short of it is, since the Rebel disasters in eastern Virginia they have thrown by the railroad a heavy force into this region, forcing us back day by day, until we have gained a strong position which they are not likely, I think, to approach. I do not think there is any blame on the part of our leaders. We were strong enough to go ahead until recent events changed the plans of the enemy, and made it impossible [for us] to reinforce sufficiently. I was much vexed at first, but I suspect it is all right. We have had a great deal of severe fighting — fragmentary — in smaU de tachments, but very severe. We have had narrow escapes. My whole command was nearly caught once ; the Twenty-eighth barely escaped. General Cox and staff got off by the merest chance. Colonel Scammon's brigade was in close quarters, etc., etc. And yet by good luck, we have had no serious disaster. We have lost tents and some small quartermaster stores, but nothing important. In the fighting we have had the best of it usually. The total loss of General Cox's command is perhaps two hundred to three hundred, including kiHed, wounded, pris oners, and missing. The enemy has suffered far more. In my fight at Giles, the enemy had thirty-one killed and many wounded; our total casualties and missing, about fifteen. We shall remain here until reinforced or new events make it possible to move. I see the Thirty-third, not the Twenty-third, gets the credit ADVANCE AND RETREAT — 1862 275 of taking Giles. Such is fame. No Thirty-third in this country. [The papers also said] Major Cowley not Comly, and so on. Well, all right. General Fremont complimented me for "energy and courage" and the Twenty-third for "gallantry" to this di vision. So it is all right. Jim is here in our brigade (the Twelfth Regiment) looking very well. Dr. Joe well. Adjutant Avery is to take this to Raleigh only twenty mUes off. We are connected by telegraph with you too, so we are near again for a season. Affectionately, R. Show this to Steve [Stephenson]. Mrs. Hayes. Camp Flat Top, May 21, 1862. Wednesday. — A warm, windy, threatening day. Drilled the regiment this morning; marched to the summit of Flat Top, thence along the summit to the Ral eigh Road, and so back to camp. Men looked well. Companies A, E, and K, under Major Comly, with a howitzer, marched to Packs Ferry to hold it, build boats, and the like. They take about twenty carpenters from the Twenty-third, also six cavalry men and a howitzer. Camp Flat Top, May 22, 1862. Thursday. — Today Colonel Scammon with a small escort went over to Packs Ferry to look after affairs with Major Comly and his boat-builders. A Cap tain Jenkins, of Kentucky, came from General Williams to nego tiate as to exchange of prisoners. General Cox detailed Lieu tenant-Colonel Hines and myself to meet him. After some re flection, I suggested that it was honoring Captain Jenkins too much to send two lieutenant-colonels, and the programme was changed. I have caught a bad cold, the worst I have had since I came into the army, caused chiefly by changing underclothes and stockings from thick to thin. Called on Colonel Moor of the Twenty-eighth. The German officers are neater and more soldierly in dress and accoutrements than ours. The Twenty-eighth has a fine band, twenty or 276 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES twenty-four musicians. Wrote to Lucy a short letter — no flow in it ; but how I love my wife and boys ! All the more tenderly for these separations. Camp Flat Top Mountain, May 22, 1862. Dearest : — I have written you one or two letters which I suspect fell into the hands of the enemy, but ere this, I do not doubt, you have received dispatches and word by Thomas which relieves you of all trouble on my account. We have had a good deal of war this month. More than half the time during two weeks we were in the presence of the enemy. Most of the time they [we] were either pursuing them or they were crowding us. The number kUled and wounded, consider ing the amount of firing, was not large. I suppose the total loss of this army would not exceed two hundred. Our force is not strong enough to do the work before us. We have so many points to garrison and so long a line of communications to pro tect, that it leaves a very small force to push on with. . . . Before this reaches you, the great battles of the war wUl probably be fought. If successful, we shall not meet with much determined opposition hereafter. I was sent to meet a flag of truce sent by General Williams and Humphrey Marshall this morning. The officers talk in a high tone still, but the privates are discouraged, and would be gladly at home on any terms. Affectionately, Mrs. Hayes. Flat Top Mountain, May 23, 1862. Friday. — Warm and dry; getting dusty!! Mr. French lies here wounded — his thigh bone shattered by a ball that passed clear through his leg. Dr. McCurdy thinks he will not survive more than three or four weeks. . . . Our regiment elected him chaplain a week or two ago to date from the day of battle. May i, 1862. I hope the Governor wUl commission [him] promptly. . . . ADVANCE AND RETREAT — 1862 277 The Commercial is reported as saying that people may ."act as if they had heard some very good news" from General Hal- leck's army. It is dusty!! A cold wind blowing. The plan of going to Packs Ferry and crossing New River, uniting with Colonel Crook, and thence through Union to Christiansburg, is not yet fixed upon. Flat Top Mountain, May 24, 1862. Saturday. — Cold, rainy, and windy, — an old-fashioned storm. Men bivouacking! Col onel Crook, of [the] Third Brigade, was attacked yesterday morning by General Heth with the same force which drove me out of GUes. Colonel Crook had parts or the whole of three regiments. He defeated Heth and captured four of his cannon. Our loss, ten kiHed and forty wounded. Enemy routed and one hundred prisoners. What an error that General Cox didn't attack Williams and Marshall at Princeton! Then we should have accomplished something. Camp Flat Top Mountain, May 24, 1862. Dear Mother : — I have written you twice this month, but am not sure as to your getting my letters. The enemy have captured some of our mails, and possibly your letters are in Secession. . . . We are having pretty busy times in the mountains. One of our brigades, under Colonel Crook, gained an important victory over the Rebels under General Heth yesterday morning at Lew isburg, capturing cannon, etc., etc. We shall not remain long in the same place. Our force is not so large as that of the enemy, and we must make up the difference by activity. They are very sick of the contest, and if our great armies are suc cessful, we shall soon be over the worst of the Rebellion. . . . Affectionately, your son, R. Mrs. Sophia Hayes. 278 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES Camp Flat Top Mountain, May 25, 1862. Sunday. — Bright, clear, and bracing. My cold no better yet, but no worse. I hope it has reached the turning-point. All suspense in mUitary matters, awaiting result at Corinth and Richmond. The three Companies, A, E, and K of Twenty-third, sent to Packs Ferry were ordered in yesterday, as if much needed. They marched in the rain and darkness seventeen miles last night and six this morning; the severest trial they have had. It was too bad, too bad. Sacred music by the band at sundown. Captain Evans, a Cincinnati boy of [the] Thirty-fourth Zouaves, called to see me. Queer people meet here. The Thirty-seventh and the Thirty- fourth (Zouaves) suffered badly in the skirmishing about Prince ton. About sixty wounded (of ours) came up tonight, having been exchanged, from Princeton. Camp Flat Top Mountain, May 25, 1862. Dearest: — Dr. Joe has a letter from McCabe in which he speaks of your anxiety on my account. I hope that it has not been increased by my dispatch. You will always hear. the pre cise truth from me. You may rely on it that you hear exactly the state of things. It would be idle to say that we have been in no danger, or that we are not likely to be in perU hereafter. But this is certain, that there is not half the danger for officers in a regiment that can be trusted to behave well, as there would be in a regiment of raw troops ; besides, the danger on this line is much diminished by a victory which one of our brigades under Colonel Crook gained day before yesterday at Lewisburg. He routed the army under General Heth, which drove me out of Giles Court-house, captured their cannon, etc., etc. Now the drift is again all in our favor. This is a lovely Sunday morning, after a cold storm of about thirty hours. It brings great relief to men bivouacking on the ground without tents, to have the sun shining out bright and warm. The weather, except two days, has been good this whole ADVANCE AND RETREAT — 1862 279 month. This is the department to spend the summer in — healthier and pleasanter than any other. I received Uncle's letter written when he was with you. I am rather gratified to hear that you are not going to Fremont this summer. It pleases me that Uncle likes the boys so well. Dear little fellows, they must be so interesting. I think of them often. We expect to move from here southward in a few days. Our army is under General Cox, and consists of the First Brigade, Twelfth, Twenty-third, and Thirtieth under Colonel Scammon; Second Brigade, Twenty-eighth, Thirty-seventh, and Thirty- fourth under Colonel Moor; Third Brigade, Eleventh, Thirty- sixth, Forty-fourth, and Forty-seventh under Colonel Crook, besides a due proportion of cavalry and artiUery. It is a good army, but too smaH for the magnificent distances we have to operate over. We expect to be able to unite with Fremont's larger body in about three or four weeks. In the meantime, good luck at Richmond and Corinth may pretty nearly take away our occupation. P. M. — Recent news indicate [indicates] that we shall see no enemy for some time. I believe I told you my Commercial has slopped again. Try to start it so it will hold out. It comes to subscribers here pretty regularly and promptly. Tomorrow a couple of men leave here for Camp Chase with a prisoner. I shall send a Mississippi rifle with them. This is the most formidable weapon used against us in this region by the Rebels; they wUl leave it either with you or at Piatt's in Columbus. I enclose for Uncle a fifty-doHar biU. It was worth fifty dollars when I got it. I could buy a pretty fair horse with it. Love to all the boys and kisses all round. Ever so much iffection for your own dear self. R. Mrs. Hayes. Camp Flat Top Mountain, May 26, 1862. Monday. — Clear and cool. A private dispatch informs General Cox that General 280 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES Banks has been driven back by the Rebel Jackson, probably to Harpers Ferry. This is a long move to the rear. If true, it indicates a pretty heavy disaster; places in jeopardy the Balti more and Ohio Railroad, etc. So we go. Camp Flat Top, May 26, 1862. Dearest: — Your exceHent letters of [the] 17th and 19th came this morning — only a week in getting to me. I wrote you yesterday by the soldiers. Corporal West and Harper, but I must give you another by the sutler who goes in the morning, just to show how much I think of you and your letters. We are now at rest on a mountain top with no immediate prospect of anything stirring. We stand for the moment on the defensive, and are not likely to be disturbed. We have been having exchanges of wounded and prisoners with the enemy. They have behaved very well to our men, and were exceedingly civil and hospitable in our negotiations with them. They feel a good deal discouraged with the general prospect, but are crowding our small armies under Banks and Fremont pretty severely. All will be well if we carry the pivots at Richmond and Corinth. Enough of this. I still feel just as I told you, that I shall come safely out of this war. I felt so the other day when danger was near. I certainly enjoyed the excitement of fighting our way out of Giles to the Narrows as much as any excitement I ever experi enced. I had a good deal of anxiety the first hour or two on account of my command, but not a particle on my own account. After that, and after I saw we were getting on well, it was really jolly. We all joked and laughed and cheered constantly. Old Captain Drake said it was the best Fourth of July he ever had. I had in mind Theo. Wright singing "The Star-Spangled Banner." "The bombs bursting in air" began before it was quite light, and it seemed to me a sort of acting of the song, and in a pleasant way, the prayer would float through my thoughts, "In the dread hour of battle, O God, be thou nigh!" ADVANCE AND RETREAT — 1862 281 A happy thing you did for the sick soldiers, good wife ! * "I love you so much." WeH, that is all I wrote to teU you. I must repeat again, send the Commercial "for the war." TeH Webb Lieutenant Kennedy was delighted with the picture, and wUl try to send his to Webb some day. Send me one of all the boys if you get them — Webb's of course. I am much pleased that you are to stay in Cincinnati. Love to all the boys and Grandma. Send me by sutler Harper and Atlantic for June. Good-bye, dearest. Affectionately ever, R. P. S. — I enclose you a letter which I wish Dr. Murphy [to read] or somebody to read to him. He behaves badly, I sus- *Mrs. Hayes, in her letter of May 19, had written: "Our hospitals are all full of sick and wounded. A great difference can be seen between the sick and [the] wounded. The sick appear low-spirited — downcast, while the wounded are quite cheerful, hoping soon to be well. I felt right happy the other day, feeling that I had made some persons feel a little happier. Going down to Mrs. Herron's I passed four soldiers, two wounded and two sick. They were sitting on the pavement in front of the office where their papers are given to them. I passed them, and then thought, well, anyhow, I will go back and ask them where they are going. A gentleman who I saw then was with them, said he had just got in from Camp Dennison, and found they were too late to get their tickets for that evening. I asked, 'Where will you take them?' He said he did not know, but must get them to the nearest place, as they were very weak. I said, 'Doctor, (the wounded man had told me he was his family doctor and had come to take him home), if you will take them to my house I will gladly keep them and have them taken to the cars. There is the street-car which will take you near my house.' He was very thankful, and he put sick and wounded on, and I started them for Sixth Street, while I finished my errand, took the next car, and found my lame man hobbling slowly along. We fixed them in the back parlor. The doctor I asked to stay also, to attend to them. He said he could not thank me enough, that he was a stranger here and was almost bewildered as to what to do or where to take them. Mary was up early and we had a cup of coffee for them before five. I thought of you in a strange country, wounded and trying to get home. The cases were not exactly alike, but if anyone was kind to you, would I not feel thankful?" 282 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES pect. In short, darling, all men who manage to keep away from their regiments are to be suspected. They are generally rascals. Mrs. Hayes. Flat Top, May 27, 1862. Tuesday. — A warm, fine day. My cold is still very bad. I call to see Mr. French, the wounded citizen of Lieutenant Bottsford's fight, now our Twenty-third chaplain, daily. He is in good spirits, but [the] doctors talk discouragingly of his case. News today that General HaHeck has taken Corinth and twenty thousand prisoners ! Is it true ? I hope so. Flat Top, May 28, 1862. Wednesday. — No news yet from Corinth ; none from Richmond ; all in suspense yet. We almost fear to hear the news. Many rumors indicate that the Rebels are leaving Richmond. The gathering of great forces opposite to General Banks, and to Fremont all look that way. A large force is reported near Tazewell or at TazeweH, also. The air is full of rumors. The great events will soon clear the air, and we shall see where we are. Flat Top, May 30, 1862. Friday. — A hot summer day. A very singular thing happened this afternoon. While we were at supper, 5 :30 P. M., a thunder-storm broke out. It was pretty violent. Avery and Dr. McCurdy got up a warm dis cussion on electricity. As the storm passed away we all stepped out of the tent and began to discuss the height of the clouds, the lapse of time between the flash and the thunder. While we were talking, Avery having his watch out and I counting, there came a flash and report. It seemed to me that I was struck on the top of the head by something the size of a buck shot. Avery and McCurdy experienced a severe pricking sen sation in the forehead. The sentinel near us was staggered as by a blow. Captain Drake's arm was nearly benumbed. My horse Webb (the sorrel) seemed hit. Over a hundred soldiers felt the stun or pricking. Five trees were hit about a hundred yards off and some of them badly splintered. In all the camps something similar was felt ; but "no harm done." ADVANCE AND RETREAT — 1862 283 The news not decisive but favorable. Lost a bet of twenty- five cents with Christie, Company C, that either Richmond or Corinth would be taken today. May 31, 1862. Saturday. — Clear and bracing. Had a very satisfactory inspection on the hill back of General Cox's head quarters. The men were many of them ragged and their clothes and caps faded, but they looked and marched like soldiers. We hear of the retreat of Beauregard's great army from Corinth. This is probably a substantial victory, but is not so decisive as I hoped it would be. The Rebels have a talent for retreating. Our generals do not seem to be vigilant enough to prevent their slipping away. A thunder-storm last night. CHAPTER XIX HOLDING THE FRONT LINE WEST VIRGINIA — JUNE- AUGUST 1862 77^ LAT TOP, June i, 1862. Sunday. — We got our new rifled -t muskets this morning. They are mostly old muskets, many of them used, altered from flint-lock to percussion, rifled by Greenwood at Cincinnati. We tried them on the hill one and a half miles east of camp, spending three hours shooting. At two hundred yards about one shot in eight would have hit a man; at four hundred yards, or a quarter of a mUe, about one shot in ten would have hit; at one-third to one-half mUe, say seven hundred yards, about one shot in eighty would have hit. The shooting was not remarkably accurate, but the power of the gun was fully as great as represented. The ball at one-fourth mile passed through the largest rails; at one-half mile almost the same. The hissing of the ball indicates its force and velocity. I think it an excellent arm. Companies B and G went out to Packs Ferry to aid in build ing or guarding a boat, built to cross New River Flat Top Moimtain, June 2, 1862. Monday. — A clear, hot, healthy summer day. General McClellan telegraphs that he has had a "desperate battle" ; a part of his army across the Chicka- hominy, is attacked "by superior numbers" ; they "unaccountably break" ; our loss heavy, the enemy's "must be enormous" ; enemy "took advantage of the terrible storm." All this is not very satisfactory. General McClellan's right wing is caught on the wrong side of a creek raised by the rains, loses its "guns and baggage." A great disaster is prevented ; this is all, but it will demonstrate that the days of Bull Run are past. (284) HOLDING THE FRONT LINE — 1862 285 Flat Top Mountain, June 3, 1862. Dearest : — I am made happy by your letter of the 24th and the picture of Webb. Enclosed I send Webb a letter from Lieu tenant Kennedy. I am not surprised that you have been some puzzled to make out our movements and position from the confused accounts you see in the papers. Our log-book would run about this way : Flat Top Mountain, twenty miles south of Raleigh, is the boundary line between America and Dixie — between western Virginia, either loyal or subdued, and western Virginia, rebellious and unconquered. [Here follows an account of the movements and activities of the regiment during May, which is a repetition in brief of previous letters and Diary entries.] Here we are safe as a bug in a rug — the enemy more afraid of us than we are of them — and some of us do fear them quite enough. My opinion was, we ought to have fought Marshall at Princeton, but it is not quite certain. AH our regiments have behaved reasonably well except [the] Thirty-fourth, Piatt's Zouaves, and Paxton's Cavalry. Don't abuse them, but they were pretty shabby. The zouaves were scattered seventy miles, reporting us all cut to pieces, etc., etcx Enough of war. The misfortune of our situation is, we have not half force enough for our work. If we go forward the enemy can come in behind us and destroy valuable stores, cut off our supplies, and cut through to the Ohio River, — for we are not strong enough to leave a guard behind us. We look with the greatest interest to the great armies. Banks' big scare wiH do good. It helps us to about fifty thousand new men. . . . I nearly forgot to tell you how we were all struck by lightning on Saturday. We had a severe thunder-storm whUe at supper. We were outside of the tent discussing lightning — the rapidity of sound, etc., etc., Avery and Dr. McCurdy both facing me, Dr. Joe about a rod off, when there came a flash and shock and roar. The sentinel near us staggered but did not fall. Dr. Mc Curdy and Avery both felt a pricking sensation on the forehead. 286 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES I felt as if a stone had hit me in the head. Captain Drake's arm was benumbed for a few minutes. My horse was nearly knocked down. Some horses were knocked down. Five trees near by were hit, and perhaps one hundred men more or less shocked, but strange to say "nobody hurt." All things still look well for a favorable conclusion to the war. I do not expect to see it ended so speedily as many suppose, but patience will carry us through. I thought of you before I got up this morning, saying to my self, "Darling Lucy, I love you so much," and so I do. Affectionately, R. Mrs. Hayes. Flat Top Mountain, June 5, 1862. Thursday. — Rained most of the day. Want of exercise these rainy days begets indiges tion, indigestion begets headache, blue devUs, iU nature, sinister views, and general disgust. Brightened up a little by news that General Pope has taken ten thousand men and fifteen thousand stand of arms from Beauregard's retreating army. It looks as if Beauregard's army was breaking up. Later. News of the taking of Memphis and Fort PUlow. General Cox read me a letter from General Garfield in which he speaks of the want nf sympathy_among army jjfficers with the_cause of the war; that thev say Seward. Chase, and Sumner are^ more to blame than Davis and Toombs ! General Sherman said he was "ashamed to acknowledge that he had a brother (Senator John Sherman) MiQJffias__Qne_Qf these damned Black Republicans" ! These semi-traitors must be watched. — Let us be careful who become army leaders in the reorganized army at the end of the Rebellion. The man who thinks that the perpetuity of slavery is essential to the existence of the Union, is unfit to be trusted. The deadliest enemy the Union has is slaverv — in fact, its, only .enemy. HOLDING THE FRONT LINE — 1862 287 Flat Top Mountain, June S, 1862. Sir: — Colonel Little wishes to procure the release of James McKenzie, of Mercer County, Virginia, now a prisoner of war at Columbus. McKenzie was taken by Lieutenant Bottsford, Company C, Twenty-third Regiment, at the time of the fight at Clark's house. May i. Colonel Little says he knows McKenzie was always a Union man, and believes his assertion that he joined the militia under compulsion, that he intended to desert to our forces, and at Clark's availed himself of the first oppor tunity to do so. I therefore recommend that steps be taken to procure the release of McKenzie. RespectfuHy, R. B. Hayes, Lieutenant-Colonel 230 Regiment O. V. I., Commanding. Colonel E. P. Scammon, Commanding First Brigade. Flat Top Mountain, June 6, 1862. Friday. — Rained a great part of the night ; a cold, foggy morning ; but I feel vigorous and well. ... I climbed to the top of the mountain to the right of the camp through the wet bushes and fog and feel the better for it. We have scarcely tents enough for the officers. The men build shelters of bark, rail pens, and the like. I caU this "Woodchuck Camp." Our new chaplain, RusseH G. French, is gaining strength and will probably recover. There is a loose piece of bone stUl in his leg, but it does not seem to distress him a great deal. Five of Company C were either killed or have died of their wounds received in the recent fight at Camp Creek. Flat Top Mountain, June 7, 1862. Friday [Saturday] A. M. — Still cloudy with hopes of clearing off. This has been a bad storm, lasting almost a week. No prospect of moving yet. Read the "Bride of Lammermoor." — I don't like the conclusion of it — lame and impotent. 288 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES Flat Top Mountain, June 8, 1862. Sunday. — A bitterly cold morning — too cold to snow ! Gradually warmed up. P. M. rode with Avery four or five miles. Our horses rested and fed up were in high spirits. We are aU heartily tired of staying here. When shall we go? — Dear Lucy, I think of her very often these dull days. It looks as if the war would soon be ended, and then we shall be together again. Flat Top Mountain, June 9, 1862. Monday. — Still cold weather. . . . Heard of the taking of Memphis after a battle of gunboats lasting an hour and twenty minutes. As reported it was a brUliant victory. Flat Top Mountain, June 10, 1862. Tuesday. — Still cold. A month ago we were driven out of Giles. Over three weeks of inaction ! No news for two or three days either from Mc Clellan or HaHeck. Fremont is pushing ahead with energy. Flat Top Mountain, June 12, 1862. Thursday. — A warm, bright, seasonable morning. Heard of Fremont's battle near Port Republic. As yet doubtful as to the result; shaU look anxiously for the next news. . . . The battle before Rich mond looks better, the more we see of it. Camp on Flat Top, Virginia, June 12, 1862. Dearest : — I began a letter to you yesterday intending to finish it after the mail came in ; I can't find it. No loss. I recol lect I told you to [give] Mrs. Sergeant McKinley ten dollars on account of the sergeant, which please to do. I probably also said that up on this mountain the weather is colder than Nova Zembla, and that since the enemy left us we have been in a state of preparation to go ahead — which means do-nothingness, so far as soldiers are concerned. I have now an expedition out under Major Comly, not important enough for a regimental commander, so I am here in inglorious idleness. A day's life runs about thus : — At 5 A. M., one or the other of our two Giles County contrabands, Calvin or Samuel, comes in hesitatingly and in a modest tone suggests, "Gentlemen, it is 'most breakfast time." About ten minutes later, finding no re- HOLDING THE FRONT LINE — 1862 289 suits from his first summons, he repeats, perhaps with some slight variation. This is kept up until we get up to breakfast, that is to say, sometimes cold biscuits, cooked at the hospital, sometimes army bread, tea and coffee, sugar, sometimes milk, fried pork, sometimes beef, and any "pison" or fraudulent truck in the way of sauce or pickles or preserves ( !) (good peaches sometimes), which the sutler may chance to have. After break fast there is a little to be done; then a visit of half an hour to brigade headquarters. Colonel Scammon's ; then a visit to division ditto. General Cox's, where we gossip over the news, foreign and domestic (aU outside of our camps being foreign, the residue domestic), then home again, and novel reading is the chief thing till dinner. I have read "Ivanhoe," "Bride of Lammermoor," and [one] of Dickens' and one of Fielding's the last ten days. P. M., generally ride with Avery from five to ten mUes ; and as my high-spirited horse has no other exercise, and as Carring ton (Company C boy) is a good forager and feeds him tip-top, the way we go it is locomotive-like in speed. After this, more novel reading until the telegraphic news and mails, both of which come about the same hour, 5 :3o P. M. Then gossip on the news and reading newspapers until bedtime — early bedtime, 9 P. M. We have music, company drills, — no room for battalion drills in these mountains, — and target practice with other little diversions and excitements, and so "wags the world away." We get Cincinnati papers in from four to six days. My Commercial is running again. Keep it going. Write as often as you can. I think of you often and with so much happiness ; then I run over the boys in my mind — Birt, Webb, Ruddy. The other little fellow I hardly feel acquainted with yet, but the other three fill a large place in my heart. Keep up good heart. It is all coming out right. There wiU be checks and disappointments, no doubt, but the work goes forwards. We are much better off than I thought a year ago we should be. — A year ago ! Then we were swearing the men in at Camp Chase. Well, we think better of each other than we did then, and are very jolly and friendly. "I love you s'much," Love to aU. Affectionately, H. 19 290 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES Since writing this we have heard of Fremont's battle the other side of the Alleghanies in the Valley of Virginia. It wiU prob ably set us a-going again southward. — H. Mrs. Hayes. Camp Jones, Flat Top, June 15, 1862. Sunday. — Had our first dress parade in five or six weeks last night. No room or opportunity for it this side of Princeton, May 5. . . . Wrote to General Hill requesting the commissions of Russell G. French and Martin V. Ritter. Red-tape is a great nuisance unless everybody acts with promptness and accuracy in all de partments. This we know wUl not be done. Red-tape must therefore be cut or important rights and interests [suffer]. Camp on Flat Top Mountain, June 15, 1862. Dear Mother : — It is a beautiful Sunday morning. We are on the summit of a range of mountains, perhaps one-third to half a mile high, giving us extensive views of mountains and vaHeys for thirty or forty miles south, east, and west of us. The nights are cool, often cold, and the brisk breezes make even the hottest part of the day agreeable. We are exceedingly healthy and with just enough to do to keep blood circulating, and occasionally a little flowing. I hear from home very often, letters usually reaching me about seven days after they are written. I am rather glad that Lucy wUl remain in Cincinnati this summer. By next summer the war will,, perhaps, be ended and we can all spend it in Fremont together. The boys seem to be doing well in the city and can afford to wait. I hope Uncle's health is again as good as usual. It will not surprise me if he goes up to seventy as you have [done]. It does n't seem such a great age as it once did. You are no older, or but little older, as I think of you, than you were many years ago. — My love to Laura and all. Affectionately, your son, R. B. Hayes, Mrs. Sophia Hayes. HOLDING THE FRONT LINE — 1862 29l Camp Jones, Flat Top, June i6, 1862. Monday. — A cold morning and a cloudy, clearing off into a bright, cool day. Last night walked with Captain Warren down to General Cox's headquarters. Talked book ; the general is a reader of the best books, quite up in light literature ; never saw the Shakespeare novels; must try to get him "Shakespeare and his Friends." The extracts from Richmond papers and Jeff Davis' address to the soldiers indicates that the Rebels are making prodigious efforts to secure the victory in the approaching struggle. I trust our Government wUl see that every man is there who can pos sibly be spared from other quarters. I fear part of Beauregard's army wUl get there. Can't we get part of Halleck's army there? Camp Jones, Flat Top Mountain, June 19, 1862. Thursday. — Cold, duH, and P. M., rainy. Drilled A. M. Rode with Ad jutant Avery and practiced pistol firing in the P. M. Lieutenant-Colonel Paxton of the cavalry called to see me about Lieutenant Fordyce. Would he do for captain? Is he not too fond of liquor? My reply was favorable. He says he has three vacancies in the regiment. Captain Waller seduced Colonel Burgess' daughter; had to resign in consequence. I recommended both Avery and Bottsford for captains of cavalry ; both would make good captains. Only one will probably be commissioned. While I dislike to lose either, I feel they are entided to promotion and are not likely to get it here. Ditto, Ditto, June 20, 1862. Friday. — Cold and wet. We wear overcoats, sit by fires in front of tents, and sleep under blankets ! Had a very satisfactory drill. Am reading "St. Ronan's Well." Rode down the mountain towards New River On returning found R. S. Gardner giving a blow-out on receiv ing news of his appointment as captain and quartermaster. Lieutenant-Colonel Paxton, Bottsford, and Lieutenant Christie, of General Cox's staff, all a little "how-come-ye-so." . . . Camp Jones, Flat Top, June 21, 1862. — . . . Rather agree able social evenings with the officers at my quarters, the band en livening us with its good music. 292 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES Dr. McCurdy having been appointed inspector of hospitals for this division, we had a Dr. Hudson, of Medina, a new state surgeon, assigned to us as assistant surgeon in Dr. McCurdy's place. Dr. Hudson turns out to be a thin-skinned, nervous, whimsical, whining Yankee. He has just heard of the death of a favorite daughter. His grief loses all respectability, coupled as it is with his weaknesses and foHies. We agreed today with Dr. Holmes (the medical head man) to swap our Dr. Hudson "unsight, unseen" for any spare doctor he could turn out. We find we caught a Dr. Barrett, lately of Wooster, a young man of good repute. We take him, pleased well with the bargain, Camp Jones, Flat Top Mountain, June 21, 1862. Dear Uncle : — We have been here and hereabouts almost a month. Our line of defense extends twenty to thirty mUes from New River southwesterly along a mountain range. We have mountain weather. If the wind happens to lull when the sun shines we get a taste of summer heat. At all other times it is very cold. We have fires, wear overcoats, and sleep under winter blankets every night. Our men from the lake shore say it is very much like April and May weather in the neighborhood of home. The men are very healthy; not over a dozen or so un fit for duty out of eight hundred. We have frequent recon- naisances and scouting expeditions against the enemy, not amount ing to any great matter. We have not seen or heard of a guerrUla in these mountains since we passed here about the first of May. We get and meet parties of the enemy occasionally, but they are regular soldiers. We suppose the savage treatment administered when we went across a month ago finished bush whacking in this vicinity. We do not expect any important movement until the event at Richmond is known. Then, what ever the result, we expect to be busy enough. Soon after we came on to this mountain, I caught a bad cold — the worst I have had in some years. Since I have been in camp I had not had a severe cold before. It held on two weeks, but is now nearly gone without doing any mischief. HOLDING THE FRONT LINE — 1862 293 Both sides appear to be fighting well in aU parts of Virginia now. It seems to be reduced pretty nearly to a question of numbers — I mean, of course, numbers of drilled soldiers. I do not reckon the enemy's recent conscripts nor our own new regi ments as amounting to much yet. It seems therefore as if, with the superior numbers which we ought to have at the critical points, we would crush them out during the next six weeks in Virginia. Virginia gone, with what the Rebels have already lost, and the Rebellion is a plain failure. But I think we shall need all our soldiers a long time after that. I hope we shall not be needed another winter, but I greatly suspect we shaH. Sincerely, R. B. Hayes. S. Birchard. "Same as before," June 22, 1S62. Sunday. — A warm, beau tiful, Sunday morning; all things bright and cheerful. Inklings and hints of matters before Richmond are more encouraging. But these delays of McCleHan are very wearisome. Ditto, Ditto, June 23, 1862. Wednesday. — Dined with Gen eral Cox. He has a plan of operations for the Government forces which I like: To hold the raUroad from Memphis through HuntsviUe, Chattanooga, Knoxville [and] southwest Virginia to Richmond ; not attempt movements south of this except by water untU after the hot and sickly season. This line is distant from the enemy's base of supplies ; can therefore by activity be defend ed, and gives us a good base. Camp Jones, Flat Top Mountain, June 27, 1862. Friday. — Took the men to Glade Creek to wash. Water getting scarce in this quarter. The men danced to the fiddle, marched to music, and had a good time generally. Rode, walked, and read "Seven Sons of Mammon." Read the account of the disaster on White River, Arkansas, to the gunboat. Mound City. The enemy sent a forty-two-pound ball through her boiler and a horrible slaughter followed, scald ing and drowning one hundred and fifty men ! 294 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES General Pope appointed to "the Army of Virginia" — being the combined forces of Fremont, Shields, Banks, and McDowell, now in the Valley of Virginia. Sorry to see Fremont passed over but glad the concentration under one man has taken place. Gen eral Pope is impulsive and hasty, but energetic, and, what is of most importance, patriotic and sound — perfectly sound. I look for good results. — Rained in the evening. Camp Jones, June 28, 1862 — ... Spent the evening with General Cox. He gave me some curious items about the last campaign from the diary of an officer of the Rebel army. We hear General Pope is to command the Army of Virginia and that Fremont has, on his own request, been relieved from the command of [the] First Army Corps. — Sorry Fremont is so cuffed about, but am glad one mind is to control the movements in the Valley. We have rumois ol "tremendous fighting" before Richmond; that we have achieved a success, etc., etc. What suspense until the truth is known! Flat Top Mountain, June 30, 1862. Dearest : — I write by Captain Gardner, who having been promoted to captain in [the] quartermaster's department, now leaves our regiment. I send a package of your letters, some Secesh letters, etc., etc. I do not wish to lose the letters and official documents, and send them to you for safety. "We are well and doing well at this present time and hope these few lines will find you enjoying the same blessing." Why, that is a good letter. No wonder the uninitiated ride that formula so hard. It says a great deal. . . . As ever, affectionately, your R. Mrs. Hayes. Camp Jones, July i, 1862. Tuesday. — Cloudy and rainy. Our water on this mountain top is giving out. Avery and I rode six miles towards New River in the rain but could find no good HOLDING THE FRONT LINE — 1862 295 camping ground where water could be had. This rain will per haps give us enough here again. Nothing definite from Richmond. There was some fighting and an important change of position on Friday. There are rumors of disaster and also of the burning of Richmond, but telegraphic communication is reported cut off between Washing ton and McClellan. This is the crisis of the Nation's destiny. If we are beaten at Richmond, foreign intervention in the form perhaps of mediation is likely speedUy to foHow. If successful, we are on the sure road to an early subjugation of the Rebels. The suspense is awful. It can't last long. — Night; raining steadily. Camp Jones, July 2, 1862. Tuesday [Wednesday]. — Rained all night ; weather cold. Water must again be abundant. Grad ually cleared off about 3 or 4 P. M. Dispatches state that McCleHan has swung his right wing around and pushed his left towards James River, touching the river at Turkey Island, fifteen miles from Richmond. Is this a voluntary change of plan, or is it a movement forced by an attack? These questions find no satisfactory response in the dispatches. Some things look as if we had sustained a reverse. (i.) It is said the move was "necessitated by an attack in great force on Thursday." (2. ) All communication with Washington was cut off for two or three days. (3.) We have had repeated reports that the enemy had turned our right wing. (4.) The singular denial of rumors that our army had sustained a defeat, viz., that "no information received indicated a serious disaster." (5.) The general mystery about the movement. It may have been according to a change of plan. I like the new position. If we are there uninjured, with the aid of gun boats and transports on James River, we ought soon to cripple the enemy at Richmond. Camp Jones, July 3, 1862. Wednesday [Thursday]. — A fine bright day. General Cox is trying to get our army transferred to General Pope's command in eastern Virginia. The dispatches received this beautiful afternoon fill me with sorrow. We have an obscure accoimt of the late battle or battles 296 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES at Richmond. There is an effort to conceal the extent of the disaster, but the impression left is that McClellan's grand army has been defeated before Richmond I ! If so, and the enemy is active and energetic, they will drive him out of the Peninsula, gather fresh energy everywhere, and push us to the wall in all directions. Foreign nations will intervene and the Southern Con federacy be established. Now for courage and clear-headed sagacity. Nothing else will save us. Let slavery be destroyed and this sore disaster may yet do good. Flat Top, July 4, 1862. Friday. — A fine day. No demon strations in camp except a National salute and a little drunken ness. Quietness of the Sabbath reigned. The Commercial of the first puts a different face on the news of McClellan's recent movements near Richmond. The change of position seems to have been weH planned — a wise change — and it is not certain that any disaster befell us during its execu tion. There was fierce fighting and heavy loss, but it is quite possible that the enemy suffered more than we did. My orderly, Gray, good old veteran Irish soldier, "drunk and disorderly" yesterday. All right; he shall be released today. July 5, 1862. Saturday. — A fine, warm day. I rode with Avery and an escort of twelve dragoons under Captain Harrison (a Union doctor of Monroe County), to look for a new camping ground, ten or twelve miles from here, at or near Jumping Branch, on the pike leading from Raleigh to Packs Ferry. The vUlage last winter was the rendezvous of the enemy who were threatening Raleigh and was burnt, except two or three houses, by Major Comly to get rid of the nest. We dined with an in telligent Union farmer, a Mr. Upton, whose house was spared. A good spring for the men's use and a tolerable stream for the animals and washing. But no camping ground which we would take in exchange for Flat Top as long as water can be got here. While at Mr. Upton's, we heard from an artilleryman that after we left camp news was received at headquarters that Mc Clellan had entered Richmond yesterday ! Prior advices led us strongly to hope, almost to believe, it was true. We all said HOLDING THE FRONT LINE — 1862 297 we believed it. How suddenly McClellan loomed up into a great general — a future (not distant future) President! We thought of a speedy end of the war and a return home; of the loved ones' happiness at home ! I could toast McClellan, "slow but sure," "better late than never," and the like. On reaching camp our hopes were cruelly dashed. The only dispatches received, meagre, ambiguous, and obscure, indicate dis aster rather than victory! That after six days' hard fighting McClellan has lost fifteen to twenty thousand [men] and is twenty or thirty miles further distant from Richmond than when the battle began ! No disaster is told other than this ; but if it is true that he has been beaten back to a point thirty-five or forty miles from Richmond, we are where I feared we were on the third. But these dispatches are so deceptive as to complicated and extensive movements that I must hear further before I give up to such gloomy anticipations. But I am anxious ! Camp Jones, Flat Top Mountain, July 6, 1862. Sunday. — . . It seems on reflection that McClellan has been forced back in seven days — six of them days of fighting — about fifteen to twenty-five miles ; that he has probably not lost very heavily in artiUery or stores; that the weight of the attacks on him have [has] been too-- heavy and have [has] forced him back. Well, then, our columns must be rapidly made heavier. We shall see ! . . . Nothing new from Richmond today. What is the con dition there ? Is our army merely pushed back by superior num bers or has it been defeated? 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 298 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES 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 doHars. Did you get it? It is important we should knov/ if it has failed to reach you. As letters miscarry some times, 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 aUowed 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 ex perience. Affectionately ever, your R. Mrs. Hayes. Camp Jones, Flat Top, July 7, 1862. Monday. — The warm est day of the season. The men are building great bowers over their company streets, giving them roomy and airy shelters. At HOLDING THE FRONT LINE — 1862 299 evening they dance under them, and in the daytime they drill in the bayonet exercise and manual of arms. All wish to remain in this camp until some movement is begun which will show us the enemy, or the way out of this country. We shall try to get water by digging wells. The news of today looks favorable. McClellan seems to have suffered no defeat. He has changed front; been forced (per haps) to the rear, sustained heavy losses; but his army is in good condition, and has probably infiicted as much injury on the enemy as it has suffered. This is so much better than I antici pated that I feel relieved and satisfied. The taking of Richmond is postponed, but I think it will happen in time to forestall foreign intervention. There is little or no large game here. We see a great many striped squirrels (chipmunks), doves, quails, a few pigeons and pheasants, and a great many rattlesnakes. I sent Birch the rattles of a seventeen-year-old yesterday. They count three years for the button and a year for each rattle. There is a pretentious headboard in the graveyard between here and headquarters with the inscription "Anna Eliza Bram- mer, bomed " Camp Jones, July 8, 1862. Tuesday. — A fine breezy day on this mountain top. Bathed three miles from here in Glade Creek. I find this sitting stUl or advancing age (good joke!) is getting me into old gentlemen's habits. My breath is shorter than it used to be; I get tired easier and the like. Very little additional from Richmond, but that little is en couraging. Our forces have not, I think, been discouraged or in any degree lost confidence, by reason of anything that has oc curred before Richmond. Our losses are not greater than the enemy's — probably not so great. The Rebel reports here are that our loss is thirty-eight thousand kUled and wounded and two thousand prisoners ; that they left fourteen thousand dead on the field! This is aH wUd guessing; but it indicates dreadful and probably nearly equal losses on both sides. July 10, 1862. Thursday. — . . . I wrote this morning a cheerful letter to Mother. I think often these days of the sad loss 300 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES six years ago ; my dear, oear sister, — so — . But it is perhaps for the best. How she would suffer during this struggle ! I have just read the Commercial's story of the six days' battles. What dreadful fighting, suffering, weariness, and exhaustion were there! The letters in the paper of the 5th are agonizing in the extreme. The telegraphic news diminishes our loss in the battles before Richmond, and gives, I think, exaggerated reports of the enemy's loss. They are said to have lost from thirty to sixty thousand ! ! Flat Top Mountain, July 10, 1862. Dear Mother : — I think you would enjoy being here. We have a fine cool breeze during the day; an extensive mountain scene, always beautiful but changing daily, almost hourly. The men are healthy, contented, and have the prettiest and largest bowers over the whole camp I ever saw. They will never look so well or behave so well in any settled country. Here the drunkards get no liquor, or so little that they regain the healthy complexion of temperate men. Every button and buckle is burnished bright, and clothes brushed or washed clean. I often think that if mothers could see their boys as they often look in this mountain wilderness, they would feel prouder of them than ever before. We have dancing in two of the larger bowers from soon after sundown until a few minutes after nine o'clock. By half-past nine all is silence and darkness. At sunrise the men are up, drilling until breakfast. Occasionally the boys who play the female partners in the dances exercise their ingenuity in dressing to look as girlish as possible. In the absence of lady duds they use leaves, and the leaf-clad beauties often look very pretty and always odd enough. We send parties into the enemy's lines which sometimes have strange adventures. A party last Sunday, about forty mUes from here, found a young Scotchman and two sisters, one eighteen and the other fourteen, their parents dead, who have been unable to escape from Rebeldo" They have property in Scotland and would give anything to get to "the States." One officer took one girl on his horse behind him and another, an- HOLDING THE FRONT LINE — 1862 301 other, and so escaped. They were fired on by bushwhackers, the elder lady thrown off, but not much hurt. They were the hap piest girls you ever saw when they reached our camp. They are now safe on the way to Cincinnati, where they have a brother. We are expecting one of these days to be sent to eastern Virginia, if all we hear is true. I have just received an invitation to Rogers' wedding. If you see him or his bride tell them I regret I shall not be able to be at Columbus on the first of this month. . . . Love to all. Affectionately, your son, R. B. Hayes. Mrb. Sophia Hayes, Columbus, Ohio. Flat Top Mountain, July ii, 1862. Thursday [Friday]. — Wrote to Platt about promotion to colonelcy in one of the new regiments. I would dislike to leave the Twenty-third under any circumstances and would not be willing to do it to be taken from active service. But I certainly wish the command of a regiment before the war closes. Today, to my surprise. Rev. A. Wilson made his appearance. He could not get his pay on the pay sheets furnished because there was no certificate of his resignation having been accepted. He was directed to return to the regiment by General Fremont's adjutant-general. So he came. One of the men, seeing him, said to me with a knowing look: "Have you any chickens in your coop. Colonel ?" A pretty reputation for a chaplain truly ! — A fine rain last night and this forenoon. July 12, 1862. Saturday. — Received orders today to move to Green Meadows tomorrow. It is said to be a fine camping place, and although our present camp is the prettiest I have ever seen, we are glad for the sake of change to leave it. Camp Green Meadwos, July 13, 1862. Sunday. — Struck tents this morning on Flat Top at 5 A. M. and marched to this place, reaching here at 1 1 :30 A. M., fourteen miles ; a jolly march down the mountain under a hot sun. Many sore feet. 302 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES Band played its lively airs; the men cheered, and aU enjoyed the change. We are east of Camp Jones and about three miles from the mouth of Bluestone River and New River, within six miles of camp at Packs Ferry on New River. The camp being one thousand to fifteen hundred feet lower than Flat Top is warmer. We shaU learn how to bear summer weather here. Our waggons arrived about 6:30 P. M. We relieved here two companies of the Thirtieth under Captain Gross. I command here six companies Twenty-third, Captain Gilmore's Cavalry, a squad of Second Virginia, a squad of McMuHen's Battery, and a squad on picket of Captain Harrison's Cavalry. Ditto, July 14, 1862. Monday. — I rode today with Captain Gilmore and Avery to the mouth of Bluestone and a ford on New River. The pickets are so placed that an enterprising enemy would by crossing New River and passing by mountain paths to their rear, cut them off completely. Camp Green Meadows, July 14, 1862. Dearest : — I am so pleased with your affectionate letter, that I sit down merely to "jaw back," as the man said of the re sponses in the Episcopal service. I love you just as much as you love me. There now! Yes, dearest, this separation so painful does, I think, make us both dearer and better. I certainly prize you more than ever before, and am more solicitous about your happiness. . . . We came here yesterday. It is a fine camp, but warm and summery compared with Flat Top. There is no noticeable scenery in view from camp, but we are near New River at the mouth of Bluestone River where the scenery is truly grand. I rode down there this morning to enjoy it. We marched fifteen miles yesterday — the happiest gang of men you ever saw. We are nearer the enemy, and have more of the excitement incident to such a position than at Flat Top. I am in command here, having six companies of the Twenty-third, Captain Gilmore's Cavalry (the men who behaved so well when we fought our way out of GUes), and a section of McMullen's ArtUlery, besides two squads of First and Second Virginia Cavalry. Everyone seems HOLDING THE FRONT LINE — 1862 303 to be happy that we are out by ourselves. Besides, Major Comly with the other four companies Twenty-third is only five mUes from us. Drs. Joe and Jim are still at Flat Top. Dr. Joe wiH join us in a day or two. Colonel Scammon is not expected here to stay. I sent off Captain Drake and two companies with a squad of cavalry just now to effect a diversion in favor of Colonel Crook who is threatened by a force said to be superior to his own. The captain is instructed to dash over and "lie like a bulletin" as to the immense force of which he is the advance and then to run back "double-quick." Risky but exciting. Richmond is not so bad as it was. Our men, certainly, and our general, perhaps, did admirably there. . . . Don't worry about the country. "It's no good." We can't help it if things go wrong. We do our part and I am confident all will come right. We can't get rid of the crime of centuries without suffering. So, good-bye, darling. Lovingly, as ever, -j Mrs. Hayes. Green Meadows, July 13, 1862. Tuesday. — Captain Drake with Companies H and I returned this morning. The mounted men crossed the ford just above Bluestone on New River. The water was too deep and current too strong for footmen. They (the horsemen) called at Landcraft's, Young's, etc., etc. They learned that the only enemy now in Monroe is probably the Forty-fifth [Virginia], some cavalry, and artillery; and they have withdrawn from the river towards Centreville or some other distant part of the county. All others gone to or towards the Narrows or railroad. At 9 o'clock I took four companies, A, C, E, and K, and the band and went to Packs Ferry. There the men went in swimming. Crossed 262 of them in the flying bridge — an affair like this [a crude pen sketch is given] — which swings from side to side of the river by force of the current alone. The bow (whichever way the boat goes) is pulled by means of a windlass up the stream at a small angle. The men enjoyed the spree. 304 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES We returned at 6:30 P. M. The scenery is of the finest; the river is a beautiful clear river. Strange, no fish except catfish, but they are of superior quality and often of great size. The enemy shows signs of activity in Tennessee again. Our men will have a hard time during the next two or three months trying to hold their conquests. We wUl have our day when cold weather and high water return, not before. About Rich mond there is much mystery, but supposed to be favorable. Camp Green Meadows, July 16, 1862. Wednesday. — A warm, beautiful day. The men busy building shades (bowers or arbors) over their streets and tents, cleaning out the springs, and arranging troughs for watering horses, washing, and bath ing. The water is excellent and abundant. I read "Waverley," finishing it. The affection of Flora Mc- Ivor for her brother and its return is touching; they were orphans. And oh, this is the anniversary of the death of my dear sister Fanny — six years ago ! I have thought of her today as I read Scott's fine description, but till now it did not occur to me that this was the sad day. Time has softened the pain. How she would have suffered during this agonizing war! Per haps it was best — but what a loss ! Camp Green Meadows, Mercer County, Virginia, July 17, 1862. Dear Uncle : — . . . I am not satisfied that so good men as two-thirds of this army should be kept idle. New troops could hold the strong defensive positions which are the keys of the Kanawha Valley, while General Cox's eight or ten good regiments could be sent where work is to be done. Barring this idea of duty, no position could be pleasanter than the present. I have the Twenty-third Regiment, half a battery, and a company of cavalry under my command stationed on the edge of Dixie — part of us here, fourteen miles, and part at Packs Ferry, nineteen miles from Flat Top, and Colonel Scammon's and General Cox's headquarters. This is pleasant. Then, we have a lovely camp, copious cold-water springs, and HOLDING THE FRONT LINE — 1862 305 the lower camp is on the banks of New River, a finer river than the Connecticut at Northampton, with plenty of canoes, flat-boats, and good fishing and swimming. The other side of the river is enemy's country. We cross foraging parties daily to their side. They do not cross to ours, but are constantly threatening it. We moved here last Sunday, the 13th. On the map you wUl see our positions in the northeast corner of Mercer County on New River, near the mouth of and north of Bluestone River. Our camps five mUes apart — Major Comly commands at the river, I making my headquarters here on the hill. We have pickets and patrols connecting us. I took the six companies to the river, with music, etc., etc., to fish and swim Tuesday. It is now a year since we entered Virginia. What a difference it makes ! Our camp is now a pleasanter place with its bowers and contrivances for comfort than even Spiegel Grave. And it takes no ordering or scolding to get things done. A year ago if a litde such work was called for, you would hear grumblers say: "I didn't come to dig and chop, I could do that at home. I came to fight," etc., etc. Now springs are opened, bathing places built, bowers, etc., etc., got up as naturally as corn grows. No sickness either — about eight hundred and fifteen to eight hundred and twenty men — none seriously sick and only eight or ten excused from duty. All this is very jolly. We have been lucky with our little raids in getting horses, cattle, and prisoners. Nothing important enough to blow about, although a more literary regiment would fill the newspapers out of less material. We have lost but one man killed and one taken prisoner during this month. There has been some splendid run ning by small parties occasionally. Nothing but the enemy's fear of being ambushed saved four of our officers last Saturday. So far as our adversaries over the river goes, they treat our men taken prisoners very well. The Forty-fifth, Twenty-second, Thirty-sixth, and Fifty-first Virginia are the enemy's regiments opposed to us. They know us and we know them perfectly well. Prisoners say their scouts hear our roll-calls and that all of them enjoy our music. There are many discouraging things in the present aspect of affairs, and until frost m October, I expect to hear of disasters 20 306 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES in the Southwest. It is impossible to maintain our conquests in that quarter while the low stage of water and the sickness compel us to act on the defensive, but if there is no powerful intervention by foreign powers, we shall be in a condition next December to push them to the Gulf and the Atlantic before winter doses. Any earlier termination, I do not look for. Two years is an important part of a man's life in these fast days, but I shall be content if I am mustered out of service at the end of two years from enlistment. — Regards to aH. Sincerely, R. B. Hayes. S. Birchard. Camp Green Meadows, July i8, 1862. Friday. — Rained last night and drizzled all this morning. ... I feel dourish today ; inaction is taking the soul out of us. I am really jolly over the Rebel Morgan's raid into the blue- grass region of Kentucky. If it turns out a mere raid, as I suppose it will, the thing will do great good. The twitter into which it throws Cincinnati and Ohio will aid us in getting vol unteers. The burning and destroying the property of the old- fashioned, conservative Kentuckians will wake them up, will stiffen their sinews, give them backbone, and make grittier Union men of them. If they should burn Garrett Davis' house, he wUl be sounder on confiscation and the like. In short, if it does not amount to an uprising, it will be a godsend to the Union cause. It has done good in Cincinnati already. It has committed num bers who were sliding into Secesh to the true side. Good for Morgan, as I understand the facts at this writing! Had a good drill. The exercise and excitement drove away the blues. After drill a fine concert of the glee club of Company A. As they sang "That Good Old Word, Good-bye," I thought of the pleasant circle that used to sing it on Gulf Prairie, Brazoria County, Texas. And now so broken ! And my class mate and friend, Guy M. Bryan — where is he? In the Rebel army! As honorable and true as ever, but a Rebel! What strange and sad things this war produces ! But he is true and patriotic wherever he is. Success to him personally! HOLDING THE FRONT LINE — 1862 307 July 19. Saturday. — Some rain. Ride with Quartermaster Reichenbach to the scene of [the] Jumping Branch fight. Read with a good deal of levity the accounts of John Morgan's raid into the blue-grass region of Kentucky. It strikes me that the panic and excitement caused in Cincinnati and Indiana will stimulate recruiting; that Secesh sentiment just beginning to grow insolent in Ohio will be crushed out, and indirectly that it will do much good. All this is on the assumption that Morgan is routed, captured, or destroyed before he gathers head and becomes a power. Camp Green Meadows, Mercer County, Virginia, July 20, 1862. Sunday. — Morgan's gang, or Rebels encouraged by him, have got into Warrick County, Indiana. This is the first successful (if it turns out successful) invasion of free soil. I regret it on that account. I wished to be able to say that no inch of free soil had been polluted by the footstep of an invader. However, this is rather an incursion of robbers than of soldiers. I suppose no soldiers have yet set foot on our soil. I wish we were near or amidst the active movements. We ought to be sent somewhere. July 21. Monday. — We are target firing now. The Enfields are a little better sighted than the muskets; the muskets have most power and the longest range. Company C does rather the best shooting. Companies E and A coming next. A zouave at the Flat Top camp found tied to a tree with five bullet holes through him! Naked too! An enemy's cavalry patrol seen two mUes outside of our pickets. Secesh, ten or twelve in number. July 23. Wednesday. — Marched four companies to Blue- stone ; bathed. A good evening drill. Last evening I fell into a train of reflection on the separation of the regiment, so long continued, so unmilitary, and so cause less, with the small prospect of getting relief by promotion or otherwise in the Twenty-third, and as a result pretty much de termined to write this morning telling brother WiUiam [Platt] that I would like a promotion to a colonelcy in one of the new regiments. Well, this morning, on the arrival of the maUj I get 308 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES a dispatch from W. H. Clements that I am appointed colonel of the Seventy-ninth, a regiment to be made up in Hamilton, Warren, and Clinton Counties. Now, shaH I accept? It is hard to leave the Twenty-third. I shall never like another regiment so well. Another regiment is not likely to think as much of me. I am puzzled. If I knew I could get a chance for promotion in the Twenty-third in any reasonable time, I would decline the Seventy-ninth. But, then, Colonel Scammon is so queer and crotchety that he is always doing something to push aside his chance for a brigadiership. Well, I wUl postpone the evU day of decision as long as possible. Camp Green Meadows, July 23, 1862. Dearest : — I today received a dispatch from Captain Clem ents that I have been appointed colonel of the Seventy-ninth Regiment to be made up in Warren and Clinton Counties. I shall make no definite decision as to acceptance until I get official notice of it. I suppose it is correct. I shall much hate to leave the Twenty-third. I can't possibly like another regiment as well, and am not likely to be as acceptable myself to another regiment. If there was a certainty of promotion to the command of the Twenty-third, I would certainly wait for it. But between you and I [me]. Colonel Scammon is not likely to deserve promotion, and will perhaps fail to get it. If he gets it he will probably keep command of the Twenty-third — that is, have it in his brigade. Besides, I begin to fear another winter in these moun tains. I could stand it after two or three months' vacation with you in Ohio, but to go straight on another year in this sort of service is a dark prospect. Altogether, much as I love the Twenty-third, I shall probably leave it. I shall put off the evil day as long as I can, hoping something will turn up to give me this regiment, but when the decision is required, I shall probably decide in favor of the new regiment and a visit to you and the boys. I know nothing of the Seventy-ninth except that a son of the railroad superintendent, W. H. Clements, is to be major. I knew him as a captain in the Twelfth, a well-spoken-of youngster. It will be a sad day all around when I leave here. HOLDING THE FRONT LINE — 1862 809 Last night various doings at headquarters of brigade disgusted me so much, that before I went to sleep I pretty much resolved to get up this morning and write in the most urgent manner soliciting promotion in a new regiment to get out of the scrape. But when this morning brings me the news that I have got what I had determined to ask, I almost regret it. "Such is war !" Write me all you learn, if anything, about the new regiments — what sort of people go into them, — are they likely ever to fiU up? Etc., etc. 24th, A. M. — A year ago tonight you and I walked about Camp Chase looking at the men cooking their rations to be ready to leave the next morning. A short and a long year. Upon the whole, not an unhappy one. Barring the separation from you, it has been a healthy fine spree to me. Since writing to you yesterday I learn from Dr. Joe, who is now here, that there really seems to be a fair prospect of Colonel Scammon's promotion. This will probably induce me to hold off as long as I can about the Seventy-ninth business. You can simply say you don't know if you are asked before hear ing further as to what I shall do. — Love to all the boys. Affectionately, R. Mrs. Hayes. Camp Green Meadows, July 24, 1862. Thursday. — I got a lame, halting permission from Colonel Scammon to go on an errand of mercy over New River into Monroe [County] after the family of Mr. Caldwell, a Union man, who has been kept away from home and persecuted for his loyalty. The colonel says I may go if and if; and warning me of the hazards, etc., etc., shirking all responsibility. It is ridiculous in war to talk this way. If a thing ought to be done according to the lights we have, let us go and do it, leaving events to take care of them selves. This half-and-half policy; this do-less waiting for cer tainties before action, is contemptible. I rode to the ferry and arranged for the trip with Major Comly. Six companies go over the ferry tonight and go on towards 310 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES Indian Creek. Two stop at the Farms Road, to protect our rear from that approach; four companies and the cavalry wUl go to Indian Creek take post at the cross-roads, and the waggons and cavalry will push on to Mr. Caldwell's and get his family before daylight and start back. The whole party will retire to the ferry if possible before night of the 26th. July 2§, 1862. — Friday. — Preparations for the trip. We go from this camp immediately after dinner. July 26, 1862. — Had a good trip. Got out from under the noses of heavy forces of the enemy the wife and four chUdren of Mr. Archibald Caldwell. He wUl settle in Indiana. We left camp with Companies A, I, C, and E at half past twelve and marched to within a mUe of the ferry; halted in a vaUey out of sight of the river and of the river hills untU 7 :30. We were joined by Captain GUmore, Lieutenant Abraham, and Lieutenant Fordyce with their exceHent company of cavalry about 7 P. M. We marched to the ferry just at dark and were there joined by Companies B and F and by Lieutenant Croome with a squad of Captain McMullen's artiUery company and one howitzer. We crossed New River on the flying bridge built by Captain Lane of the Eleventh. We had three loaded wagons and an ambulance. Four trips, fifteen minutes each, crossed us. At the Farms Road, five miles from the ferry. Company B, Captain Sperry, and Company I, Captain Warren, were detailed to take position to hold that road and prevent any enemy's force from coming into our rear. Soon after passing the ferry, it was found that the road had in places been washed away, in others, filled by slides, and in others, cut into deep gullies. The waggons and ambulances were turned back; the column pushed on. Near Indian Creek, at Mrs. Fowler's, about i :30 P. M. [A. M.], Captain GUmore and myself with Captain Drake being in advance, we stopped and these officers and myself went in. Mrs. Fowler refused to get a light, saying she had none ; refused to tell whether there was a man about the house; said she didn't know Mr. Caldwell and was very uncommunicative generally. She persisted in asking us who we were, what we wanted, and the like. Just as she had HOLDING THE FRONT LINE — 1862 311 said there was no candle or light in the house, I struck a light with a match when we saw the candle she had blown out on going to bed not two yards off ! It was lit and a man was dis covered peeping through a door ! We got from her the fact that no soldiers were at Indian Creek and very few at Red Sulphur or Peterstown. I ordered the cavalry to push rapidly on to Mr. Caldwell's house, and bring off his wife and chUdren on horseback. I rode back to the infantry and artillery and directed them to bivouac — to sleep on the ground. Lieutenant Hastings was officer of the guard. I told him he need station no pickets or guard! A year ago we camped our first night in Virginia. It was near Clarksburg in the midst of a Union region. No enemy anywhere near, and we had one hundred and sixteen men on guard! My reason for not worrying anybody with guard duty was that our position was concealed; and as we had just taken it after a night march no one could know that we were there. The camp was inaccessible, by reason of [the] river on one side and im passable mountains on the other, except by the road up and down the river. [Companies] B and I were on this road at the first road leading into it, eight miles off, and the cavalry were passing up in the other direction. So I made up my mind that as I was not sleepy I would keep awake and would be guard enough. I lay down on an India-rubber blanket — my sheep skin for a pUlow — with only an overcoat on, Dr. Joe sleeping by my side ; and in this position where I could hear every sound, remained comfortable but watchful until morning. The stars disappeared towards morning, covered by fleecy clouds. In the morning wa built fires, got warm coffee, and felt weH ; we were opposite Crump's Bottom. We haUed a man on the bank at Crump's and made him bring over a canoe, but learned little from him. About 5 :30 the cavalry returned hav ing Mrs. Caldwell and the children on their horses. We im mediately set out on our return. The first eight miles in the cool of the morning was done in two and one-fourth hours; after that leisurely to the ferry. Six men of Company A waded New River near the mouth of Bluestone. A long, tedious wade they had of it. Stopped at the ferry two hours ; men all had a good 312 RUTHERFORD EIRCHARD HAYES swim. Got back to camp here safe and sound. Cavalry marched almost fifty mUes in about twelve hours ; artUlery with mountain howitzer twenty-five miles in nine hours' marching time and thirteen hours altogether; infantry thirty-six in fourteen hours' marching time and twenty hours altogether. A pretty jolly expedition ! Horses fell down, men fell down ; Caldwell got faint-hearted and wanted to give it up. Lieutenant Abraham was cowed and I sent him with the infantry to bivouac. As they returned, the cavalry took all of Mrs. Fowler's new blackberry wine and honey ! AH sorts of incidents ; — funny good time. July 28, 1862. Monday. — Received letters from Mother, June 3 and July 17, and from Platt, July 22. Platt says Gov ernor Tod will not appoint men now in the field because he needs the officers at home to aid in recruiting the regiments. This is foolish. If volunteering has to be hired (?) and forced, we had better resort to drafting. That is the true course ! Draft ! Rode with Major Comly to Flat Top. No news there of much note. Colonel Scammon was nominated for a brigadiership by the President but there are seventy others of whom eighteen were confirmed, making it is said the two hundred allowed by law. So the thing seems to be up. Whether the Governor will confirm the nomination of the Hamilton County committee does not yet appear. Camp Green Meadows, July 29, 1862. Tuesday. — Returned from [to] Camp Green Meadows today. General Cox thinks Colonel Scammon will be ordered to act as brigadier by the President; that a vacancy in the colonelcy of the Twenty-third will thus occur ; that I had better hold on for the present before accepting the Eighty-third [Seventy-ninth]. As I have no notice that the Governor has made the appointment, I shall have nothing to act on for some days, if at all. But drafting is the thing! Camp Green Meadows, July 29, 1862. Dear Mother: — I received a letter from you dated the 17th July — one from William dated 22d July, and another from you dated June 3, yesterday. I begin to have hopes that your birthday HOLDING THE FRONT LINE — 1862 313 letter may yet turn up. Letters are rarely lost, even in this region. The Rebels captured one of our mails early in May, and may have got your letter. I am glad you are enjoying so much. It is not at aH unlikely that I may have an opportunity to visit you in August or Septem ber for a day or two. I shall do so if it is possible without neglecting duty. We are not as busy here as we would like to be, but we are delightfully camped, and among a friendly people. The greater part of them are preparing to move to Ohio and Indiana, fearing that we may go off and let the Rebels in to destroy them. We receive many letters at this camp from Rebels who are in Camp Chase as prisoners. Their wives and relatives call almost daily to inquire about them and for letters. Last Sunday I dined at a Union citizen's near here. There were eleven women there whose husbands or brothers were at Camp Chase. I took over a lot of letters for them. Some were made happy, others not so. There had been sickness and death at the prison, and 'the letters brought tears as well as smiles. Good-bye. — Affectionately, your son, Rutherford. Mrs. Sophia Hayes. July 30, 1862. Wednesday. — I set the men to drilling in the new target practice. Rode with Bottsford over to see Mrs. LUley, an old lady whose husband, James Lilley, lately died at Camp Chase in prison. Her son James is still there. As the only male member of the family old enough to do work, I am inclined to ask for his release. Her daughter Emily, a well-appearing young woman, is accused of giving the information which led to bushwhacking Captain Gilmore's cavalry. I hope it is not so. I received today letters from Stephenson and Herron and an order from Columbus "authorizing" me to assist in raising a regiment, the Seventy-ninth. I don't know what to think of all this. Am I required to go home and assist? July 31, 1862. Thursday. — Rained almost all day, clearing up the after part of the day. Received Commercial of 28th. It 314 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES looks as if they were getting ready to draft. The Commercial finds fault with the rule which practically excludes from the new regiments officers already in the field: no one to be appointed unless he can be present to aid in recruiting, and no officer to have leave of absence unless he is actually commissioned over a regiment already filled up ! ! Well, I am indifferent. The present position is too agreeable, to make [me] regret not getting an other. — I saw the new moon square in front. Headquarters 230 Regt. O. V., Camp Green Meadows, Mercer County, Virginia, July 31, 1862. Sir : — I am this day in receipt of Special Orders No. 716, dated Adjutant-General's Office, Columbus, Ohio, July 21, 1862, directed to me at Cincinnati, authorizing me to assist in raising one of the new regiments now forming in Ohio. I shall apply for leave of absence by today's mail for the purpose of entering upon the service indicated in the order. It is proper to add that, although fully sensible of the im portance of rapid recruiting, I would not ask leave of absence from duty in the field for that purpose, if there was any im mediate prospect of active operations here. Respectfully, R. B. Hayes, Lieutenant-Colonel Twenty-third Regt., O. V. Commanding. Brigadier-General C. W. Hill, Adjutant-General Ohio. August I, 1862. Friday. — A good little driU. Mr. Land- craft, one of the three slaveholders of Monroe County who were true to the Union, and a Mrs. Roberts were arrested and brought into my camp in obedience to orders from headquarters. Mrs. Roberts is a ladylike woman ; her husband, a Secesh, is a prisoner at Raleigh. Mrs. Roberts and her uncle, Mr. Landcraft, came HOLDING THE FRONT LINE — 1862 316 over New River and passed into our lines, the pickets admitting them, without proper passes. If this is the whole offense, the arrest is on most insufficient and frivolous grounds. In the case of Mrs. Roberts,' who has a nursing chUd at home, it is as cruel as it is unnecessary. I shall do my best to get them out of the trouble. These needless persecutions of old men and of women, I am ashamed of. August 2, 1862. Saturday. — . . . " From General Cox I hear that I can't send captains on recruiting service. This dis appoints Captains Drake and Sperry. I have named Lieutenants Avery and Hastings. I also learn that I can't go home to recruit the Seventy-ninth Regiment whose colonel I am to be if and if. Well I don't care much. I should never find such a regiment as the Twenty-third. August 3, 1862. Sunday. — . . . Was glad to be able to release Mr. Landcraft and Mrs. Roberts. This arrest was a foolish business. [August] 4, 1862. Monday. — Company I, Greenwood mus kets,' fired at target one hundred yards. Best string, thirty-seven inches (4 shots) ; the muskets not so accurate for short ranges as the Enfields ; not so well sighted. Possibly the men are some what afraid of them is one reason. I keep the men busy to prevent rusting. This target practice seems to interest them very much. August 5, 1862. Tuesday. — Target practice continues. I did a thing that worried me this A. M. I saw two soldiers sitting on post. It was contrary to orders. I directed that they should carry knapsacks one hour. I do not often punish. They turned out to be two good quiet soldiers. But the order was given before I knew who they were. One of them felt badly, wanted to be excused ; but the order was out and I had it executed. I trust it wUl cure the evU. . . . Camp Green Meadows, August 6, 1862. Wednesday. — This has been a day of excitement and action. Before I was out of bed a courier came saying our pickets on New River above Blue- stone were probably cut off ; that firing had been heard near there, 316 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES and none had come in to the picket station. I ordered Companies C and E to go down and look them up, supposing some small party of the enemy had attempted to cut them off. Before the companies could get away another courier came reporting that the enemy in force, three thousand to four thousand, had passed down New River on the other side. Of course this was to at tack the ferry. I sent word to the ferry and to Flat Top, directed the men to put one day's rations in haversacks, forty rounds of ammunition in boxes, and fill canteens. Then word came that the forces were smaller than supposed and no cannon. I dis patched Flat Top, Colonel Scammon to that effect, and that re inforcements were not needed. Soon after a courier from [the] ferry [reported] that the enemy in large force were firing cannon rifled at them. I sent this to Flat Top. Then called up Companies E, C, and K to go to reinforce the ferry. I sent the band to give them music and told the men : "Fighting battles is like courting the girls : those who make most pretension and are boldest usually win. So, go ahead, give good hearty yells as you approach the ferry, let the band play; but don't expose yourselves, keep together and keep under cover. It is a bushwhacking fight across the river. Don't expose yourself to show bravery ; we know you are all brave," etc., etc. The men went off in high spirits. A courier camei from Bluestone saying the enemy were at the ford with a cannon in some force. I sent Company I down there to watch them and hinder them if they attempted to cross. Under what he deemed obligatory written orders, Major Comly de stroyed the large ferry-boat. Soon after, the enemy ceased firing and made a rapid retreat. They ran their horses past the ford at Bluestone. Whether they left because they heard our band and reinforcements coming or because they saw the major had done their work, is problematical. My couriers reached Flat Top in from one hour ten to one hour thirty minutes : viz., at 7 :io, 8 130, and 9 A. M. The colonel with [the] Thirtieth and artillery, cavalry (Thirty-fifth), starting at 12 M ! Rather slow business. The artillery and Thirtieth halted at Jumping Branch, reaching there two and one-half miles back at 4 P. M. Slow aid. It beats Giles ! HOLDING THE FRONT LINE — 1862 317 A singular and almost fatal accident occurred about 5 :30 P. M. In the midst of a severe thunder-storm the guard-tent was struck by lightning. Eight men were knocked flat, cartridge boxes ex ploded, muskets were shattered, etc., etc. The eight were all badly hurt, but dashing cold water on them they revived. They were playing "seven-up." They thought it was shell. One said as he came to "Where are they? Where are they?" Another spoke up repeating the question, "Where is Colonel Hayes? Where is the colonel ?" Green Meadows, August 6 [5], 1862. Dearest :-— Adjutant Avery, Lieutenant Hastings, and some good men go home on recruiting service. I have nothing to say this hot day. I have still some hope that things win so work together as to allow me to see you during the next month or two. At present no leaves of absence are granted to officers appointed in new regiments. I do not know how this will affect the appointees for the Seventy-ninth. If they choose to turn us out, all right. I am indifferent. Indeed, leaving the Twenty-third is an unpleasant thing to contemplate. When I look at the neat, hardy, healthy, contented young fellows who make up nine-tenths of the regiment, and contrast their appear ance with a mob of raw recruits — dirty, sickly, lawless, and com plaining, I can't help feeling that I should be a great fool to ac cept the new position. But there are other considerations which influence me in the other direction, and so I quietly dodge the question for the pres ent. To see "aH the boys" and your own dear self, that is a great matter, and I think, if things go on as I anticipate, that circum stances will decide me for the Seventy-ninth, always provided these stringent orders as to absence don't cut me out of the chance. Dr. Joe has been for three or four days quite sick. He is now up and about again. He complains that he gets no letters. Later. — Dr. Joe is content. He has got two letters — one from you and one from Mother. I have yours of the 26th. Yes, we feel a good deal alike about leaving the Twenty-third. Well, 318 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES I have no official notice as to what I am to do. But I have official notice that no leave of absence is granted for the purpose of recruiting new regiments. So the question as to whether I go or stay is likely to decide itself. So let it do. . . . Love to all the boys. Affectionately ever, R. August 7 [6]. Dearest : — I wrote this last night — today has been a day of excitement. All has not been quiet on New River. This morning at daylight I was aroused by a courier saying our most distant picket had been fired on and as no one had come in, they were believed to be all cut off. I got out two companies to see to it. In twenty minutes another came in saying that the enemy three thousand to four thousand strong, with artillery, were coming to attack our four companies at Packs Ferry, under Major Comly. I sent word to the major and three companies, [and] word to Flat Top for help. Well, they made the attack both at the ferry and the ford — but it was across a broad river. Cannon shots barely missed many times. Shell lit in close proximity and faUed to explode, and our sharpshooters getting bold and skilful, the enemy retreated, running the gauntlet of our sharpshooters on the river bank for three miles. Not a man of ours kUled or wounded. Reinforcements reached us under Colonel Scammon at 4 P. M., just four hours after the last Rebel had disappeared six mUes above here. Our courier carried the news to Flat Top in one hour and ten minutes. The "aid" did it in six hours ! We had a terrific thunder-storm about six P. M. The lightning struck our guard-tent. Five men were laid out apparently dead. Dr. Joe and all of us were there in an instant. The men are all restored and I think will all get well. They all appeared dead, and but for instant aid would have died. . . . [R] Mrs. Hayes. August 7. — Thursday. — Colonel Scammon who came down with the battery and the Thirtieth Regiment, returned to Flat HOLDING THE FRONT LINE — 1862 319 Top this A. M. The colonel is too nervous and fussy to be a good commander. He cut around like a hen with one chicken after getting news of our being attacked three hours or four be fore he started his troops. They reached the place where they camped, twelve miles from Flat Top, about 5 P. M. They would have got to the ferry, if at aH, after dark. The enemy could have fought a battle and escaped before aid would have come. Lieutenants Avery and Hastings, Sergeant Abbott, Corporal Bennett, and two privates left today on recruiting service. Camp Green Meadows, Friday, August 8, 1862. — Captains Drake and Skiles of [the] Twenty-third and Captain Gilmore of the cavalry returned today. They brought fourteen head [of] good cattle got from Secesh. Captain Drake is very much irritat ed because he and Captain Sperry were not detaUed on my rec ommendation to go on recruiting service, the reason given being that captains in the opinion of [the] general commanding. Gen eral Cox, ought not to be sent. Since that, a number of captains have been sent from this division. This looks badly. Captain Drake tenders his resignation "immediate and unconditional." I requested the captain not to be too fast. He is impulsive and hasty, but gallant and brave to a fault, honorable and trustworthy. I prefer to send him on any dangerous service to any man I ever knew. I hope he wiH remain in the regiment if I do. I ordered camp changed today to get rid of old leaves, soured ground, dirty tents, and the like. Have succeeded in getting more room for tents and more room for drUl. Camp Green Meadows, Mercer County, Virginia, August 8, 1862. Dear Uncle:—. . . . I have not yet decided as to the Seventy-ninth Regiment. I would much prefer the colonelcy of this [regiment, the Twenty-third], of course. At the same time there are some things which influence me strongly in favor of the change. I shall not be surprised if the anxiety to have the colonel present to aid in recruiting will be such that I shaH feel it my duty to decline. You know I can't get leave of absence until my 320 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES commission is issued, and the commission does not issue until the regiment is full. By this rule, officers in the field are ex cluded. I shall leave the matter to take care of itself for the present. We have had a good excitement the last day or two. A large force, about two thousand, with heavy artillery and cavalry, have been attacking the positions occupied by the Twenty-third. They cannonaded Major Comly at the ferry four and one-half miles from here, and a post I have at the ford three and one-half miles from here, on Wednesday. Tents were torn and many narrow escapes made, but strangely enough nobody on our side was hurt. With our long-range muskets, the enemy soon foimd they were likely to get the worst of it. The same evening our guard-tent was struck by lightning. Eight men were knocked senseless, cartridge boxes, belted to the men, were exploded, and other frightful things, but all are getting well. The drafting pleases me. It looks as if [the] Government was in earnest. All things promise well. I look for the enemy to worry us for the next two months, but after that our new forces wUl put us in condition to begin the crushing process. I think another winter wUl finish them. Of course there will be guerriUa and miscellaneous warfare, but the power of the Rebels wUl, I believe, go under if [the] Government puts forth the power which now seems likely to be gathered. I am as anxious as you possibly can be to set up in Spiegel Grove, and to begin things. It is a pity you are in poor health, but all these things we need not grieve over. Don't you feel glad that I was in the first regiment originally raised for the three- years service in Ohio, instead of waiting till this time, when a man volunteers to escape a draft? A man would feel mean about it all his days. I wish you were well enough to come out here. You would enjoy it to the top of town. Many funny things occur in these alarms from the enemy. Three shells burst in our assistant surgeon's tent. He was out but one of them killed a couple of live rattlesnakes he had as pets ! One f eUow, an old pursy fifer, a great coward, came puffing up to my tent from the river and HOLDING THE FRONT LINE — 1862 321 began to talk extravagantly of the number and ferocity of the enemy. Said I to him, "And, do they shoot their cannon pretty rapidly?" "Oh, yes," said he, "very rapidly indeed — they had fired twice before I left the camp" ! It is very hot these days but our men are still healthy. We have over eight hundred men, and only about ten in hospital Sincerely, R. B. Hayes. p_ s. — Wasn't you pleased with the Morgan raid into Ken tucky? I was in hopes they would send a sheU or two into Cincinnati. It was a grand thing for us. S. Birchard. August p. Saturday. — Am planning an expedition to go to Salt WeU and destroy it; also to catch old Crump if he is at home. Jacobs, Company G, a scout, went up yesterday to Crump's Bottom. Reports favorably. All safe now. Curious, quiet f eUow, Jacobs. He takes no grub, wears moccasins ; passes himself for a guerrilla of the Rebels, eats blackberries when he can't get food ; slips stealthily through the woods, and finds out all that is going. Old Andy Stairwalt, a fat, queer-looking old fifer with a thin voice, and afflicted with a palpitation of the heart (!) — a great old coward, otherwise a worthy man — was one of the first men who reached here from the ferry after the attack of Wednes day. He was impressed that the enemy were in great force. I asked him if they fired their cannon rapidly. "Oh, yes," said he, "very rapidly ; they fired twice before I left the camp" ! Sad news. The dispatch teUs us that "General Bob McCook was murdered by guerriUas while riding in front of his brigade in Tennessee." He always said he did not expect to survive the war. He was a brave man, honest, rough, "an uncut diamond." A good friend of mine; we have slept together through several stormy nights. I messed with him in his quarters on Mount Sewell. Would that he could have died in battle ! GaHant spirit, haU and f areweU ! 21 322 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES I send out today Company E, thirty-nine men, K, twenty-seven men, H, about thirty men, and a squad of men from A, I, and C of twenty-seven men, and about twenty-five cavalry to stop the salt well in Mercer, twenty mUes above here. Total force about one hundred and fifty men. They go up to Crump's Bottom, catch him if they can, take his canoe and the ferry-boat and destroy the Mercer salt well. This is the programme. A charming affectionate letter from my dear wife. She speaks of her feelings on the night before the regiment left for the seat of war, a year ago the 24th of July.* Dear Lucy, God grant you as much happiness as you deserve and your cup will indeed be full ! She speaks of the blue-eyed beautiful youngest. He is al most eight months old. A letter from mother Hayes, more cheer ful than usual, religious and affectionate. She is past seventy, and fears she will not live to see the end of the war. I trust she will, and to welcome me home again as of old she used to from college. Sunday, August 10, 1862, 9:30 A. M. — Captain Drake and Gilmore's Cavalry have returned. The infantry are bathing in Bluestone. The expedition was completely successful, and was of more importance than I supposed it would be. They reached the salt well about 2:30 A. M. ; found the works in full blast — a good engine pumping, two pans thirty feet long boUing, etc., etc. The salt is good ; considerable salt was on hand. All the works were destroyed by fire. A canoe found at Crump's was taken to the ferry. I spent an anxious night. Jackson, Major Comly's scout, re ported that the salt well was guarded. This came to me after I "•¦Mrs. Hayes had written from Chillicothe, August 2: "The 24th of July a year ago was a happy, and yet, oh, sad night, and yet the thought that I was with you to the last moment of that sad parting sends such a thrill of joy through my heart. I think of it so often. 'Twas bitter to know that when morning dawned, instead of joy and happiness, 'twould bring such heavy sorrow, such bitter tears. We stood and gazed after the cars holding all that was dearest to us, but I was a soldier's wife, I must not cry yet. While standing there, an old woman spoke to Mother, asking who was gone; then she turned to me, 'You had better take a good cry, my dear, 'twill lighten your heart.' How freshly everything 0omes before me now 1" HOLDING THE FRONT LINE — 1862 323 was in bed and too late to send the word to the expedition. I an ticipated trouble there and felt anxious enough. I slept little, was up often. But luckily all went well. Not a man was in sight. This morning, as they were returning, the cavalry were bush whacked, horses wounded, clothes cut, but no man hurt. Received a "secret" order to be ready to move on one-half hour's notice. Rode post to the ferry ; set the men to preparing for one of General Pope's minute and practical inspections. Camp Green Meadows, August lo, 1862. Dearest Lute : — All your names are sweet. "Lu" is good ; 1 always think of the girls at Piatt's saying "Aunt Lu." "Lute" and "Luty" is Joe; and "Lucy darling," that's me. AH pretty and lovable. Your letter of the and came last night. A great comfort it was. Several things last night were weighing on me, and I needed a dear word from you. I had got a reluctant permission to send a party to attempt to destroy the salts-works at the Mercer salt well twenty-five miles from here, over a rough mountain country full of enemies, and uncertain who might be at the well, I started the party at 6 P. M. to make a night march of it to get there and do the work and get fairly off before daylight. Cap tains Drake and Zimmerman were in command with twenty of Gilmore's gallant cavalry and one hundred and thirty of our best men. I had got all the facts I could before they left, but after they were gone three hours, a scout I had given up came in with information that the works were strongly guarded. I slept none during that night. Then too, the sad news that Mc Cook was murdered was in the evening dispatches, casting a deep shadow over all. It needed your letter to carry me through the night. I was out at early dawn, walking the camp, fearing to hear the gallop of a horse. Time went on slowly enough, but it was a case where no news was good news. If they had run into trouble the word would have returned as fast as horseflesh could bring it. By breakfast time I began to feel pretty safe; at eight I 324 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES visited the hospital and talked cheerfully to the sick, feeling pretty cheerful really. About half past nine Captain Drake rode in. The fifty mUes had been travelled, and the Secesh salt weH for all this saltless region was burned out root and branch. Three horses were badly wounded; many [men] had their clothes cut, but not a man was hurt. They reached the well at 2 A. M., found it in full blast, steam on, etc., etc., received one feeble volley of rifle balls and the thing was done. So much good your letter did. Yes, I get all your letters about one week after you maU them. I got a letter from Mother of same date at same time. This happens almost always. As to the Seventy-ninth, I agree with you. The greatest in ducements are to visit you and to get out of these mountains before another winter. I may, and probably wUl, find worse places, but I am getting tired of this. Another thing, a sense of duty. I do not know that it clearly inclines either way. In such case we usually manage to persuade ourselves that it points the way we wish. But it strikes me that the Twenty-third is as near right as I can make it. It can't get much more out of me, whUe possibly my experience might be more useful in a new regiment than anywhere else. Do you see where I am coming out? As I am writing a messenger from headquarters comes with a significant order headed "secret." I am ordered to place all things in readiness to move on thirty minutes' notice — to have baggage, etc., etc., in such condition that it can be done on that notice any time after tomorrow at 3 P. M. This means what? I suspect a move to the east by way of Lewisburg and White Sulphur Springs. It may be a move to eastern Virginia. It may be towards Giles and the railroad again. Well, I have galloped to the ferry five mUes and back. I am likely to be settled some way soon, but.at any rate, in the Seventy- ninth or Twenty-third, I have got the best wife of any of them. This war has added to my confidence in you, my love for you, and my happiness that I have so dear a wife. The character you have shown in bearing what was so severe a trial, the unselfish HOLDING THE FRONT LINE — 1862 325 and noble feeling you constantly exhibit, has endeared you to me more than ever before. Joining the army when I did is now to be thought fortunate. Think of my waiting till forced by the fear of a draft to volunteer ! Good-bye, darling. Love and kisses to the dear boys, the little blue-eyed favorite, and all. Affectionately ever, your R. I enclose a literary specimen.* Mrs. Hayes. Monday, August ii, 1862. — Received a note from Major [Comly] that the enemy was moving from Red Sulphur either towards us or Colonel Crook. Kept the men preparing for the "secret" inspection or movement. Got a letter from the major, rather obscurely intimating that I did wrong in sending him aid at the time of the attack on him, and showing that he is offended about it, or hurt about it, at any rate. He says I lent official color to the rumor that he had abandoned the place by doing it, etc., etc. I replied that he was in error in thinking I had said I sent reinforcements to him instead of sending to Bluestone be cause of a rumor that went to Raleigh that he had abandoned the ferry v/ithout firing a gun. I had not heard the rumor then ; but I did fear he was losing, as I heard from couriers that he was destroying boats, and that the column a mile or more out was StUl marching this way. Tuesday, August 12, 1862. — I sent this morning to J. C. Dun- levy, Lebanon, the following dispatch : "I am glad to hear that the Seventy-ninth is likely to be promptly filled without drafting. If so I shall join it as soon as leave can be obtained." So I am committed ! * The "specimen" was a scrap of paper reading : "Mr. Kernel Kase I Want a Pass to go to see Wilson Lilly he has Sent for me he is Just at the Point of death "Emh-y Lilly" 326 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES A fine rain this P. M. — A most gorgeous picture was pre sented by the sky and clouds and the beautiful hills surrounding, as I sat looking at our dress parade. Camp Green Meadows, August 12, 1862. Dear Uncle : — I write merely to say that I have concluded to accept [the] colonelcy of the Seventy-ninth if it is fiUed with out drafting. I love this regiment, but must leave it. I was pretty evenly balanced on the question. I have decided it rightly. It will take me to Cincinnati, I conjecture, in about three or four weeks. I shall no doubt be kept closely at work, but wUl manage some way to see you, if but for a night. Possibly you can come down. I am sad over McCook's death. From the first he always told me — I suppose he said the same thing to many — that he would certainly not survive the war. He expected confidently to be killed. I suppose all men have notions one way or the other of that sort. Quite a batch of the new colonels are persons with whom I am on agreeable terms. Anderson, Haynes, Lee Stem, Moore, Longworth, Tafel, and a bunch of others. But they will be a funny lot for a while. I suspect I shall enjoy the thing. I can now appreciate the difference between an old seasoned regiment and the same people raw. Nothing is nicer than a good old regiment. The machine runs itself — all the colonel has to do is to look on and see it go. But at first it's always in a snarl, and a thousand unreasonable men make such a big snarl. I have no doubt I shall see times when I would like to see around me the quiet, neat, hardy youngsters who are with me now. Well, good-bye. I feel like shedding tears when I think of leaving these men, but I at once get into a quiet laugh when I think of what I am going to — a thousand-headed monster ! Sincerely, R. B. Hayes. P. S. — I forgot to say anything about the war. My command is scattered from fourteen to twenty miles from any succor, and HOLDING THE FRONT LINE — 1862 327 if attacked it's doubtful if any would reach in time. We must fight or go under, perhaps both. Well, on the 6th, the enemy three times our whole and six times our detachment at the ferry, with rifle, cannon, etc., etc., attacked. We had a busy day but by stratagem and good luck we got off with slight damage. They thought we were the strongest and after firing two hours re treated. Next day but one, we destroyed their salt works twenty- five miles from here. Last night I was up all night riding and manoeuvring J.o keep them off ; but it makes a man feel well to have something to do. S. Birchard. Camp Green Meadows, August 12, 1862. Dear Mother : — I received your good letter of the 2d the day before yesterday. On same day received one from Lucy of same date. We have had some fighting and a good deal of excitement and night riding and duty of various sorts during the last week. We have been exceedingly lucky, losing, so far as I know, but one man. We had two accidents — one man drowned and eight struck with lightning. All were senseless and most of them seemed dead for a short time, but all are living and probably all wUl recover entirely. It was the same day that we were attacked, after the enemy had retreated. The men all supposed that a shell of the enemy had burst. The enemy were in great force and had artillery superior to ours, but the security of our position was soon apparent, and after less than an hour's firing they re tired, having lost a few killed and wounded. I have agreed to accept [the] colonelcy of [the] Seventy-ninth regiment if it is filled without drafting. I suppose this will take me to Cincinnati and home in three or four weeks. I shall no doubt be in duty bound to devote all my time to the new regi ment, but I shall of course manage to see you if it is but for a day or night. The weather is seasonable — that is hot as Tophet. We have a few more sick than usual but nothing serious. 328 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES I am pleased with the war prospects. We may meet with disasters to give things a gloomy look before the new troops are ready for the field, but it certainly seems as if we could, with the new army, put a speedy end to the Rebellion. I trust you wUl live to see the country again at peace. But war isn't the worst thing that can happen to a country. It stirs up a great deal of good. I see more kindness, more unselfish generosity around me than would probably be found among these young men if they were plodding along in ordinary selfish pursuits. . Affectionately, your son, R. Mrs. Sophia Hayes. On Steamer Monitor, Kanawha River, August 1 8, [1862]. Evening. Dear Wife : — I am four hard days' marching, and a few hours' travel on a swift steamer nearer to you than I was when I last wrote you, and yet I am not on my way home. You wUl see in the newspapers, I suppose, that General Cox's Division (the greater part of it) is going to eastern Virginia. We left our camps Friday, the 15th, making long and rapid marches from the mountains to the head of navigation on this river. We now go down to the Ohio, then up to Parkersburg, and thence by railroad eastwardly to the scene of operations. My new regiment fills slowly, I think, and it may be longer than I an ticipated before I shall be called for at Cincinnati, if at aU. There is talk of an order that wUl prevent my going to the new regiment, but I think it is not correctly understood, and the chance, it seems to me, is that I shaH go home notwithstanding this change of plan. Our men are delighted with the change. They cheer and laugh, the band plays, and it is a real frolic. During the hot dusty marching, the idea that we were leaving the mountains of west Virginia kept them in good heart. You will hereafter direct letters to me "General Cox's Division, Army of Virginia." HOLDING THE FRONT LINE — 1862 329 August 19. Evening. Same steamer on the Ohio River. — Dearest : — We have had a particularly jolly day. The river is very low, and at many of the bars and shoals we are compeUed to disembark and march the troops around. In this way we have marched through some villages, and fine farming neighborhoods in Meigs County. The men, women, and children turned out with apples, peaches, pies, melons, pickles (Joe took to them), etc., etc., etc., in the greatest profusion. The drums and fifes and band all piped their best. The men behaved like gentlemen and marched beautifully. Wasn't I proud of them? How happy they were! They would say, "This is God's country." So near you and marching away from you ! That was the only sad point in it for me. Only one man drunk so far; his captain put him under arrest. He insisted on an appeal to me, and on my saying, "It's all right," he was sober enough to submit, saying, "WeU, if the colonel says it's right, it must be right," so he made no trouble. I shall write daily until we get to Parkersburg — that is on the line of raUroad to ChiHicothe, I believe. No more tonight. [R. B. Hayes.] Mrs. Hayes. CHAPTER XX WOUNDED AT SOUTH MOUNTAIN — AUGUST-NOVEMBER 1862 MONDAY, [August] 2§ and Tuesday, 26. — In Washington. Here all arrangements connected with army matters are perfect. An efficient military police or patrol arrests all men and officers not authorized to be absent from their regiments, and either returns them to their regiments or puts them under guard and gives notice of their place. A good eating-house feeds free of expense and sleeps all lost and stray soldiers. An establish ment furnishes quartermasters of regiments with cooked rations at all times ; fine hospitals, easily accessible, are numerous. The people fed and complimented our men {chiefly the middling and mechanical or laboring classes) in a way that was very gratifying. We felt proud of our drill and healthy brown faces. The com parison with the new, green recruits pouring in was much to our advantage. Altogether Washington was a happiness to the Twenty-third. Washington City, August 25, 1862. Dearest : — We arrived here after ten days' marching and travelling, this morning. We go over to Alexandria in an hour or two to take our place in General Sturges' Army Corps of General Pope's Command. Colonel Scammon leads the First Brigade of General Cox's Division in the new position. If the enemy press forward, there will be fighting. It is supposed they are trying to push us back. Reinforcements for us are pouring in rapidly. In case of accident, Joe and I will be reported at the Kirkwood House in this city. I feel a presentiment that aU wiH be right with us. If not, you know all the loving things I would say to you and the dear boys. My impression is that the enemy will (330) WOUNDED AT SOUTH MOUNTAIN — 1862 331 be in no condition to hurry matters fast enough to get ahead of the new legions now coming in. They must act speedily or they are too late. Direct to me as in my last. Affectionately ever, R. Mrs. Hayes. Washington City, August 25, 1862. Dear Uncle: — Our men are in the cars expecting to cross to the scene of war (Warrenton) every moment. Aften ten days' marching, etc., etc., we got here this A. M. Things here look improving. The troops are pouring in from all directions, and unless the enemy get some success soon, they will be too late. There seems to be some fighting in the front. We shall be in it, if it continues. I think it will all go well. We are gaining strength every hour. The Kirkwood House here is the place where Dr. Webb and I will be reported in case of accident. Sincerely, R. B. Hayes. S. Birchard. Wednesday, [August] 27 [and Thursday, 28th,] at Alex andria. No great difference from time in Washington, but much less agreeable. Friday, 29th, marched to Munson's Hill and bivouacked. Saturday, 30th, put up our tents between Forts Ramsay and [Buffalo] at Upton's Hill. On Friday, fighting heard west and southwest of us — supposed to be at Manassas. All day Saturday, ditto. At Alexandria first saw McQellan's Grand Army. They do not look so efficient as General Cox's six regiments, but are no doubt good. The Thirtieth got here in time to get through to Pope. [The] Eleventh and Twelfth [Ohio] went forward under Colonel Scammon to try to do the same thing. At Bull Run Bridge, be yond Fairfax, united with First, Second, Third, and Fourth New Jersey, under General Taylor, and pushed on. New Jersey regi- 332 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES ments in advance; ran into a battery and heavy force of the enemy. New Jersey broke, fled, and never rallied ; [the] Eleventh and Twelfth pushed on and fought gallantly. Colonel Scammon cool and steady! Won praise from aH. Good! Honor of Ohio sustained. Eastern correspondents fail to tell the facts. Camp near Upton's Hill, near Falls Church, on road to Man assas, August 30, 1862. — All or nearly all day we have heard cannon firing, as is supposed, in direction of Manassas Junction. It is believed that General Jackson is fighting Pope. The firing was heard yesterday a considerable part of the day. We all listen to it, look at the couriers ; anybody moving rapidly attracts a thousand eyes. For a long time the thing was not very much attended to. Now it gets exciting. We feel anxious; we wish to know whether the battle is with us or with our foes. It is now 5 or 5 :30 P. M. The decision must come soon. It is not a bright nor a dark day. It is neither hot nor cool for the season. A fair fighting day. The only report we hear is that a Union man eight mUes out says we got possession of Manassas yester day, and that the Rebels today are trying to get it back; that they have been repulsed three times. The firing seems to be in the same direction as heretofore and not differing much in loud ness. Anxious moments these are ! I hear the roar as I write. 7:30 P M. — A lovely quiet sunset; an exhUarating scene around us ; the distant booming growing more faint and more distant, apparently, till at early dark it died away. With us or with our foes ? ! ! It is said Jackson was west of Pope and be ing driven back; if so, probably "with us." That Jackson made a speech saying they must win this fight, that it would decide the fate of the Confederacy ! Well, we wait. The suspense is less dreadful since the cannon no longer roar. 9:30 P. M. — No news. This I interpret to mean that there has been no decided victory — no decided defeat — a drawn battle. Why not mass tonight aU the thousands of troops to overwhelm Jackson tomorrow ? It could have been done in time to have flogged him today. He is the rebel chieftain. His de struction destroys the Rebel cause? WOUNDED AT SOUTH MOUNTAIN — 1862 333 Camp on Munson's Hill, near Washington, (say eight miles), August 30, 1862. Dear Lucy : — Things all seem to be going well with General Pope and the rest. I am not sure, but I think the day for an important Rebel success in this region is past. Colonel Scammon with the Eleventh and Twelfth Ohio had a severe fight at BuU Run Bridge with a superior foe. They behaved gallantly and saved our arms from a disgrace which was imminent in conse quence of the ill conduct of four New Jersey regiments. Colonel Scammon behaved with unexpected coolness and skill. He was good-natured and self-possessed, both unexpected. Well, we do enjoy the change. We, of course, are full of per plexity, getting into the new schoolhouse, but we feel pretty proud of ourselves. All of McClellan's army is near us, but we see nothing superior to General Cox's six Ohio regiments. We were in Washington two or three days. All arrangements there are capital; fine hospitals, good police for arresting stray soldiers; a soldiers' retreat, where all lost and sick are lodged and fed well, and a place where aU were furnished with cooked rations to carry on marches. The people near our camp fur nished us with fruit, melons, and nice things unlimited. W* staid in Alexandria two or three days. Not like Washington, but so-so. We are here with other troops looking after three fine forts buUt here by the Rebels, intending, I suppose, to occupy them if the Rebels should get near Washington again. The Rebels have been making a strong effort to rush on to Washington and Baltimore, but as I have said, I think they are just too late. It looks to me as if we would remain here a few days, perhaps a few weeks, until the new army is gathered and organized. I feel hopeful of the future. Well, I love you so much. I wrote you a loving letter from Flat Top or Green Meadows, which I wish you to think of as my good [-bye] words for you in case of accident. — Love to the boys. Affectionately, R. 334 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES P. S. — The Eastern correspondents do no sort of justice to the gaUantry of the Eleventh and Twelfth Ohio, nor to the pol troonery of the First, Second, Third, and Fourth New Jersey. Mrs. Hayes. [In a letter of the same date and place as the preceding. Dr. J. T. Webb writes his mother : — "We are in hearing of a battle that is progressing some ten or fifteen miles distant. The cannonading has been kept up pretty steady all day long; at times it is quite brisk; what would you think of it were you here? This country presents the same appearance as western Virginia, save only on a grander scale. There is not a fence between here and Alexandria, although it is almost a continuous vUlage; splendid residences line this road that have had fine parks of trees around, all of which have been cut down to clear the way for the artillery; every mUe almost, you come upon a line of forts. This point was for some time held by the Rebels, and between the armies this section is pretty badly used up. Many of the finest residences are deserted, some have been burnt. It is a sorry sight to witness it."] Upton's Hill (near Washington), August 31. — Mustered the men for July and August. A rainy, cool day. The great battle of yesterday and the day before, so near here that we heard the roar distinctly, is supposed to have resulted favorably to our arms. How decisively is not yet known here. We hear all sorts of rumors, such as the capture of Jackson and sixteen thousand men and the like; but nothing definite is known. The appear ances are favorable. We inquire of every one to get facts and get only vague rumors. This Sunday evening the reports from the battlefield are less favorable than the morning rumors. There is talk of "no result," a "drawn battle," and the like; that our army has fallen back four miles to Centreville. Another [report] says McDowell withdrew a division from one outlet and let Jackson escape. A report says our loss is ten thousand ; the enemy's much heavier. WOUNDED AT SOUTH MOUNTAIN — 1862 335 No firing all day today. This evening after dark firing of heavy guns was heard for a few minutes, apparently in the same place as before. Received a dear letter from Lucy dated August 13 and directed to Flat Top. She says she is happy in the thought that we are doing our duty. This is good. Darling wife, how this painful separation is made a blessing by the fine character it develops, or brings to view ! Howi I love her more and more ! September i. — A coolish, cloudy day. Wrote letters to Mother and Lucy. Nothing definite from the battlefield. Rumors of good and bad. Many complaints of McDoweU; that he let Jackson slip off by withdrawing a division from an important point. On the whole, the result seems to be a draw yet. Our army in great strength, rumor says two hundred thousand, is on this side of the old Bull Run battlefield ; the enemy one hundred and eighty thousand strong on the identical ground. No firing today until about 5 :30 or 6 o'clock when there was a grand up roar until after dark near the old place, possibly further north ; rumored or conjectured to be an attempt to our right. A thunder storm came on about the same time when there was a fierce rivalry between the artillery of earth and heaven, the former having a decided advantage. A fierce storm of wind and rain all night, blowing down some tents and shaking all in a threaten ing way. About 9 P. M. received orders from brigade head quarters to be especially vigilant and to have the men ready to form line of battle without confusion. AH which was done. Upton's Hill, near Washington, September i, 1862. Dearest: — Very severe battles were fought day before yes terday and the day before that a few miles west of here. The roar could be heard in our camp the greater part of each day. We are six or eight miles west of Washington over the Potomac in Virginia between Forts Ramsay and Buffalo — strong works which we, I, conjecture, are to hold in case of disaster in front. The result of the battles, although not decisive, I think was 336 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES favorable. The enemy's advance was checked, and as our strength grows with every hour, the delay gained is our gain. You have no doubt heard of the battles, and perhaps feel anxious about us. One thing he assured of, after such affairs no news of us is good news. The reason of this is, if we are well we shall not be allowed to leave, nor send communications ; if injured or worse, officers are taken instantly to Washington or Alexandria and tidings sent. I write this to relieve, if pos sible, or as much as possible, your anxiety on hearing of baffles. At present I see no prospect of our being engaged, but I look for battles almost daily until the enemy is driven back or gives up his present purpose of carrying the war into our territory. I feel hopeful about the result. Your letter of the 13th August, directed to me Raleigh, etc., I got last night. We shall now get one another's letters in three or four days. I was made happy by your sensible and excellent talk about your feelings. A sense of duty or a deep religious feeling is all that can reconcile one to the condition we are placed in. That you are happy notwithstanding this trial, adds to my appreciation and love and to my happiness. Dearest, you are a treasure to me. I think of you more than you suppose and shall do so more here than in western Virginia. Here I have far less care and responsibility. I am now responsible for very little. The danger may be somewhat greater, though that I think doubtful. By the by, we hear that Raleigh and our camps in west Vir ginia were occupied by the enemy soon after we left. No differ ence. There is one comfort here. If we suffer, it is in the place where the decisive acts are going on. In west Virginia, success or failure was a mere circumstance hardly affecting the general cause. . Well, love to all. Dearest be cheerful and content. It will all be well. Affectionately, R. P. S. — I was near forgetting to say that I think I shall not be permitted to join the Seventy-ninth. That matter I suppose WOUNDED AT SOUTH MOUNTAIN — 1862 337 is settled. The prospect of Colonel Scammon being brigadier is good. September i. Evening. — About five o'clock this P. M. heavy firing began in the old place — said to be near Centreville or at BiUl Run. A fierce rain-storm with thunder set in soon after, and for the last ten hours there has been a roaring rivalry be tween the artillery of earth and heaven. It is now dark, but an occasional gun can still be heard. The air trembles when the great guns roar. The place of the firing indicates that our forces StiH hold the same ground or nearly the same as before. It is queer. We really know but little more of the fights of two or three days ago tkan you do; in the way of accurate knowledge, perhaps less, for the telegraph may give you official bulletins. We have seen some, a great many, of our wounded; some five or six hundred of the enemy taken prisoners, and a few of our men paroled. Some think we got the best of it, some otherwise. As yet I call it a tie. I am very glad to be here. The scenes around us are interest ing, the events happening are most important. You can hardly imagine the relief I feel on getting away from the petty warfare of western Virginia. Four forts or field works are in sight, and many camps. The spire of Fairfax Seminary (now a hospital), the flags on distant hills whose works are not distinguishable, the white dome of the capitol, visible from the higher elevations, many fine residences in sight — all make this seem a realization of "the pride and pomp of glorious war." The roar of heavy artillery, the moving of army waggons, carriages, and ambulances with the wounded, marching troops, and couriers hastening to and fro, fill up the scene. Don't think I am led to forget the sad side of it, or the good cause at the foundation. I am think ing now of the contrast between what is here and what I have looked on for fifteen months past. Dearest, what are you doing tonight? Thinking of me as you put to sleep the pretty little favorite ? Yes, that is it. And my thought ia the midst of all this is of you and the dear ones. I just got an order that I must be "especially vigilant tonight 22 338 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES to guard against surprise, or confusion in case of alarm." I don't know what it indicates, but that I have done so often in the mountains that it is no great trouble. So I go to warn the captains. — Good night, darling. Ever yours most lovingly, R. September 2, A. M. — A stormy night but no surprise. A bright cold morning, good for the poor fellows who are wounded. Mrs. Hayes. Upton's Hill (six or eight miles from Washington), Virginia, September i, 1862. Dear Mother : — We are in the midst of the great acts. The roar of the battles of the 30th and 31st was perfectly distinct here. We were in readiness to join in if needed. We are placed here, however, I conjecture, for a few days with a few other old regiments, to hold Forts Ramsay and Buffalo in case of dis aster in front. I think the result thus far, though not at all decisive, upon the whole, favorable. You will feel some anxiety when you hear of battles, but I tell Lucy no news, after a fight, from me is good news. If safe I have no opportunity to communicate. If injured or worse, officers are taken to Washington and tidings, sent. I am glad to say all things pertaining to soldiers, sick or wounded, in Washing ton are managed most admirably. Few private families could provide equal comforts and accommodations. I write this for Uncle as well as for you. I saw Captain Haynes the day before yesterday. He is thin and worn, but gaining. He was uncertain whether he could join his regiment (the new one) or not. I suppose it is settled that old officers can't go to the new regiments. This settles' my chance for the Seventy-ninth also. All right, as far as I am personally concerned. The rule is a bad one — a very bad one — so bad that it will perhaps be changed, but it is no hardship to me personally. I see no regiment here that I would prefer to the Twenty-third. General Cox's six regiments from Ohio are among the crack troops of the army in the opinion of everybody. WOUNDED AT SOUTH MOUNTAIN — 1862 339 Colonel Scammon distinguished himself the other day and win, I doubt not, be made a brigadier. . . . Affectionately, your son, Rutherford. Mrs. Sophia Hayes. Tuesday, September 2, 1862. Upton's. — A clear, cold, windy day; bracing and Northern. No news except a rumor that the armies are both busy gathering up wounded and burying dead; that the enemy hold rather more of the battlefield than we do. 12:30 P. M. — I have seen several accounts of the late battles, with details more or less accurate. The impression I get is that we have rather the worst of it, by reason of superior generalship on the part of the Rebels. 9 :30 P. M. — New and interesting scenes this P. M. The great army is retreating, coming back. It passes before us and in our rear. We are to cover the retreat if they are pursued. They do not look or act like beaten men ; they are in good spirits and orderly. They are ready to hiss McDowell. When General Given announced that General McCleHan was again leader, the cheer ing was hearty and spontaneous. The camps around us are numerous. The signal corps telegraphs by waving lights to the camps on all the heights. The scene is wUd and glorious this fine night. Colonel White of the Twelfth and I have arranged our plans in case of an attack tonight. So to bed. Let the mor row provide for itself. Wednesday, September 3. — No alarm last night. Enemy quiet in front. A little firing near [the] chain bridge, supposed to be feeling of our position. It is rumored that the main body is going up the Potomac to cross. Many men last evening in the retreating ranks were ready to hiss McDowell. P. M. After supper. I am tonight discouraged — more so than ever before. The disaster in Kentucky is something, but the conduct of men, officers, generals and aH, in the late battles near Bull Run is more discouraging than aught else. The Eastern troops don't fight like the Western. If the enemy is now ener- 340 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES getic and wise, they can take great advantages of us. Well, well, I can but do my, duty as I see it. Eight miles West of Washington, Upton's Hill, September 3, 1862. Dear Uncle : — The fighting at and near Bull Run battlefield is finished and our army has withdrawn to the fortifications near Washington, leaving General Cox's force here on the outposts. The general result I figure up as follows : We lose ten to fifteen cannon, five thousand to eight thousand killed, wounded, or prisoners, a large amount of army stores, railroad stock, etc., destroyed, and the position. The enemy lose a few cannon, about the same or a greater number killed and wounded, not so many prisoners by about half, and hold the position. It is not a de cided thing either way. We had decidedly the advantage in the fighting of Thursday and Friday, 28th and 29th. At the close of the 29th Jackson was heavily reinforced, and worsted us on Saturday. Saturday evening our reinforcements reached Gen eral Pope and we were about equal in the subsequent skirmishing. I get some notions of the troops here, as I look on and listen, not very different from those I have had before. The enemy here has a large force of gallant and efficient cav alry. Our cavalry is much inferior. The Rebel infantry is su perior to ours gathered from the cities and manufacturing vil lages of the old States. The Western troops, are, I think, su perior to either. The Rebels have as much good artillery as we have. We have largely more than they have, but the excess is of poor quality. In generalship and officers they are superior to us. The result] is we must conquer in land warfare by superior numbers. On the water we have splendid artillery, and are masters. High water, deep rivers, heavy rains, are our friends. General Sigel is a favorite with troops. General Banks and Schenck are praised by them. General McDowell is universally denounced. General Pope is coldly spoken of. General McClel lan is undoubtedly a great favorite with men under him. Last night it was announced that he was again in command at this the critical region now. Everywhere the joy was great, and was WOUNDED AT SOUTH MOUNTAIN — 1862 341 spontaneously and uproariously expressed. It was a happy army again. There is nothing of the defeated or disheartened among the men. They are vexed and angry — say they ought to have had a great victory, but not at all demoralized. I speak, of course, only of those I see, and I have seen some of the most unfortunate regiments. Everyone now recognizes the policy of standing on the defensive untU the new levies are organized and ready. All that we can save is clear gain. Unless the enemy gets decided and damaging advantages during the next fortnight or so, it is believed we can push them back with heavy loss and with a fair prospect of crushing them. I see you are having another demon stration at Cincinnati and Louisville. I can't think it can end successfully. The great number of new troops must be able to hold them in check untU they wUl be compelled to fall back. Once let the enemy now begin a retrograde movement with our great wave after them and I think they must go under. We are here a good deal exposed. Anything that shall hap pen to me, you wUl know at once. I feel very contented with my personal situation. Your certain aid to my family relieves me from anxiety on their account. It is an immense relief to be here away from the petty but dangerous warfare of west Virginia. Direct General Cox's Division, via Washington. I already get the Sentinel here of late date — the last published. P. M. — Since writing the foregoing I received your letter of the 28th inst. [ult.] Your letters wiH come to me with great certainty, I do not doubt, and quicker than when I was in west Virginia. We see that a strong Rebel force occupies Lexington, Ken tucky. All the river towns are threatened. This is our dark hour. We will [shall] weather it, I think. Generalship is our great need. Glad you wUl write often. — I shall stay with the Twenty-third. — I saw Haynes and told him I supposed we were cut out by the orders. I care nothing about it. Haynes was looking thin. Sincerely, R. B. Hayes. 342 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES Since writing I have been in a caucus of the major-generals. It is curious, but a large number of truthful men say Sigel is an accomplished military scholar, but such a coward that he is of no account on the battle-field ! Funny ! We don't know aU about things and men from the newspapers. S. Birchard. Thursday, September 4. — A cheerful bright morning and a sound sleep dispels the gloom resting on my views of the future. During the night a courier came to my tent saying that two thousand of our wounded are in the hands of the enemy and are starving! The enemy is in bad condition for food. Siege guns were put in the fort on our right (Ramsay) during the night; the preparations are advancing which will enable us to hold this post and "save Washington." 10 A. M. — The rumor is that the enemy is directing his course up the Potomac, intending to cross into Maryland. We now hear cannon at a great distance, in a northern direction. About 4:30 P. M. the enemy began to fire at our cavalry picket, about three miles out. Waggoners rolled in, horsemen ditto, in great haste. The regiments of General Cox's Division were soon ready, not one-fourth or one-third absent, or hiding, or falling to the rear as seems to be the habit in this Potomac army, but all, all fell in at once ; the Eleventh, Twelfth, Twenty-third, Twenty-eighth, Thirtieth, and Thirty-sixth Ohio can be counted on. After skedaddling the regiment of cavalry, who marched out so grandly a few hours before, the firing of the enemy ceased. A quiet night followed. Cincinnati is now threatened by an army which defeated our raw troops at Richmond, Kentucky. Everywhere the enemy is crowding us. Everywhere they are to be met by our raw troops, the veterans being in the enemy's country too distant to be help ful. A queer turning the tables on us ! And yet if they fail of getting any permanent and substantial advantatge of us, I think the recoil will be fatal to them. I think in delaying this move ment until our new levies are almost ready for the field, they have let the golden opportunity slip; that they will be able to WOUNDED AT SOUTH MOUNTAIN — 1862 343 annoy and harass but not to injure us ; and that the reaction will push them further back than ever. We shall see! A rumor of a repulse of the enemy at Harpers Ferry by Wool. Hope it is true! Upton's Hill, Fairfax County, Virginia, September 4, (P. M.), 1862. Dearest : — I received your good letter of the 29th yesterday. Our situation now is this : Washington is surrounded for a distance of from seven to fifteen mUes by defensive works, placed on all the commanding points. For the present the thing to be done is to keep the enemy out of the capital until our new army is prepared for the field and the old one is somewhat re cruited. We (that is General Cox's Division, viz. : Eleventh, Twelfth, Twenty-third, Twenty-eighth, Thirtieth, and Thirty- sixth regiments of infantry. Captains McMullen's and Simmond's Batteries, GUmore's, West's, and Schaumbeck's Cavalry, all from western Virginia) are placed to guard important roads and points of which Upton's Hill and Munson's Hill, Forts Ramsay, Buffalo, and "Skedaddle," all in the same vicinity, are the chief. We are about seven miles from Washington, in sight of the capitol, and eight miles from Alexandria. For a few days after the retreat of our forces from CentreviHe and Bull Run, these were points of peril. In case of an advance of the Rebels we would be first attacked. I slept in boots and spurs with my horse saddled. But now all the forts are manned and I do not expect to see the enemy approach in this direction. They could easily storm our positions with a strong force, but it would cost so many lives to storm all the works between here and Washington that they would be ruined to attempt it. I therefore look for quiet camp life for some time to come, unless the enemy makes such advances to Washington from other directions as will make these works worthless, when we should probably go to Washington. This I do not anticipate. We shaH driU, brush and burnish up, sleep and get fat. Things have had a bad turn lately, but I don't give it up. Something far more damaging than anything which has yet hap- 344 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES pened must occur, or these attempts to carry the war into our territory must recoU heavily on the Rebels. Failing to hold their advanced conquests, they must go back vastly weakened and dis heartened, whUe our following wave wUl be a growing and re sistless one. It wiH be a few weeks yet before the evU time and the occurrence of sinister events wUl cease. But frosts and rains are coming and when they come will be our day. We can only hope to get off as easUy as possible until that time. The Kentucky disaster I fear injured many of your friends; but if not made permanent, it will do good. Well, this is talk about public affairs. I sent my trunk today via Washington to Platt. If not intercepted (no unlikely event) I wiU maU one key to Mother and the other to you. An old g'entleman — too old to stand this "biz"— named Kugler, called to see me just now, saying that my commission in the Seventy-ninth was made out; that he was a captain in the Seventy-ninth and was trying to get the War Department to let me go. I said "nix" either way. At present I prefer to stay here, but no odds. While he was talking, the enemy began to fire on one of our cavalry pickets with shell. He said to me : "When do you start in such a case ?" I told him, "When I got orders." He seemed much astonished at the quiet reigning in camp, whUe the teamsters were tearing in like mad. He is a wealthy distiUer at MUf ord who gave twenty-five hundred dollars to raise a com pany which he intends to turn over to a son or nephew. He seems determined to get permission for me to join the regiment and may possibly succeed. A lovely sunset on a most animating scene. Troops are getting into shape and things look better. McClellan is indeed a great favorite with the army. He is no doubt the best man to take the defense of the capital in hand. He is the only man who can get good fighting out of the Potomac Army. McDowell is de tested by them. Pope coldly regarded. McClellan is loved. Not thinking him a first-class commander, I yet in view of this feeling, think him the best man now avaUable. There, darling, is a long letter and yet not a word of love in it. But I do you love so much, dearest. You may emphasize every word of that sentence. WOUNDED AT SOUTH MOUNTAIN — 1862 345 I hope they will whip Kirby Smith and his Rebel horde. But, at any rate, he will soon get to the end of that rope. Affectionately, Mrs. Hayes. R. Friday, September 5, 1862, 9 A. M. — Distant firing heard to wards Leesburg and up the Potomac. A warm fine day. P. M. Received orders to be ready to march immediately; to cook three days' rations, etc. Understood to be to join Burnside. September 6. Saturday. -^-Lcit Upton's PIUl at 7:30 A. M. Marched through Georgetown and Washington to the outskirts of Washington towards Leesboro Road, a very dusty, hot, op pressive day; Twenty-third in the rear. Men kept well closed up through Washington but stopped at a grove, near where we stopped to camp, in large numbers. Lieutenant Christie reported that only three hundred of the Twenty-third marched into camp. This was substantially true, but conveyed an erroneous impres sion that we fell out and straggled badly. All corrected however soon. Washington City, September 6, 1862. Dearest : — We have had a very hot, dusty, and oppressive march from our camp at Upton's PIUl. Some of McDowell's de moralized men are thought good enough to take care of the field- works out there, and General Cox's six regiments of Ohio men are now attached to General Burnside's Corps. What is to be our duty and where, we do not yet know. Wz suppose we are to meet the invasion threatened by the Rebels into Maryland. We may be destined for other service; but you will hear from us often. We aU hear favorable impressions of General Burnside, and are glad to be assigned to his corps. You will not allow yourself to be too anxious, I trust, on my ac count. Rejoice when it rains or gets cold. We are victimized by the drouth. Well, good-bye. Love to the dear boys. I thought of them often today ; little fellows very like them followed us as we marched through the streets today. Affectionately, ever your Mrs. Hayes. R. 346 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES Washington City, September 6, 1862. Dear Uncle : — We left Upton's Hill and its earthworks to be guarded by less serviceable troops than ours, and marched here through heat and dust today. We (that is General Cox's six Ohio regiments and the artillery and cavalry that we had on [the] Kanawha) are attached to General Burnside's Army Corps. Pope is under a cloud ; promised and boasted too much, and has faded in performance. "We like General Burnside and his repu tation. We suppose we are destined for the defense of Maryland, but don't know. Being with General Burnside, you can keep the run of us. I am told that my commission as colonel of the Seventy- ninth has issued, and that influences are at work to get me re leased here. I do and say nothing in the premises. It is very touching, the journey of Father Works, mentioned in a letter I got from you last night, to see his friends at Fremont. His desire, under such circumstances, to see you all, and his anxiety not to put you to the trouble of visiting him. He is a noble old man. It would be well if we had many like him. Re gards to all. I am gratified that you approve my being here. Sincerely, R. B. Hayes. S. Birchard. Sunday, September 7. Washington City. — Left the suburbs of Washington to go on Leesboro Road about twelve to fifteen miles. Road full of horse, foot, and artillery, baggage and ambulance waggons. Dust, heat, and thirst. "The Grand Army of the Potomac" appeared to bad advantage by the side of our troops. Men were lost from their regiments ; officers left their commands to rest in the shade, to feed on fruit ; thousands were straggling ; confusion and disorder everywhere. New England troops looked well ; Middle States troops badly ; discipline gone or greatly re laxed. On coming into camp Major-General Reno, in whose corps we are, rode into the grounds occupied by General Cox's troops in a WOUNDED AT SOUTH MOUNTAIN — 1862 347 towering passion because some of the men were taking straw or wheat from a stack. Some were taking it to feed to horses in McMiUlen's Battery and to cavalry horses ; some in the Twenty- third Regiment were taking it to lie upon. The ground was a stubble field, in ridges of hard ground. I saw it and made no objection. General Reno began on McMullen's men. He ad dressed them: "You damned black sons of bitches." This he repeated to my men arid asked for the colonel. Hearing it, I presented myself and assumed the responsibility, defending the men. I talked respectfully but firmly ; told him we had always taken rails, for example, if needed to cook with ; that if required we would pay for them. He denied the right and necessity ; said we were in a loyal State, etc., etc. Graducdly he softened down. He asked me my name. I asked his, all respectfully done on my part. He made various observations to which I replied. He expressed opinions on pilfering. I remarked, in reply to some opinion, substantially: "Well, I trust our generals will exhibit the same energy in dealing with our foes that they do in the treatment of their friends." He asked me, as if offended, what I meant by that. I replied. "Nothing — at least, I mean nothing disrespectful to you." (The fact was, I had a very favorable opinion of the gallantry and skill of General Reno and was most anxious to so act as to gain his good will.) This was towards the close of the controversy, and as General Reno rode away the men cheered me. I learn that this, coupled with the remark, gave General Reno great offense. He spoke to Colonel Ewing of putting colonels in irons if their men pUfered! Colonel Ewing says the remark "cut him to the quick," that he was "bitter" against me. General Cox and Colonel Scammon (the latter was present) both think I behaved properly in the controversy. Monday, September 8. Camp near Leesboro, Maryland. — Nothing new this morning. Men from Ohio all in a talk about General Reno's abusive language. It is said that when talking with me he put his hand on his pistol ; that many standing by be gan to handle their arms also ! I am sorry the thing goes so far. 348 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES Camp fifteen miles north of Washington, in Maryland, September 8, 1862. Dear Uncle : — I write you about a difficulty I had yesterday with Major-General Reno, not because it gives me any trouble or anxiety but fearing that false and partial accounts of it may get into the Eastern papers and give you trouble. As we were camping last night, the general rode into my regi ment in a towering passion, using most abusive language to my men for taking a little straw to put on the hard, rough, ploughed ground they were to lie on. I defended the men and in respect ful language gave him my opinion of the matter. He gradually softened down and the affair seemed to end pretty well. But the men cheered me, and this he seems to lay up against me. He couples this with a remark I made that, "I trusted our generals would exhibit the same energy in dealing with our foes that they did in the treatment of their friends," and has talked of putting me in irons, as is said. General Cox, Colonel Scammon, and all the Ohio colonels and troops sustain me fully and justify the cheering, saying the men have the same right to cheer their colonel that they have to cheer General McCleHan. I think it will stop where it is, except in the newspapers. Whatever is reported, you may feel safe about the outcome. They are doing some hasty things at Washington, but I have no doubt in any event that Governor Chase and the President will see justice done at the end to aH our Ohio men. We are supposed to be here in readiness to operate against the enemy invading Maryland. At present we are in General Reno's Corps, General Cox's Division, Colonel Scammon's Brig ade, of General Burnside's Army. On the march, the Ohio troops have shown the best discipline and the most endurance of any body. New England furnishes the next best. Some of the Yankee troops are capital, all are good. The Middle States (New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania) are many of them abominable. I have seen Colonel Ewing, who called on General Reno. He says General Reno was "cut to the quick'" by the remark I have quoted, and is exceedingly "bitter" about it. Well, it's all in a WOUNDED AT SOUTH MOUNTAIN — 1862 349 lifetime. General Cox means to get us transferred if possible to General Sigel's Corps, on the ground that General Reno has given such offense to the Ohio troops that they will serve under him with reluctance. Things have a bad look just now, but I stUl think they wUl mend before any crushing calamity comes. They will, if proper system and energy is adopted. Sincerely, R. B. Hayes. P. S. — You may send this to Platt to set him right if he hears any Hes about it. — H. S. Birchard. September p. Tuesday. — Marched about eight mUes in a westerly direction through a fine-looking, well-improved region. Men very jolly. All came in together, "well closed up," at night. Major Comly sent with five companies to Seneca Bridge, three- fourths mile west of camp, to "hold it." Kelly, Company A, a witty Dutch-Irishman, kept up a fusillade of odd jokes in Eng lish German. The men cheered the ladies, — joked with the cuffys, and carried on generally. Wednesday, September lo, 1862. — We camped near Seneca Bridge, about twenty-five to thirty miles from Washington. The order cutting down baggage trains leaves us eight waggons; — one for headquarters, i. e. field and staff ; one for hospital ; two for stores ; four for company cooking utensils and the like. The band trouble breaks out again. We enjoy these short marches among great bodies of moving troops very much. Tonight the sutler sold brandy peaches making about ten or a dozen of our men drunk. I thereupon made a guard-house of the sutler's tent and kept all the drunken men in it all night ! A sorry time for the sutler ! Got orders to move at the word any time after 10 o'clock. I simply did nothing ! Camp near Rich or Ridgefield [Ridgeville], about forty mUes from Baltimore, about thirty from Washington, about seventeen from Frederick. Marched today from ten to fourteen miles. 350 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES OccasionaHy showery — no heavy rain; dust laid, air cooled. Marched past the Fifth, Seventh, Twenty-ninth, and Sixty-sixth Ohio regiments. They have from eighty to two hundred men each — sickness, wounds, prisoners, etc., etc., the rest. This looks more like closing the war from sheer exhaustion than anything I have seen. Only four commissioned officers in the Seventh. A lieutenant in comm.and of one regiment; an adjutant commands another ! Saw General Crawford today, he was very cordial. Camp Northwest of Brookville, Maryland, September lo, 1862. Dearest: — We are now about twenty-five or thirty mUes northwest of Washington, about thirty miles from Baltimore, in Maryland. The army is gradually moving up to operate against the Rebels who have crossed the Potomac. We march about eight to twelve miles a day — General Cox's Division always near the front, if not in front. We are now in front. Captured a Rebel patrol last night. We. subordinates know less of the actual state of things than the readers of the Commercial at home. Order is coming out of chaos. The great army moves on three roads five or eight miles apart. Sometimes we move in the night and at all other hours, moving each subdivision about six or eight hours at a time in each twenty-four hours. Some large body is moving on each road all the time. In this way the main body is kept somewhere in the same region. General Burnside is our commander. I have not yet seen him. He was cheered heartily, I am told, yesterday when he met his troops below here. His Yankee regiments are much the best troops we have seen East. "The Grand Army of the Potomac" suffers by comparison with General Cox's or General Burnside's men. It is not fair, however, to judge them by what we now see. They are returning form a severe and unfortunate service which of necessity has broken them down. We march through a weU-cultivated, beautiful region — poor soil but finely improved. I never saw the Twenty-third so happy as yesterday. More witty things were said as we passed ladies, children, and negroes (for the most part friendly) than I have WOUNDED AT SOUTH MOUNTAIN — 1862 351 heard in a year before. The question was always asked, "What troops are those," or "Where are you from?" The answers were "Twenty-third Utah," "Twenty-third Bushwhackers," "Twenty- third Mississippi," "Drafted men," "Raw Recruits," "Paroled prisoners," "MUitia going home," "Home Guards," "Peace Men," "Uncle Abe's children," "The Lost Tribes," and others "too numerous, etc." Nearly all the 'lands are mustered out of serv ice; ours therefore is a novelty We marched a few mUes yes terday on a road where troops have not before marched. It was funny to see the children. I saw our boys running after the music in many a group of clean, bright-looking, excited little fellows. What a time of it they have in Cincinnati? I got a dispatch from Mr. Clements yesterday saying I was discharged ten days ago by the War Department to take command of the Seventy- ninth, but I get no official notice of it, and at present can't get leave to go and see to it. If the place is not filled by somebody else I shall join the new regiment before the end of the month, I suspect. I have no particular preference or wish about it, but having said that I wiH join if leave is given, I shall do so unless in the meanwhile some change in affairs takes place to justify a different course. I can hardly think the enemy will carry his whole or main force into Maryland and risk all upon a battle here. If not he will probably withdraw on the approach of our army. If he does, I can then get leave of absence. Kisses and love to all the boys. Love to Grandma and the dear friends you are among. I feel very grateful for their kindness to you and the boys. I think of you now almost as constantly as you do of me. I have very little care or responsibility. The men behave weH, and are always ready. I got into an angry altercation with Major- General Reno who was in a passion and abusive to some of my men; the men cheered me as he rode off, which made a little difficulty, but I am told he is ashamed of it, and it led to no trouble. Good-bye, darling. "I love you so much." Affectionately, yours ever, Mrs. Hayes. R. 352 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES Frederick, Maryland, September 13, 1862, A. M. Dearest : — Yesterday was an exciting but very happy day. We retook this fine town about 5 :30 P. M. after a march of fourteen miles and a good deal of skirmishing, cannon firing and uproar, and with but little fighting. We marched in just at sun down, the Twenty-third a good deal of the way in front. There was no mistaking the Union feeling and joy of the people — fine ladies, pretty girls, and chUdren were in all the doors and win dows waving flags and clapping hands. Some "jumped up and down" with happiness. Joe enjoyed it and rode up the streets bowing most gracefully. The scene as we approached across the broad bottom-lands in line of battle, with occasional cannon firing and musketry, the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains in view, the fine town in front, was very magnificent. It is pleasant to be so greeted. The enemy had held the city just a week. "The longest week of our lives," "We thought you were never coming," "This is the happiest hour of our lives," were the common ex pressions. It was a most fatiguing day to the men. When we got the town, before the formal entry, men laid [lay] down in the road, saying they couldn't stir again. Some were pale, some red as if apoplectic. Half an hour after, they were marching erect and proud hurrahing the ladies ! Colonel Moor, Twenty-eighth, of Cincinnati, was wounded and taken prisoner in one of the skirmishes yesterday. The enemy treat our men well — very well. We have of sick and wounded five hundred or six hundred prisoners taken here. Well, Lucy dearest, good-bye. Love to aU. Kiss the boys. Affectionately, ever, R. Mrs. Hayes. Frederick, Maryland, September 13, 1862. Dear Uncle: — We retook "Old Frederick" yesterday eve ning. A fine town it is, and the magnificent and charming recep tion we got from the fine ladies and people paid us for aU the hardships endured in getting it. BATTLE OF SOUTH MOUNTAIN, MARYLAND, SJiPTEJIBER U, 1S62 ¦yyij^re Cplonel Hayes was severely wounded WOUNDED AT SOUTH MOUNTAIN — 1862 353 The enemy has gone northwest. They are represented as in great force, filthy, lousy, and desperate. A battle with them will be a most terrific thing. With forty thousand Western troops to give life and heartiness to the fight, we should, with our army, whip them. I think we shall whip them, at any rate, but it is by no means a certainty. A defeat is ruin to them, a retreat without a battle is a serious injury to them. A serious defeat to us is bad enough. They left here, for the most part, a day or two ago, saying they were going to Pennsylvania. They be haved pretty well here, but avowed their purpose to ravage Penn sylvania. We had a good deal of skirmishing and a little fighting to get this town. General Cox's Division did it. We lost Colonel Moor of [the] Twenty-eighth Ohio, Cincinnati, wounded and taken prisoner. We captured five hundred to six hundred sick and wounded Rebels. A few of our men kUled and wounded. The whole body (Ohio infantry) behaved splendidly. Sincerely, R. B. Hayes. P. S. — Cannon firing now in front. S. Birchard. {Telegram.) Frederick, Maryland, September 15, 1862. To W. A. Platt, Columbus, Ohio. I am seriously wounded in the left arm above the elbow. The Ohio troops all behaved well. R. B. Hayes. Middletown, Frederick County, Maryland, September 15, [1862]. Dear Mother : — I was wounded in the battle yesterday. A musket-baU passed through the centre of the left arm just above the elbow. The arm is of course rendered useless and will be so for some weeks. I am comfortably at home with a very kind and attentive family here named Rudy — not quite Ruddy. 23 354 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES The people here are all, or nearly all. Union people and give up all they have to the wounded. The ladies work night and day. We are doing weU so far in the fighting. You see I write this myself to show you I am doing well, but it is an awkward business sitting propped up in bed nursing a useless arm. Lucy wiH find me here if she comes. Or if I go to Frederick, [let her] inquire at provost or military headquarters. If I go to Baltimore, she must have inquiry made at same places there. — Love to aU. Affectionately, R. B. Hayes. P. S. — Send this to Mother Hayes also. I write you thinking Lucy may leave before this gets there. Mrs. Webb. Middletown, September i6, 1862. Dear Mother : — It would make you very happy about me if you could see how pleasantly and comfortably I am cared for. Imagine Mrs. Wasson and two or three young ladies doing all in their power to keep me well nursed and fed, and you will get a good idea of my situation. The worst period of my wound is now over. I am, when stUl, free from pain. A littie boy, about Ruddy's age, (eight or nine) named Charlie Rudy, sits by the window and describes the troops, etc., etc., as they pass. I said to him, "Charlie, you live on a street that is much travelled." "Oh," said he, "it isn't always so, it's only when the war comes." Mrs. Rudy's currant jellies re mind me of old times in Delaware. I hope Lucy will be able to come out to see me. At any rate, I shall probably come home and stay a few weeks when I shall see you. Thus far, the best of the fighting is with us. My regiment has lost largely but has been victorious. — Love to all. Affectionately, R. Mrs. Sophia Hayes. WOUNDED AT SOUTH MOUNTAIN — 1862 355 Thursday, September i8, 1862. — [At] Captain Rudy's (Jacob Rudy, merchant), Middletown, Maryland. Here I lie nursing my shattered arm, "as snug as a bug in a rug." September 12, entered Frederick amidst loud huzzahs and cheering — eight miles. Had a little skirmish getting in ; a beau tiful scene and a jolly time. September 13, marched to this town, entered in night — Mid dletown, Maryland. September 14, Sunday. Enemy on a spur of Blue Ridge, three and one-half mUes west. At 7 A. M. we go out to attack. I am sent with [the] Twenty-third up a mountain path to get around the Rebel right with instructions to attack and take a battery of two guns supposed to be posted there. I asked, "If I find six guns and a strong support?" Colonel Scammon replies, "Take them anyhow." It is the only safe instruction. General Cox told me General Pleasanton had arranged with Colonel Crook of [the] Second Brigade as to the support of his (General Pleas- anton's) artillery and cavalry, and was vexed that Colonel Scammon was to have the advance ; that he. General Cox, wished me to put my energies and wits all to work so that General Pleasanton should have no cause to complain of an inefficient support. The First Brigade had the advance and the Twenty- third was the front of the First Brigade. Went with a guide by the right flank up the hill. Company A deployed in front as skirmishers. Seeing signs of Rebels [I] sent [Company] F to the left and [Company] I to the right as flank ers. Started a Rebel picket about 9 A. M. Soon saw from the opposite hill a strong force coming down towards us; formed hastily in the woods ; faced by the rear rank (some companies inverted and some out of place) towards the enemy; pushed through bushes and rocks over broken ground towards the enemy ; soon received a heavy volley, wounding and killing some. I feared confusion ; exhorted, swore, and threatened. Men did pretty well. Found we could not stand it long, and ordered an advance. Rushed forward with a yell ; enemy gave way. Halted to reform line ; heavy firing resumed. I soon began to fear we could not stand it, and again ordered a charge ; the enemy broke, and we drove them clear out of the 356 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES woods. Our men halted at a fence near the edge of the woods and kept up a brisk fire upon the enemy, who were sheltering themselves behind stone walls and fences near the top of the hill, beyond a cornfield in front of our position. Just as I gave the command to charge I felt a stunning blow and found a musket ball had struck my left arm just above the elbow. Fearing that an artery might be cut, I asked a soldier near me to tie my handkerchief above the wound. I soon felt weak, faint, and sick at the stomach. I laid [lay] down and was pretty comfortable. I was perhaps twenty feet behind the line of my men, and could form a pretty accurate notion of the way the fight was going. The enemy's fire was occasionally very heavy ; balls passed near my face and hit the ground all around me. I could see wounded men staggering or carried to the rear ; but I felt sure our men were holding their own. I listened anxiously to hear the ap proach of reinforcements ; wondered they did not come. I was told there was danger of the enemy flanking us on our left, near where I was lying. I called out to Captain Drake, who was on the left, to let his company wheel backward so as to face the threatened attack. His company fell back perhaps twenty yards, and the whole line gradually followed the example, thus leaving me between our line and the enemy. Major Comly came along and asked me if it was my intention the whole line should fall back. I told him no, that I merely wanted one or two of the left companies to wheel backward so as to face an enemy said to be coming on our left. I said if the line was now in good position to let it remain and to face the left companies as I in tended. This, I suppose, was done. The firing continued pretty warm for perhaps fifteen or twenty minutes, when it gradually died away on both sides. After a few minutes' silence I began to doubt whether the enemy had dis appeared or whether our men had gone farther back. I called out, "Hallo Twenty-third men, are you going to leave your colonel here for the enemy ?" In an instant a half dozen or more men sprang forward to me, saying, "Oh no, we will carry you wherever you want us to." The enemy immediately opened fire on them. Our men replied to them, and soon the battle was rag ing as hotly as ever. I ordered the men back to cover, telling WOUNDED AT SOUTH MOUNTAIN — 1862 357 them they would get me shot and themselves too. They went back and about this time Lieutenant Jackson came and insisted upon taking me out of the range of the enemy's fire. He took me back to our line and, feeling faint, he laid me down behind a big log and gave me a canteen of water, which tasted so good. Soon after, the fire having again died away, he took me back up the hUl, where my wound was dressed by Dr. Joe. I then walked about half a mile to the house of Widow Kugler. I remained there two or three hours when I was taken with Captain Skiles in an ambulance to Middletown — three and a half miles — where I stopped at Mr. Jacob Rudy's. I omitted to say that a few moments after I first laid [lay] down, seeing something going wrong and feeling a little easier, I got up and began to give directions about things ; but after a few moments, getting very weak, I again laid [lay] down. While I was lying down I had considerable talk with a wounded [Confederate] soldier lying near me. I gave him messages for my wife and friends in case I should not get up. We were right jolly and friendly ; it was by no means an unpleasant experience. Telegraphed Lucy, Uncle, Platt, and John Herron, two or three times each. Very doubtful whether they get the dispatches. My orderly, Harvey Carrington, nurses me with the greatest care. Dr. Joe dresses the wound, and the women feed me sumptuously. Don't sleep much these nights ; days pretty comf ortabl«L^ [Yesterday, the] 17th, listened almost all day to the heavy can nonading of the great battle on the banks of the Antietam, anx iously guessing whether it is with us [or] our foes, [Today, the] i8th, write letters to divers friends. Middletown, Maryland, September 18, 1862, (P. M.) Dear Mother : — I am steadily getting along. For the most part, the pain is not severe, but occasionally an unlucky move of the shattered arm causes a good deal of distress. I have every comfort that I could get at home. I shall hope to see Lucy in two or three days. The result of the two great battles already fought is favorable, but not finally decisive. I think the final struggle will occur soon. 358 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES We feel encouraged to hope for a victory from the results thus far. We have had nearly one-half our fighting men in the Twenty-third killed or wounded. Lieutenant-Colonel Jones of Thirtieth Ohio, in our Brigade, of Columbus, is missing; sup posed to be wounded. Colonel of the Eleventh Ohio, killed. Love to all. — Send this to Uncle. Affectionately, your son, R. Mrs. Sophia Hayes. Middletown, Maryland, September i8, (P. M.), 1862. Dear Mother : — I hope to see Lucy in a few days. She wUl find me here in good hands and improving fast. I suffer a good deal at times, but for the most part get on well. Drs. Joe and Jim both safe and very busy. The Twenty-third has suffered heavily, nearly one-half our fighting men killed or wounded. Two battles already fought; result not yet decided. So far, the ad vantage is rather with us. Affectionately, R. B. Hayes. Mrs. Webb. September 19. — Begin to mend a little. September 20. — Got a dispatch from Platt. Fear Lucy has not heard of my wound; had hoped to see her today, probably shan't. This hurts me worse than the bullet did. September 21. — Battle of Antietam rather with us. The Twenty-third has done nobly. Very gratifying. But alas, thirty or forty dead, and one hundred and thirty or one hundred and forty wounded. Middletown, Monday, September 22, 1862. Dear Uncle : — I am still doing well. I am looking for Lucy. My only anxiety is lest she has trouble in finding me. Indeed, I am surprised that she is not here already. I shaU stay here WOUNDED AT SOUTH MOUNTAIN — 1862 359 about ten days or two weeks longer, then go to Frederick and a few days afterwards to Washington. About the 15th or 20th October, I can go to Ohio, and if my arm cures as slowly as I suspect it will, I may come via Pittsburgh and Cleveland to Fre mont and visit you. I do not see how I can be fit for service under two months. The Eighth Regiment was in the second battle and suffered badly. You must speak well of "old Frederick" hereafter. These people are nursing some thousands of our men as if they were their own brothers. McQellan has done well here. The Harpers Ferry imbecility or treachery alone prevented a crushing of the Rebels. Love to all. Send me papers, etc., here "care Jacob Rudy." Do you remember your Worthington experience in 1842? Well this is it. I don't suffer as much as you did, but like it. Middletown is eight mUes west of Frederick on the Na tional Road. The nearest telegraph office is at Frederick. Two^ thirds of the wounded men of my regiment have gone to Fred erick. The worst cases are still here. In my regiment, four cap tains out of eight present were wounded, thirty-nine men killed, one hundred and thirty-seven wounded, and seven missing. I expect about twenty to twenty-five of the wounded to die. The New York Times account gives us the nearest justice of anybody in its details of the Sunday fight but we are all right. Everybody knows that we were the first in and the last out, and that we were victorious aU the time. How happy the men are — even the badly wounded ones. One fellow shot through the body has gathered up a banjo and makes the hospital ring with negro songs ! Good-bye, H. S. Birchard. Middletown, Maryland, September 26, 1862. Dear Uncle : ' — Lucy is here and we are pretty jolly. She visits the wounded and comes back in tears, then we take a little refreshment and get over it. I am doing well. Shall, perhaps, pome home a little sooner than I expected to be able to. I am 360 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES now in a fix. To get me for the Seventy-ninth, some of its friends got an order to relieve me from the Twenty-third from the War Department. So I am a free man, and can go or come as I see fit. I expect, however, to stay with [the] Twenty-third. Shall probably start home in ten days or so. I got your letter of the i8th. You need have no anxiety about me. I think I shall come home by way of Cleveland and Fremont, stopping a few days with you. Love to all. H. S. Birchard. Middletown, Maryland, September 26, 1862. Dear Mother : — Lucy is making me very happy and com fortable. She visits the wounded and is much interested in them. I am doing well, and shall probably get home in three or four weeks. Many of the wounded are starting home, and all hope to get leave to go before they return to service. I am not suffer ing much. The weariness from lying abed is the chief annoyance. Dr. Smith was here with Mr. Sessions and others. You need not send fruit and things. I get all I need without trouble. Love to all. Affectionately, R. Mrs. Sophia Hayes. Middletown, October i, 1862. Dear Uncle : — Lucy is here ; we are rather enjoying it. The rascally arm is very uncertain ; sometimes I think it is about weU, and then I have a few hours of worse pain than ever. It is, how ever, mending prosperously. I think I can travel comfortably by the first of next week. I get all of your letters. Those sent to Washington have all been forwarded here. Lejune, who has a brother in Fremont (grocery keeper), cap tured twenty-five rebels on the 14th!! He surrounded them ! He was afterwards wounded — I think not dangerously. Woman's Mission in War. Lucy Webb Hayes in Hospital at Middletown, Maryland, after the Antietam Campaign of 1862, WOUNDED AT SOUTH MOUNTAIN — 1862 361 You will like the President's [Emancipation] Proclamation. I am not sure about it, but am content. McClellan is undoubtedly the general for this army. If he is let alone, I think he may be relied on to do well. One element we of the West overlook: These troops are not any better (if so good) than the Rebels. We must have superior numbers to make success a sure thing. All things look well to me now. If we don't divide too much among ourselves, I think we get them this winter. We shall probably go to Columbus at first. Our boys at Uncle Boggs' win draw us that way. My stay in Ohio will probably be about fifteen to twenty days. We must meet, of course. If necessary, I wUl come out to Fremont. H. S. Birchard. Middletown, Maryland, October i, 1862. Dear Mother: — We are getting on very well. The arm mends slowly but is doing well. I think I can move by the first of next week. I receive your letters and was much obliged for the dainties you intended to send, but we don't need them. Lucy visits the hospital daily. We rather enjoy this life. For the most part, I am very comfortable, but an hour or two a day I suffer more than ever. I shall come to Columbus first ; probably the last ot next week, say about the 12th of October. Love to all. Your son, R. B. Hayes. Mrs. Sophia Hayes. October 4, 1826. — Visited the battle-field with Lucy, Mr. Rudy, Corporal West, and Carrington this [my] fortieth birthday, Hunt ed up the graves of our gallant boys. [The next day Hayes had a letter from Dr. J. T. Webb, who was with the Twenty-third at Sharpsburg, Maryland, informing 362 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES him that General Cox had been ordered back to western Virginia. The letter said : "We all expect to be on our way back in a few days. There is much dissatisfaction at the prospect of returning to western Virginia. For my part, I will not remain in western Virginia another winter for any consideration whatever, if there is any way to avoid it." Dr. Webb added these words about a young man some day to be President: "Our young friend, WiUiam McKinley, commis sary sergeant, would be pleased with a promotion, and would not object to your recommendation for the same. Without wishing to interfere in this matter, it strikes me he is about the brightest chap spoken of for the place." A few days later Colonel and Mrs. Hayes returned to Ohio. October 17, Miss Laura Platt, Hayes's niece, wrote Mr. Sardis Birchard announcing her approaching marriage to Mr. John G. Mitchell. To this letter Hayes added the following postscript: "I know Mr. Mitchell (Colonel MitcheH) well. He is a young lawyer, educated at Kenyon, of good family, entered the war as lieutenant, then adjutant, then captain, and now lieutenant- colonel of [the] One Hundred and Thirteenth. A member of the Episcopal Church, and a capital fellow. He is neither tall nor slim, but good-looking. He is taller than Laura and about as 'chunky.' "] Columbus, October 23, 1862. Dear Uncle : — Laura married and off yesterday — all sen sible and happy. We had a delightful visit to the boys and kin at Pickaway and Ross Counties. Lucy drove young Ned to Chillicothe and back from here. He is a safe horse and Platt expects to send him back to you when he begins to use his colt. My arm mends very slowly. Mother and all here well. I am to be colonel of [the] Twenty-third and to go to western Vir ginia. Shan't go for seme weeks. Lucy goes home to Cincinnati next week — about the last of the week. My regards to all. Sincerely, S. Birchard. R. B. Hayes. WOUNDED AT SOUTH MOUNTAIN — 1862 363 Columbus, October 31, 1862. Dear Uncle : — Lucy has had a pretty severe attack of diphtheria. For three or four days she was in a good deal of pain and could neither swallow nor talk. Yesterday and today she has been able to sit up, and is in excellent spirits. We expect to return to Cincinnati next week, and in a week or ten days after I shall probably go to the Twenty-third. My arm has im proved the last week more than any time before. You are glad to hear so good an account of Ned ! Lucy says you ought to be glad to hear so good an account of her! That she drove him so skillfully, she thinks a feat. Unless you come down here by Monday next, we shall be gone home. Laura is looked for with her spouse tomorrow. Sincerely, R. S. Birchard. Cincinnati, November 8, 1862. Dear Uncle: — Lucy and I came down Tuesday and are now comfortably home again. My arm improves rapidly, and I think in two or three weeks I shall return to the regiment. AH the boys came down with their grandma and Aunt Lucy. They are very healthy and happy. In haste. Sincerely, R. B. Hayes. S. Birchard. Cincinnati, November 12, 1862. Dear Uncle : — Your letter, also the apples, came safely to hand. The apples were finer than usual. The family are settled down with a girl that starts off well. The elections don't worry nie. They will, I hope, spur the Administration to more vigor. The removal of McClellan and the trial of Buell and Fitz-John Porter, the dismissal of Ford, and substituting Schenck for Wool, aU look like life. General Burnside may not have ability for so great a command, but he has energy, boldness, and luck on his -3^ RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES side. Rosecrans, too, is likely to drive things. All this is more than compensation for the defeat oj a gangjjf_ owr demagogues by the demagogues of the other side. As to the Democratic policy, it will be warlike, notwithstanding Vallandigham and others. Governor Seymour has made a speech in Utica since his election indicating this. Besides, that partv must be. in power, a war party. I expect to return next week, middle or last of the week. My arm does well, but is not of much use. If I find anything in- ' jurious or difficult in campaigning, I will get assigned to some light duty for a few months. Sincerely, R. B. Hayes. S. Birchard. Cincinnati, November 24, 1862. Dear Mother : — I took passage on a steamboat and left for my regiment at Gauley Bridge on Saturday, but after going a few miles, we got cast on a bar, and can't get off until a rise of water. Luckily, I was in reach of the street railroad cars, and so came home to await the coming rise. It is expected tonight. I am sorry not to visit Columbus again, but we had a good visit with you, and we should not feel more reconciled to a separation if I were to stay a month. You will be glad to learn from Uncle that I am likely to stay in winter quarters where my arm can be cared for as well as if I were at home. You wiU direct letters to me at "Gauley Bridge, Virginia, via Gallipolis." The children were to see us yesterday and seemed very happy. They would like to go home before Christmas, but wiU not mourn much, as they suppose they are sure to be relieved then. We had an excellent visit from Uncle. I hope he enjoyed it as much as we did. Good-bye. Love to Ruddy. Affectionately, R. B. Hayes. Mrs. Sophia Hayes. WOUNDED AT SOUTH MOUNTAIN — 1862 365 Gallipolis, November 28, 1862 (P. M.) Dearest: — Had a nice trip up the river. All accounts from the Twenty-third seem favorable for a tolerably decent winter. I go up in the morning. Met Captain Hood here. He goes up with me, also two or three soldiers. Mr. French and eight men in hospital, all glad to see me. I wished you were with me on the way. Love to all the boys and Grandma. Write often. With much love. Yours, R. Mrs. Haym. CHAPTER XXI LOG CABINS ON THE KANAWHA DECEMBER 1862- JUNE 1863 Camp Maskell, Gauley Bridge, December i, 1862. Dearest Lu : — We are on the south side of the Kanawha — same side as the Eighty-ninth — at the ferry below and in sight of the falls, two miles below Gauley Bridge. There, do you know where we are ? It is a muddy — bad slippery mud — place, and as it rains or sleets here all winter, that is a serious objection. Now you have the worst of it. In all other respects, it is a capital place. Beautiful scenery — don't be alarmed, I won't describe; no guard or picket duty, scarcely; good water and wood ; convenient to navigation ; no other folks near enough to bother, and many other advantages. The men are building cabins without tools or lumber (sawed lumber, I mean,) and wUl be at it some weeks yet before we look like living. It was jolly enough to get back with the men — all healthy and contented, glad to be back in western Virginia by themselves. They greeted me most cordially. It was like getting home after a long absence. The officers all came in, twenty-four in number, and around the wine, etc., you saw packed, talked over the funny and sad things of the campaign — a few sad, many funny. We resolved to build a five-hundred-dollar monument to the killed, etc., to be put in cemetery ground at Cleveland. A story or two. Bill Brown, as he rushed forward in the bay onet charge at South Mountain, said to his lieutenant behind him: "I'll toss the graybacks over my head to you, and you must wring their necks." In Washington a lady asked BiU if he wouldn't have his handkerchief scented : "Yes, yes," said he and tore off about four inches square of his shirt and handed it to her. She took the hint and gave him a fine handkerchief. In Maryland, Colonel Scammon dressed up in a splinter-new unform. He met a fellow hauling into camp a load of raUs to (366) LOG CABINS ON THE KANAWHA — 1862-1863 367 burn. Colonel Scammon said : "Where did you get those raUs ?" "On a fence down by the creek." "Who authorized you to take them?" "I took them on my own hook." "WeU, sir," said the colonel, "just haul them back and put them where you got them." The fellow looked at the colonel from head to heel and drove ahead merely remarking: "A bran' new colonel by G — d!" The doctor asked Bill Brown where he was wounded : "Oh, in the place where I'm always ailing." . . . Comly is urged by leading officers in this brigade to be made colonel of the Eighty-ninth. He would be a capital man for the place. My mess are eating up the good things with a relish. It con sists of Comly, Doctor Joe, McIlrath, and myself. We have Company A's fine tenor singer for cook — a good cook and a nice gentleman he is. My orderly, Carrington, and Doctor's ditto are the only servants, all soldiers — contrary to law, but much better than having darkies. Dr. Joe has built a bed today wide enough to have Webb and Birch both sleep with him! He really thinks of it. Dr. Jim resigned today on a surgeon's certificate. Joe thought it best and I concurred. He is not in danger, but was evidently breaking down in this climate. Old Gray is with his company. Dr. Joe saw him today carrying mud to a couple of men budding a chimney, and asked him what he was doing now. Gray re plied : "I am dark to these gentlemen !" The Eighty-ninth were camped on this ground. When the Twenty-third moved up alongside of them, the officer of the day in the Eighty-ninth was heard by some, of our men telling in his camp that they were near an old regiment now and they must be watchful at night or the Twenty-third would steal what ever they wanted ! That night cook-stoves, blankets, a tent from over the sleepers' heads, and a quantity of other property mys teriously disappeared from the Eighty-ninth notwithstanding their vigUance. Our men sympathized, our camp was searched, but, of course, nothing was found. After the Eighty-ninth moved, men were seen pulling out of the river stoves and other plunder by the quantity. The Eighty-ninth's surgeon was a 368 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES friend of Captain Canby. He called on the captain a few days ago and was surprised to find his cooking stove doing duty in Captain Canby's tent. The best of it was the Eighty-ninth ap peared to take it in good part. Bottsford and Kennedy, both captains and A. A. G's — Botts ford for General Scammon and Kennedy for General Crook. Hood came up with me from GaHipolis. . . . Affectionately ever, R. Mrs. Hayes. Camp Maskell, near Gauley Bridge, West Virginia, DecewJber 2, 1862. — November 21, went on board [the] Izetta bound up the Ohio; 22d, grounded on a bar (crawfish) and stayed there until Wednesray, 26th. Found on board Captain Patterson, of General Morgan's staff, and family, and other agreeable pas sengers. Bid good-bye to Lucy, boys, and all, four times on different days. Reached camp Sunday P. M. with Captain Hood and Mr. Stover. A cold morning, but Indian-summer-like in the afternoon. Sunday evening, November 30, a jovial festive meeting in my shanty of aU the officers, twenty-four or twenty- five in number. Fought over South Mountain and Antietam, with many anecdotes, much laughter, and enjoyment. Monday, December i, a wet, raw day. Visited the men, all at work on their new quarters — cabins sixteen by eighteen feet square ; four for a company and a kitchen or two. Rode out to General Scammon's headquarters and dined with him. In my shanty are Dr. Webb, Lieutenant-Colonel Comly, and Major Mc Ilrath. Mess, same. Frank Alpin [Halpin], cook, Harvey Car rington, ostler, Bill (colored), bootblack. I am to pay Alpin [Halpin] five dollars. Bill three dollars and fifty cents, and Car rington seven dollars and fifty cents. [Today], Tuesday, December 2, a cold morning, but a warm, pleasant day. Sun shone about four hours. Only four men sick in hospital. Regimental Headquarters Mess Twenty-Third 0. V. T. in Western Virginia, 1802. Left to right, Colonel Rutherford B. Hayes, Surgeon J. T. Webb, Major J. P. McIlrath, Adjutant M. P. Avery. Insert Master Webb Hayes, Aged Six Years. LOG CABINS ON THE KANAWHA — 1862-1863 369 Camp Maskell, near Gauley Bridge, December 2, 1862. Dear Mother : — I am again with my friends and am enjoying camp life more than ever. The men are so hardy and healthy (only four in hospital) and so industrious (all hard at work building log cabins for winter quarters) and contented that I feel very happy with them. We are in a quiet place by ourselves, surrounded by fine scenery. Six miles only from the head of navigation, and no drawbacks except mud and a good deal of wet weather. Other regiments are on aU the roads leading into "Dixie," leaving us very little guard duty to do. A great relief in winter. . . . Affectionately, your son, Rutherford. P. S. — Please send this to Uncle, as I have no time now for writing. — H. Mrs. Sophia Hayes. Wednesday, December 3. — A bright, fine winter day. We moved our quarters fifty yards up the river into a house lately 'W;upied by a daughter of Mr. Riggs. Its windows on the north side afford a good view of the river and of the Falls of the (KKanawha. With our new cooks, two soldiers, we are living sumptuously — better than ever before since I have been in camp. Signed a recommendation for Sergeant Chamberlain, Company A, as second lieutenant. Introduced to Captain Rigdon Wil liams, of the Twelfth. While at Middletown, Maryland, wound ed, I heard he was killed, and on my return to Ohio I reported him killed. It was a Captain Liggett who was shot at South Mountain in the head. The Rebels did not carry the American flag at Antietam to enable them to get into the rear of the Ohio troops. It was their battle-flag. Yet I have reported this, on good authority, as I thought. Our sergeant-major was probably killed attempting to escape from the enemy, although Lieutenant Ritter thinks — and I have reported — that he was kiUed pushing ahead of the regi- 24 370 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES ment. So difficult it is with the best intentions and no motive to deceive, to get the truth of these battle incidents even from eye witnesses. The men are building the new city very rapidly. Thursday, December 4, 1862. — A clear fine day. In the morn ing I walked, or climbed rather, to the top of the hill near the camp, just east of us. On the top I could see east of me the camp of the Forty-seventh [Ohio] at Tompkins farm, the camp of the Fourth Virginia, and other camps on the west side of Kanawha to the west, and the road to Fayette south. A hard scramble but I stood it weH. My arm is still weak and easUy hurt. Queer feeling, to think I can reach up to grasp a limb of a tree, and find it impossible to raise my hand above my head. In the after noon I walked with Captain Haven up to Gauley Bridge. He explained to me the dwarf and giant laurel and the beautiful holly. The dwarf laurel grows from three to five feet high, is usually in thickets, and has an oval leaf. The giant laurel grows fifteen or twenty feet high and has a long leaf. The holly grows as high as apple trees and has a prickly leaf. I give Colonel Comly drill and discipline, Major McIlrath, sup plies of aH sorts, and I attend to general interests of the regiment. I have sinks dug, look to camp drainage, and the like. The exer cise agrees with me. Friday, December 5. — Making sand walks around quarters. A threatening morning and a snowy day. General Scammon passed today with his staff for Fayette : Captain James L Botts ford, First Lieutenant A. C. Reichenbach, [and] Headington, of Thirtieth. A good staff. Captain HUdt, of Twelfth, provost marshal. Bottsford and Reichenbach of Twenty-third dined with us on their way up to Fayette. General Scammon commands all south and east of Kanawha River; General Crook all north of same ; both under Major-General Cox. Camp Maskell, near Gauley Bridge, December 5, 1862. Dear Uncle : — I am enjoying myself here, looking after the new town we are building. We are putting up about a hundred log cabins, generally sixteen by twenty feet square. We are fur- LOG CABINS ON THE KANAWHA — 1862-1863 371 nished with no naUs, very little sawed lumber, and no tools. Somewhat over one-half the work is done, but cutting timber, splitting shakes and puncheons, and putting them together is the great business. We are on a piece of muddy bottom-land on a beautiful bend of the Kanawha, with high mountains pressing close up to us on all sides. We are on the side of the river where no enemy can come without first running over three or four other regiments, so that we have very little guard duty to do. The men are strong, healthy, and happy. I yesterday climbed the mountain just east of us, making a journey of four mUes before dinner. I walked six mUes in the afternoon. The ten miles was done easily. You may judge of my health by this. Today it snows and blows. Tomorrow it will probably thaw. We shall have some trouble with the mud, but I think with proper ditching, and the use of sand, we can conquer the trouble. Read in December Atlantic Monthly, "Hunt for the Captain," by Holmes. It is good. Sincerely, R. B. Hayes. S. Birchard. Saturday, 6. — A cold morning. Snow, two to four inches, on the ground and more falling. Five wounded men returned last night, restored and ready for duty. Captain Haven's resignation having been accepted on account of Ul health, he left us today He goes home to Bedford, Cuyahoga County. He exhibited great courage at Antietam and South Mountain. Appointed cap tain from sergeant, in violation of the rule of seniority, he en countered bitter prejudice as an officer, but his courage and good conduct overcame it. Success to him! This morning I climbed the hUl above the falls on this side of the Kanawha. Fine views of the wintry mountains, snow-clad and with dark green holly, laurel, and pine along their sides. The beautiful cold river beneath. Lucy thinks I am "dazed" on scenery. Sunday, 7. — Very cold, but pleasant winter weather. There is talk of the Kanawha freezing over. The river is low and a 372 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES severe "spell" will do it. Cotton Mountain so slippery as to be dangerous to cross with teams or on horseback. Dr. Joe went over today to the Eighty-ninth to see Captain Brown of Chilli cothe, whose mother is there. She was charged thirty dollars by a liveryman to bring her from Charleston, a distance of forty-six miles. Dr. Parker, of Berea, Cuyahoga County, agent of Sanitary Commission, visits us. We are in no condition for inspection, but he is a sensible man and will make proper allow ances. Our sick in hospital is two, and excused from duty by surgeon eight. — Snow lying all around. Monday, 8. — A cold morning, but a bright warm sun melts the snow on all the low ground. Lieutenant Smith says some of our prisoners at South Mountain heard my speech as we went into the fight. He says the colonel rode up, his eyes shining like a cat's, [and said:] "Now boys, remember you are the Twenty- third, and give them hell. In these woods the Rebels don't know but we are ten thousand; and if we fight, and when we charge yell, we are as good as ten thousand, by ." wants. A paymaster. Not paid since August and then only to June 30. A Sawmill — or lumber (ten thousand feet); none yet, ex cept eighteen hundred feet and old drift, etc., etc. Window sash and nails. Mess stores at Charleston and Gallipolis; privUege to send. Camp Maskell, December, 8, 1862. Monday morning. Dearest : — I have been here a week yesterday. The knocking about among the men, getting out lumber, building cabins, ditch ing and cleaning camp and sich, agrees with me spiritually and physicaUy. W^e have pretty good living and splendid appetites and digestion. . . Comly is reading a novel, McIlrath a newspaper. Dr. Joe is visiting, and I am writing you before a huge log fire in a great old-fashioned fireplace. I wish you were here. It's really jolly LOG CABINS ON THE KANAWHA — 1862-1863 373 living so; you would be delighted with it. I love you ever so much. Kiss the boys. Love to Grandma. Affectionately, your Mrs. Hayes. Camp Maskell, near Gauley, Monday Morning,, December 8, 1862. Dear Mother : — I got your letter, maUed the 2nd, yesterday morning. It was my first letter since I left home and was very welcome. I like the coolness of the old Yankee colonel and admire his earnestness. My speech at South Mountain was not quite so religious, but I suppose it answered very much the same purpose. I don't value what comes out of the mouth on such occasions so much as the spirit of it. We are having severe, but pleasant and healthful winter weather. The men work hard getting up our log village and enjoy it much. I spent Thanksgiving on the Ohio River very pleasantly with an intelligent crowd of passengers. . . . Affectionately, your son, Rutherford. Mrs. Sophia Hayes. Camp Maskell, near Gauley, December 12. — Ninth to twelfth bright, warm days ; cold nights ; snow scarcely melted at all on the north side of the hills. The river is low and freezes in the pools clear across. A single very severe night would close navi gation on the Kanawha. Nothing will save us from this calamity but a mUd winter or a freshet in the river. With this low water a cold winter wUl bother us exceedingly. WeH, well, our camp is growing; a few nails have come to us; no sawed lumber yet. Yesterday (nth) received a good letter from Lucy. She has read Wendell Holmes' "Search After the Captain" in [the] December number of [the] Atlantic and thinks I must not laugh at her any more about her efforts to find me — I being at Mid dletown and she at Washington searching the hospitals for me. 374 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES Today got news of the capture of a brigade of our troops in Tennessee by four thousand of John Morgan's men! Either a surprise or a disgraceful thing of some sort ! Also the crossing of the river at Fredericksburg after heavy cannonading. Saturday, December 13. — The hottest day of the winter; a hot sun made the shady side of the house the most comfortable. Our new second lieutenant, [William] McKinley, returned today — an exceedingly bright, intelligent, and gentlemanly young officer. He promises to be one of our best. . . . Camp Maskell, December 14, 1862. Dearest : — Very glad to have a good letter from you again. Very glad indeed the bag is found — glad you read the article of Dr. Holmes in the Atlantic Monthly. It is, indeed, a defense pat for your case. I knew you would like it. You must keep it. When we are old folks it wiH freshly remind us of a very inter esting part of our war experience. If the enchanted bag contains my spurs, and if they are both alike (which I doubt), you may send them to me when a good chance offers. The pair I now use are those worn by Lorin Andrews and given me by McCook. I don't want to lose them. The fine weather of the past week has been very favorable for our business and we are getting on rapidly. The river is so low that a cold snap would freeze it up, and leave us "out in the cold" in a very serious way — that is, without the means of getting grub. This would compel us to leave our little log city and drive us back towards Ohio. . One of our new second lieutenants — McKinley — a handsome bright, gallant boy, got back last night. He went to Ohio to re cruit with the other orderly sergeants of the regiment. He tells good stories of their travels. The Thirtieth and Twelfth ser geants stopped at second-class hotels, but the Twenty-third boys "splurged." They stopped at the American and swung by the big figure. Very proper. They are the generals of the next war. I rode over to the Eighty-ninth. Promising boys over there. I like the cousins much. Ike Nelson is a master spirit. The others will come out all right. LOG CABINS ON THE KANAWHA — 1862-1868 375 Yes, darling, these partings don't grow any easier for us, but you don't regret that, I am sure. It will be all the pleasanter when it is all over. How is your health ? Is all right lenth you? Your sake, not mine. Thanks for the Harper and Atlantic, maUed me by Stephenson. Love to all. Conners whom we saw at Frederick is not dead. He returned safely last night. All the wounded are gathering in except the discharged. Sergeant Tyler whom we saw with his arm off at Frederick is in a bad way — others doing weH. . . . Affectionately yours, ever, R. P. S. — Three months ago the battle of South Mountain. We celebrated it by climbing the mountain on the other side of the river to the castle-like-looking rocks which overlook the Falls of the Kanawha. Captains Hood, Zimmerman, Canby, Lovejoy and Lieutenant Bacon were of the party. Hood and I beat the crowd to the top. Hood, the worst wounded, up first. When I saw him shot through that day I little thought I would ever see him climbing mountains again. Mrs. Hayes. Monday, 13. — A hot, clear day. Lieutenant McKinley and his party work hard clearing our parade. Rode the little sorrel up the river two miles. Threatens rain at night but we all vote for another fine day. Fire in the mountains. Tuesday, 16. — Rained last night ; raw and cloudy with a little snow this morning. Sun shone in the afternoon. We hear today of the crossing by General Burnside of the Rappahannock at Fredericksburg. Wednesday, 17. — Rode with Major McIlrath to General Ew ing's camp near Loup Creek to see about "wants." Generally satisfactory results. Dined with the general and Mrs. Ewing. A rough day with gusts of snow and the like. Thursday, 18. — A cold, bitteriy cold, night but a bright, fine day. Major McIlrath and Dr. Webb left for Ohio today. 376 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES Major under orders from General Ewing goes to Camp Chase with prisoner. Doctor got a leave from General Ewing for twenty days to look after medicines, but this morning came a thirty-day leave from Washington. Sinister rumors from General Burnside. Telegraph operator reported to say, "Burnside whipped Hke the Devil" ! Ah, if so, sad hearts in the North! Intervention again. So much blood shed in vain ! I confess to feeling much anxiety. The crossing of the river at Fredericksburg with so little resistance, looks as if the enemy was wUling to let Burnside cross — as if they were leading him into a trap. I trust the sinister report is false. Camp, December 18, 1862. Dearest : — Joe goes this morning, thanks to General Ewing for the leave, contrary to general orders. Don't let him spend more than two weeks at home. I love you all to pieces this cold morning. Kiss the boys. Merry Christmas 'em for me. I mean to have the cousins to dine with me on Christmas. We shall have a good dinner. Our cooks are splendid. . . . Send me about two or three yards carpet (old will do) to light out on these frosty mornings. Thunder, but it's cold this morn ing! If the water doesn't rise, we freeze up "shore," as darkies say. Well, dearest, think of mo lovingly during the holy days. Affectionately, R. Mrs. Hayes. Friday, 19. — Captain Bottsford and his father stayed with me this evening; a pleasant time. Captains Zimmerman and Rice, also from Mahoning County, helped drink an egg-nog of Mr. Bottsford's mixing. Saturday, 20. — Burnside has retreated across the Rappahan nock. The Rebels can now set off the battle of Fredericksburg LOG CABINS ON THE KANAWHA — 1862-1863 877 against the battle of Antietam. They retreated back across the Potomac. But I suspect they have a great advantage in having suffered much less than we have. They fought behind entrench ments. When will our generals learn not to attack an equal ad versary in fortified positions? Burnside wiH now perhaps have to yield to McClellan. It looks as if in the East neither army was strong enough to make a successful invasion of [the territory of] the other. If so conquest of [the] Rebellion is not to be. We have now the Emancipation Proclamation to go upon. WUl not this stiffen the President's backbone so as to drive it through? Desperate diseases require desperate remedies. Camp Maskell, near Gauley Bridge, December 20, 1862. Dear Uncle : — Dr. Webb went home on a thirty-day fur lough a few days ago. Our good health here makes a surgeon almost unnecessary. We now have only one man in hospital — a chance case of erysipelas. Our camp is improving. We are almost out of the mud and the greater part of our cabins finished. Another serious reverse. Burnside's repulse at Fredericlcs- burg is bad enough as it looks from my point of view. It would seem as if neither party in eastern Virginia was strong enough to make a successful invasion of the territory of the other — which is equivalent to saying that the Rebellion can there sustain itself as long asj it stands on the defensive. I don't like two things in this campaign of General Burnside. (i) It looks as if his first delay opposite Fredericksburg was an error. (2) To attack an enemy of equal (or nearly equal strength) behind entrenchments is always an error. This battle is a set-off for Antietam. That forced the Rebels back across the Potomac. This forces us back across the Rappahannock. We suffer, I fear, a larger proportionate loss. I suspect the enemy lost but little, comparatively. Now remains our last card, the emanci pation of the slaves. That may do it. Some signs of wavering are pointed out by the correspondents, but I trust the President will now stand firm. I was not in a hurry to wish such a policy adopted, but I don't now wish to see it abandoned. Our army 378 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES is not seriously weakened by the affair at Fredericksburg and very slight events will change the scale in our favor. Push on the emancipation policy, and all will yet go well. Our partisanship about generals is now rebuked. General McCleHan has serious faults or defects, but his friends can truly claim that if he had retained command, this disaster would not have occurred. The people and press would perhaps do well to cultivate patience. It is a virtue much needed in so equal a struggle as this. If the people can hold out, we shall find the right man after [a] while. But I bore you with reflections that must occur to every one. Sincerely, R. B. Hayes. S. Birchard. Log Cabin Camp, December 21, 1862. Sunday evening. Dearest: — Dr. Jim got his proper resignation papers today and will leave in the morning. Dr. Joe's leave of absence from Washington for thirty days from December 18 came to hand a half an hour after he had left on General Ewing's twenty-day leave. He will not regret the ten day's extension. . . . I cannot answer all your inquiries about the wounded. Lig- get is doing well; is probably at home ere this. I got a letter from Joel tonight. He is the Jew who got eight bullet holes in his person and limbs. He says he thinks he can stand service in a couple of months. He don't want to be discharged. Ritter writes me in good spirits. Very interesting, all talk about the boys. . . . Webb's surprise that learning is needed in western Virginia hits the position of matters more closely than he knew. Sound teeth and a good digestion are more required than education. I do not know but fear to risk the boys in this eager mountain air; not at present, at any rate. So, of your coming, — Almost ten years. How happy we have been. But you don't say a word about your health. If that requires you to come, you shall come. Otherwise you perhaps "better not." Do you com- LOG CABINS ON THE KANAWHA — 1862-1863 379 prebend the solicitude I feel ? Enough for tonight. — Love [to] all the boys and to Grandma. Affectionately, R. Mrs. Hayes. Monday, 22. — Warm, a shower in the morning. Finished reading "Mysteries of Paris" last night. Not a wicked or ob scene novel by a good deal. Camp near Gauley, December 22, 1862. Dear Mother : — I received your letter of the loth. Yes, the Vermont colonel's speech, etc., at Bennington came safely. A cool old colonel he was, as well as pious. I see that the One Hundred and Thirteenth Regiment is consolidated with some other. How does it affect Colonel Mitchell? I hope he does not lose his position. . . . Dr. Joe Webb has gone home on thirty-days leave of ab sence. Colonel Comly, on an order from General Scammon, is with him at Fayette. Major McIlrath has gone home for a twenty-day visit. This leaves me the only field officer here, but there is very little to do. The men still busy with their quarters and aH quiet in front. My health is perfect; I was never so heavy as now. You will enjoy the return of the chUdren, or the young ladies rather. What charming girls they are ! My love to them and Ruddy and all. I hope you will have happy holidays. Affectionately, your son, Rutherford. Mrs, Sophia Hayes. December 23. Tuesday. — Soft weather. Reading Buckle's second volume. What a deep impression his mode of collect ing authorities and heaping up facts produces ! It shakes one's 380 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES faith in the old orthodox notions to read his chapters on Scotch superstitions. the dead of south mountain and antietam. Sergeant-Major Eugene L. Reynolds, of BeUefontaine. A bright, handsome, ambitious, soldierly youngster ; brave as a lion ; so game in appearance and conduct ; cheerful, happy, and full of promise! KiHed at the close of the day on the mountain top. Taken prisoner, says Captain Williams of the Twelfth, and attempting to escape, shot in the bowels and afterwards bayonetted through the forearm. Corporal Bull, Company A. A fine-looking, amiable boy, always smiling. Killed at Antietam. Wilson B. Harper, Franklin County. A Mark Tapley for jollity, large, healthy, industrious, and so anxious to please, he always agreed with you. Wounded badly in thigh at South Mountain and died after amputation a few days after. Cheerful to the last. [List not completed.] Sunday, 28. — On Christmas my wife's cousins, Lieutenant Nelson and privates Ed and Ike Cook and Jim McKell* dined with me; all of Company D, Eighty-ninth Regiment. A. M. of that day the regiment fired by battalion and file. P. M. I offered a turkey to the marksman who would hit his head, and a bottle of wine and a tumbler to next best shot, and a bottle of wine to third best. A bright; warm day and a joHy one — a merry Christmas indeed. [The] 26th and 27th, mild days and cloudy but only a few drops of rain. Dr. Kellogg spent the 26th with us — surgeon on General Scammon's staff. Talked free-thinking talk with him in a joking vein. A clever gentleman. Major Carey stopped [the] 27th with us — of the Twelfth. Told a good one; the Thirty-fourth got a good lot of lumber; put a sentinel over it. After dark the Twelfth got up a relief — relieved the Thirty- four sentinel and carried off the lumber! ?Willie McKell. He died at Andersonville 1864. — This written on margin by Mr. Hayes. LOG CABINS ON THE KANAWHA — 1862-1863 381 Camp Maskell, December 28, 1862. Dearest: — Sunday evening. Captain Hunter brings me the spurs and pictures ; for which, thanks. I will send the old spurs home the first chance. There will be a good many [chances] soon. Don't let Dr. Joe forget to bring back his sword-belt for me, and a piece of old carpet or backing. General Ewing has ordered one officer, three non-commissioned officers, and ten privates to go home a week from today! And what is stiU stranger our men are asking not to be sent home so soon ! The explanation of this latter wonder is that a paymaster is pretty certain to be along about the loth of January and the men want to see him before going home. Unless General Ewing's orders are changed you will soon see some of our men. My orderly (cook), William T. Crump, will stop with you. If you are curious to know how we live, put him in the kitchen a day or two. The children will like him. We have had no serious accidents with all our chopping, log ging, and hauling. On Christmas I was alarmed. John Harvey (the boys remember him) driving a team with a big log at the sawmiH was thrown off and the wheel ran across his ankle. It was thought to be a crusher but turns out merely a slight sprain. Nobody sick in the hospital and only four excused from duty by Dr. Barrett ! I dined the four cousins on Christmas day. Had a good time. The regiment fired volleys in the morning. In the afternoon I gave a turkey and two bottles of wine to the three best marks men. Target firing all the afternoon. A week more [of] pleasant weather will put us entirely "out of the suds," or out of the mud. We had our first dress parade this evening. The old flag was brought out with honors. The companies look smaller than they did at the last parade I saw on Upton's Hill, near Washington, almost four months ago, but they looked well and happy. The weather here is warm and bright. Very favorable for our making camp. I am thinking how happy the boys are with their uncles. It would be jolly to see you all. I love you ever so much. Tell me about the Christmas doings. Love to all. Affectionately ever, Mrs. Hayes. r. 382 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES Tuesday, 30. — Yesterday was a fine, warm, spring-like day. This month has been generally good weather. We are getting our camp in good condition. Yesterday General Ewing received orders to "go South" (as General Banks said) with the Thirtieth and Thirty-seventh Ohio and the Fourth and Eighth Virginia. This breaks up our brigade. We were not very well suited with it. General Ewing has many good qualities but thinks so well of his old regiment (the Thirtieth) that he can do no sort of justice to its rival, the Twenty-third. We are glad also to have no longer any connection with the Thirtieth. The brigade now consists of the Twenty-third, Eighty-ninth, and Ninety-second. Two new regiments with ours. Colonel Nelson H. Van Vorhes will command the brigade. He is a gentleman of character and capacity without any military experience. I can't help feeling the injustice in that point of view of put ting him over me; but as he is my senior as colonel of a new regiment, it is according to rule and I shall cheerfully submit. Yet it looks hard that he shall get the credit or glory of what Comly, myself, and my regiment may do. For in any emergency it wotdd be to us that all would look for action and advice. But "such is war," and I am here to do my duty wherever I may be placed — and I mean to do it fully and cheerfully, wherever the credit may go. My impressions of Colonel Van Vorhes are favorable. I have yet to make his acquaintance. General Ewing, it is said, goes down the Mississippi. Good-bye, Thirtieth! We have been with them since they joined us at Sutton, September 8, 1861 — a year and a quarter ago. Camp, December 31, 1862. Dearest : — This is New Year's eve. Dancing and merriment seem to prevail. Many men and a few officers are expecting to go home soon. Sergeant-Major Sweet will take you this, and the McCook and Andrews spurs. We have had a great change this week. Colonel Ewing — I mean General Ewing — has gone South, taking with him the Thirtieth, Thirty-seventh, and Forty- seventh Ohio and Fourth Virginia. The Eighty-ninth goes into the fine camp left by the Thirtieth, ten mUes below here ; a great LOG CABINS ON THE KANAWHA — 1862-1863 383 gain to the Eighty-ninth. The Ninety-second goes to Tompkins Farm, the camp left by the Forty-seventh, and are great losers by the change; mad about it, too. We get rid of divers old troubles, but remain in our log-cabin camp, and are content, or rather pleased, upon the whole. Now good night. Happy New Years to all. If no further changes occur, and Uncle Joe would like to bring you up here with one or two boys, I suspect you would like to come. Think of it, and I wiU try to see you part of the way home, or all of the way. Let him start about the middle of the month, so as to reach here by the 20th. It will probably rain and be muddy enough, but it wiU be funny and novel. Good night. If Grandma wants to come, she wiU be welcome, she knows, but I mistrust the peculiar climate we have. Our weather this month has been much better than in Ohio. Affectionately, R. Mrs. Hayes. Camp Reynolds, January 4, 1863 Dearest: — The same old camp, but "Reynolds," after our gaUant Sergeant-Major Eugene M., [L. Reynolds] who was killed at South Mountain. I am glad you are all wel$ and happy with the uncles and "all the boys." Yes, I confess I did forget the 30th [the tenth an niversary of his marriage]. Strange, too. I had thought of it a few days before. I did not neglect to think of you. That I do daily; but nothing occurred to call to mind the happy day. A white day in my calendar — the precursor of the ten happiest years. On the 30th we were all agog with the order and move ments connected with General Ewing's departure with four of our regiments. This may have 'caused the lapse. We had none of your bad weather. This [the] morning opened rainy, windy, and turbulent, but by 2 P. M. it was warm, bright, and serene. At our evening parade I made a little address on the New Year and the past. I'll send you it to be put in the archives. 384 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES It is Sunday evening and our cook, Frank Halpin (the best tenor going) , with three or four Company A comrades are sing ing in the kitchen. "Magnif I" In the very worst of the rain-storm this morning, an ambulance passed with Mrs. Brown, her son, and Ed Cook. Ed is sick, decidedly, not as yet dangerously. He refuses to go home be cause he has been home sick already. Plucky. Perhaps it's as well, although I rather urged his going. He will go to Cannel ton, where the regiment is now stationed, and will be weU cared for. Mrs. Brown takes the captain home. I suspect Ike [Nel son]* wUl soon be captain of the company. Brown is not able to stand service, I think. Ike now commands the company. Send me Rud's picture, and another installment of mine, for distribution. If not costing more than about a couple of dollars, I wish Joe woiUd bring me Adam Smith's "Wealth of Nations," also "Lucile." The first large print. At Gallipolis or somewhere he better get three or four split-bottomed or other cheap chairs — none but cheap — [and] a cheap square looking-glass. I am still busy trying to conquer the mud. We are very com fortable but a sprinkling of snow or rain makes us ankle-deep where the sand is not put on. This and our little town gives me plenty to do. The lieutenant-colonel and major are both absent. I shall be very glad to have you here. My only fear is pos sible Ul health for the boys. There is less sickness than last year and by keeping carefully housed if the weather is bad, you will be safe. — Darling, much love for you and the dear ones at home. Affectionately, R. Mrs. Hayes. [The address mentioned in the letter follows.] Comrades: — We have just closed an eventful year in our soldier life. During the year 1862 the Twenty-third Regiment *Cook and Nelson, cousins of Mrs. Hayes. LOG CABINS ON THE KANAWHA — 1862-1863 385 has borne well its part in the great struggle for the Union. The splendid fight of Company C at Clark's Hollow, the daring, en durance, and spirit of enterprise exhibited in the capture of Princeton and Giles Court-house, the steadiness, discipline, and pluck which enabled you, in the face of an overwhelming force of the enemy, to retreat from your advanced position without panic or confusion and almost unharmed, the conspicuous and acknowledged achievements of the regiment at the battles of South Mountain and Antietam, amply justify the satisfaction and pride which I am confident we all feel in the regiment to which we belong. We recall these events and scenes with joy and exultation. But as we glance our eyes along the shortened line, we are fiUed with sadness that we look in vain for many forms and faces once so familiar! We shall not forget them. We shall not for get what they gave to purchase the good name which we so highly prize. The pouring out of their lives has made the tat tered old flag sacred. Let us begin the new year — this season to us of quiet and of preparation — with a determination so to act that the future of our regiment shaH cast no shadow on its past, and that those of us who shall survive to behold the opening of another new year shall regard with increased gratification the character, history, and name of the gallant old Twenty-third! Camp Reynolds, near Gauley, Virginia, January 4, 1863. Dear Uncle : — First of all, my arm gives me no trouble at all ordinarily. Getting on or off from a horse, and some efforts remind me once in a while that it is not quite as good as it was. Perhaps it never will be, but it is good enough, and gives me very litde inconvenience. I am learning some of your experience as to the necessity of overseeing all work. I find I must be out, or my ditches are out of shape, too narrow or wide, or some way wrong, and so of roads, houses, etc., etc. We are making a livable place of it. I put off my own house to the last. Fires are now burning in it, and I shall occupy it in a day or two. It is a double log cabin', 25 386 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES two rooms, eighteen by twenty each, and the open space under the same roof sixteen by eighteen ; stone fireplaces and chimneys. I have one great advantage in turning a mudhole into a decent camp. I can have a hundred or two men with picks, shovels, and scraper, if I want them, or more, so a day's work changes the looks of things mightily. It is bad enough at any rate, but a great improvement. We have rumors of heavy fighting in Tennessee and at Vicks- burg, but not enough to teU what is the result. I hope it wiU be all right. I tell Dr. Joe to bring out Lucy if he thinks best, and I wUl go home with her. Sincerely, R. B. Hayes. S. Birchard. Tuesday, January 6. [1863] . — Very fine weather for a week past, and I am busy digging ditches, building walks, roads, bridges, and quarters. A pleasant occupation. Great fighting at Murf reesboro ; heavy losses on our side, but the general result not yet known. Rainy today. I must build a skiff to get over to the brick house to headquarters easily. During past year we have received sixty-eight recruits; dis charged sixty-six; killed in action forty-seven; died of wounds twenty; died of disease fifteen. [Total] deaths eighty-two. Total loss aggregates one hundred and forty-eight. Net loss eighty. Camp Reynolds, near Gauley Bridge, January 6, 1863. Dear Mother : — This is a rainy day — the first we have had in a great while. I never saw finer weather than we have had. It has enabled us to finish our log cabins and we are now in most comfortable quarters. It would surprise you to see what tidy and pretty houses the soldiers have built with very little except an axe and the forest to do it with. My house is a double cabin under a roof about sixty feet long by twenty wide with a space between the cabins protected from weather. LOG CABINS ON THE KANAWHA — 1862-1863 387 I see that the One Hundred and Thirteenth is ordered off, so I suppose Laura is at home again. I shall write to her in reply to her good letter soon. I think not less but more of her since she has made so valuable an addition to the kinship. I am writing to Dr. Joe to bring Lucy out here, if he thinks well of it. There are three or four officers' wives in this quarter now. . Affectionately, Rutherford. Mrs. Sophia Hayes. Wednesday, January 7, [1863]. — Appointed to command First Brigade, Second Kanawha Division. Rather a small affair — Twenty-third Regiment and Eighty-ninth Regiment, Captain Harrison's Cavalry, Captain Gilmore's ditto. Reports, after several days' desperate fighting, General Rose crans has taken Murfreesboro and defeated Bragg. Sunday, 11. — Moved into my new quarters last night. Rather- ish damp ; roof and gables of "shakes," a little open ; no ceiling or flooring above ; altogether cool but not unpleasant. A letter from Dr. Joe. Lucy and Birch and Webb to come up and give me a visit. Right jolly! A letter from Uncle also. Rosecrans by his fiery and energetic courage at Murfreesboro or Stone River saved the day. Not intellectually an extraordin ary man, but his courage and energy make him emphatically the fighting general of this war. Camp Reynolds, near Gauley Bridge, January 12, 1863. Dear Uncle : — Yours of the 6th came duly to hand. The death of Magee is indeed a public calamity. No community has such men to spare. There is, I judge, no doubt of the death of Leander Stem. More of my acquaintances and friends have suffered in that than in any battle of the war except those in which my own regiment took part. It was Rosecrans' personal qualities that saved the day. He is not superior intellectually 388 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES or by education to many of our officers, but in headlong daring, energy, and determination, I put him first of all the major-gen erals. He has many of the Jackson elements in him. Another general, almost any other, would, after McCook's misfortune, have accepted a repulse and turned all his efforts to getting off safely with his shattered army. Sherman has been repulsed, it seems. No doubt he wiU get aid from below and from Grant. If so, he will yet succeed. I do not expect a great deal from the [Emancipation] Procla mation, but am glad it was issued. Notice Governor Sevmour's message. It shows what I an- ticipated when I was with you — that the logic of the situation wUl make a good enough war party of the Democracy in power. If you want to see eves opened on the slaverv question, let the Democracy have the power in the nation. Thev would be the bitterest abolitionists in the land in six months. I am perfectly wiUing to trust them. I received a letter from Dr. Joe saying he would bring Lucy and Birch and Webb back with him. They wUl enjoy it, I do not doubt. I am now in command of [the] First Brigade of [the] Second Kanawha Division. General Ewing has gone South with six regiments from this quarter. This leaves us none too strong, but probably strong enough. I shaH probably have command of the extreme outposts. I am not yet in command at Gauley Bridge. I say this because I think it very insufficiently garrisoned, and if not strengthened a surprise would not be remarkable. If I am put in command, as seems likely, I shall see it fixed up very promptly. Sincerely, R. B. Hayes. S. Birchard. Tuesday, [January] 14. — A warm, pleasant day. Sent three companies late last night to Tompkins Farm under Captain Sperry; a dark, muddy march — just out of good quarters too. Colonel Hatfield of [the] Eighty-ninth Regiment makes a singular LOG CABINS ON THE KANAWHA — 1862-1863 389 point as to my rank compared with his. He was appointed colonel about December i, and has a commission of that date; that is, at the bottom are the words "issued this day of December" and also sealed, etc., this day of December. My commission in like manner was of November i. Colonel Hatfield was major before and acted as second in command until he received his commission. But his commission in the body of it has a clause to take rank from October 2, 1862, which is twelve days earlier than mine. He claims this is the dale of his commission. Not so, the date is at the bottom as above. A note dated December I with interest from October 2 is still a note of December i. But what is the effect of the clause or order in the body of the commission? I say nothing. The governor of a State has no power to give rank in the army of the United States prior to either appointment or actual service in such rank. If he could confer rank two months prior to appointment or service, he could two years. He could now appoint civilians to outrank all ogicers of same grade now in service from Ohio or from any^other State. But this is absurd. A commission being merely evidence of appointment, the governor may perhaps date it back to the time of actual appointment or service. The President of the United States, as Commander-in-Chief of [the] United States army, can, perhaps, give rank independent of service or actual appointment. But if a state governor is authorized to do so, the Act of Congress or lawful order for it can be shown. Let us see it. The President's power to appoint and to discharge officers em braces all power. It is supreme. But the governor has no power of removal. He can only appoint according to the terms of his authority from Congress or the War Department. What is that authority? The appointments are often made long before the issuing of commissions. The commission may then well specify the date from which rank shall begin. But I conclude there can be no rank given by a governor prior to either commission, appoint ment, or actual service. Else a citizen could now be appointed colonel to outrank every other colonel in the United States, and 390 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES be entitled to pay for an indefinite period in the past, which is absurd. The governor has no authority to put a junior over a senior of the same grade. He may promote or rather appoint the junior out of order, because the power to appoint is given him. But to assign rank among officers of [the] same grade is no part of his duties. Why is such a clause put in commissions? (i) Be cause appointments are often made (always so at the beginning of the war) long before the commissions issue. (2) In re cruiting also, the appointment is conditional on the enlistment of the requisite number of men. Of course the rank dates from the appointment and actual service. But the great difficulty lies here. Is not this clause the highest evidence — conclusive evidence — of the date of the appoint ment ? Can we go behind it ? I say no, for so to hold is to give the governor the power to determine rank between officers of [the] same grade after appointment. The order of appointment is highest (see Regulations). The governor's order may be written, as Governor Dennison's were, or verbal as Governor Tod's are — to be proved in one case by the order, in the other verbally. Thursday, 15. — Rained last night; warm and cloudy today, threatening rain. Yesterday warm and sunny but threatening. Captain Gilmore dined with me. Says Colonel Hatfield reported that he was to command the brigade; says he [GUmore] and his men are mad about it, that they want this brigade commanded as it is. Lucy and the boys to start today if possible. I hope it will be more cheerful weather when they reach here. Saturday evening, 17. — The two wintriest days yet, yesterday and today. Snowed and blowed yesterday all day. My open shake roof let the snow through in clouds ; felt like sitting by my fire with an umbrella over me. Read Victor Hugo's new book, "Les Miserables." Good, very. Kanawha river rose fast — about three feet yesterday, all from the Gauley. New River doesn't rise until Gauley runs out. Lieutenant Hastings and some of the new lieutenants, viz.. LOG CABINS ON THE KANAWHA — 1862-1863 391 Abbott, Seamans, and part of the sergeants, returned today. They tell of strong "Secesh" feeling and talk in Ohio. The blun der at Vicksburg, the wretched discords at the North, and the alarming financial troubles give things a gloomy appearance to night. But Lucy and the boys are coming! That wiU be a happiness. Sunday, /5. — Last night the coldest of the winter. Today clear and bright. Rode over to see Captain Simmonds about the Rebel mail supposed to run from Charleston via Lick or Rich Creek above Gauley, across Gauley River to Lewisburg Pike. Walked P. M. on this side up to Gauley with Lieutenant Hast ings and Lieutenant (formerly sergeant) Abbott. Both been absent on recruiting service since August 7. Am thinking of the coming of my wife and boys. Headquarters Outpost. First Brigade, Second Kanawha Division, January 20, 1863. Sir: — I am instructed by General Scammon to inform Major- General Jones through you that he regards his sending two flags of truce at the same time by different routes to our outposts upon the same business, viz., the admission of ladies into our lines, as using the flag for a purpose as obvious as it is improper, and that such an abuse of it is not to be permitted. Not to subject the lady in your charge to hardship, she wUI be admitted into our lines on the representation of Lieutenant Norvell that she is the wife of a citizen loyal to the United States. R. B. Hayes, Colonel Twenty-Third Regiment, O. V. I. Camp Reynolds, West Virginia, January 25, 1863. Dear Mother : — Lucy with Birch and Webb arrived here last night safe and sound. We shall enjoy the log-cabin life very much — the boys are especially happy, running about where there 392 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES is so much new to be seen. ... I write merely to relieve anxiety about the new soldiers. — Love to all. Affectionately, Rutherford. Mrs. Sophia Hayes. Camp Reynolds, February 8, 1863. Dear Uncle : — Your tracts came yesterday and were dis tributed. They wUl do instead of sermons today. Lucy and the boys are enjoying it much. They add much to our happiness this bad weather. I shall go with [the] Twenty-third to Charleston in a few weeks. We are pretty well thinned out — only three old regi ments left. Lucy says she thinks the Rebels can't get her. I am not so sure. She rode outside of the lines four or five miles yesterday. Sincerely, R. B. Hayes. S. Birchard. February 18, [1863]. — Lucy, Birch, and Webb came up here on the 24th of January. We have had a jolly time together. We have rain and mud in abundance but we manage to ride a little on horseback or in a skiff ; to fish a little, etc., etc. I was more than two weeks housed up with left eye bloodshot and inflamed. Birch read "Boy Hunters and Voyageurs," and Lucy the news papers. February 19. — [Companies] G and B marched to Loup Creek to take steamboat to Charleston ; the rest to go soon. A sort of pike called here salmon, a fine fish, caught at the Falls, weighing from three to ten pounds. A large live minnow is the bait. Camp Reynolds, Virginia, February 24, 1863. Dear LTncle: — We are all well. Lucy and the boys enjoy camp life and keep healthy. Two of our companies have gone LOG CABINS ON THE KANAWHA — 1862-1863 393 down the river to Charleston preparatory to moving the Twenty- third there. We expect to follow in two or three weeks. We care nothing about the change. It brings us into easier com munication with home and has other advantages. We shall pos sibly remain there the whole spring. If so, after weather settles in May, it will be a pleasant trip for you to visit us if you can spare time. I have no idea when Lucy will return home. The boys are doing well here. Sincerely, R. B. Hayes. S. Birchard. Camp Reynolds, Virginia, March 4, 1863. Dear Uncle: — Getting on finely. The boys busy and very happy. Webb, I fancy, is a good deal such a boy is [as] Lorenzo was. He is to be seen driving some soldier's team or riding whenever there is a chance. Lucy will probably leave in a fort night or so, probably about the time we go to Charleston. The new conscription law strikes me as a capital measure. I hope it will be judiciously and firmly administered. I have an offer for my Hamilton property one thousand dol lars cash, one thousand dollars in six months, and the balance of fifteen hundred in three equal annual payments. Before the war I would have taken it quickly enough, but I am not sure now but the real estate is best. It pays taxes and about one hundred dol lars a year rent. What could I do with the money? Sincerely, R. B. Hayes. S. Birchard. Camp Reynolds, March 9, 1863. Dear Uncle : — Yours of last Sunday came to hand yesterday. Wife and boys still here — very happy. They fish and row skiff and ride horseback. They can all row. Webb and Birch rowed a large load of soldiers across the river and back — a large roaring river, almost like the Ohio in a fair fresh. They will 394 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES go home in a week or two probably. We shall remain here two or three weeks and then probably go to Charleston. The new conscript act strikes me as the best thing yet, if it is only used. I would only call enough men to recruit up weak ened regiments, and compel the return of the shirks and deserters. Make our commanders give more time to drill and discipline; make the armies regulars — effectives; stand on the defensive except when we can attack in superior numbers; send no more regiments or gunboats to be gobbled up one at a time. Mass our forces and we shall surely conquer. Sincerely, R. B. Hayes. S. Birchard. March 13, 1863. — Left our log-cabin camp at the Falls of the Kanawha. Camp Reynolds was a happy abiding place. Lucy came with Birch and Webb on the 24th of January. They rowed skiffs, fished, buUt dams, sailed little ships, played cards, and en joyed camp life generally. We reached Charleston at dark [this] Sunday evening. The men went to the churches to stay. March 18-19, [1863]. — Went into Camp White (after Col onel White of the Twelfth), opposite the mouth of the Elk. Saturday 21. — Lucy and boys on the Allen Collier home. Camp White, March 21, 1863. Dearest : — You left this morning. Don't think I am going daft after you. I am in my tent facing the parade between the captains and companies. McKinley is in his. The doctor, Avery, and [the] major will come over tomorrow. I shall sleep in a tent tonight for the first time since the night before South Mountain — over six months ago. . Did you see us crossing in our loati before your steamer passed ? I saw you and swung my hat, but whether you saw me I could not tell. LOG CABINS ON THE KANAWHA — 1862-1863 395 Our house flag must come out to go on a high pole near head quarters if it is mUitarily proper, and I think it is. . . . Good bye, darling. As ever, R. Mrs. Hayes. Sunday, March 22, 1863. — Have gone into camp. My head quarters here. My brigade is Twenty-third Ohio, Fifth Virginia, Colonel Ziegler, Thirteenth Virginia Cavalry, Colonel Brown, Captain Gilmore's Cavalry, Lieutenant Gonseman's ditto, and Lieutenant ; also Captain Simmond's Battery. Gonseman at Loup and Tompkins Farm. Gilmore, here. Battery at Gauley Bridge; Twenty-third here. Thirteenth at Coal's Mouth and Hurricane Bridge ; Fifth at Ceredo. The boys will never forget their visit to papa and the Twenty- third. It will be a romatic memory. Webb was a greater favorite than Birch. Mischievous but kind-hearted and affectionate. Birch more scholarly and more commanding. Dear boys, how I love them! They were with me nearly two months in my log- cabin camp. Great happiness in log cabins. Camp White, near Charleston, Virginia, March 22, 1863. Dear Uncle : — We came out of the wUderness a week ago today. We are now pleasantly located on the left bank of the Kanawha, just below (opposite) Charleston. We are almost at home, and can expect to see anxious friends soon. You would, I think, enjoy a trip up here in a few weeks. You can get on a steamer at Cincinnati and land at our camp, and be safely and comfortably housed here. Lucy and the boys, after a most happy time, went home yesterday. We shall expect to see them again whUe we are here. We seem intended for a permanent garrison here. We shaH probably be visited by the Rebels whUe here. Our force is small but will perhaps do. My command is Twenty-third Ohio, Fifth and Thirteenth Virginia, three companies of cavalry, and a fine 396 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES battery. I have some of the best, and I suspect some of about the poorest troops in service. They are scattered from Gauley to the mouth of Sandy on' the Kentucky line. They are well posted to keep down bushwhacking and the like, but would be of small account against an invading force. We have three weak, but very good regiments, Twenty-third, Twelfth, and Thirty- fourth Ohio, some, a small amount, of good cavalry and good artUlery, and about three or four regiments of indifferent in fantry. So we shaH probably see fun, if the enemy thinks it worth while to come in. Come and see me. Sincerely, R. B. Hayes. S. Birchard. Camp White, near Charleston, March 22, 1863. Dear Mother : — One week ago today we started bag and baggage for this place. We are within five or six hours' travel by steamboat from Ohio (Gallipolis). Steamers pass our camp daily two or three times for home. We are within fifteen hours of Cincinnati and the communication frequent and regular. . . . We shall remain here probably a good while. The Twenty- third is the only regiment in the vicinity. My command is stretched from Gauley to the Kentucky line. I make my head quarters here but shall go in botl\ directions often. Quite likely, if present arrangements continue, I may run up to Columbus in a month or two. . . . Love to all. Affectionately, your son, R. B. Hayes. Mrs. Sophia Hayes. Monday, [March] 23. — Rained during the night. Rained 19th and 20th all day ; looks like rain all day today. This is a beau tiful valley from Piatt down to its mouth. Make west Virginia a free State and Charleston ought to be a sort of Pittsburgh. LOG CABINS ON THE KANAWHA — 1862-1863 397 P. M. Warm and bright until 6 P. M. An April shower. Camp getting into order; gravel walks building, streets making. Muddy now, but it is a loose porous soil and wiU turn out well. Tuesday, 24. — Rain all night and this A. M. ! Army move ments very slow. Vicksburg the great point of interest for a month past. Things looking like fight in Rosecrans' vicinity; Charleston also a point of attack. In the North a reaction favorable to the war is taking place. The peace men, sympathizers with the Rebels, called Copper heads or Butternuts, are mostly of the Democratic party. They gained strength last fall by an adroit handling of the draft, the tax-law arrests, the policy favorable to the negro, and the mis takes and lack of vigor in prosecuting the war. This led to over- confidence, and a more open hostUity to the war itself. The soldiers in the field considered this a "fire in the rear," and "giving aid and comfort to the enemy." They accordingly by addresses and resolutions made known their sentiments. Loyal Democrats like John Van Buren [and] James T. Brady begin to speak out in the same strain. A considerable reaction is ob servable. The late acts of Congress, the conscription, the finan cial measures, and [the] Habeas Corpus Act, give the Govern ment great power and the country more confidence. If the con scription is wisely and energetically administered, there is much reason to hope for good results. In the meantime the Rebels are certainly distressed for want of provisions. The negro policy doesn't seem to accomplish much. A few negro troops give rise to disturbances where they come in contact with our men and do not as yet worry the enemy a great deal. Thursday, 26. — A cold, rainy day. Last night the coldest of the season. Yesterday with Dr. Joe and four oarsmen rowed in his large skiff up Elk, three or four miles ; caught in a wild storm of rain and sleet. Had a dispatch today from Captain Simmonds at Gauley; he reports rumors of an early advance on all our posts. "Sensa tional !" General Scammon in a "stew" about it. 398 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES Friday, 27. — Bitterly cold last night ; a bright, frosty morning. Election yesterday in all these counties on accepting the condi tions which Congress affixes to the admission as a State of West Virginia. The condition is abolition of slavery. The people doubtless have acquiesced. Rumors of enemy in Boone and Logan [Counties], also on the Sandy. All pointing to an attempt to take this valley and the salt-works. Saturday, 28. — Rain all night. Yesterday, a clear, cold morning; a white frost; cloudy and hazy all day; rain at night. P. M. Rode with Dr. Webb, Lieutenant McKinley, and a dragoon out on road to Coal Forks as far as Davis Creek, thence down the creek to the Guyandotte Pike (river road), thence home. Crossed the creek seven times ; water deep and bottom miry. Today a fight between four hundred Jenkins' or Floyd's men and two hundred and seventy-five Thirteenth Virginia [men] at Hurricane Bridge. Rebels repulsed. Our loss three kiHed and six wounded, one mortally. Floyd's men coming into Logan, Boone, Wayne, Cabell, and Putnam [Counties], reporting Floyd dismissed and his troops disbanded. The troops from being state troops refuse to go into Confederate service but seem wiU ing to fight the Yankees on their own hook. 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 stUl 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 LOG CABINS ON THE KANAWHA — 1862-1863^399' 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. Sunday, [March 29]. — Last night Lieutenant Austin came into camp with thirty-three men and two guns ; a ten-pound Parrott and a three-inch Rebel gun captured by Colonel Crook at Lewis burg last summer. Cleared off cold last night ; a strong northwest wind all night and today; bitterly cold. No fun in tent life in such weather. Rumors of the fight at Hurricane Bridge repre sent the Rebels as Jenkins' men, four hundred to seven hundred strong. Monday, 30. — A cold, clear night last night ; a fine morning, but a white frost — light. Report that the steamer which left here yesterday morning with Quartermaster Fitch, Paymaster Cowen, etc., on board was fired into nearly opposite Buffalo. Said to be ten companies of Jenkins' men, some crossing Kanawha, a few with horses. Lieutenant-Colonel Comly with five companies [of the] Twenty-third went down [the] river in [a] steamboat to Coal's Mouth to defend that point. 4 P. M. — Reported that Point Pleasant is in possession of the Rebels. 6 P. M. — Dispatch from Captain Fitch says [that a] company of [the] Thirteenth Virginia holds out in court-house at Point Pleasant; with impromptu gunboats from Gallipolis drove the Rebels out of Point Pleasant ; can certainly hold it until dark. 400 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES 9 P. M. — Dispatch : Rebels driven back, twelve kUled, four teen taken prisoners. Our loss one killed, one wounded, three officers ( ?) taken prisoners. Stores all safe. 10 P. M. — Rebels retreated up Kanawha; starving, out of shoes, and ammunition. Colonel Comly ordered to rig up steamboat so as to protect men and go down the river to prevent Jenkins from recrossing the river. [March 31]. — 7:30 A. M. — Colonel Comly started from Coal's Mouth down [the] river at daylight. 8:30 A. M. — Dispatch frcwn Colonel Comly at Red House says, "Jenkins supposed to have recrossed the river five miles above Point Pleasant." Our telegraphic communications via Gauley and Clarksburg with the outside world cut off between Gauley and Clarksburg! Bottsford says now: "Keep your powder dry and trust in God !" I advised to send vrord to Captain Fitch at Gallipolis to run his steamboats up Kanawha and prevent a recrossing of the Rebels, but it was too late or seems not to have been heeded. Camp White, AprU i, 1863. Dear Uncle : — We have had most disagreeable weather for a week. Part of the time we were cut off from outside world by General Jenkins' raid below. He has thus far made nothing. He has attacked two of the posts garrisoned by men under my command and been whipped both times with a loss to him ot seventy killed and prisoners. Our loss is six. We could take the whole party with cavalry enough. As it is, he will get off. All fools' day is a bright cold windy day. V/e are in tents rather too early for comfort or health. We are glad to see warm weather coming. Sincerely, R. B. Hayes. S. Birchard. LOG CABINS ON THE KANAWHA — 1862-1863 401 Camp White, AprU i, 1863. Dearest: — We are again in communication with America after being cut off about four or five days by General Jenkins. He attacked two posts garrisoned by [the] Thirteenth Virginia — and one had Lieutenant Hicks, the color sergeant and six men of Twenty-third. In both cases General Jenkins was badly worsted losing seventy men killed or captured, while we lost only four kUled and five wounded. A sorry raid so far. Judge Matthews, I see, is to be superior court judge. I sup pose his health is the cause. He had a difficulty before he left the Twenty-third which at times imfitted him for service in the field. Awful weather for tent life the last week — snow, rain, and wind "aH to once." I am really glad you left when you did. A few weeks hence if Jenkins lets us alone we shall be in condition to enjoy your presence. Love to the dear boys. Webb wUl, I am sure, study hard when he hears how much I want him to be a scholar. Birch and the others are right of course. The Prince's [Prince of Wales] wedding you read, I know. No happier than ours ! Affectionately, R. Mrs. Hayes. Friday, [April] 3. — Monday's fight at Point Pleasant was a fine affair; twenty Rebels kiHed and fifty taken prisoners, of whom twenty-four were wounded. Colonel Comly returned with [Companies] E and K on Tuesday or Wednesday. Jackson Smith [a prisoner] says: "[The] Eighth Virginia is commanded by Colonel Corns; Colonel Ferguson [commands] the Sixteenth Virginia. We took a near cut from Marion to Jeffersonville, crossing Holston River and Brush, Poor Valley and Rich Mountains, about twenty-eight mUes in two days, leav ing Marion, March 14. Waggons followed by turnpike from WytheviUe. [On the] i6th, camped at JeffersonvUle. [The] 26 402 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES 17th, twelve mUes to Abbs VaUey; i8th, twelve miles into Mc Dowell County; 19th, twelve mUes to Tug Fork in McDoweU County. Eight days' rations issued, crackers and dried beef. [The] 20th, three miles up Tug and crossed. [The] 21st, twelve or fourteen [miles] to Cub Creek; crossed [the] Guyandotte in canoes. [The] 24th, passed Logan Court-house ; 25th I came up Big Creek to Turtle Creek; down Turtle Creek to Coal." Camp White, April 5, 1863. Dearest : — The weather is good, our camp dry, and every body happy. Joe has got a sail rigged on his large skiff and he enjoys sailing on the river. It is pleasant to be able to make use of these otherwise disagreeable spring winds to do our rowing. Visited the hospital (it being Sunday) over in town this morn ing. It is clean, airy, and cheerful-looking. We have only a few there — mostly very old cases. Comly heard a couple of ladies singing Secesh songs, as if for his ear, in a fine dwelling in town. Joe has got his revenge by obtaining an order to use three rooms for hospital patients. The announcement caused grief and dismay — they fear smaU- pox (a case has appeared). I think Joe repents his victory now. Enclosed photographs, except Comly's, are all taken by a Company B man who is turning a number of honest pennies by the means — Charlie Smith, Birch wiH recoHect as Captain Avery's orderly. Five companies of the Twenty-third had a hard race after Jenkins. They got his stragglers. Colonel Paxton and Gil more are after him with their cavalry. General Jenkins has had bad luck with this raid. He came in with seven hundred to eight hundred men. He will get off with four hundred to five hundred, badly used up, and nothing to pay for his losses. We lost half a dozen killed. They murdered one citizen of Point Pleasant, an old veteran of 1812, aged eight-four. They wiH run us out in a month or two, I suspect, unless we are strengthened, or they weakened. General Scammon is prepared to destroy salt and salt-works if he does have to leave. LOG CABINS ON THE KANAWHA — 1862-1863 403 I think of you and the boys oftener than ever. Love to 'em and oceans for yourself. Affectionately ever, R. P. S. — I sent by express three hundred and fifty dollars in a package with two hundred dollars of Joe's. It ought to reach Mother Webb in a day or two after this letter. Write if it doesn't or does. Mrs. Hayes. Camp White, April 9, 1863. Dear Uncle: — Yours of the 3rd received. Yes, Jenkins made a dash into Point Pleasant, but he dashed out before doing much mischief with a loss of seventy-five killed and prisoners. He attacked one other post garrisoned by men under my com mand but was repulsed. His raid was a failure. He lost about one hundred and fifty men while in this region and accomplished nothing. But we expect repetitions of this thing, and with our present force we shall probably suffer more another time. I do not look for an end of the war for a long time yet. I am glad the late elections show the second sober thought to be right. We can worry them out if we keep at it without flagging. Come on, it will be good weather in a few weeks. I send you a soldier's photograph of our log-cabin camp near Gauley. It is not good. You can see the falls beyond the camp and the high cliffs on the opposite side of the Kanawha. My quarters were at the long-roofed cabin running across the street towards the back and right of the picture. Sincerely, S. Birchard. R. B. Hayes. Camp White, April 10, 1863. Dearest : — Your most welcome letter reached me this morn ing. Tell Webby the little rooster is in fine feather. He has had a good many fights with a big rooster belonging to the family near our camp, but holds his own very bravely. 404 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES Yes, a coat of course. I am afraid about pants — they should be long and wide in the legs for riding if you get them. No vest is wanted. — Did the cash come to hand ? Our large flag at home would look weH flying over this camp if you will send it by Mr. Forbes. As for the new regimental flag, you shall get it some day if you wish to do it. The fine weather of a few days past has brought us out. We are very happy here again. Colonel Matthews is perfectly right. He no doubt leaves the army on account of the impossibUity of serving in the field. He was barely able to get through his first campaign. . . . I am as glad as anybody that the Union ticket [in Cincinnati] was carried. The soldiers all feel happy over the recent indica tions at home. A few victories over the Rebels now would lift us on amazingly. — Yes, "cut off" sounds badly, but it was a very jolly time. I have Captain Gilmore and Lieutenant Austin and two rifled guns camped here, besides four howitzers with gun squads on the steamboats. General Jenkins and about eight hundred men left the railroad at Marion, Smith County, southwestern Virginia, and crossed the mountains to the head waters of Sandy River and so across towards the mouth of Kanawha. They reached our outpost twenty-four miles from here and demanded a surrender. Captain Johnson with four companies of [the] Thirteenth Vir ginia declined to surrender and, after a good fight, repulsed Gen eral Jenkins. He then crossed Kanawha twenty miles from the mouth or less and attacked Point Pleasant at the mouth. Captain Carter and one company of [the] Thirteenth Virginia occupied the court-house. They could not keep the whole town clear of Rebels but defended themselves gallantly until relieved from Gallipolis. General Jenkins then retreated. Colonel Paxton and Captain Gilmore followed by different routes, worrying him badly and getting about forty prisoners. Does Birch remember Captain Waller, a cavalry captain who took care of Colonel Paxton and sat opposite us at table often? Perhaps he recollects his little boy. Well he, the boy, rode with his father in the pursuit and captured two armed men himself I LOG CABINS ON THE KANAWHA — 1862-1863 405 Captain Stevens and all the others are commissioned. Naugh ton is wroth at Dr. Webb and me ! . . . More photographs. Preserve with the war archives, and be sure of one thing, I love you so much. As ever, R. Mrs. Haybs. Camp White, AprU 15, Evening. Dearest: — Your short business letter came this afternoon. I do not yet know about your coming here during the campaign ing season. If we fortify, probably aH right; if not, I don't know. Lieutenant Ellen is married. His wife sent me a fine big wedding cake and two cans of fruit. Good wiie, I guess, by the proofs sent me. You speak of Jim Ware. What does he think of the pros pects? I understand Jim in a letter to Dr. Joe says Dr. Ware gives it up. Is this so? I send you more photographs. The major's resignation was not accepted and he is now taking hold of things with energy. We are having further disasters, I suspect, at Charleston and in North Carolina. But they are not vital. The small results (adverse results, I mean,) likely to follow are further proofs of our growing strength. What a capital speech Everett has made. He quite redeems himself. Always say something about the boys — their sayings and doings. Affectionately ever, R. Mrs. Hayes. Camp White, AprU 19, 1863. Dear Mother : — I received the letter written on your birth day yesterday. It found me very well and pleasantly employed. Today is Sunday. We had a meeting this morning which you would have enjoyed. We had the first sermon to the soldiers 406 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES we have heard in many months. A Presbyterian clergyman, educated at GranvUle and Hudson, named Little, a man well adapted to talk to soldiers, preached, sang, etc., etc., most ac ceptably to a fine audience of troops. He dined with me and promises to come often. He belongs to one of the regiments under my command, posted about forty miles from here. My eyes are perfectly good — my arm good enough for my use. — The weather here is beautiful — rather too hot. Health good with us generally. — Love to all. Affectionately, your son, Rutherford. Mrs. Sophia Hayes. Wednesday, [April] 22. — A good spell of weather just ended. DriUing, boating, baU-playing, and the like make the time pass pleasantly. Last Sunday had a Mr. Little preach to us on the bank of the river. Several young ladies, a good audience of soldiers, and a good sermon. Mr. Little brought a sort of hand organ and was the chief musician — an eccentric, witty man, capable and zealous. Camp White, AprU 22, 1863. Dear Uncle : — We have a pleasant camp, just enough for men to do to keep them out of mischief. About as easy soldier ing as we ever had. You can stay on the opposite side of the river at a fair hotel for seven dollars per week, or on this side in a comfortable tent, better grub, for nothing. If you can do better at home, we can make up the difference in novelty. So come soon. We shall have a superior foe driving us out or worrying us badly in a month or two, and at your time of life that might be un comfortable. I think we shall be let alone now untU after the first of June. General Jenkins learned that a small force had no fun coming in here and a large force can't live here until the first of June or after. LOG CABINS ON THE KANAWHA — 1862-1863 407 I hope we shall soon see the drafting begin. It ought not to be delayed a day now. Sincerely, R. B. Hayei. S. Birchard. Camp White, West Virginia, AprU 30, 1863. Dear Uncle : — I have received yours of the 25th. I am not surprised to hear you are going into business under Governor Chase's Bank Law. I thought of suggesting it, but knew so little about it that I could form no intelligent opinion.* . . You can come here well enough. There is of course a pos sibility of being cut off, but very small probability of it. I do not doubt that the Rebels will get in below us, but we shall certainly hear of it in time to ship off all who are not ready to stay. Lucy would like to come with you, but you wUl not bring her unless you find it quite convenient to do so. Sincerely, R. B. Hayes. S. Birchard. Camp White, May 2, 1863. Dearest L — : — Yours and the monthlies were handed me last night. No hurry about the "duds." As for shoulder-straps, it would make no difference how it's done if it's according to custom or regulations. I don't want to start a new fashion. Regulations require straps of a certain size, color, etc., a silver eagle, etc., etc. I would sooner have simply the eagle than a strap twice as big as the rule, but of no importance. Glad to get the monthlies. We are fortifying, partly to occupy time, partly to be safe. WiU [shall] be at it some time. * Mr. Birchard was promptly taking steps to convert his bank into a national bank under the new law. It became the First National Bank of Fremont, and was the fifth bank in the country to be chartered by the Government 408 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES Uncle talks of coming up. If he does, you may bring one or more of the boys if you can do so conveniently, and if he asks you. . Affectionately, Mrs. Hayes. R. May 7, [1863]. — Another movement of the army of the Poto mac, this time under General Hooker, a man of energy and courage. Whether able and skUful enough to handle so great an army is the question. He is confident and bold. His crossing the Rappahannock was sudden and apparently successful. It looked a little like separating his army. The great fighting [at Chancellorsville] was on Saturday and Sunday, reported vaguely as "indecisive." Again this suspense — "with us or with our foes ?" All day Sunday I was thinking and talking of the battle. The previous news satisfied me that about that time fighting would be done. Camp White, May 7, 1863. Dearest : — The boxes came safely. The flag will not be cut. The coat fits well. Straps exactly according to regulations or none. The eagles are pretty and simple and I shall keep them untU straps can be got of the size and description prescribed, viz., "Light or sky-blue cloth, one and three-eighths inches wide by four inches long; bordered with an embroidery of gold one- fourth of an inch wide ; a silver embroidered spread eagle on the center of the strap." I am content with the eagles as they are but if straps are got, let them be "according to red-tape." The pants fit Avery to a charm and he keeps them. What is the price ? I'll not try again until I can be measured. I do not need pants just now. We have a little smallpox in Charleston. Lieutenant Smith has it, or measles. Also raids of the enemy threatened. I wouldn't come up just now ; before the end of the month it may be all quiet again. Bottsford's sister and other ladies are going away today. LOG CABINS ON THE KANAWHA — 1862-1863 409 We are budding a fort on the hill above our camp — a good position. We are in suspense about Hooker. He moves rapidly and boldly. If he escapes defeat for the next ten days he is the coming man. — Pictures O. K., etc., etc. — Love to all. Affectionately, R. B. Hayes. Mrs. Hayes. Camp White, May 17, 1863. Dearest: — Things look well for quiet in our vicinity for a time to come. We have had a good deal of excitement for the past fortnight, but it is over nov/. Any time you think best to come or send Grandma or any of the family, advise me as you start and we will be ready for you and glad to see you. Comly brings his new wife here soon. Ellen (Lieutenant EHen), ditto. Mrs. Zimmerman, an agreeable lady, is here now. My whole brigade except two or three detached companies, is now here. Delany, Simmonds, the Fifth and Thirteenth Vir ginia and a new cavalry company were sent for during the recent scare. We have nearly finished a tolerable fort, and have a gun boat. I have thirteen pieces of artiUery. I am most agreeably disappointed in my Virginia regiments. The Thirteenth is new and composed of West Virginians, but it has capital officers and they promise well in all respects. I reviewed them this Sunday morning. Their appearance would be creditable to an old regiment. The Fifth was in all battles under Fremont and Pope last summer and behaved well, but was unfortunately officered. This has been corrected. Their present commander is an excellent man and I look for good things from them. It perhaps would be better for you not to come until you are ready to leave Cincinnati for the summer, if you do leave for the summer. But you and Mother Webb wUl make your own ar rangements and it will suit me. As ever, affectionately, R, B. Hayes, Mrs. Hayes. 410 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES Camp White, May 17, 1863. Dear Uncle: — . . . We are in no danger here. We have built a tolerably good fort which we can hold against su perior forces perhaps a week or two or more. We have a gun boat which wUl be useful as long as the river is navigable. My whole brigade has been here. The most of it is good and the rest is improving. I like your bank project. The Richmond hoax was a severe one. It did not reach us in a way to command belief. I still stick to Hooker. The Rebel loss of Jackson gives us the best of that effort. I hope the Potomac Army will get a victory sometime. Sincerely, R. B. Hayes. S. Birchard. Camp White, West Virginia, [May 20 (?)], 1863. Dear Uncle : — If I wrote you two or three days ago after getting your last, I take this one back ; or let it go to my credit on future account. We are expecting to have our communica tions cut with the outside world soon again. We are tolerably fixed for it, and can worry through, if not too long continued. We do not know accurately yet what has happened to Hooker. He is repulsed and his movement a faUure. I hope he is left relatively as weH off as he was before. If so, he is still, for all I see, our general. I can perceive nothing injurious to him per sonally in the f aUure. He has shown his disposition to do some thing, and, for all that appears, capacity. This is all we can de mand. The radical vice is, as I have said to you before, I fear, in the army. Somebody behaves badly. This is always to be expected in all armies. But in this army it seems always to be at the vital point, where it is ruinous. I always feel when the Potomac Army moves, that if they are not routed, we are to be glad. So now, from present accounts, I feel happy that it is no worse. If our army under Hooker can keep employed the largest and best Rebel army, they are probably fulfilling their mission. LOG CABINS ON THE KANAWHA — 1862-1863 411 To do more than this, would speedily end the Rebellion. To do merely this, will end it in time. Perhaps I better take stock in your bank. I could now pay one or two thousand cash, and by selling my Hamilton property, could increase it soon to five thousand dollars. What say you? Sincerely, R. B. Hayes. S. Birchard. Camp White, West Virginia, May 25, 1863. Dearest : — If Vicksburg is taken it wUI perhaps take us to some other field. At least, important changes in our military policy may be looked for. Therefore, darling, I want you to visit me when you can, with such of the boys as you choose. All this is supposing Vicksburg ours. If not there will be time enough, I think, when you get ready to quit the city for the sum mer a few weeks hence. Comly has his wife here. Captains Zimmerman and Sperry theirs, and more are expected — mine among the rest. — Love to aU. Affectionately, R. P. S. — Tell Stephenson I am now ready to sell the Hamilton property as proposed, if the offer can still be had. Mrs. Hayes. Camp White, May 25, 1863. Dear Uncle : — The Rebels don't make much progress to wards getting us out. We are tolerably well fortified here and at Fayette. At the latter place they tried it, banging away three or four days and doing nothing. I wUl see to the bank stock and try to pay a little at any rate. Grant seems to be doing well. If all we hear is true, I think he will get Vicksburg soon. 412 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES I have sent to Lucy to come up as soon as Vicksburg is taken, thinking it probable that such an event may soon send us further out. Sincerely, R. B. Hayes. S. Birchard. Camp White, May 27, 1863. Dear Mother: — I received your letter and Laura's a few days ago. . . . You seem to suppose Lucy and the boys are here. This is a mistake. I did not send for Lucy until yester day. If the reports of General Grant's victories at Vicksburg are true, I shall expect to see important changes in the location of troops in this quarter. I therefore tell Lucy that her best chance to visit me is now. . . We have had a good deal of marching, but little fighting, dur ing the recent attempts of the enemy to get into this valley. They failed entirely in their efforts. We are sufficiently fortified to keep our positions against anything but greatly superior forces. If Grant is successful, at Vicksburg, as seems now probable, the whole prospect is changed and changed favorably. Affectionately, your son, Rutherford. Mrs. Sophia Hayes. Camp White, June 2, 1863. Dear Uncle : — Yes, I vote for you bank president. Signing the bills wUl be a bore, but then the signature can't be counter feited. . . . Vicksburg appears to be a hard nut to crack. But with proper efforts to reinforce and supply Grant, he must, I think, succeed. The more obstinate the resistance, the more valuable will be the victory if we finally gain it. We are stronger here than we were. I now have a full brigade, four regiments infantry, a battery, and three campanies cavalry. We fortify all points deemed important. Sincerely, S. Birchard. R. B. Hayes. LOG CABINS ON THE KANAWHA — 1862-1863 413 Camp White, June 14, 1863. Dear Uncle: — I received yours dated the 4th last night. I see by the Sentinel that you are a bank president, one of the "moneyed aristocracy" of the land. No taking of Vicksburg yet. I still think we must get it soon. Vallandigham for governor? Pretty bold move. Rather rash if it is considered that forty to sixty thousand soldiers wUl prob ably vote. I estimate that about as many wiH vote for Vallandig ham as there are deserters in the course of a year's service — from one to five per cent. A foolish (or worse) business, our Democratic friends are getting into. I don't like arbitrary or « military arrests of civUians in States where the law is regularly administered by the courts, but no issue can be made on such questions while the Rebellion is unconquered, and it's idle to attempt it. Lucy and all the family are on a steamboat a few mUes below here, and wUl be up this afternoon. We have had no trouble from Rebels since their repulse at Fayette, so I think they will be quite comfortable here. iSth. — Mother Webb and Lucy, with all the boys, are here. Boys are delighted. Sincerely, R. B. Hayes. S. Birchard. Camp White, June 19, 1863. Dear Mother : — . . . Mother Webb, Lucy and the four boys all got here in good health last Monday. They are housed in a pleasant little cottage on the river bank — plenty of fruit and flowers and not over fifty steps from my tent. General Scammon's wife left yesterday. Four of [or] five officers' wives are here, making society enough. It is not likely they will remain in the present stirring times more than a week or so. Lucy had a long letter from Nellie Howells (Mead) just be- 414 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES fore she left Cincinnati. Nellie is very happy in her European home. — Love to all. Affectionately, Mrs. Sophia Hayes. R. B. Hayes. Camp White (opposite Charleston), West Virginia, June 23, 1863. — Last Monday, the 15th, Lucy, Mother Webb, and "all the boys" came here from Cincinnati on the Market Boy. A few happy days, when little Joseph sickened and died yesterday at noon (12:40). Poor little darling! A sweet, bright boy, "looked like his father," but with large, handsome blue eyes much like Webb's. Teething, dysentery, and brain affected, the diseases. He died without suffering ; lay on the table in our room in the Quarrier cottage, surrounded by white roses and buds all the afternoon, and was sent to Cincinnati in care of Corporal Schirmes, Company K [D], this morning. I have seen so little of him, born since the war, that I do not realize a loss ; but his mother, and still more his grandmother, lose their little dear companion, and are very much afflicted. Camp White, June 25, 1863. Dear Uncle : — Our little Joseph died yesterday after a few days' severe illness. He was eighteen months old — bright and very pretty. I have hardly seen him, and hardly had a father's feeling for him. To me, the suffering of Lucy and the still greater sorrow of his grandmother, are the chief afflictions. His brain was excessively developed, and it is probable that his early death has prevented greater suffering. He was the most ex citable, nervous child I ever saw. We have sent his body home for burial. Lucy and the rest will leave here in a few days for Chillicothe. This has dashed the pleasure of their visit here. I have one thousand dollars for your bank (at Cincinnati), and will [shall] have fifteen hundred dollars more in two or three weeks. I want stock to that amount. I have one thousand dol lars' worth of 7 :30 bonds, but I wUI keep them in preference to the stock. LOG CABINS ON THE KANAWHA — 1862-1863 415 I like Brough's nomination [for governor of Ohio.] We everywhere lack energy. He will have enough. Sincerely, R. B. Hayes. S. Birchard. July I, [1863]. — Lucy and the family left on the Marwood today. The visit has been a happy one, saddened though it is by the death of our beautiful little Joseph. Lucy has been cheer ful since — remarkably so — but on leaving today without him she burst into tears on seeing a little child on the boat. The boys, the three, all lovable. Birchie is delicate, looks like Billy Rogers. Must take care of his training. Little "Jody" died in the Quarrier house, a little frame cottage on the bank of the Kanawha opposite the lower end of Charles ton. Camp White was on the same premises. Camp White, West Virginia, July i, 1863. Dear Uncle : — Lucy and family left here today. They go to Ross County. They will probably visit Delaware during the summer. Unless we should have more active duty, I shall be quite lonely for a while without them. The invasion of Pennsylvania is likely to work important changes; possibly to take us East again. The Army of the Potomac has another commander. I still suspect that in the case of that army, the soldiers are more in fault for their dis asters than the generals. I dread to hear of a battle there. They will do better, however, on our own soil. If Grant could only get Vicksburg in time to spare a corps or two of his troops for the campaign in the East, we should be safe enough. If Lee really is pushing into Pennsylvania in full force, it ought to prove his ruin; but we shall see. I think, as you do, that it will do much to unite us. Sincerely, R. B. Hayes. S Birchard. 416 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES Camp White, July 6, 1863. Dearest : — Dr. Joe got back yesterday — twenty-four hours from Chillicothe. Very glad to hear his cheerful account of you. I am in the tent occupied by Captain Hood and wife in "front of the cottage. We all miss you. You could not have felt the loss of me more than I did of you. Notwithstanding the loss of the dear little boy, your visit leaves a happy impression. I love you more than ever, darling. The Ninth has gone to Fayette. If the good news from the East holds out, I think the Twenty-third will follow soon. We had a good Fourth. Salutes from Simmonds and Austin. A good deal of drinking but no harm. We let all out of the guard-house. I send you a deed to execute and send to Stephenson. Do it before a notary. I will ask Uncle to put twenty-five hundred dollars stock in his bank in your name. I am sorry to hear Uncle Scott is in poor health. I think the news from the East will be a good tonic. We shall whip the rascals some day. — Love to all. Affectionately, R. B. Hayes. Mrs. Hayes. Camp White, July 6, 1863. Dear Uncle: — . . . I propose to take in your bank twenty-five hundred dollars stock in Lucy's name. Please see when you get the cash to put the stock in her name. I have in Stephenson's hands one thousand dollars and expect fifteen hun dred dollars more in three weeks. I send you an order for it. Reports from the East look well. If true, we shall perhaps go forward here. The Rebels found fighting in the enemy's country a different thing from battling on their own ground. Sincerely, R. B. Hayes, S. Birchard. LOG CABINS ON THE KANAWHA — 1862-1863 417 Camp White, Charleston, West Virginia, July 8, 1863. Dear Mother : — . . . We received the news of the capture of Vicksburg last night. I hope it will not turn out as so many reports — stock-jobbers' lies. We have thus far had en couraging success in Pennsylvania. If it is continued the Rebels wUl hardly repeat the experiment of invading our soil. Alto gether things wear a hopeful appearance, but I do not expect an early end of the war. A great deal remains to be done, and it is gratifying that the people seem determined to be patient and firm. . . . Affectionately, your son, Rutherford. Mrs. Sophia Hayes. July 7. P. M. — Heard the news of Vicksburg captured. Fired one hundred guns and had a good time. July 9. P- M. — Left Charleston on steamboat for upper river. 10 — At Loup Creek all day. //. — Moved to foot of Cotton HUl, Fayette side. 27 CHAPTER XXII morgan's raid and minor OPERATIONS WEST VIRGINIA JULY-DECEMBER 1863 CAMP Joe Webb, Near Fayetteville, West Virginia, Sun day, July 12, 1863. — We are starting on an expedition to Raleigh County and perhaps further. I do not fully approve of the enterprise. We are too weak to accomplish much; run some risks; and I see no sufficient object to be accomplished. I wrote to Lucy yesterday. I shall not write to Mother or Uncle until my return. It would only cause them anxiety and do no good. Of course this book will be sent home in case of accident, and they will here see that they were not forgotten. Dear boys, darling Lucy, and all, good-bye! We are all in the hands of Providence and need only be solicitous to do our duty here and leave the future to the Great Disposer. [July 16, 1863]. — We reached Raleigh Tuesday, 14th, about 12 :30 P. M. Found the enemy strongly fortified at Piney River. It was deemed unsafe to assault in front, and finding it would take much time to turn the position, it was resolved to leave without attempting to storm the works. During the night the Rebels kindly relieved us by running away ! P. M. We started for Fayette on the iSth. Fayetteville, July 16, P. M., 1863. Dearest: — We reached here today; left Raleigh yesterday. The Rebels were fortifying beyond Raleigh on Piney. They were already annoying us a good deal from there. We reached their works Tuesday, 14th. After feeling for their position we withdrew for the night. In the morning they were gone. A force is destroying their works and we are so far on our way (418) MORGAN'S RAID AND MINOR OPERATIONS 419 back. We may go on another expedition before returning to Charleston, but not one involving much risk. Morgan is in Ohio. I wish we were there also. Possibly we may be if he remains long. Very queer, these last struggles of the Rebs. They are dying hard, but it seems like the con vulsive and desperate efforts of the dying. . . . Love to all. Affectionately, dear one, your R. Mrs. Hayes. Fayetteville, July i6, 1863. Dear Mother : — We have been into Dixie and are safe out again into our own lines — a very lively and pleasant raid. I see Morgan is raiding in Ohio. I hope he will be caught. It will not surprise me if we are called home to look after him. I regard this as one of the reckless efforts of a despairing and lost cause. Certainly the Rebel prospects were never before so dark, nor ours so cheering. I am very weH. No time to say more. Affectionately, R. B. Hayes. Mrs. Sophia Hayes. Fayetteville, July 16, 1863. Dear Uncle : — We are on our return from beyond Raleigh. Rebs we were after left their stronghold without a fight, and our troops destroyed their works. Shall probably return to Charleston soon. Morgan in Ohio! I wish we were there also. All things look well. The escape of Lee does not disappoint me. To get rid of him so easily is a success. We shall get him some day. I enjoyed this last little campaign very much indeed. Sincerely, R. B. Hayes. S, Birchard. 420 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES [July 22, 1863]. — [On the] i6th, at Fayette, heard that Mor gan was in Ohio at Piketon, leaving there for Gallipolis. Gen eral Scammon wisely and promptly determined to head him [off] by sending me. (This was after a sharp controversy.) [The] Seventeenth with [the] Twenty-third and Thirteenth took steam boats from Loup Creek for Gallipolis. [The] i8th at Gallipolis heard Morgan had pushed by up the Ohio as if to cross at Pomeroy. Sunday, 19th, [at] Pomeroy. Halted; found the militia wait ing in position for Morgan. About noon he came; the Twenty- third went out to meet him; found him in force; sent for [the] Thirteenth; formed lines of battle. Morgan ditto. Seeing we were "regulars and not mUitia" (words of inspection of Rebels), he hurried off, with some loss. We had one wounded, in his hand — Clemens, Company B. [The] 20th, at daylight, found Morgan at Buffington Island. He was here attacked by General Judah's cavalry and the gun boats. Not much fighting by Rebels, but great confusion, loss of artUlery, etc., etc. On to Hockingport ; guarded the ferries over the Ohio at Lee's Creek, Belleville, and Hocking. [The] 2ist, back to Gallipolis. Morgan's army gone up. We got over two hundred prisoners. Everybody got some. No fight in them. The most successful and jolly little campaign we ever had. [The] 22nd, Wednesday, home again in Camp White. [The] Thirteenth left at Point Pleasant; [the] Fifth sent to Gauley Bridge. Steamboat Victress, Ohio River, July 22, 1863. Dear Uncle : — We have been after Morgan for a week. The Twenty-third was in all the fighting at Pomeroy and Buffington and took two hundred and six prisoners. The Rebs couldn't fight soldiers at all. We lost one man. We had a most glorious time. We go up the Kanawha again today. Sincerely, S. Birchard. R. B. Hayes. BRIGADIER-GENERAL R. L. McCOOK, 1827-62. BRIGADIER-GENERAL JOHN G. MITCHELL, 1838-94. Ohio Generals, 1861-1865. brigadier-general brigadier-genee.^l william h. lytle, daniel mccook, 1834-64. 1826-63. BRIGADIER-GENERAL RALPH P. BUCKLAND, 1812-92. BRIGADIER-GENERAL JOHN BEATTY, 1828-1914. MAJOR-GENERAL J. WARREN KEIFER, 1836 — MORGAN'S RAID AND MINOR OPERATIONS 421 Camp White, July 22, 1863. Dearest: — Home again after an absence of two weeks, marching and hurrying all the time. The last week after Morgan has been the liveliest and jolliest campaign we ever had. We were at all the skirmishes and fighting after he reached Pomerny. It was nothing but fun — no serious fighting at aH. I think not over ten kiHed and forty wounded on our side in aH of it. Un luckily McCook, father of Robert and the rest, was mortally wounded. This hurt me but all the rest was mere frolic. Mor gan's men were only anxious to get away. There was no fight in them when attacked by us. You will no doubt see great claims on aU sides as to the merits of his captors. The cavalry, gun boats, mUitia, and our infantry each claim the victory as their peculiar property. The truth is, all were essential parties to the success. The cavalry who pursued him so long deserve the lion's share. The gunboats and militia did their part. We can truly claim that Morgan would have crossed and escaped with his men at Pomeroy if we had not headed him there and de feated his attempt. It is not yet certain whether Morgan him self will be caught. But it is of small importance. His force which has so long been the terror of the border, and which has kept employed all our cavalry in Kentucky is now gone. Our victorious cavalry can now operate in the enemy's country. I thought of you often. We were quartered on steamboats — men were singing, bands playing. Our band was back and with us, and such lively times as one rarely sees. Almost everybody got quantities of trophies. I got nothing but a spur and two volumes captured from the Twentieth Kentucky, Captain H. C. Breman, and now recaptured by us. Morgan's raid wiU always be remembered by our men as one of the happiest events of their lives. Love to the dear boys and Grandmother. Joe is unwell and is in a room in town. Affectionately, R. Mrs. Hayes. 422 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES Camp White, July 24, [1863]. Dearest : — The happiness of this week's operations is dashed by the death of Captain Delany and the probable loss of a num ber of other good officers and men in our cavalry. Captains Delany [and] Gilmore, the Thirty-fourth mounted infantry, and Second Virginia Cavalry left Raleigh, on the day we returned from there, to cut the Tennessee Railroad at or near Wytheville. On the very day we (the infantry) were gaining bloodless (or almost bloodless) victories over Morgan on the Ohio, our cavalry were fighting a most desperate battle with superior numbers three hundred mUes off at Wytheville. Our men were victorious, carried the town by storm, but they lost Colonel Toland, Thirty- fourth killed, Colonel Powell, Second Virginia, mortally wounded. Captain Delany, killed, his two lieutenants, mortally wounded (you know them both), and four other lieutenants, wounded; thirteen privates, killed, and fifty, wounded or prisoners. It was a most creditable but painful affair. I am expecting my two companies, the survivors, back tomor row. Wytheville has been one. of the most violent Rebel towns from the first. They always talked of "no quarter," "the black flag," etc. The citizens fired from their houses on the troops as they rode in. Colonel Powell was shot in the back. The town was burned to ashes. I will write you more about it when they get in. We are cleaning camp and getting settled again. The old lady moved into the cottage when we left ; I occupy the tent Captain and Mrs. Hood were in. Captain Zimmerman went today to relieve Captain Hunter as commandant of post at Gallipolis. Uncle Scott and Uncle Moses wUl feel very hopeful in view of this month's work. We have taken, as I reckon it, seventy thousand prisoners this month besides killing or disabling per haps fifteen thousand to twenty-thousand more. A pretty big army of Rebels disposed of. Morgan is not yet caught. He may get off, but his ruin is very complete. — Love to all. Affectionately, your Mrs. Hayes. R, MORGAN'S RAID AND MINOR OPERATIONS 423 Sunday, [July] 26. — The cavalry of General Scammon's com mand left Raleigh on Wednesday, isth, to cut the [Virginia and] Tennessee RaUroad. On the [18th] they reached WythevUle and had a desperate and bloody encounter. The Rebels occupied the houses firing from them on our men. Our loss is serious. Colonel Toland, Thirty-fourth Ohio Mounted Infantry, kUled. Colonel Powell, Second Virginia Cavalry, wounded mortally. Captain Delany, a brave and valuable officer of my brigade, killed. He was wounded in the body as he rode into town; dismounted and stood by his horse firing his revolver when he was shot through the head and killed instantly. The baU came from a house hitting the eagle ornament on the side of his hat. Two of his lieutenants badly wounded. The Rebels used the houses as fortifications. They were burned. Captain Delany was killed at Wytheville on the i8th. It was near the entrance to the town from the northwest. His horse had been killed and he stood by her firing his revolver. He re loaded after firing aH his shots. A baU from a second-story window struck through the eagle ornament on his hat and ranging down through his head came out at his lower jaw on the opposite side. Colonel Toland was at the bottom of the ascent leading up into town, urging the men to go in and fire the town, when he was shot through the breast. It is thought the same citizen, a man of wealth living in a brick house at that end of town, shot both Colonel Toland and Captain Delany. He (the citizen) was kUled by a [man of the] Thirty-fourth. His house was burned. One citizen, a large fleshy man, in specs, was killed. The Second Virginia Cavalry behaved shamefully. They would not go in to the support of Captains Gilmore and Delany. The Tliirty-fourth did nobly. Major Huffman, Second Virginia, said with a smile as Lieutenant-Colonel Franklin and the Thirty- fourth passed in : "That's right Colonel, go in" ! but [he] didn't offer to go in himself, Camp White, West Virginia, July 26, 1863. Mrs. Delany : — I have seen several officers and men who were with your husband at WythevUle. His company led the 424 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES attack on the town. Captain Delany's horse was kUled under him and some think he was slightly wounded soon after the attack began. Captain Delany continued the attack, encouraging his men by his example until he was killed instantly by a ball in his head. His body was taken to a house outside of the town, and it is a gratification to know that it was left in charge of Father Heidekamp, a friend of your husband, who is in charge of a parish at WytheviUe. I wUl get together the property of your husband and send it to you as soon as practicable. A flag of truce will be sent towards Wytheville when further particulars will be known. Sincerely, R. B. Hayes, Colonel Commanding First Brigade. Camp White, July 26, 1863. Dearest: — I got yours of the i8th last night. Morgan's embargo having been removed, we may now expect less delay in our correspondence. . . . Your description of the mUitia doings is amusing enough. We saw the same things on our route in Ohio, but they were really very useful in blocking roads, carrying information, and the like. Dear little Joe, it will be a long, long time before you wUl even know in how many ways he was dear to you. There wiU be a loneliness in the house at Cincinnati greater than anywhere else. It was fortunate for your present feelings that we lost him as we did, instead of at home. The other boys are, I hope, enjoy ing themselves. We are likely, I think, to remain here some time. The great successes of this month, if the Potomac Army meets with no great reverse, will be likely, I think, to substantially end the Rebellion during my original term of service. It is two years ago yesterday since we left Camp Chase. — Good-bye, dearest. Love to all. Affectionately, Mrs. Hayes. R, MORGAN'S RAID AND MINOR OPERATIONS 425 Camp White, July 28, 1863. Dear Uncle : — . . . We are again in our old camp. We have lost some valuable officers and men since we left. Captain Delany, commanding one of my cavalry companies, was killed in storming WythevUle. Pie was a man to trust. He received his promotion on my recommendation and was one of my best friends. . . . We hear Morgan is himself taken at last. This is important. At least ten thousand of our mounted men have heretofore been kept busy watching him. They will now be at liberty to push against the weakened enemy. It now seems probable enough that the war wiH be substan tially ended with our original enlistment. Sincerely, R. B. Hayes. S. Birchard. August I, [1863]. — Our best scout. Corporal Jacobs, and Private Fenchard, Company F, were murdered last night at Morris' mill on Gauley River, twelve miles above Gauley Bridge. Jacobs was an awkward, pigeon-toed youngster, cool, shrewd, brave; could walk fifty miles a day, go without food or sleep longer than most men ; very fond of scouting. Poor fellow ! I have long feared that he would be caught in this way. He was made one of the color-guard but was so awkward — never could keep step — that we usually let him be excused from all ordinary duty. Ordered Morris arrested, to be kept if no proof against him; hung if guilty of the murder in any way. Camp White, August 5, 1863. Dearest: — Yours from Elmwood, dated 2nd, reached me this morning. You were not in as good heart as it found me. I am feeling uncommonly hopeful. The deaths of officers and men to whom I am attached give me pain, but they occur in the course of duty and honorably, and in the prosecution of a war 426 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES which now seems almost certain to secure its object. If at any time since we were in this great struggle there was cause for thanksgiving in the current course of things, surely that time is now. Our prisoners left at WytheviUe were well treated, and a chaplain has been aUowed to go there to see if the bodies of Colonel Toland and Captain Delany can be removed. I am grieved to hear that Uncle Scott is in trouble about Ed. If he recovers from his present sickness it is likely he wiU be able to stand it better hereafter. The process of acclimating must have been run through with him by this time. If he gets good health he will soon recover from the trouble about the promotion. Let him make himself a neat, prompt, good soldier and there need be no worry about promotions. It was not lucky to put so many cousins in one company. I could have managed that better, but as it's done they ought to be very patient with each other. Ike Nelson was placed in a delicate position, and whUe he perhaps made a mistake, it was an error, if error at aH, on the right side. Too much kinship in such matters does not do, as Governor Dennison found out a year or two ago. I am glad you are going to Columbus. I had a chance to send one hundred and eighty dollars by Colonel Comly to Platt where you can get it as you want. By the by, who has the money left at Cincinnati? I sent an order to Stephenson and he had none. Poor boys, they will get to have too many homes. I fear they will find their own the least agreeable. Very glad Birch is get ting to ride. Webb will push his way in such accomplishments, but Birch must be encouraged and helped. Rud will probably take care of himself. Yes, darling, I love you as much as you can me. We shaU be together again. Time is passing swiftly. . . . Joe was never so joHy as this summer. He is more of a treasure than ever before. — Love to all. Affectionately, R. Mrs. Haybs. MORGAN'S RAID AND MINOR OPERATIONS 427 Camp White, Charleston, West Virginia, August 6, 1863. Dear Uncle : — I received yours of the first yesterday morn ing. Lucy writes that she expects to go to Delaware and Colum bus about the middle of this month, and to visit you before her return. I begin to feel about those visits to you a good deal as mother does — that the care and trouble they make for you more than overbalances your pleasure in them ; but you ought to know best. The money that I supposed was in Stephenson's hands, is somewhere, and I'll inquire until I find it and let you know. I think it probable that we shall remain in West Virginia. The enemy has become alarmed by our movements against the Ten nessee Railroad, and has been strengthening their posts in front of us until now we have twice our numbers watching us. To keep them out of mischief, it is more likely that our force wiU be increased rather than diminished. A gunboat has come up to help us within the last half-hour. Our Wytheville raid did the Rebels more harm than was reported. Five thousand suits of clothing, over four thousand new arms, and quantities of sup plies were burned. I think they will not attempt to drive us out in their present scarcity of men and means. The Kentucky election pleases me. I hope Ohio will do as well. Sincerely, S. Birchard. R. B. Hayes. Camp White, Charleston, West Virginia, August 9 (Sunday), 1863. Dear Mother : — It is a quiet, pleasant Sunday morning. A large number of the officers and men have gone over to town to church, leaving a few of us here "to keep house." Our Rebel friends are gathering in pretty strong force in our front. Many think it is with the intention of driving us out as soon as the roasting-ears are in condition to afford them food. I think, however, that they are merely concentrating to prevent us from making raids to destroy their important railroad to the Southwest. Whatever they mean, it is a comfort to know 428 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES that we are giving occupation to a larger force of Rebels that they can well spare at this time. Uncle writes that he expects to meet Lucy at Delaware or Columbus, and as she intends to visit you soon, I suppose you will see them all in a few days or weeks. I would be glad to be with you, but I am not expecting to be my own master before another year. — Love to all. Affectionately, your son, Rutherford. Mrs. Sophia Hayes. Camp White, August 15 (Saturday afternoon), 1863. Dearest: — Hottest day yet. All busy trying to keep cool. A dead faUure all such attempts. A year ago today we set out for Maryland and east Virginia. A swift year. You don't write often these days. You don't love me so much as you did. Is that it ? Not much ! You are as loving as ever, I know, only it is a bore to write. I know that. So it's aU right and I am as fond of you as I was when you were only my sweet heart. Yes, more too. Well, write when you can comfortably. I am going to inspect the Thirteenth at Coal's Mouth tomor row ; take the band along for the fun of it. I ride about, read novels, newspapers, and mUitary books, and sleep a power. We shall go up to Lewisburg, I guess, in two or three weeks to see after the Rebels in that quarter. AU quiet in our borders now. . . . Love to all. Yours, with great warmth, R. Mrs. Hayes. Camp White, August 17, 1863. Dear Uncle: — . . . It looks as if we should be very quiet here for two or three weeks, after which it is probable we shall push up into the mountains again for a campaign of three or four weeks. . . . Sincerely, S. Birchard. R. B. Hayes. MORGAN'S RAID AND MINOR OPERATIONS 429 August 19. — Mrs. Comly returned with her husband a few days ago. I wish Lucy was here also. Foolish business to send away our wives as was done. A very queer man when he gets into a state of mind on any subject ! The hottest of weather for the past three weeks or so. Mother made a visit to Fremont with Laura and Colonel Mitchell. Camp AVhite, August 23, 1863. Dearest : — Very glad to get your good letter from Columbus. I wish I could travel with you a few weeks now. Everybody praises our nephew and his wife. That last phrase means Laura. You must tell me more particulars about Fanny and Minnie, or do they call her Emily now ? If she is growing into a young lady as fast as I suppose she is, Emily is the best name. I got a letter from Mother at the same time with yours. She is very contented and happy at Fremont. You will be together soon. I hope you will manage to have the boys like her. She is not likely to have much time to enjoy with her grandsons, and I hope the most will be made of it. I see that our beautiful little lost one is in your thoughts a great deal — much more perhaps than you thought he would be when you left here. If it does not sadden your life, as I think it does not, I am not sorry that you remember him so often. He was too lovely to be forgotten. Your moralizing on your want of dignity and all that doesn't disturb me. You'll do for your husband, and I love you so much, darling. Be cheerful and happy. Do as well as you can by the boys, but don't worry about them. They will come out sometime. — Love to all. Affectionately yours, R. Mrs. Hayes. Camp White, August 24, 1863. Dearest : — I write you again so soon to speak of a man we lost on Saturday. Joseph Kramer was drowned while saUing on the river. The saUboat (that pretty one of Captain Warren's) 430 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES was swamped by a severe gale and poor Kramer sank after swimming several rods. You will remember him as a good- natured sailor who rowed boat with Archie at Camp Reynolds. He got a furlough to see his family near Columbus. He was a good soldier; leaves a wife and three or four children. They live near Georgesville on the farm of the Harpers, a few mUes southwest of Columbus. Lieutenant Abbott was nearly lost with him. He sank near shore and was senseless for a time. Kramer is buried on the beautiful hill above the White monument. He was so good a man that I hope his famUy will not be forgotten by those who are interesting themselves at Columbus in the welfare of soldiers' families. His widow wUl need the aid of a lawyer or claim agent to get her allowances from [the] Government. Platt can perhaps name the right per son and otherwise assist her. — No news. — Love to all. Affectionately, R. Mrs. Hayes. Camp White, August 25, 1863. Dear Uncle : — . . . I keep my cavalry moving as much as possible. The infantry has little to do. The prisoners taken and deserters coming in all talk in a way that indicates great despondency in Dixie. If the movements of Rosecrans on Chattanooga, Burnside towards Cumberland Gap, and Gilmore at Charleston are reasonably successful, the RebeUion wUl be nearer its end by the middle of October than I have anticipated. A great contrast between the situation now and a year ago, when Lee was beating Pope out of the Valley and threatening Wash ington. Beat the peace men in your elections and the restora tion of the Union is sure to come in good time. . . . There will be no need of your going to Delaware or Columbus merely to get Lucy. If she goes to Fremont she will be able to travel without other escort than the boys. — Love to Mother. I enjoy her letters. Sincerely, S. Birchard. R, B. Hayes. MORGAN'S RAID AND MINOR OPERATIONS 431 Camp White, August 30, 1863. Dearest : — . . . These cold nights and autumn storms remind us of winter quarters. If we remain in this region I mean to have you with me if possible all winter, and I feel like beginning winter in good season. Already men are putting chimneys in their tents. A few weeks will probably settle the question as to where we shall spend the cold weather, and I shall send for you at the earliest possible moment. My little sorrel in a savage fit bit Carrington very severely yesterday. In one snap he cut ten large gashes, several of them to the bone, in the muscular part of the right arm between the shoulder and elbow. The bone is not broken, but he will be disabled for a month. He shook him as a rat is shaken by a terrier dog. Charley Smith and two others were looking on, and jumped in, or it is possible he would have been killed. As soon as he was taken out of his stall the sorrel was as good-natured as usual. I see it stated that very few are to be drafted in Ohio on this call. I am glad if it is really not necessary, although it would be pleasant to see our ranks full again. If we are not filled up we shall of course be mustered out of service at the end of our three years. — My love to all. Good-bye. Affectionately, ever your R. Mrs. Hayes. Camp White, September 4, 1863. Dearest: — Yours mailed 31st came last night. McKinley (the former sergeant), tearfully and emotionally drunk, has been boring me for the last half-hour with his blarney. He uttered a great many prayers for "madame and those little boys, God bless them." So, of course, I was civU to him. We are less and less likely to be moved from herei as the fall weather sets in. The change to cold weather was a most grate ful one in our hot camp. It takes the long cold rain-storms of November to make our camps put on their most cheerless aspect. 432 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES You inquire about Mrs. Comly and how we like her. She is an exceUent sweet young woman, and all who get acquainted with her like her. She is affable and approachable, but of course she can't make friends as you do. Your gifts are rare enough in that line. The colonel is not well. He is living too luxuriously 1 I would be glad enough to see you enjoying a faith as settled and satisfactory as that of Mrs. Davis, but really I think you are as cheerful and happy as she is, and that is what is to be sought, a cheerful and happy disposition. Tell the boys that Dick and Guinea are still fast friends. They travelled with us up into Dixie as far as Raleigh, and down into Ohio after Morgan. Dick has a battle with each new rooster which is brought to headquarters, and with the aid of Guinea, and perhaps a little from Frank or Billy, manages to remain "cock of the walk." . . . Love to all — girls and boys. Tell Fanny [Platt] if she ever gets time in her Yankee school to write to outsiders, I wish her to remember me. Affectionately ever, R. Mrs. Hayes, Columbus. September 3, 1863. 8 P. M. — Lieutenant Abbott, Sergeant Clark, Sergeant Stoner, and seventeen other Twenty-third men go into Dixie to destroy iron-works, bridges, etc., etc. A perilous task. Great hardships and exposures to be encountered. Good luck to them ! Headquarters ist Brigade, 30 Division, 8th Army Corps, Camp White, West Virginia, September 5, 1863. Editor Catholic Telegraph : — In the Catholic Telegraph of August 26, I am mentioned as the commander of the expedi tion to WytheviUe in which Captain Delany lost his life. This is an error. The expedition was planned by General Scammon MORGAN'S RAID AND MINOR OPERATIONS 433 and was under the command of Colonel Toland until he was kUled early in the action at Wytheville, when (Colonel Powell, the next officer in rank, having been disabled by a severe wound) the command devolved upon Lieutenant-Colonel Franklin of the Thirty-fourth Regiment, O. V. This daring enterprise was so ably conducted, not only in the advance and attack, but also in the retreat, that it is due both to the living and the dead that this correction should be made. Captain Delany was in the brigade under my command until temporarily detached for this dangerous service. Upon hearing of his death I sent the melan choly intelligence of the loss of this most gallant and meritorious officer to his friends in Cincinnati. It was no doubt in conse quence of this that the mistake of the Telegraph as to the leader ship of the Wytheville expedition occurred. Respectfully, R. B. Hayes, Colonel Commanding. Camp White, September 6, 1863. Dearest: — How wiH it suit you to come out here as soon as you have visited Fremont, say in two or three weeks ? I would like to have you here before the weather gets too bad. You can leave the boys with their grandmother somewhere and after it is known where we are to winter, I can send for Grandmother and the boys to come also. If we stay here, I will want to keep house for "you all" this winter. If we go too far into the bowels of the land for you to follow, you can return to Grandma and the boys after a suitable visit here. As things are now it would be very agreeable for you here. I prefer not to have the boys come out until it is quite certain they can stay. If you only staid a week or two, it would be worth while to come. If any change occurs to make it not desirable for you to come, I will write you. In the meantime I hope you wiU be able to cut your visits short so as to get here by the last week in this month, or sooner if convenient. I send you enclosed a letter from Mrs. Delany as one of the memorials to be kept with slips from the Catholic Telegraph. 28 434 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES I shall direct this to Columbus hoping however you have started for Fremont. — Love to all. Affectionately, your R. Mrs. Hayes, Columbus, Ohio. Camp White, September ii, 1863. Dearest : — Glad to get letters both from you and Mother last night. Bless the boys, how they must enjoy their first family visit to their new home ! I would be as happy as any of them to be there. We hear good news from Burnside in Tennessee. If true it makes it more desirable that you should come here soon. If he moves along the railroad into southwestern Virginia, we are likely to push forward to cooperate, in which case we shall probably get too far into Dixie for our families to winter with us. I will notify you if anything occurs to make it imprudent for you to be here a couple of weeks hence. This is the month in which the Rebels can come into the valley with the least dif ficulty on the score of supplies, but I don't think they will come. If there is a probability of it, I will telegraph Uncle Scott in time to stop your coming, or have Captain Zimmerman stop you at Gallipolis. I do not decide against the boys coming, but as you wiH be compelled to come to GaHipolis by railroad and stage (steamers don't run on the Ohio now) and will perhaps only remain a fortnight or so, it will perhaps be as well not to bring them. If after you reach here it turns out that we shaH winter in the vaHey, I shaH send for Mother Webb and all the boys and keep house, or you can go back after them. In that case you can rent the house, or if you prefer to winter at Fremont or in ChiHicothe, in case you can't do so here, you may rent the house at once. My reason for wanting you to come here as soon as you are through visiting at Fremont, is, that perhaps we shall be ordered forward as soon as east Tennessee is firmly in our possession. MORGAN'S RAID AND MINOR OPERATIONS 435 I think, however, the chances are in favor of our wintering on the Kanawha. Get me a lot of silk handkerchiefs and about three or four pair stockings, not very heavy, but so-so. You can get them at Fremont and do it before you forget. Mrs. Comly is greatly pleased with the prospect of your com ing so soon. Mrs. Ellen is expected soon. She is supposed to be on some sandbar between here and Cincinnati on the Ohio, praying for a rise of water. Mrs. Barrett is the only other officer's wife now here and she talks of going home in a fort night. . . . Let me know by telegraph when you will be at Gallipolis and the doctor or some one will come there after you. Since writing we have further news of gratifying successes in east Tennessee. If all continues to go well there, it increases the chances of a forward movement here, and furnishes addi tional reason for you to come on soon before it is too late. — Love to all. Affectionately, R. P. S. — You may get me a good pair of gloves — citizens', not gauntlets — warm. Mrs. Hayes, Fremont, Ohio. September 13. — Sunday a year ago was the 14th. South Mountain and its losses and glories. How the sadness for the former fades and the satisfaction with the latter grows! General Burnside has east Tennessee. Knoxville ours; Cum berland Gap taken, and our forces on the railroad nearly to Bristol. KnoxvUle to Bristol one hundred and thirty miles; Bristol to depot at bridge one hundred and seven ; total two him- dred and thirty-seven. Charleston to bridge one htmdred and sixty-six. 486 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES September 20. — Abbott and party returned. Found the moun- tams filled with deserters and refugees, the roads and paths patrolled by Rebel soldiers in pursuit of them. Food scarce; returned in consequence of difficulty of getting food and the great number patrolling all routes. Many very desperate gangs of Union men in the mountains. September 21, P. M. — "Rosecrans [at Chickamauga] has been badly beaten" 1 Such is the shock the dispatch gives us this evening. After months of success one of our great armies is de feated. A concentration of Rebel armies has overwhelmed our noble Army of the Cumberland. How these blows strike my heart! I had just read a joyous dispatch from "L. W. H.", "BUly Rogers has a baby." But nerve ourselves, we must. We shall recover from the blow. I have thought over it and feel easier. I suffer from these blows more than I did from the loss of my sweet little boy. But I suffer less now than I did from Bull Run, or even Fredericks burg. Can Rosecrans hold Chattanooga? Has he lost his army? Will he be driven across the Tennessee? He ought to have stopped his campaign with the capture of Chattanooga, fortified the place, and awaited events. Easy to say so now, but im possible before, I suppose. Jim McKell, Lieutenant Nelson, Colonel Mitchell (Laura's husband), aU with Resecrans. Anx ious hearts at home. September 23. — News better. Rosecrans defeated but not badly. Enemy probably suffered too much to take advantage of their victory. Gallipolis, September 24, [1863]. Dear Uncle : — Lucy arrived here safely last night. We shall go up the Kanawha tomorrow. I hope that Rosecrans will be able to hold Chattanooga after all. If he does, this struggle wiH be a most serious disaster to the Confederacy, even if they have gained the battle, as a mere military result. I hope Birchie wiH not give you trouble. It gratifies me to MORGAN'S RAID AND MINOR OPERATIONS 487 hear that he can chop so well, and that he is learning the names of the trees. Sincerely, R. B. Hayes. S. Birchard. Camp White, West Virginia, September 28, 1863. Dear Mother: — . . . Your letter from Delaware dated the 20th came this morning. I am glad you are safely back to Mrs. Wasson's pleasant home. I always feel uneasy when you have a journey before you. Lucy left Webb and Ruddy with their Grandmother Webb at Mrs. Boggs'. Birch went with Uncle back to Fremont. I am in no hurry about having my boys learn to write. I would much prefer they would lay up a stock of health by knocking around in the country than to hear that they were the best scholars of their age in Ohio. I am glad to see that Laura's husband has distinguished him self in the recent great battle and has escaped without injury. His good fortune will be gratifying intelligence at Columbus. Lucy is in camp with me. Mrs. Comly (late Libby Smith) and Dr. Barrett's wife are also in camp and make a pleasant little circle. She sends love. — Remember me to Sophia and Mrs. Wasson. Affectionately, your son, R. Mrs. Sophia Hayes. September 30, [1863]. — Today I explained to the Twenty- third Order Number 191 respecting the re-enlistment of veteran volunteers. I told them I would not urge them to re-enlist ; that my opinion was that the war would end soon after the inaugura tion of a new President or of Lincoln for a second term, say within one year after the expiration of their present term, i. e., June 1865, unless foreign nations intervened, in which case they would all expect to fight again. About sixty re-enlisted. 438 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES Camp White, West Virginia, October 2, 1863. My dear Son : — I received a letter today from Uncle Birch ard. He says you appear to be very happy learning to chop and work, and that you are helping Allen. Your mother tells me, too, that you have learned the names of a good many trees, and that you know them when you see them. I am very glad to hear so much good of you. It is an excellent thing to know how to work — to ride and drive and how to feed and hitch up a team. I expect you will know more about trees than I do. I did not learn about them when I was a little boy and so do not now know much about such things. There are a great many things that are learned very easily when we are young, but which it is hard to learn after we are grown. I want you to learn as many of such things now as you can, and when you are a man you will be able to enjoy and use your knowledge in many ways. Your mother took a ride on Lieutenant McKinley's horse this morning, and enjoyed herself very much. Uncle Joe has a big owl, such a one as Lucy saw at Uncle Birchard's. A corporal in Company E shot its wing off, so it couldn't escape. It snaps its beak very fiercely when we poke sticks at it. The band boys have a 'possum and there is a pet bear and deer. I think Uncle Birchard will find a way to stop his chimney from smoking. If he doesn't, you must teU him to build camp- fires in front of his house as we do here. We find them very pleasant. I am sure you will be a good boy and I hope you will be very happy. Your affectionate father, R. B. Hayes. Birchard A. Hayes, Fremont, Ohio. October 7. — A rain a few days ago gave us a rise of two or three feet in the Kanawha River. It is faHing again, but is rain ing today again with prospects of water. MORGAN'S RAID AND MINOR OPERATIONS 439 Another order to give no passes and take up all old ones. Funny business, this pass business. "Finds something still for idle hands to do." Camp White, October 7, 1863. Dear Uncle : — I am very glad to hear that you are having so little trouble with Birchie. He is of an affectionate disposition, conscientious and truthful. His natural sense of duty is, I think, unusually strong. ... I much prefer that he should work or ride or hunt in the open air than read in the house or go to school. I do not care if he is far behind other boys of his age in what is taught in schools. If he has health enough to become a scholar or prepare himself for a learned profession at sixteen, he wiU have enough time to do it then. If he hasn't a constitution that will bear a sedentary life, there is more reason for trying to build it up now by work and exercise in the open air. Lucy is well and enjoys our camp life as well as she could be expected to do away from her boys. In about a week from now I shall probably be able to settle the question as to our winter quarters and as to whether it wUl be worth while to send for the boys. It looks as if the coming winter would be one of active operations, and if so any plan I may form is likely to be inter rupted before spring. Indeed, is liable to be interrupted at any time. In any event, I think we shall stay here watching the gaps in front of us for six or eight weeks longer. After that I think a somewhat smaller force will suffice to defend this region, and we may be sent elsewhere. I think there is no danger of our being seriously disturbed here. . . . Sincerely, R. B. Hayes. S. Birchard. Camp White, October 10, 1863. Dear Mother: — I have just received your good long letter from Delaware on [of] the 3d. . . . There was no time for Lucy to stop at Delaware on her way here. We were likely 440 RUTHERFORD EIRCHARD HAYES to be sent South immediately after the battle in Georgia, and I telegraphed her to come at once if she wished to see me. Our going was not ordered as expected, and now we are more likely to go to Ohio to recruit this winter than South. The Twenty- third was the first original three-year regiment and its time will be out in a few months. The men are re-enlisting for another three years and there is a fair prospect of continuing the regi ment if we can get a little while at home this winter. In the present uncertainty as to our winter campaign, I can make no arrangements for my family. In the meantime Lucy is enjoying a visit here. We have a number of agreeable ladies in camp, and are making pleasant acquaintances among the citi zens. Charleston was a fine town before the war, and had a very cultivated society. The war broke it up, but now the town is gaining again and will ultimately recover its former prosperity. Give my love to friends. Affectionately, R. Mrs. Sophia Hayes. October 13, [1863]. — No rise of water on account of the rain of the 7th. — A fine time, election day ( 13th) . The Twenty-third — five hundred and fourteen — unanimous for Brough. I went to bed like a Christian at 9 P. M. McKinley waked me at eleven with the first news — aH good and conclusive. My brigade unanimous for Brough; Twelfth Regiment, ditto. A few traitors in [the] Thirty-fourth. McMuHen's Battery, one for VaUandig- ham. State forty or fifty thousand on home vote. A victory equal to a triumph of arms in an important battle. It shows persistent determination, willingness to pay taxes, to wait, to be patient. Camp White, October 19, 1863. Dear Uncle: — You are a prophet. Brough's majority is "glorious to behold." It is worth a big victory in the field. It is decisive as to the disposition of the people to prosecute the war MORGAN'S RAID AND MINOR OPERATIONS 441 to the end. My regiment and brigade were both tmanimous for Brough. Lucy wUl go to ChiHicothe and home this week. She will fix up matters, gather the chickens, and return in two or three weeks, if all things look well, for the winter. She will, in that case, rent the house in Cincinnati. Love to Birch. Sincerely, R. B. Hayes. S. Birchard. October 21. — General Duffie with about one thousand men, cavalry, and two guns of Simmonds' off last night ; supposed to be after the railroad bridge again. Lee followed Meade until he was near the defenses of Wash ington, when Lee is reported retiring again. Camp White, October 21, 1863. Dear Uncle: — I received yours of the 17th this morning; also one from mother of the i6th. Lucy left for home this morn ing with Dr. Joe. She will rent our house in Cincinnati, and re turn with our family two or three weeks hence, if things remain as now. I gave her a letter to send for the pony, as well as Birch, if agreeable to you. I am now entitled to two more horses than I am keeping, and if we remain here, would like the pony both for Birch and myself. I find little horses, if they are stout, much better for the mountains. My sorrell stallion I want to sell, because he is troublesome sometimes. He is a beauty and good stock; worth two hundred or three hundred dollars. Sincerely, R. B. Hayes. S. Birchard. Camp White, West Virginia, October 21, 1863. Dear Mother : — I received your letter of the 17th this morn ing. Our soldiers rejoice over the result of the Ohio election as 442 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES much or more than the good people at home. They felt afraid last winter that the people were getting disheartened and that there was danger that the war would be abandoned just as we were about to succeed. They saw, too, how much the Rebels were encouraged by our divisions in the North. The men of my regiment and my brigade were both unanimous for the Union ticket. The brigade cast over eight hundred votes all one way. I have seen no account of any equal body of troops who did as well. . . . It is very uncertain what our movements this winter wUl be, but I think I shall be able to come and see you by midwinter. The time of mustering out my regiment is approaching and we shall perhaps be sent home to recruit. At any rate I think I shall see you this winter. — Love to all. Affectionately, R. B. Hayes. Mrs. Sophia Hayes. Camp White, October 25, (Sunday), 1863. Dear Mother : — I received your letter of the 19th last eve ning. We have been very busy here the last week, worrying the Rebels in our front to prevent their sending reinforcing the Rebels who are opposing General Burnside, and getting ready for apprehended attacks from them. It is now quiet again and the rain and snow in the mountains are fortifications getting stronger every day. We are not allowed to buUd winter quarters yet, but the men are fixing up all sorts of shelters and fireplaces to find comfort these cold nights. I heard from Lucy after she was well on her way to Chilli cothe. ... I think it almost certain that she will come back to stay in a fortnight or so. I hope you wiU stand the cold winter well. — Love to aU. Affectionately, your son, Rutherford. Mrs. Sophia Hayes. MORGAN'S RAID AND MINOR OPERATIONS 443 Charleston, October 30, 1863. Dearest : — General Kelley was here and reviewed the troops on Wednesday. General Duffie's review was a beautiful and in teresting sight. Generals Kelley, Scammon, and Duffie with their staffs have gone to Fayette — Miss Scammon, Miss Jones and Miss Smith with them. I am now in command of their troops here pro tern., and Avery and I run the machine on the town side. We have got the regiment and brigade tents on stockade for winter weather. They look well and will be comfortable. Mrs. Comly is in the house, and Mrs. Graves wiH vacate the rest in a day or two. It now looks favorably for our family arrange ments to be carried out as we planned them. Can tell certainly after General Kelley leaves. Uncle is so urgent for Birtie's staying longer with him that I wish to consent unless you are very anxious to the contrary. Birch says he would like to see us all but prefers to stay longer at Fremont. — Love to all. Affectionately, Mrs. Hayes. R. B. Hayes. October 31. — On the 28th General Kelley reviewed the Third Brigade, [and] General Duffie's cavalry. A beautiful day; a fine spectacle. I had only nine companies of the Twenty-third here — a small affair. General Kelley is a gentlemanly man of fifty to sixty ; not an educated man — nothing particularly noticeable about him. [The] 29th, the three generals with their young ladies, Miss Jones, Miss Scammon, and Miss Smith and staffs went to Fayette. I [am] left in command here at Charleston. [The] 29th, got into new quarters — wall-tents on boards. Camp White, (Sunday), November i, 1863. Dear Mother: — It is a lovely morning. I have just got into new quarters, two tents together on a stockade, making two good little rooms with a coal stove. As cozy as need be. . . . We had preaching in our camp last Sunday by the chaplain of 444 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES the Thirty-fourth, Mr. Collier, a rather entertaining speaker, and have been promised meetings every other Sunday hereafter. It is so unusual a thing that the novelty makes it attractive, if there were nothing else to recommend it. . . . Affectionately, your son, Rutherford. Mrs. Sophia Hayes. November 3, 1863. — A warm fall evening. How I am moved as I read the letter below. My own dear boys, and my feelings towards the soldiers who are kind to them; Willie too — the name of sister Fanny's lost boy. Oh, and my dear sister too. How many will love General Sherman for that letter who would never care for any laurels he might earn in battle. [Pasted in the Diary is a copy of General Sherman's famous letter to Captain C. C. Smith of the Thirteenth Regulars, thank ing the regiment — in which his little son WUlie had fancied him self a sergeant — for the "kind behavior" of its officers and soldiers to his "poor child." "Please convey to the battalion," the letter says in conclusion, "my heartfelt thanks, and assure each and all that if in after years they caU on me or mine, and mention that they were of the Thirteenth Regulars, when poor Willy was a sergeant, they will have a key to the affections of my family that will open all it has, that we wiU share with them our last blanket, our last crust."] November 7, [1863]. — I am asked if I would not be gratified if my friends would procure me promotion to a brigadier-general ship. My feeling is that I would rather be one of the good col onels than one of the poor generals. The colonel of a regiment has one of the most agreeable positions in the service, and one of the most useful. "A good colonel makes a good regiment," is an axiom. Two things make me sometimes think it desirable to have the promotion, viz., the risk of having a stupid brigadier put over me, and the difficulty and uncertainty of keeping up my regiment — that is the risk of losing my colonelcy. MORGAN'S RAID AND MINOR OPERATIONS 445 Camp White, November 8, 1863. Dear Uncle: — I received your letter of the 4th last night. Very glad to hear Birch is still contented. The tool-chest would just hit his fancy. He ought to learn the use of tools, but I don't imagine he has any mechanical turn. The only decent thing I could ever make was a bow, and that was rather from a knowl edge of the best material than from any skill in whittling. . . . Stormy weather here. A large part of our forces is out after a fight with a considerable Rebel force in the mountains. We are anxiously waiting the result. Only two companies of my im mediate command is [are] out. This probably the last of our campaigning in this quarter for a season. Sincerely, R. B. Hayes. S. Birchard. November 9. — The ground is white with snow for the first time this year. Drs. Mussey and Blaney caHed Saturday. It is intimated that there will be difficulty, or is danger of difficulty, on account of Dr. Webb's long absence. November 21. Saturday. — Went to Gallipolis to meet the family, — Lucy, Webb, and Rud with Grandma Webb. 23. — Lucy and I came up on the Viola. 26. — Thanksgiving Day. Reports of fighting at Knoxville, Chattanooga, and with Lee. If the result is generally favorable, we shall see daylight plainer than ever; if otherwise, darkness again but not so "visible" as before. December 3, [1863]. — The recent victory of Grant near Chat tanooga seems to be very complete. We have not heard from Burnside, besieged in Knoxville by Longstreet, since the 24th or 25th. We have some apprehensions, but hope that he has been relieved by Grant's success. Meade has pushed into the heart of eastern Virginia after Lee. I fear the result. The Army of the Potomac has been as unlucky on Virginia soil as the army of Lee on our soil. 446 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES Company B left today for home, over three-fourths, fifty-four, having enlisted as veteran volunteers. Companies A, E, and F are likely to f oUow suit. Camp White, December 3, 1863. Dear Mother: — We are all here living very comfortably. Webb and Ruddy are learning lessons daily. Webb is a little backward and hates books. The other little fellow is like Birch and takes to larnin'." Lucy writes very few letters to anybody and avoids it when she can. She finds a sympathizing friend on this subject in Mrs. Comly, who dislikes it equally. When I am with Lucy, I do the writing. We are likely to be engaged in pretty active operations here this winter. We are doing all that the weather allows, and have been pretty lucky so far. It will not surprise me if we have some rather severe fighting. My regiment is re-enlisting daily. There is no doubt that it will be reorganized for three years more before the winter is over. There is a general disposition with officers and men to see the end of the war in the field, if our lives and health are spared. Your letter mailed 30th came last night. Quick time! — My love to all. Affectionately, your son, R. Mrs. Sophia Hayes. Camp White, December 4, 1863. Dear Uncle : — Lucy and I have considered your bulletin an nouncing your determination to hold Birch. I now write to give you fair warning that the Twenty-third has re-enlisted for the war. We are entitled therefore under a late order to be fur- loughed in a body. One company has gone to Ohio already, and more are preparing to go as soon as the situation here wUl allow. Now, if you want war we can give it to you. I can take com- MORGAN'S RAID AND MINOR OPERATIONS 447 panics enough of veteran volunteers to recapture our boy. So be on your guard. We are threatened with a Rebel invasion again. If they don't come after us it looks now as if we should go after them. When this is over our men will generally go home, and I am pretty likely to go also. About the last of this month or early in January if matters go well I shall probably visit you. All well here. Let Birch write to his Grandma Hayes as often as he is dis posed to write at all. She is very much pleased with his letters. — Good-bye. R. B. Hayes. S. Birchard. [December i8, 1863]. — December 8. Started P. M. for Gauley (a campaign to Lewisburg). Avery, Mather, McKinley, Dr. Webb ; one hundred men under Captain Warren of Twenty- third, whole of Fifth Virginia under Colonel Tomlinson, Ninety- first and Twelfth of Colonel White's brigade. General Duffie's Cavalry, General Scammon and staff, to co-operate with General Averell in an attack on the railroad at Salem. Stopped at Clark Wyeth's, five miles above Piatt, evening of 9th [8th]. 9th to Gauley Bridge at Mrs. Hale's, Warren and Twenty-third — twenty-six and one-half miles. loth, nineteen miles to Lookout (Mrs. Jones's), nth, twenty-two mUes to Hickman's. 12th, twenty-three mUes to Lewisburg, to Mrs. Bell's. 13th, return thirteen miles to Jesse Thompson's, where my pistol was stolen by young ladies ; got it back by threat of sending father and mother to Camp Chase. 14th, three miles to Meadow Bluff. Stopped with Sharp. 15th, at Meadow Bluff. i6th, returned twenty- seven miles to Mrs. Jones'. 17th, to Gauley, Loup Creek, and steamer Viola to Charleston. — A good trip for the season. What of Averell? December 30, [1863]. — Eleven years ago married. Lucy and I talked of it and lived it over on this eleventh anniversary. A happy day. 448 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES [In the] evening, spoke to the men again about re-enlisting as veterans. I want three-fourths of the present. We have two hundred and fifty-five. Our present total five hundred ; of these we deduct officers twenty-five, invalids fifteen, recruits having more than one year to serve seventy-five — total one hundred and fifteen, [leaving] three hundred and eighty-five. Three-fourths [would be] two hundred and eighty-eight. CHAPTER XXIII WINTER RECRUITING ADVANCE AND RETREAT CLOYD^S MOUNTAIN LEXINGTON — WESTERN MARY LAND JANUARY-JULY 1864 Camp White, January i, 1864. Dear Uncle : — . . . This is New Year's day. Bright but very cold and windy. My regiment has re-enlisted and a majority of the men and part of the officers have gone home. I expect to go to Ohio towards the last of this month. Sincerely, S. Birchard. R. B. Hayes. January 3, 1864. — Last day of bounties. Got about three hundred veterans. The Twenty-third may now be counted as a veteran regiment. Very absurd in Congress repealing bounties. Camp White, January 17, 1864. Dear Mother : — We are all very well and have enjoyed the cold snap. We had good sleighing about ten days. The river was closed, cutting us off completely from the civilized world. Provisions were pretty plenty, however, and we felt independent of the weather. It is not quite certain yet when I can get off. I hope to do so by the last of this month. Lucy will come with me. We shall go first to Cleveland where some of our veterans are recruiting; from there to Fremont, thence to Delaware and Columbus, and return by the way of Cincinnati. . Affectionately, your son, R. Mrs. Sophia Hayes. 29 (448) 450 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES Monday, [January] i8. P. M. — Raining the first time this month. New Year's Eve change came about midnight. January 1 cold and windy, "very, very indeed"; snow about [the] 3rd. Two weeks of unusual cold weather. Kanawha frozen ; naviga tion suspended about a week; a week's good sleighing. Now a thaw for a few days; snow going off. Captain Gilmore out after Rebel Colonel Ferguson, Sixteenth Virginia Cavalry; fourth day out. Camp White, January 24, 1864. Dear Uncle : — The extension of the bounties and postpone ment of the draft will postpone my visit home a week or two. I shall not leave here probably before the second week in February. We are all very weU. It is very lonesome here now. AU the Twenty-third company officers but four or five are at home, half of the men, besides a good many of all other organizations hereabouts. Recruiting seems to be progressing favorably. 1 trust we shall have stronger and more efficient armies in the field this spring than ever before. I think it likely that the Rebels with their unsparing conscription of young and old will for a time outnumber us again. But a few weeks' campaigning will send to the rear the old men and boys in vast numbers. I am growing anxious to see Birch and his mother talks of him constantly. Sincerely, S. Birchard. R. B. Hayes. January 26, 1864. — Another large squad of veterans and the most of the remaining officers left for Ohio yesterday. Re cruiting seems to be active in Ohio. I think we shall get our share.* *A Columbus dispatch of February 14, in the Cincinnati Gazette, had this paragraph: — "It has been ascertained at the muster-in office, that the Twenty-third Ohio, Colonel R. B. Hayes, Department of West Virginia, was the first regiment from this State to enlist as veterans. Several regiments have claimed that honor." WINTER RECRUITING — 1864 451 Plan of spring campaign from Kanawha Valley. — Ten or fifteen thousand men can move from the head of navigation on the Kanawha River (Loup Creek) via Fayette, Raleigh, Flat Top, and Princeton to the Virginia and Tennessee Railroad be tween New River and Wytheville, a distance of one hundred and thirty-nine miles, in a week or ten days; spend a week on the railroad destroying New River Bridge and the track for twenty-five mUes; return to Loup Creek in one week more and be carried in steamers into the Ohio, and thence East or South for other operations. One week is time enough to convey such a force to Loup Creek from the Potomac or the West. The roads and weather will ordinarily allow such a column to move April 20. Supplies and transportation should be provided at Fayette during February and March. The utmost secrecy should be observed so that the first information the Rebels would have would be the approach of the force. Such a destruction of the railroad would effectually cut the communications of Longstreet and Jones in east Tennessee and compel him [the enemy] to abandon that country. The Rebels could not reconstruct the railroad during the next campaign. It would perhaps compel the evacuation of Richmond. Camp White, February 7, 1864. Dear Uncle: — The capture of General Scammon and two of his staff, will postpone my coming a few days, only a few days, I hope. I must be cautious what I say, but to you I can write that his capture is the greatest joke of the war. It was sheer carelessness, bad luck, and accident. It took a good many chances, all lost, to bring it about. Everybody laughs when he is alone, and veiy intimate friends laugh in concert when together. General Scammon's great point was his caution. He bored us all terribly with his extreme vigilance. The great est military crime in his eyes was a surprise. Here he is caught in the greenest and most inexcusable way. We shall come, I think, in a week or so via Cleveland. Sincerely yours, S. Birchard. R. B. Hayes. 452 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES Columbus, February 29, 1864. Dear Mother : — We are having a pleasant visit. The new Mrs. Platt we like weU. Her presence wUl be a good thing for the little folks and Laura receives and treats her in a very sensible and happy way. I go to Cincinnati tomorrow or day after, and early next week leave for the Kanawha. Affectionately, Rutherford. Mrs. Sophia Hayes. Camp White, March 11, 1864. Dear Uncle : — Home again with Lucy and all the boys — weU and happy. Birch did not meet his brothers until he saw them here last night. Three happier boys I never saw. They are all very well. — Love to all. Sincerely, R. B. Hayes. S. Birchard. Camp White, March 26, 1864. Dear Mother: — We are now having a cold rain-storm, but are aU well. There is considerable sickness among our new recruits of the usual sort — measles, mumps, and a little small pox and fever. Nothing very serious so far, and as the weather gets warmer we hope to get clear of it altogether. Mrs. Ellen, a nice lady, wife of our quartermaster, is teaching the two smaller boys regularly and speaks very encouragingly of her scholars. Lucy schools the larger boy with a young soldier who is a good deal older than Birch, but not so far ad vanced. . I hope you will get through the raw weather of spring with out serious iUness. — Love to all. Affectionately, your son, R. Mrs. Sophia, Hayes. WINTER RECRUITING — 1864 453 Camp White, April 3, 1864. Dear Uncle : — . . . I have spent the last week visiting the five posts between here and Sandy occupied by my men. We are picking up a good many Rebels in small squads. Things look like active operations here as everywhere else, but nothing definite yet. Sincerely, R. B. Hayes. S. Birchard. Camp White, April 9, 1864. Dear Mother: — It is wet and stormy weather, but we are aU safely sheltered and care nothing for wind or rain. I am very glad you can write so cheerfully as you did in your last letter. If you could see what I see every day you would think the people of the North were blessed indeed. I feel con fident that we are more than half through with the work of crushing [the] Rebellion. I send you this time the writing of my grandfather [about his ancestors]. It will interest you a great deal. I would be glad if you would preserve it or send it to Uncle Birchard for him to keep for me. I wish you would write me a similar account of your ancestors. Mrs. Wasson's excellent memory of dates and names may aid you. Affectionately, your son, Rutherford. Mrs. Sophia Hayes. Camp White, April 20, 1864. Dear Uncle : — It now seems certain that we are to take an active part in the summer's campaign. We expect to see some of the severe fighting. The Rebel troops in our front are as good as any, and we shall attempt to push them away. My brig ade is three large regiments of infantry, containing a good many new recruits. They have been too much scattered (at ten or twelve places) to be properly drUled and disciplined. StiH we have some of the best men in service. Of course, if they should 454 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES break or falter in action, I will be a good deal exposed, otherwise, not so much as heretofore. Still I have no misgivings on my own account, and even if I had, you know my views of such things well enough to know that it would not disturb me much. Lucy and the boys will soon go to Chillicothe to stay in that vicinity with or near her relatives. Birch would like to go to Fremont, if his mother could go with him. Sincerely, R. B. Hayes. S. Birchard. Camp White, April 24, 1864. Dear Mother: — We are very busy, and of course happy getting ready for campaigning. General Averell is here and large additions are daily arriving to our force. The Thirty- sixth Ohio is at present added to my command, I hope per manently. Lucy and the other ladies are preparing to go to Ohio. The weather is favorable and everything is cheering and full of life. . . . Your affectionate son, R. Mrs. Sophia Hayes. April 26, 1864. — All things point to early action. [The] Thirty-sixth Ohio came up and entered our camp yesterday morning; now below us. The enlisted men gave General Crook a seven-hundred-dollar sword on our parade this morning. Avery, a major, on his way to Annapolis with the Sixtieth. Glad he is getting his deserts; sorry to lose him. I hope the Thirty-sixth is to be with us. General Duffie and others dined with me today. All talked action. Camp Reynolds, near Gauley Bridge, May i, 1864. Dear Mother: — We have been marching now three days. We have a considerable force and are setting out on a campaign. ADVANCE AND RETREAT — 1864 455 We expect our full share of active service. We are under the immediate command of General [George] Crook. We all feel great confidence in his skill and good judgment. General AveriU is also with us in command of the cavalry. I have the First Brigade of Infantry, consisting of [the] Twenty-third and Thirty-sixth Ohio, Fifth and Thirteenth Virginia Volunteers. The last named is not yet with us. Lucy and the boys left on a steamboat at the same time I did. You wUl perhaps not hear from me often for a while. — Good bye. Your affectionate son, R. Mrs. Sophia Hayes. Camp Reynolds, May i, [1864]. 12 M. Dearest: — I am in the old log cabin at a desk where our bed stood. The troops are on the hill overlooking the Falls. The Fifth has gone to Tompkins Farm. I write you merely to finish the good-bye so hastily spoken on the steamboat. Your visit has been the greatest possible happiness to me. I carry with me the pleasantest recollections of you dear ones all. Good bye. Affectionately, R. Mrs. Hayes. May 2. — March at 6 A. M. to FayetteviHe. Reached camp on Raleigh road in a cold driving rain at i P. M. Camped on wet ground in snow. A rough opening of our campaign. Fifth and Seventh [Virginia Cavalry], six hundred men, [under] Major Slack, attached to [the] First Brigade. [The] Thirty-fourth [Ohio], Major Fumey, two hundred and seventy men, ditto. — Twelve miles. ^ay 3, Tuesday. — Marched to Blake's, thirteen miles. Called with Colonel White on Colonel Sickles. Get an order from divi sion headquarters regulating halts. General Crook orders, "No 456 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES raUs to be burned." Hard to enforce but am doing my best. The Thirty-sixth obey promptly. Others grumble. General Crook is testing our discipline! May 4, Wednesday. — Marched 5 :3o A. M. from Blake's to Prince's, fifteen miles; Third Brigade, Colonel Sickles, in ad vance. Fine, bright weather. Soldiers call out to General Beck ley: "Now bring on your mUitia!" A laugh rings out. May 3, Thursday. — From Prince's to Camp Creek, twenty- five miles. Road blocked by chopping trees. Cleared by thirty or forty of our axemen as fast as the column needed to pass. We led off reaching Flat Top at 11 o'clock A. M. May 6. Friday. — To Princeton sixteen miles. Very hot and dusty. Enemy left yesterday evening except a small camp guard. Camps and baggage of officers all left; apparently de ceived by our manoeuvres or [they] trusted too much to the blockade. General Crook's strategy has succeeded perfectly in deceiving the Rebels. Main force [under] Colonel McCausland, said to have gone to meet us towards Lewisburg. Rebels had begun pretty extensive and well-constructed works. We burn their camps. Foolish business to entrench this point at this stage of the game. In green sods on the parapet was the name "Fort Breckinridge." Our boys changed it to "Fort Crook." May 7. — A hard day's march. Left Princeton at 4 A. M., crossed East River Mountain and passed through Rocky Gap. To cross roads nine mUes, to Gap, eighteen — a twenty-mile march. May 8. Sunday. — Rocky Gap to Poplar Hill (Sharmon's), twenty-four miles. — Ten from Giles; ten and one-half from Dublin. Rebels probably ahead of us getting ready. May 9. ' — Battle of Cloyd's Mountain, or as Rebs call it "Cloyd Farm." Lasted one hour and a half. The Twenty-third and Thirty-sixth, under the immediate direction of General Crook, charged across a meadow three hundred yards wide, sprang into a ditch and up a steep wooded hill to Rebel breast works, carried them quickly but with a heavy loss. Captain ADVANCE AND RETREAT — 1864 457 Hunter killed. Lieutenant Seaman ditto. Abbott's left arm shattered. Rice a flesh wound. Eighteen killed outright; about one hundred wounded — many mortally. This in [the] Twenty- third. [The] Thirty-sixth less, as the Twenty-third led the column. Entered Dublin Depot, ten and one-half miles, about 6:30 P. M. A fine victory. Took some prisoners, about three hundred, [and] five pieces [of] artillery, many stores, etc., etc. A fine country ; plenty of forage. My loss, two hundred and fifty [men]. Tuesday, [May] 10. — Went to New River Bridge. They shelled the woods filled with our men killing three or four. A fine artillery duel between our guns on the high ground on the west side of the river, theirs on the east. The Rebel effort was to keep our men from firing the bridge. It was soon done. A fine scene it was, my band playing and all the regiments marched on to the beautiful hiUs hurrahing and enjoyed the triumph. Marched thence to Pepper's Ferry and spent the afternoon and night fording and ferrying the river. Sixteen miles. Wednesday, [May] 11. — To Blacksburg, nine miles, through a finely cultivated country ; constant pursuit of mounted videttes. We caught Colonel Linkus, formerly of [the] Thirty-sixth [Vir ginia], as he was leaving town. Camped about 2 P. M. on a fine slope in a fierce rain-storm. No comfort. I protect all the property in my vicinity. I take food and forage and burn rails, but all pillaging and plundering my brigade is clear from. I can't say as much for the Pennsylvania regiments. Third and Fourth, etc. Their conduct is most dis graceful. An officer may be excused for an occasional outrage by some villain in his command, but this infamous and universal plundering ought to dispose of shoulder-straps. Camped on Amos' farm — engaged in the Rebellion. Thursday, 12. — A most disagreeable rainy day. Mud and roads horrible. Marched from Blacksburg to Salt Pond Moun tain. My brigade had charge of the train. I acted as wagon- master ; a long train to keep up. Rode all day in mud and rain back and forth. Met "Mudwall" Jackson and fifteen hundred 458 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES [men] — a poor force that lit out rapidly from near Newport. Got to camp — no tents — [at] midnight. Mud; slept on wet ground without blankets. A horrible day, one of the worst of all my experience. Fifteen miles. Friday, 13. — From Salt Pond Mountain to Peters Mountain. A cold rainy morning. Afternoon, weather good. Bivouacked on east side of Peters Mountain very early. Sun and rest make aU happy. Caught a Rebel train and a cannon at the foot of the hill. [At] 3 P M. ordered to cross Peters Mountain to get forage for animals. A good little march — fifteen miles. Bivouacked at foot of Peters Mountain northeast side. Monroe County, in Bivouac, May 13, 1864. Dearest : — We are all right so far. Burned New River Bridge, etc., etc. A most successful campaign. The victory of Cloyd's Mountain was complete. The Twenty-third and Thirty- sixth and part of Thirty-fourth fought under me. All behaved well. The Twenty-third led the charge over an open meadow to the enemy's works and carried them with a will. It cost us one hundred and twenty killed and wounded. . . . This is our best fight. [The] Twenty-third captured two cannon and other trophies. General Jenkins and other officers and men captured. ¦ — Love to all. H. Mrs. Hayes. Saturday, 14. — .A rainy night. No march this A. M. Ser geant Ogden here wounded twice — not dangerously. Given by Captain Hastings a pair of spurs from Cloyd's Mountain said to have been worn by General Jenkins. 12 M. Ordered to march. [The] Fifth and Seventh Vir ginia dismounted men report to me under Major Slade; Captain Reynolds, quartermaster. P. M. Marched in a driving rain over execrable roads to near Salt Sulphur Springs, three or four miles south of Union. The ADVANCE AND RETREAT — 1864 459 question is. Can the train pass over such roads? — six mUes. Out of grub; live off of the country. General Averell and his cavalry a faUure. May 13. Sunday. — Marched four miles from south of Salt Sulphur Springs to north of Union — a beautiful grazing coun try. Salt Sulphur a pleasure resort in good condition; Union a fine vUlage. A bushwhacker killed by [the] Thirty-sixth. Slept last night on the ground ; rained all night ; roads still worse. Slept well. Greenbrier River reported unfordable. Starvation only to be kept off by energetic and systematic foraging. Gen eral Crook anxious; works himself like a Turk. Four men of Company F, who went out foraging at Blacks burg, reported to have been seen dead on the road. They went out foolishly unarmed. Washed, shirted, and cleaned up. Memoranda. I. A better pioneer party. 2. A provost guard to look after stragglers, prevent plunder ing, etc. 3. A better arrangement for sick and wounded. 4. A guard to feed and keep prisoners. We have now been fifteen days away from all news except of our own successful movements. We have here two hundred and fifty Rebel prisoners of [the] Thirty-sixth, Forty-fifth, Sixtieth Virginia, etc. They are well- behaved, civil fellows ; have had very little to eat for some days. We are trying to feed them. A good Secesh mother is now feeding some of them. May 16. Monday. — Ordered to march at 8 A. M. on road to Alderson's Ferry. We guard the trains. Before trains [were] all out. General Averell requests that I detain one regiment; his pickets fired on or approached on Sweet Springs Road. At his request remain untU 11 A. M. Marched one hour and fifteen minutes to [within] about four and one-half miles from Union. There shown a dispatch from General Crook by an aide- de-camp of General Averell authorizing him to detain me but no orders given. Told the aide I would halt there until he could 460 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES send orders from General Averell if I was wanted. Waited one and one-fourth hours; sent a messenger to Captain Bottsford for orders. Reports from Union indicate no force. After 3 P. M. marched slowly on after the infernally slow train. Soon overtook it at Little Flat Top. After crossing met my orderly (Heckler, Company C, wounded severely) from Captain Bottsford directing me to remain at place I sent from. I rode rapidly forward towards ferry to get further orders. Met Lieutenant Patton and got from him verbal orders and also a written order to camp near ferry. A bad road over Little Flat Top and also near the river. The rest of the road good. Three or four wagons broken; men tired, weak and hungry. "Living on the country" ; showery still, muddy of course. May 17. Tuesday. — Rained last night of course. Camp at Alderson's Ferry on CentrevUle road; very wet. Ordered to send a regiment to Union to report to General Averell. Sent five companies from Colonel Duval's command [and] five com panies of Twenty-third, aU under Lieutenant'Colonel Comly; Major Adney also went with [the] Thirty-sixth companies, [and] Dr. Barrett, surgeon. I don't believe the enmy is in force near Union. All busy with a small ferry-boat getting over wagons, etc. ; horses and mules swim. General Crook and staff all at work, clubbing mules into the river. Considerable quantities of com, etc., got here. Corn in the ear issued to men. Some parch, some boil, some pound up. Regular rations all gone long ago. A prodigious rain-storm about noon; no escape from the flood of faHing and running water. The river we are crossing feU two feet last night. This will fill it booming full again. We are now nearly three weeks without news from the out side or inside world. Great movements have taken place, we know, but "with us or with our foes," we can't answer. The Rebels we see seem to have heard news which they construe in their own favor, but there is no elation of feeling as we would expect if they had met with decided success. We are so absorbed in our own fate that the more important operations of Grant do not fill us with anxiety. ADVANCE AND RETREAT — 1864 461 Lieutenant Hamlin, Thirty-sixth, goes with twenty-two men, three seregants, etc., on Centreville Road. May i8. Wednesday. — A foggy morning. Teams still slow ly crossing. Brigade flag carried by Brigdon hit two or three times in battle of Qoyd's Mountain. Once struck out of Brig- don's hands. May 19. Thursday. — From three miles north of Greenbrier River to Meadow Bluff ten miles. Forgot a picket of twenty men on south side of Greenbrier River; got them up all right. Reached Meadow Bluff at 12:30 P. M. Found Colonel Enochs with three companies of Fifth Virginia. Rest at Lewisburg. The Fifth did its duty well. They divided into two regiments, buUt fires, and played tattoo, as if a division were coming, and deceived the Rebels completely. We camp here as if for time enough to refit, etc., etc. Lieutenant-Colonel Comly tells me that is disposed to find fault with me and my doings. Very weU. I shaH do my duty to the best of [my] ability and give myself as little trouble as possible about faultfinders and grumblers. Meadow Bluff, May 19, 1864. Dearest : — We got safely to this point in our lines, two hours ago, after twenty-one days of constant marching, frequent fight ing, and much hardship, and some starvation. This is the most completely successful and by all odds the pleasantest campaign I have ever had. Now it is over I hardly know what I would change in it except to restore life and limbs to the killed and wounded. My command in battles and on the march behaved to my en tire satisfaction. None did, none could have done better. We had a most conspicuous part in the battle at Cloyd's Mountain and were so lucky. You will see the lists of kiHed and wounded. We brought off two hundred of our wounded in our train and left about one hundred and fifty. But we have good reason to think they will fare well. . . . 462 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES We took two cannon which the regiment has got along here by hard work. The Thirty-sixth and Twenty-third are the only regiments which went into the thickest of the fight and never halted or gave back. The Twelfth did well but the "Flatfoots" backed out. The Ninety-first well, but not much exposed. The Ninth Virginia did splendidly and lost heavier than any other. The Potomac Brigade, (Pennsylvania Reserves, etc., etc.,) broke and fled. I had the dismounted men of the Thirty-fourth. They did pretty weU. Don't repeat my talk. But it is true, the Twenty-third was the Regiment. The Thirty-sixth I know would have done as well if they had had the same chance. The Twenty-third led and the Thirty-sixth supported them. General Crook is the best general I have ever known. This campaign in plan and execution has been perfect. We captured ten pieces of artillery, burned the New River Bridge and the culverts and small bridges thirty in number for twenty miles from Dublin to Christiansburg. Captured General Jenkins and three hundred officers and men ; killed and wounded three to five hundred and routed utterly his army.* We shall certainly stay here some days, perhaps some weeks, to refit and get ready for something else. You and the boys are remembered and mentioned constantly. One spectacle you would have enjoyed. The Rebels contest ed our approach to the bridge for two or three hours. At last we drove them off and set it on fire. All the troops were * Dr. J. T. Webb in a letter to his mother from Meadow Bluff, May 24, 1864, says: — "The more we learn of the Rebels, etc., at Cloyd's Mountain, the greater was our victory. It is well ascertained now that in addition to their strong position and works, they had more men in the fight than we had, and also more killed and wounded. They not only expected to check us there, but fully counted on capturing our whole force. Their officers whom we captured complain bitterly of their men not fighting. Our new recruits, whom we were disposed to smile at, did splendidly. One of them, whom Captain Hastings on inspection at Camp White told he must cut off his hair, as men with long hair could not fight, meeting the captain in the midst of the fight, the fellow at the head of his company, playfully remarked, shaking his locks at the captain : 'What do you think of long hair fighting now ?' " ADVANCE AND RETREAT — 1864 463 marched up to see it — flags and music and cheering. On a lovely afternoon the beautiful heights of New River were covered with our regiments watching the burning bridge. It was a most animating scene. Our band has been the life of the campaign. The other three bands all broke down early. Ours has kept up and played their best on all occasions. They alone played at the burning of the bridge and today we came into camp to their music. I have, it is said, Jenkins' spurs, a revolver of the lieutenant- colonel of [the] Rebel Thirty-sixth, a bundle of Roman candles, a common sword, a new Rebel blanket, and other things, I would give the dear boys if they were here. — Love to all. Affectionately ever R. Mrs. Hayes. Meadow Bluff, Greenbrier County, West Virginia, May 19, 1864. Dear Uncle : — We are safely within what we now call "our own lines" after twenty-one days of marching, fighting, starving, etc., etc. For twelve days we have had nothing to eat except what the country afforded. Our raid has been in all respects successful. We destroyed the famous Dublin Bridge and eighten miles of the Virginia and Tennessee Railroad and many depots and stores ; captured ten pieces of artillery, three hundred prisoners. General Jenkins and other officers among them, and killed and wounded about five hundred, besides utterly routing Jenkins' army in the bloody battle of Cloyd's Mountain. My brigade had two regiments and part of a third in the battle. [The] Twenty-third lost one hundred killed and wounded. We had a severe duty but did just as well as I could have wished. We charged a Rebel battery entrenched in [on] a wooded hill across an open level meadow three hundred yards wide and a deep ditch, wetting me to the waist, and carried it without a particle of wavering or even check, losing, however, many officers and men killed and wounded. It being the vital point General Crook charged with us in person. One brigade 464 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES from the Army of the Potomac (Pennsylvania Reserves) broke and fled from the field. Altogether, this is our finest experience in the war, and General Crook is the best general we have ever served imder, not excepting Rosecrans. Many of the men are barefooted, and we shall probably re main here some time to refit. We hauled in wagons to this point, over two hundred of our wounded, crossing two large rivers by fording and ferrying and three ranges of high motm- tains. The news from the outside world is meagre and from Rebel sources. We almost believe that Grant must have been successful from the little we gather. Sincerely, R. B. Hayes. S. Birchard. May 20. Friday. — Settled weather at last ; cold nights. One of the most interesting and affecting things is the train of con trabands, old and young, male and female — one hundred to two hundred — toiling uncomplainingly along after and with the army. They with our prisoners and the trains left for Gauley this morning. May 21. Saturday. — Rations of coffee, sugar, hard bread, etc., fiUed our camp with joy last night. It now looks as if Grant had faded to crush Lee merely on account of rain and mud. We seem to have had the best of the fighting and to have taken the most prisoners. I suspect we have gained the most guns and lost the most killed and wounded. General Crook thinks Grant will force the fighting until some definite result is obtained. Sunday, [May] 22. — President of court martial to try the Rebel quartermaster (Jenkins), of [the] Fifteenth Virginia, for piHaging. Sat at Sharpe's ; Lieutenant-Colonel Bukey, Major Carey, Major Cadot, Captain Henry, Sweet, etc., etc. News from Grant confirms my impression that the storm, mud, and rain prevented a decisive victory. ADVANCE AND RETREAT — 1864 465 [May] 23. Monday. — Court martial continues. Prosecution closed yesterday. Defense opens this A. M. Adjourned untU tomorrow, 9 A. M., after hearing all the testimony the accused had [to] present. Two captains and several men captured near here by guerrillas. [May] 24. Tuesday. — Finished Jenkins' trial. No definite news lately. Charlie Hay, Sergeant Heiliger, and Sergeant Clark returned. Hay and Clark get from Casey's Board cap taincies of first class. Heiliger gets second lieutenant of second class. A queer result. The three are probably nearly equal in merit. Major McIlrath reported near with detachments for all regiments. Captain Hood sick. [May] 23. Wednesday. — Major McIlrath with seven hun dred of various regiments came in at 10 A. M.; Lieutenant Hicks, Dr. McClure, and forty men of [the] Twenty-third ; about three hundred of [the] Thirty-sixth. Wrote to mother and Lucy. Meadow Bluff, May 25, 1864. Dearest : — We are preparing for another move. It will re quire a week's time, I conjecture, to get shoes, etc., etc. It looks as if the route would be through Lewisburg, White Sul phur, Covington, Jackson River, etc., to Staunton. The major came up this morning with a few recruits and numbers of the sick, now recovered. They bring a bright new flag which I can see floating in front of [the] Twenty-third headquarters. I suspect it to be your gift. Three hundred more of the Thirty- sixth also came up. The Fifth and Thirteenth are coming, so I shall have my own proper brigade all together soon. . . Brigdon carried the brigade flag. It was knocked out of his hands by a ball striking the staff only a few inches from where he held it. It was torn twice also by balls. I see the papers call this "Averell's raid." Very funny ! The cavalry part of it was a total failure. General Averell only got to the railroad at points where we had first got in. He was SO 466 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES driven back at Saltville and Wytheville. Captain GUmore is pleased. He says the Second Virginia was the best of any of them! . . . I am now on most intimate and cordial terms with General Crook. He is a most capital commander. His one fault is a too reckless exposure of himself in action and on the march — not a bad fault in some circumstances. I shaH probably send my valise back to Gallipolis from here to Mr. James Taylor. It will contain a leather case with Roman candles for the boys, a sabre will go with it for one of them, a wooden-soled shoe, such as we destroyed great numbers of at Dublin, and very little else. If it is lost, no matter. . . . May 26. — Just received your welcome letters of the 6th and 14th. Very glad you are so fortunate. Write to Uncle and Mother when you feel like it. We shall start soon — perhaps in the morning. We take only one wagon to a regiment. The Fifth is now coming into camp. The general is pleased with Colonel Tomlinson's conduct and Colonel Tomlinson will remain. The Thirteenth will be here tonight. All my brigade together. The rest of the Thirty-sixth is here, six hundred and fifty in all. We feel well about the future. General Crook is more hopeful than ever before. You need not believe the big stories of great victories or de feats at Richmond. But I think we shall gradually overcome them. Good-bye, darling, R. Mrs. Hayks. [iWay] 26. Thursday. — Trains arriving; looks Hke moving on Staunton soon. News from Grant rather favorable. Meadow Bluff, May 26, 1864. Dear Uncle : — I get two letters from you today. We all believe in General Crook. I am on the best of terms with him. He is the best general I have ever been with, no exceptions. ADVANCE AND RETREAT — 1864 467 We have all sorts of rumors from Grant, but it is all clear that we shall finish them soon, if our people and leaders do their duty. They are at the end of their means, and failure now is failure for good. My brigade is all here, or near here, now. We are getting ready to move towards Staunton soon; tomorrow, I think. I have the two best regiments to be found and two others which promise well. Good-bye. Sincerely, R. B. Haym. S. Birchard. [May] 27. Friday. — Read Colonel Gilbert's pamphlet on Governor Brough's rule as to promotion. I do not quarrel with it as a general rule, but Colonel Gilbert and the Forty-fourth should have had their officers as desired. To make such a rule inflexible is very foolish. Saturday, [May] 28. — Colonel Brown and [the] Thirteenth came up last night; seemed glad to be with the brigade all at one camp. I was certainly glad. Sunday, [May] 29. — Heard preaching of Mr. Harper, Thirteenth, on the hUl in front of [the] Thirty-sixth; so-so. Fine day. At night news that Grant had crossed the Pamtmkey, fifteen miles from Richmond. Sherman at Dallas, Georgia. Meadow Bluff, May 29, 1864. Dear Uncle : — Contrary to my expectation when I wrote you a few days ago, we are still here. We are detained, I sup pose, by different causes, but I suspect we shall move soon to wards Staunton. We may drift into the army of Grant before a month. My proper brigade is now here and all of it camped in sight of where I now sit, viz., Twenty-third and Thirty-sixth Ohio, Fifth and Thirteenth Virginia. I have seen them all in line today. They form a fine body of troops. We are soon to 468 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES lose the enlisted men of the Twenty-third who did not become veterans. I think a good many officers will leave at the same time. It is probable that the veterans of the Twelfth wUl go into the Twenty-third. If so it wiH make the regiment better and stronger than ever before. We are not informed how Grant succeeds in getting into Richmond. You know I have always thought he must get the Western Army there before he can whip Lee. It looks a little now as if he might do it without Western help. We shall see, Sincerely, R. B. Hayes. I hear from Lucy that she is settled in a good boarding-house at Chillicothe. S. Birchard. Meadow Bluff, Sunday, May 29, 1864. Dearest : — Still here getting ready — probably delayed some by the change in Department commanders, but chiefly by rains and delays in obtaining supplies. All the brigade now here, camped in sight of where I now sit. We hardly know where we are to come out, but there is a general feeling that unless Grant succeeds soon, we shall turn up in his army. You notice the compliment to Major Avery, "bravest of the brave." A good many officers of [the] Twenty-third are talking of going out at the end of the original term, ten days hence. Major McIlrath bid us good-bye this morning. Major Carey is likely to take his place with the veterans of the Twelfth. . . . My staff now is Lieutenant Hastings, adjutant-general, [Lieu tenant WUliam] McKinley, quartermaster. Lieutenant Delay, Thirty-sixth, commissary, and Lieutenant Wood, Thirty-sixth. aide — all nice gentlemen. I enclose Colonel Tomlinson's photo graph which he handed me today. Well, this is a happy time with us. — You must not feel too anxious about me. I shall be among friends. A flag of truce goes in the morning after our wounded left at ADVANCE AND RETREAT — 1864 469 Cloyd's Mountain. There were four doctors and plenty of nurses left with them. . . . Love to all the boys. Affectionately ever, R. Mrs. Haym. Monday, [May] 30. — No move today ; hot and sultry. Saw [the] Fifth drill; [the] Thirteenth, ditto. News that Grant's prospects are fair. Tuesday, May 31, 1864. — We move today. Colonel Sickles and the reserve, except veteran volunteers, go home today. They passed with slow sad music this morning. A bad time to go to the rear. Marched to Bunger's Mill, ten and one-half miles from Meadow Bluff and five miles from Lewisburg. Camped on left of Second Brigade in a pleasant glen. Wednesday, June i. — Marched thirteen miles to [within] one mile of White Sulphur Springs. A hot day; easy march. Waded Greenbrier. A good camp on Howard's Creek, head quarters on a knoll, left-hand side going east. Mr. Caldwell at White Sulphur very civU. Sold me two teams. A fine, beauti ful place. Rumors of Rebels at Callaghan, Jackson River, etc., etc. ; a patrol or picket at White Sulphur. Thursday, June 2. — March at 5 A. M. White Sulphur to CaUaghan, about fourteen mUes; a cloudy, good marching day. Nothing of interest today. Bill Jackson left Callaghan three days ago. Friday, [June] 3. — From Callaghan to near Hot Springs in Bath County, nineteen miles. Yesterday crossed Allegheny Mountain ; good road. Waters this side flow to the James River. A good day's march; forded Jackson River at Mr. Porter's. A young lady says Richmond papers of 27th contain news favorable to them. Saturday, [June] 4. — From the vicinity of Hot Springs to the east side of Warm Springs Mountain, beyond the alum-works. 470 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES sixteen miles. My brigade in advance drove a small squad of Rebels from Warm Springs — said to be McNeU's and Mar shall's Cavalry. No resistance offered but a few trees cut to blockade the road. Rumors of a fight at Harrisonburg; as usual reports are two-faced. Papers of the 27th to 31st in clusive [from] Richmond. Sunday, [June] 3. — From three miles west of MUlboro to one mile beyond Goshen; about thirteen to fourteen mUes. Rained last night. Our march today impeded by a small body of Rebel cavalry. Rumors of Jackson, McCausland, and General Morgan, all hurrying to Staunton to oppose Hunter or our com mand. Perhaps both in detaU. Bad strategy to propose to unite two forces in the enemy's lines. Struck the Virginia Cen tral one hundred and seventy-five [miles] from Richmond near Goshen. Our route through narrow valleys or cafions where a small force can easily hold a large one. Now (3 P. M.) we are waiting as rear brigade, on a pretty stream, for the leading brigade. Colonel White's, to drive a party of Rebels through a narrow gap on raUroad from MUlboro to Goshen. They turn the position and we go on. We lose two or three slightly wounded and capture four or five Rebels and wound three others badly. Goshen a pretty place in the moun tains. We cross no high mountain today. Monday, Jime 6. — From one mile east of Goshen to two miles west of Craig [Craigsville] on Central RaUroad, six miles — 10 A. M. to I P. M. Still halted, destroying Central RaU road. A big squad of men turn it over, rails and ties, and tumble it down the embankment; burn culverts and ties as far as possible. The railroad can be destroyed by troops marching parallel to it very fast. Easier to destroy than to buUd up, as our Rebel friends are learning to their cost. Camped in a big thunder-shower, aU wet as drowned rats. Slept well. June 7. Tuesday. — From two mUes west of Craig [Craigs- vUle] to within six or eight of Staunton. A fine day. At Pond Gap crossed Central RaUroad and over a mountain — a detour which let us into [the] Valley of Virginia, avoiding the Rebel ADVANCE AND RETREAT 471 position in Buffalo Gap. A lovely valley; we dine now (i2 M.) on a beautiful farm in this lovely valley — all happy to get here so easily. Reports say Hunter is in Staunton; got there last night. The general (Crook) found a four-leafed clover yester day. I saw the new moon over my right shoulder. Funny how a man of sense can think for an instant even of such foHies. We crossed the mountain to Summerdean, a little pretty hamlet. Skirmished into Middlebrook, a beautiful country. Supplies are abundant. Hunter flogged the Rebels badly and took Staunton yesterday. Eighteen mUes today. June 8. Wednesday. — Marched ten mUes in a northeast di rection to Staunton, a fine town of five thousand inhabitants or so. General Hunter here. He had a good victory. Staunton, Virginia, June 8, 1864. Dear Uncle : — We have had another very fortunate cam paign. Everything lucky — except Hunter got the victory in stead of Crook. But that is all right, of course. The march, destruction of railroads and stores, so far, have made this a most useful expedition. We know nothing of Grant for many days, but we think he must be doing well. We shall be at work immediately again. Now out of West Virginia for good, I suppose. I had a letter from you the day we crossed the AHegheny Mountains. Nothing from Mother for more than a month. Our march for five days has been in counties where Yankee soldiers were never seen before, Bath, Rockbridge, and Augusta. We have visited many watering-places. White Sulphur, Hot, and Warm Springs, etc., etc. An active campaign leaves little chance for writing or hearing. I think you had better direct hereafter to Crook's Division, Hunter's Army, via Martinsburg, Virginia. [R. B. Hayes.] S. Birchard. Staunton, June 8, 1864. Dearest : — We reached the beautiful Valley of Virginia yesterday over North Mountain and entered this town this mora- 472 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES ing. General Hunter took the place after a very successful fight on the 6th. We seem to be clear of West Virginia for good. We shall probably move on soon. Our march here over the mountains was very exciting. We visited aH the favorite resorts of the chivalry on our route, White Sulphur, Blue Sulphur, Warm, and Hot Springs, etc., etc. Lovely places, some of them. I hope to visit some of them with you after the war is over. We know nothing of Grant but conjecture that he must be doing well. We are now in Crook's division, Hunter's Army, I suppose. General Crook is the man of all others. I wish you could have seen the camps the night we got our last mail from home. It brought me two letters from you, one of [the] 26th. I told General Crook, Webb sent his love. "Yes," said he. "Webb is a fine boy ; he will make a soldier." We have enjoyed this campaign very much. I have no time to write particulars. It is said that the prisoners wiU be sent to Beverly tomorrow and that the men and officers of [the] Twenty-third whose time expires will go as guard. I shall per haps send my sorrel horse by Carrington and if he can't sell him for two hundred dollars to take him to Uncle Moses to do just what he pleases with him. If he can't keep him he may give him away or shoot him. He is a fine horse and behaved ad mirably at Cloyd's Mountain, but he is too fussy and noisy. I feel the greatest sympathy for you during these long periods of entire ignorance of my whereabouts. I trust it wUl soon be so that I can hear from you and send news to you often. [R. B. Hayes.] Mrs. Hayes. Staunton, Virginia, June 9, 1864. Dearest : — I wrote you yesterday a letter which if it reaches you at all, will be some days in advance of this. I send this by the men whose term of service has expired and who go to "America" in charge of prisoners captured a few days ago by General Hunter at the battle of Piedmont or "New Hope." All operations in this quarter have been very successful. We ADVANCE AND RETREAT 473 reached here yesterday morning after an exciting and delightful march of nine days from Meadow Bluff. . . . The men not enlisting (one hundred and sixty) with nine offi cers left our camp this morning to start tomorrow in charge of Colonel Moore. The band played "Home, Sweet Home." Tlie officers who leave are Captains Canby, Rice, Stevens, Sperry, and Hood; First Lieutenants Stephens, Qiamberlain, Smith, Jackson, and Hicks. We have left seven fuU companies and twelve good officers. The old flags go to Columbus to the gov ernor by the color-bearer. We shall quite certainly get more men from the Twelfth in a couple of weeks than we now lose. I send Carrington with the little sorrel to sell or leave with Uncle Moses if he fails to seH him, and Uncle Moses can do what he pleases with him. I send a pistol captured at Blacksburg from Lieutenant- Colonel Linkus, Thirty-sixth Virginia, Rebel. Also pencU mem orandum of no account. Preserve the handbill showing Lee's appeal to the people of this (Augusta) county. I have just visited the very extensive hospitals here. They are filled with patients, two-thirds Secesh, one-third our men. Nothing could be finer. In a fine building (Deaf and Dumb Asylum), in a beautiful grove — gas and hydrants — shade, air, etc. The Secesh were friendly and polite ; not the slightest bitterness or unkindness between the two sorts. If I am to be left in hospital this is the spot. Direct to "Second Infantry Division (or General Crook's Division), Department West Virginia, via Martinsburg." Love to aU. — Affectionately ever, R. Mrs. Hayes. [Lexington], Sunday, June 12. — General Hunter bums the Virginia MUitary Institute. This does not suit many of us. General Crook, I know, disapproves. It is surely bad. No move today. [Marched] thirteen miles yesterday. 474 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES Lexington, Rockbridge County, June 12 (Sunday), 1864. Dearest : — I just hear that a mail goes tomorrow. We cap tured this town after an artUlery and sharpshooter fight of three hours, yesterday P. M. My brigade had the advance for two days and all the casualties, or nearly all, fell to me. [A] first lieutenant of [the] Fifth Virginia killed and one private; three privates of [the] Thirty-sixth killed and ten to fifteen wounded. [The] Twenty-third had no loss. Very noisy affair, but not dangerous. This is a fine town. Stonewall Jackson's grave and the MUi tary Institute are here. Many fine people. Secesh are not at all bitter and many are Union. I am more pleased than ever with General Crook and my brigade, etc., but some things done here are not right. General Hunter will be as odious as Butler or Pope to the Rebels and not gain our good opinion either. You will hear of it in Rebel papers, I suspect. Weather fine and all our movements are successful. The Rebels have been much crippled already by our doings. We are probably moving towards Lynchburg. If so you will have heard of our fortunes from other sources before this reaches you. I got a pretty little cadet musket here which I will try to send the boys. Dear boys, love to them and the tenderest affection for you. — Good-bye. [R. B. Hayes.] Mrs. Hayes. [Camp Piatt, West Virginia,] Thursday, Jime 30, 1864. — This [has been] the hardest month of the war; hot and dusty long marches ; hungry, sleepy night marches ; many skirmishes ; two battles. Men worn out and broken down. Tuesday, June 14, [we] marched [from Lexington] to Buchanan. A hot, dusty march, twenty-four miles. Bathed in James River. The next day [we pushed on] to "Fancy Farm," Bedford County, near Liberty, sixteen miles. Fine views of Peaks of Otter. [Thence], Thursday, (i6th), to Liberty and beyond on railroad towards Lynchburg. Worked on the rail- ADVANCE AND RETREAT 475 road, tearing up and burning, etc. [We heard] various rumors, generally good. Friday (17th), Colonel White's brigade cleaned out Rebels handsomely to [within] three miles of Lynchburg. The next day [the] Rebels [inside the] works [were] re-inforced. [There was] skirmishing and fighting but no general attack. [At] 8 :30 P. M., we back out via Liberty Road, [Hunter's attempt to cap ture Lynchburg having proved a faUure]. Sunday (19th), en route to Liberty, sleepy, tired; hot, and dusty. All goes well however so far. Twenty-six miles. Mon day (20th), stUl on, night and day! Sleepy and tired. Enemy following attacked our cavalry at Liberty yesterday evening with some loss to us. Today at Buford Gap we got ready for battle, but Rebels not ready. Tuesday (21st), on to four mUes beyond Salem. Rebels at tack often, but their feeble skirmishes do no hurt to Crook. They however get nine guns of Hunter! Wednesday (22d), fifteen mUes to Newcastle. We (First Brigade) guarded the wagon train; poor business. Thursday (23d), [from] New- casde to Sweet Springs — a beautiful watering-place — twenty- two miles, over two high ranges of the Alleghenies. [Thence, by] night march, seventeen miles to White Sulphur, [arriving] at 2:30 P. M., Friday (24th). Night marches bad unless there is good moonlight. From White Sulphur, Saturday (25th), [we marched] to Meadow Bluff, twenty-four miles, [reaching there] long after midnight, starved and sleepy. The hardest [march] of the war. The next day [starting] at sunrise, many without sleeping a wink, we march to Tyrees, twenty mUes, [at the] foot of Mount SeweH. Monday (27th), at 4 A. M., [we] march and meet a train of provisions at or near Mountain Cove. A jolly feeding time. Camp at old Camp Ewing. The next day, march to Loup Creek, f ourten miles ; and yesterday to Piatt, twenty-two miles. Camp Piatt, June 30, 1864. Dearest: — We reached here ten mUes above Charleston last night. Dr. Joe will tell you all the news. It has been a severe 476 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES but very pleasant campaign. We did not do as much as we think might have been done, but we did enough to make our work of great importance. We are now talking of rumors that we are to go East via [the] Ohio River and [the] Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. It is gener ally believed to be true, although as yet we have no other evidence of it than camp rumor. I thought of you often while I was gone — of your anxiety about me and the suffering that all rumors of disaster to us would cause you. But I hoped you would keep up good cour age and live it through. Oh, darling, I love you so tenderly. You must always think of me pleasantly. You have been the source of such happiness to me that I can't bear to think that anything that may befall me wUl throw a permanent gloom over your life. The Twenty-third was lucky on this campaign, losing less than any other regiment, etc. The Fifth lost most, [the] Thirty- sixth next. All together, killed, wounded, and missing, my brig ade does not lose over one hundred, if so much [many]. I am very fortunate in my brigade. It is now to me like my own regiment, and is really a very good one, perhaps the best to be found, or one of the best, in the army. General Crook is the favorite of the army. We hope to be organized into an in dependent command with Colonel Powell's Cavalry Brigade and two batteries. Then we can raid to some purpose. If we are not sent East, we shall stay here three or four weeks recruiting, etc. — My love to the boys. Dr. Joe will have plenty of stories to tell them. The doctor was a most important person in this raid. He did more for the wounded than anybody else. Colonel Turley had his thigh broken at Lynchburg and was hauled over two hundred mUes over all these mountains. His admirable pluck and cheerfulness has saved him. Nothing can exceed the manliness he has exhibited. — Love to friends all. Affectionately, R. Mrs. Hayes. ADVANCE AND RETREAT 477 Camp Piatt, ten miles above Charleston, West Virginia, June 30, 1864. Dear Uncle : — Back home again in the Kanawha Valley. Our raid has done a great deal ; all that we at first intended, but faUed in one or two things which would have been done with a more active and enterprising commander than General Hunter. General Crook would have taken Lynchburg without doubt. Our loss is small. [The] Twenty-third had nobody killed. My brigade loses less than one hundred. Our greatest suffering was want of food and sleep. I often went asleep on my horse. We had to go night and day for about a week to get out. We are aU impressed with the idea that the Confederacy has now got aU its strength of aH sorts in the field, and that nothing more can be added to it. Their defeat now closes the contest speedily. We passed through ten counties where Yankees never came be fore ; there was nothing to check us even until forces were drawn from Richmond to drive us back. There are rumors that we are to go East soon, but nothing definitely is known. We hope we are to constitute an independent command under General Crook. We have marched, in two months past, about eight hundred mUes; have had fighting or skirmishing on over forty days of the time. My health, and my horse's (almost of equal moment) are excellent. Send letters to the old direction, via Charleston, for the present. Sincerely, R. B. Hayes. S, Birchard. Camp [Piatt], ten miles above Charleston, West Virginia, June 30, 1864. Dear Mother : — We got safely back to this point yesterday after being almost two months within the Rebel lines. . . . We have had a severe and hazardous campaign and have, I think, done a great deal of good. While we have suffered a good deal from want of food and sleep, we have lost very few 478 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES men and are generally in the best of health. . . . General Crook has won the love and confidence of all. General Hunter is not so fortunate. General Averell has not been successful either. We had our first night's quiet rest all night for many weeks. Dr. Joe went to Ohio with our wounded yesterday and will see Lucy. He has been a great treasure to our wounded. We have hauled two hundred [wounded men] over both the Blue Ridge and the Alleghenies and many smaller mountains, besides crossing James River and other streams. Our impres sion is that the Rebels are at the end of their means and our success now wUl speedUy close the Rebellion. Affectionately, R. B. Hayes. Mrs. Sophia Hayes. Charleston, Camp Elk, July 2, 1864. Dearest : — Back again to this point last night. Camped op posite the lower end of Camp White on the broad level bottom in the angle between Elk and Kanawha. My headquarters on one of the pretty wooded hills near Judge Summers'. Got your letter of i6th. All others gone around to Mar tinsburg. Will get them soon. Very much pleased to read about the boys and their good behaviour. Dr. Joe went to Gallipolis with our wounded, expecting to visit you, but the rumors of an immediate movement brought him back. We now have a camp rumor that Crook is to com mand this Department. If so we shall stay here two or three weeks ; otherwise, only a few days, probably. You wrote one thoughtless sentence, complaining of Lincoln for failing to protect our unfortunate prisoners by retaliation. AH a mistake, darling. All such things should be avoided as much as possible. We have done too much rather than too little. General Hunter turned Mrs. Governor Letcher and daughters out of their home at Lexington and on ten minutes' notice burned the beautiful place in retaliation for some bush whackers' burning out Governor Pierpont [of West Virginia.] ADVANCE AND RETREAT 479 And I am glad to say that General Crook's division officers and men were all disgusted with it. I have just learned as a fact that General Crook has an in dependent command or separate district in the Department of West Virginia, which practically answers our purposes. We are styled the "Army of the Kanawha," headquarters in the field. I have just got your letter of June i. They wiH all get here sooner or later. The flag is a beautiful one. I see it floating now near the piers of the Elk River Bridge. Three companies of the Twelfth under Major Carey are ordered to join the Twenty-third today — Lieutenants Otis, Hiltz and command them, making the Twenty-third the strong est veteran regiment. Colonel White and the rest bid us good bye today. What an excellent man he is. I never knew a better. You use the phrase "brutal Rebels." Don't be cheated in that way. There are enough "brutal Rebels" no doubt, but we have brutal officers and men too. I have had men brutally treated by our own officers on this raid. And there are plenty of humane Rebels. I have seen a good deal of it on this trip. War is a cruel business and there is brutality in it on all sides, but it is very idle to get up anxiety on account of any supposed peculiar cruelty on the part of Rebels. Keepers of prisons in Cincinnati, as well as in DanvUle, are hard-hearted and cruel. Affectionately, R. Mrs. Hayes. Charleston, West Virginia, July 2, 1864. Dear Mother : — We got back here yesterday. I find a letter from you [of] June 11. No doubt others are on the way from Martinsburg — the point to which all our letters were forwarded for some weeks. I am glad you are back at Columbus again and in tolerable health. We have had altogether the severest time I have yet known in the war. We have marched almost continually for two months, fighting often, with insufficient food and sleep. 480 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES crossed the three ranges of the Alleghenies four times, the ranges of the Blue Ridge twice, marched several times aU day and aH night without sleeping, and yet my health was never better. I think I have not even lost flesh. We all believe in our general. He is a considerate, humane man; a thorough soldier and disciplinarian. He is hereafter to have the sole command of us. I mean, of course. General Crook. General Hunter was chief in command, and is not much esteemed by us. . . .1 think Colonel Comly will get home a few days. His health has not been very good during the latter part of our campaign. I hope you wiU not be overanxious about me. What is for the best wUl happen. In the meantime I am probably doing as much good and enjoying as much happiness here as I could anywhere. — Love to aH. I knew you would like Mrs. Platt. Affectionately, good-bye, R. P. S. — I expect to remain here a fortnight or more. Mrs. Sophia Hayes. Charleston, West Virginia, July 2, 1864. Dear Uncle : — We are told this morning that General Crook is to have the command of the "Army of the Kanawha," inde pendent of all control below Grant. If so, good. I don't doubt it. This will secure us the much needed rest we have hoped for and keep us here two or three weeks. My health is excellent, but many men are badly used up. I do not feel sure yet of the result of Grant's and Sherman's campaigns. One thing I have become satisfied of. The Rebels are now using their last man and last bread. There is absolutely nothing left in reserve. Whip what is now in the field, and the game is ended. Sincerely, R. B. Hayes. S. Birchard. ADVANCE AND RETREAT 481 Camp Crook, Charleston, July s, 1864. Dearest: — Your last from Elmwood, June 16, reached me last night. Very glad to get so good and cheerful talk. It is not yet quite certain whether I shall be able to come and see you for a day or two or not. I think it is hardly best for you to attempt coming here now, but if I can't come to you, we will see about it. Sunday morning the veterans of the Twelfth under Major Carey were united to the Twenty-third and that evening your flag was formally presented to the regiment at dress parade. The hearty cheers given for Mrs. H — (that's you) showed that you were held in grateful remembrance. I do not know whether you will get any letters from Colonel Comly or not. You cer tainly will if he does not think it will be a bore to you. You have no doubt seen the proceedings of the non-veterans on giving the old flag to the governor at Columbus. I send a slip containing them to be kept with our archives. Secretary [of State, WiUiam Henry] Smith's allusion to me was awkward and nonsensical ; but as it was weU meant I, of course, must sub mit to be made ridiculous with good grace. The fracture of Abbott's arm turned out like mine, a simple fracture without splintering and he saves his arm in good con dition. He is doing weU. Our prisoners wounded at Cloyd's Mountain were well treated by the citizens of Dublin and Newbern, etc., and by the Rebel soldiers of that region. Morgan and his men, however, behaved badly towards them — very badly — but as they were with them only a few hours, they were soon in better hands again. At Lynchburg the people behaved well also. Don't let Uncle Scott be pestered with the little sorrel. He may give him away if he can't dispose of him otherwise. We are gradually getting over our sore feet and weak stom achs and shall be in good condition shordy. Captain Hood is here again in command of his company. Major McIlrath, Cap tain Warren, Lieutenants Deshong and Nessle and perhaps one or two others leave us here. The Twenty-third is now a large 31 482 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES and splendid regiment again, better than ever, I suppose. — Love Affectionately, ever, R. Mrs. Hayes. Thursday, July 7, 1864. — Ordered to Parkersburg and East tomorrow. I go on steamboat with Third and Fourth Reserves, Captain Moulton, to Gallipolis. Parkersburg, West Virginia, July 12, 1864. Dear Mother : — We are here on our way East. I managed to slip ahead of my command and spend Sunday with Lucy and the boys at Chillicothe. I should have been very glad to get to Columbus and would have done so if it had been possible. But we are being hurried forward as fast as possible to aid in putting an end to the trouble in Maryland. I know very little about it but hope it will turn out much less serious than is now repre sented. I found my family weU homed and in good health. It was an unexpected but very happy meeting. My love to all the family. Letters directed to me in Crook's Division, via Cumberland, wUl probably find me. I think aH your letters have finally reached me. My health, after all our severe campaigning, is excellent. Your affectionate son, Rutherford. Mrs. Sophia Hayes. Martinsburg, July 17 (Sunday), 1864. Dearest: — A week ago, about this time, we were enjoying our pleasant ride like young lovers on the Kingston Pike. Now we are widely separated. I am semi-sick — that is the boil I told you I was threatened with on my hip is actively at work. The worst is over with it. I am lying on my blankets in the barroom of a German drinking ADVANCE AND RETREAT 483 saloon that was gutted by the Rebels. The man is a refugee but his exceHent frau is here ready to do anything in the world for a bluecoat. She wants me to go [to] a chamber and a clean bed, but I like the more public room better. Half my brigade went this morning to General Crook, thirty miles east. We go in a day or two. The combinations to catch the Rebels seem to me good, but I expect them to escape. Raid ing parties always do escape. Morgan was foolhardy and Streight lacked enterprise. They are the only exceptions. You will probably see some correspondence about your flag gift in the papers. Don't blush, it's all right. — "S'much." Lovq to aU. Ever, darling, your R. Mrs. Hayes. Martinsburg, Virginia, July 17 (Sunday), 1864. Dear Mother : — I am much obliged for your letter by Col onel Comly. Glad you still are in good health. We are pretty busy now trying to prevent the escape of the Rebel raiders who have plundered Maryland. . . . The weather is very warm but we have good breezes and excellent water in this region so that campaigning is not unpleasant. I notice Mitchell's name is often mentioned in connection with Sherman's army. He has a fine position. I trust he will come safely out of it. — Love to all. Affectionately, your son, R. Mrs. Sophia Hayes. [The Diary for the last few months of 1864 is for the most part hardly more than a line a day, entered in a pocket memoran dum book, "The Southern Almanac for 1864," which Hayes's orderly, WUliam Crump, had got hold of at Middlebrook, Vir ginia, early in June. Many of the entries were originally made with a pencil and subsequently inked over. Usually the entries give only a bald statement of the movement of the day. In some 484 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES cases entries are omitted here entirely; in other cases several are combined in a single paragraph.] Sunday afternoon, July 17, [the] Fifth [Virginia] and Twenty-third [Ohio] [marched from Martinsburg] to near Charlestown. Slept in a farmyard. Twelve mUes. The next day, march toward Harpers Ferry and [the] Shenandoah at Keys Ferry. Whole brigade together. Fine river and valley. Skirmish aU P. M. Heavy cannonading at Snickers Ford. Twenty-three mUes. Spent Tuesday (19th) skirmishing with Bradley Johnson's Cavalry between camp on Bull Skin and Kabletown. Rodes' Division try to take us in and fail after a brisk fight. Six mUes. Wednesday (20th), back to Keys Ferry and Harpers Ferry [and] thence to Charlestown ; ordered to join General Crook. Ten miles. Harpers Ferry, July 20, 1864. Dearest : — I am here with my brigade, merely to get am^ mimition and grub. Have been fighting and marching three days; lost only three killed and twelve wounded. Shall remain all day. AU well. My boU does me no harm, but it is an awful hole. Doctor well. Can't give you much news. I am on a scout after Crook who is lost to the bureau! It is very funny. He has caught some Rebels and many wagons, I know, and I think he has got a good victory, but I don't yet know. In our hunt we have had hard marching and plenty of fighting of a poor sort. Rebel cavalry is very active and efficient, but it don't fight. Our losses are ridiculously smaU for so much Affectionately, R. Mrs. Hayes. Thursday (21st), marched to near Snickers Ford. Camped near Colonel Ware's. Fifteen miles. The next day, marched to Winchester. A fine town before the war. Eleven and one- half mUes. Saturday (23d), enemy reported in force approach- ADVANCE AND RETREAT 485 ing Winchester. Skirmished all day. Small force of Rebel cavalry fool ours. Seven miles. Sunday (24th), defeated badly at Winchester near Kernstown by Early with a superior force. My brigade suffered severely. Rebels came in on my left. Poor cavalry aUowed the general to be surprised. Seven miles. All [that] night marching, twenty-two miles, to Martinsburg. My brigade covered the retreat. Retreated from Martinsburg; turned on Rebels and drove them out. Monday night to Poto mac at Williamsport, [Maryland], twelve miles, a severe, sleepy job. Camped on Antietam near battle-ground. Camp near Sharpsburg, Maryland, Tuesday evening, July 26, 1864. Dearest : — We reached here today after twO' nights and one day of pretty severe marching, not so severe as the Lynchburg march, and one day of very severe fighting at Winchester. We were defeated by a superior force at Winchester. My brigade suffered most in killed and wounded and not so much in prison ers as some others. The Twenty-third lost about twenty-five killed and one hundred wounded; [the] Thirty-sixth, eleven killed, ninety-nine wounded; [the] Thirteenth, fifteen kUled, sixty wounded (behaved splendidly — its first battle) ; [the] Sixth, four killed, twenty-seven wounded. In [the] Twenty-third, six new officers wounded and two kiHed — Captain McMUlen late of [the] Twelfth and Lieutenant Gray, a sergeant of Company G. Morgan again wounded, not dangerously. Comly very slightly. Lieutenant Hubbard, late commissary sergeant, feU into [the] hands of Rebels. The rest all with us. Lieutenant Kelly slightly three times. Lieutenant Clark (late sergeant) not badly. All doing well. Lieutenant-Colonel Hall (Thirteenth) twice badly but not dangerously — a brave man, very. My horse wounded. This is all a new experience, a decided defeat in battle. My brigade was in the hottest place and then was in condition to cover the retreat as rear-guard which we did suc cessfully and well for one day and night. Of course the reason, the place for blame to fall, is always 486 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES asked in such cases. I think the army is not disposed to blame the result on anybody. The enemy was so superior that a defeat was a matter of course if we fought. The real difficulty was, our cavalry was so inefficient in its efforts to discover the strength of the enemy that General Crook and all the rest of us were deceived until it was too late.* We are queer beings. The camp is now alive with laughter and good feeling; more so than usual. The recoil after so much toil and anxiety. The most of our wounded were brought off and all are doing well. — Colonel Mulligan, commanding [the] brigade next to mine was killed. Colonel Shaw of [the] Thirty- fourth killed. As we were driven off the field my pocket emptied out map, almanack, and [a] little photographic album. We charged back ten or twenty yards and got them ! There were some splendid things done by those around me. McKinley and Hastings were very gallant. Dr. Joe conspicu ously so. Much that was disgraceful was done, but, on the whole, it was not so painful a thing to go through as I have thought it would be. This was Sunday, about 2 P. M., that we all went up. We shall stay here some time if the Rebels don't invade Maryland again and so give us business. I thought of you often, especially as I feared the first reports by frightened teamsters and cavalry might carry tidings affect ing me. It was said my brigade was crushed and I killed at Martinsburg. By the by, the enemy followed' us to that place *Dr. J. T. Webb, in a letter of July 28 to his mother, writes: — "All this misfortune was occasioned by the infernal cavalry. They were sent out to guard our flanks and failed to do so. Had they done their duty, Crook would never have thought of fighting. There were about twenty thousand Rebels, while we had some six or eight thousand, all told. Our calvary is a miserable farce. They are utterly useless, in fact they were in our way. Had we not depended on them, we never would have been caught. They (cavalry) cut loose from their artillery and we, with our infantry, hauled off their guns, at the same time driving, or rather keeping, back the Rebels." ADVANCE AND RETREAT 487 where we turned on them and flogged their advance-guard handsomely. So much, dearest, as ever. Affectionately, R. Mrs. Hayes. [August 27, Hayes's command marched fourteen miles down the river road toward Harpers Ferry and camped below Sandy Hook. The next day the Potomac was crossed and a camp was established in the woods near Halltown, Virginia, a good loca tion except that it was "too far from water." Here the weary soldiers rested two days. Then, Saturday night, July 30, they marched back in the darkness, through dust, heat, and confusion, fourteen miles into Maryland ; and Sunday ten mUes farther on through Middletown to a wooded camp. Hayes writes : "Men all gone up, played out, etc. Must have time to build up or we can do nothing. Only fifty to one hundred men in a regiment came into camp in a body."] Camp near Halltown, Virginia, Four miles south of Harpers Ferry, July 29, 1864. Dearest: — A fine day in a pleasant shady camp, resting. That sentence contains a world of comfort to our weary, worn- out men. All are clothed and shod again, and general good feeling prevails. We are joined by a large force under General Wright, who commands the whole army. It looks as if we would move up the Valley of Virginia again. If so the papers will inform you of our movements and doings. I sent you a dispatch and letter after our return from the reverse at Winchester, but am not certain that either was for warded. I can only repeat what I have written so often, my love and esteem for my darling and my wish that she may be as happy 488 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES as she has always made me. — Love to the boys and all the R. dear ones. Affectionately ever. Mrs. Hayes. Camp five miles south of Harpers Ferry, Virginia, July 30, 1864. Dear Uncle: — I received your letter of the 13th last night. I hardly know what to think about your bank. It seems likely enough that greenbacks may get lower as compared with gold, and perhaps all property employed in banking may depreciate correspondingly. But I am not thinking much of these things now and have no opinions on them which I think of any value. As to that candidacy for Confess, I care nothing at all about it, neither for the nomination nor for the election.* It was merely easier to let the thing take its own course than to get up a letter declining to run and then to explain it to everybody who might choose to bore me about it. We are gathering an army here apparently to drive the Rebels out of the Valley. I hope we shall be long enough about it to give the men rest and to heal their sore feet. We have had now three months of hard campaigning — marched one thousand to one thousand two hundred miles, besides [travelling] seven hun dred [miles] by raUroad and steamboat. Much night marching, four or five pitched battles, and skirmishing every other day. My health is good — perfect ; bothered with boUs from con stant riding in hot weather, but of no importance. I wish you to send my letters to Mother. It will be a com fort to her to hear oftener than I have time to write. . . Colonel Mulligan was shot down very near me. We were side by side conversing a few moments before. My orderly was wounded, also my horse. Lieutenant Kelly had the narrowest * Hayes had received numerous letters from friends in Qncinnati , William Henry Smith, R. H. Stephenson, E. T. Carson, and others, urging him to be a candidate. He was too busy in the field to bother about politics. But he was nominated August 6, and elected in November, without having taken any part in the canvass. ADVANCE AND RETREAT 489 possible escapes — several — balls grazing his head, ear, and body — Mrs. Zimmerman's brother, you know. Sincerely, R. B. Hayes. Sunday, 31st. — I write this at Middletown, at the table of my old home when wounded — Jacob Rudy's. They are so cordial and kind. Dr. Webb and I are at the breakfast table. All in quire after Lucy and all. Send this to Lucy. Such is war — now here, tomorrow in Pennsylvania or Virginia. — Good bye.— R. S. Birchard. Camp near Wolfsville, Maryland, August 2, 1864. My Darling : — We are having a jolly good time about sixteen miles north of Middletown, resting the men, living on the fat of the land, among these loyal, friendly people. We are sup posed to be watching a Rebel invasion. Our cavalry is after the Rebel cavalry and I hope wUl do something. AvereH is a poor stick. Duffie is willing and brave and will do what he can. Powell is the real man and will do what a small force can do. I suspect there is nothing for us to do here — that is, that no [Rebel] infantry are here. I saw Colonel Brown. — Hayes Douglass was, I am told, to be in our division. I am sorry he is not. I have not seen him. The Rudys I saw Sunday. They were so kind and cordial. They aU inquired after you. The girls have grown pretty — quite pretty. Mr. Rudy said if I was wounded he would come a hundred miles to get me. Queer old neighborhood this. They sell goods at the country store at old prices and give silver in change ! Dr. Joe bought good shoes for two dollars and twenty- five cents a pair. We are in the Middletown Valley, by the side of a fine moun tain stream. We get milk, eggs, and good bread. All hope to stay here always — but I suppose we shall soon dance. We have campaigned so long that our discipline and strength are greatly deteriorated. 490 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES I read the correct list of killed, wounded, etc., of [the] Twenty-third this A. M. It contains scarcely any names you would know. With two-thirds of the regiment composed of new recruits and Twelfth men this would of course be so. — The band astonished our rural friends with their music last night. They never saw Federal soldiers here before. They have twice been robbed by Rebel raiders and so are ready to admire all they see and hear. — Love to all. Affectionately ever, p Mrs. Hayes. Friday, August 3, 1864. — Wednesday, marched eighteen to twenty miles across the Catoctin (Blue) Ridge, [and on] through Frederick to the left bank of the Monocacy, one and one-half mUes below [Frederick] Junction [where we camped]. Yester day [there arrived] ninety recruits for [the] Twenty-third, a deserter from Charleston among them. Providential !¦ — [I] rode into Frederick with General Crook, and dined with Dr. Steele, of Dayton. Today [was the] trial [drumhead court-martial] of deserter Whitlow. He was shot at sundown before all the troops. CHAPTER XXIV fighting in the SHENANDOAH VALLEY, OPEQUON, fisher's HILL, AND CEDAR CREEK AUGUST-OCTOBER 1864 CROOK'S weary army had been summoned to the East be cause of Early's activities. As soon as Hunter's forces, after their failure at Lynchburg, were well in the mountains. Early had started for the Shenandoah Valley, now left un guarded. He moved rapidly down the Valley, meeting practically no resistance, crossed over into Maryland, and levying contri butions as he went, hurried on towards Washington which was in a fever of apprehension. Lew Wallace, with an inadequate force, strove bravely but in vain to block his way at Monocacy. The most he could do was to delay Early and the delay saved Washington. By the time Early came in sight of the dome of the Capitol, knowledge of the arrival of troops from Grant's army deterred him from any serious attempt to take the city. He turned back the night of July 12 and crossed the Potomac to Leesburg with all the booty his raiders had gathered in Maryland. "Then followed three weeks of perpetual fighting, raiding, marching, and countermarching in the lower Shenandoah Valley and western Maryland, with frequent changes of commanders of departments and corps, with clashings of authority and con flicting orders, resulting in dissipating the strength of the Union forces and giving the alert and clear-headed Early almost con stant success. At last (August 5) Grant solved the perplexing problem by insisting on a consolidation of the Middle, Wash ington, Susquehanna, and West Virginia Departments and plac ing General Sheridan v.dth an adequate army in command. Then began the brilliant campaign in the Valley which finally (491) 492 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES crushed the Confederate strength in that quarter."* This chap ter records Hayes's share in that campaign.] Camp Pleasant Valley, Maryland, August 8 (Monday), 1864. Dearest : — We have had pretty good times the last week or ten days. Easy marching, plenty to eat, and good camps. We are, for the present, part of a tolerably large army under Sheri dan. This pleases General Crook and suits us all. We are likely to be engaged in some of the great operations of the autumn. But service in these large armies is by no means as severe as in our raids. Hayes Douglass is commissary on General Crook's staff. I have not yet seen him. He is spoken of very favorably. My staff is Captain Hastings, Lieutenant Wood and Delay of Thirty-sixth, and Comstock of Thirteenth. I was sorry to lose McKinley but I couldn't as a friend advise him to do other wise. He is taken out of [the] quartermaster's department and that is good, and into [the] adjutant-general's office, and that is good. One of the scamps who deserted the Rebels and then deserted Hicks' company (you remember) was captured at Cloyd's Mountain in the Rebel ranks. He escaped and by a remarkable providence enlisted as a substitute in Ohio and was sent to the Twenty-third Regiment. He was tried anl shot within twenty- four hours. His execution was in [the] presence of General Crook's command. Men of the Twenty-third shot him. They made no mistake. Eight out of ten baUs would either of them have been instant death. We are getting a considerable number of substitutes — many good men, but many who are professional vUlains who desert of course. We seem to be going up the VaHey of the Shenandoah again. We get no letters. None from you since I saw you. But I know you are loving me and only feel anxious lest you are too anxious about me. * "Life of Hayes," Vol. I, p. 227. IN THE SHENANDOAH VALLEY 493 One of the best officers in my command wrote an article on the Winchester fight which will appear in the Gallipolis Journal which you would be happy to read. Well, time is passing rapidly. The campaign is half over. If we can only worry through the Presidential election I shall feel easier. I hope McClellan will be nominated at Chicago. I shall then feel that, in any event, the integrity of the Union is likely to be maintained. A peace nomination at Chicago would array the whole party against the war. Love to all. Much for thyself, darling. Ever your R. Mrs. Hayes. Shenandoah Valley, near Strasburg, August 14 (Sunday), 1864. Dearest: — You see we are again up the VaHey following Generals Early and Breckinridge who are in our front. I know nothing as to prospects. I like our present commander. General Sheridan. Our movement seems to relieve Maryland and Penn sylvania. Whether it means more and what, I don't know. We are having rather pleasant campaigning. The men improve rapidly. Put Winchester down as a Christian town. The Union fam ilies took our wounded off the field and fed and nursed them well. Whatever town is burned to square the Chambersburg* account, it will not be Winchester. Several in my brigade supposed to be dead turn out to be doing well. There are probably fifty families of good Union people (some quite wealthy and first-familyish) in Winchester. It is a splendid town, nearly as large as Chillicothe. Much love to all. Good-bye, darling. Ever lovingly, your R. Mrs. Hayes. ?General McCausland had recently been on a raid in Pennsylvania; had captured Chambersburg, and the citizens being unable to pay the exorbitant levy he demanded, had burned it to the ground. 494 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES Shenandoah Valley, Camp near Strasburg, Virginu, August 14, 1864. Dear Uncle : — You see we are again up the famous Valley; General Sheridan commands the army; General Early and Breckinridge are in our front ; they have retired before us thus far; whether it is the purpose to follow and force a battle, I don't know ; the effect is to relieve our soil from Rebels. My health is excellent. Our troops are improving under the easy marches. We shall get well rested doing what the Sixth and Nineteenth Corps of the Potomac ( [who] are with us) re gard as severe campaigning. I have heard nothing from home since I saw Lucy on the lOth [of] July. Direct to me : "First Brigade, Second Division, Army of West Virginia, via Harpers Ferry." Sincerely yours, R. B. Hayes. S. Birchard. Monday, August 13, 1864. — Rebels attacked our picket line and drove it after a brisk skirmish. [The] Twenty-third and Thirty-sixth supporting soon check the Rebels. Our loss two killed, ten wounded. I had some narrow escapes. Cedar Creek, near Strasburg, August 16, 1864. Darling : — We are still here observing the enemy and skir mishing with him daUy. Yesterday with [the] Twenty-third and Thirty-sixth had a very brisk skirmish; lost two kiUed, twelve wounded. One of [the] color corporals in Twenty-third (Corporal Hughes) killed. We are gaining in strength and spirits daily. Numbers supposed to have been killed at Win chester turn out to be only wounded. . . . Love to all. Affectionately, ever, R Mrs. Hayes. IN THE SHENANDOAH VALLEY 495 Camp near Charlestown six miles (or four) from Harpers Ferry, August 23, 1864. Dearest : — For the first time since I saw you I received let ters from you the day before yesterday. I hope I shall not be so cut off again. It almost pays, however, in the increased grati fication the deferred correspondence gives one. You can't imagine how I enjoy your letters. They are a feast indeed. I had hardly read your letter when we were called out to fight Early. We skirmished all day. Both armies had good positions and both were too prudent to leave them. So, again yesterday. We are at work like beavers today. The men enjoy it. A battle mxi-y happen at any moment, but I think there will be none at present. Last evening the Twenty-third, Thirty-sixth, and Fifth surprised the Rebel skirmish line and took a number of prisoners, etc., without loss to us. It is called a brilliant skirmish and we enjoyed it much. You recollect "Mose" Barrett. He was taken prisoner at Lynchburg while on a risky job. I always thought he would get off. Well, he came in at Cumberland with a comrade bringing in twelve horses from the Rebel lines ! Colonel Tomlinson was slightly wounded in the skirmish last night, just enough to draw blood and tear his pants below the knee. — One corporal of the color-guard was kUled at Win chester — George Hughes, Company B. He died in five minutes without pain. Winchester is a noble town. Both Union and Secesh ladies devote their whole time to the care of the wounded of the two armies. Their town has been taken and retaken two or three times a day, several times. It has been the scene of five or six battles and many skirmishes. There are about fifty Union families, many of them "F. F.'s." But they are true as steel. Our officers and men all praise them. One queer thing: the whole people turn out to see each army as it comes and welcome their acquaintances and friends. The Rebels are happy when the Secesh soldiers come and vice versa. Three years of this sort of life have schooled them to singular habits. I have heard heavy skirmishing ever since I began to write. 496 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES Now I hear our artillery pounding, but I anticipate no battle here as I think our position too good for Early to risk an assault and I suppose it is not our policy to attack them. Interrupted to direct Captain Gillis about entrenching on our left. Meantime skirmish firing and cannonading have almost ceased. I believe you know that I shaU feel no apprehension of the war being abandoned if McClellan is elected President. I there fore feel desirous to see him nominated at Chicago. Then, no odds how the people vote, the country is safe. If McClellan is elected the Democracy will speedUy become a war party. A great good that will be. I suspect some of our patriots having fat offices and contracts might then on losing them become enamored of peace! I feel more hopeful about things than when I saw you. This Presidential election is the rub. That once over, without outbreak or other calamity, and I think we save the coimtry. By the by, I think I'll now write this to Uncle Scott. So good-bye. Love to chicks. Ever so much for their grand mother and more for you, darling. Ever yours, R. Mrs. Hayes. Camp between Harpers Ferry and Charlestown, Virginia, August 23, 1864. Dear Mother : — We have a pretty large Rebel army just in front of us. We drove it before us several days until it was reinforced when it slowly drove us back to this point. Here we are in a pretty good position and there seems to be a purpose to fight a general battle here if the enemy choose to attack. Of course, there are frequent skirmishes and affairs in which parts of the army only are engaged which are small battles. So far our success in such affairs has been quite as good as the enemy's. I am inclined to think that there will be no general engagement here. It looks as if we were so well prepared that the Rebels would move in some other direction. 1 Ni ^ j^ / I 7 Si U^l t ^ ^ IN THE SHENANDOAH VALLEY 497 I am now longer without a letter from you than ever before. I know you write but we have had no mails. — My health is good. I heard from Lucy and Uncle Sunday. The weather is now delightful. We have had good rains. — Love to all. Affectionately, your son, R. Mrs. Sophia Hayes. Camp of Sheridan's Army, August 24, 1864. Friend Smith : — Your favor of the 7th came to hand on Monday. It was the first I had heard of the doings of the Second District Convention. My thanks for your attention and assistance in the premises. I cared very little about being a candidate, but 1 having consented to the use of my name I pre ferred to succeed. Your suggestion about getting a furlough toj, take the stump was certainly made without reflection. An officer fit for duty who at this crisis would abandon his post to electioneer for a seat in Congress ought to be scalped. You may feel perfectly sure I shall do no such thing. We are, and for two weeks have been, in the immediate pres ence of a large Rebel army. We have skirmishing and small affairs constantly. I am not posted in the policy deemed wise at headquarters, and I can't guess as to the prospects of a general engagement. The condition and spirit of this army are good and improving. I suspect the enemy is sliding around us towards the Potomac. If they cross we shall pretty certainly have a meeting. Sincerely, R. B. Hayes.-* Wm. H. Smith, Esq., Cincinnati, Ohio. * This letter was lithographed and widely used as an eflectiv* campaign document during the Presidential canvass of 1876. 82 498 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES Camp Sheridan's Army near Halltown, Virginia, August 27, 1864. Dear Uncle: — I am getting letters at last; heard nothing from anybody for six weeks until last Sunday. We are entrenching a fine camp here as if a strong Rebel at tack was expected. We have the enemy directly in front — sup posed to be in force. We have fighting daily. My brigade and the other brigade of Crook's old division are in the front and do the most of it. We had quite a little battle last night — our loss seventy — Rebel about [the] same in killed and wounded and we captured a smaH South Carolina Rebel regiment entire (one hundred and four [men]). This is the third time we have dashed back on them and picked up their skirmish line. The Rebs did intend to go into Maryland and Pennsylvania. Perhaps we have stopped them. We don't know yet. Sheridan's cavalry is splendid. It is the most like the right thing that I have seen during the war. Discipline and drill have been woefully neglected in our army. General Crook's army is about one-third of the force of Sheri dan. Half of his (Crook's) force is capital infantry — the old Kanawha Division and two or three other regiments. The rest is poor enough — as poor as anything here. This is what hurt us at Winchester. The Nineteenth Corps, another third of Sheridan's army, are Yankee troops just returned from Louisiana. We have not seen them fight yet, but they look ex ceedingly well. We are pretty certain to have heavy fighting before long. We are having capital times in this army — commanders that suit us (we are rid of Hunter), plenty to eat and wear, and beautiful and healthy camps, with short marches. The best times we have had since our first raid under Crook. My old regiment keeps up notwithstanding the losses. We have filled up so as to have in the field almost six hundred men — more than any other old regiment. I see Buckland is nominated [for Congress.] I suppose that wUl please him much. My college friend, from Michigan, Trow bridge, is a candidate also. IN THE SHENANDOAH VALLEY 499 I hope McClellan will be nominated at Chicago. I shall then feel that in any event the war is to be prosecuted until the I Union is restored. Sincerely, R. B. Hayes. S. Birchard. Monday, August 29, 1864. — In camp, five miles to south of Charlestown, lazily listening to heavy firing on our right. Mc Clellan probably nominated. I suspect he will be elected. Not so bad a thing if he is. Reading "Harry Lorrequer." Camp Sheridan's Army between Charlestown and Winchester, August 30, 1864. Dearest : — A lucky day. A big mail — letters (all of July) from you. Uncle, Mother, soldiers, their wives, fathers, etc., etc., and newspapers (all July) without end. So I must write short replies. . . . We are slowly (I think) pushing the enemy back up the Val ley. We have some fighting, but no general engagement. Sheri dan's splendid cavalry does most of the work. Heretofore, we (the infantry, especially [the] First and Second Brigades) have had to do our own work and that of the cavalry also. Now, if anything, the cavalry does more than its share. It is as if we had six or eight thousand such men as Captain Gilmore's ; only better drilled. A great comfort this. Indeed, this is our best month. The men are fast getting their Kanawha health and spirits back, now that we are rid of Hunter, hard marching night and day, and nothing to eat. The paymaster, Major Wallace (he inquires after Mrs. Hayes of course), has found us at last. The color-company of [the] Twenty-third is Twelfth men — a fine company of veterans. The color-sergeant is Charles W. Bendel of Maysville, Kentucky, of the Twelfth. He loves the flag as if he thought it his sweet heart — kisses it, fondles it, and bears it proudly in battle. 500 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES I hope things turn out so I can be with you about the time you would like me to be at home. Perhaps they will. Love to all. Affectionately ever, your R. Mrs. Hayes. Camp beyond Charlestown, August 30, 1864. Dear Uncle : — We got a big mail today ; letters from you, Lucy, Mother, and everybody, all written in July. We have had no general engagement, but a world of small affairs the last week. I think the enemy are giving it up. We are slowly pushing them back up the Valley. General Sheridan's splendid cavalry do a great share of the work; we look on and rest. This has been a good month for us. We are a happy army. I see it is likely McClellan wUl be nominated. If they don't load him down with too much treasonable peace doctrine, I shall not be surprised at his election. I can see some strong currents which can easily be turned in his favor, provided always that his loyalty is left above suspicion. I have no doubt of his per sonal convictions and feelings. They are sound enough, but his surroundings are the trouble. We have a paymaster at last. Sincerely, R. B. Hayes. S. Birchard. [Dr. J. T. Webb, in a letter to his mother from "Camp Charlestown, August 30, 1864," writes: "This is the place the chivalry hung old John Brown some four years since. It has been a beautiful place, many elegant residences, fine stores, printing press, and public halls. Now how changed! Not a store in the place, in fact nothing but the women and children and a few old men live here; a few of the fine residences look as though they were kept up, but everything around is sad and gloomy, and then to add to all, the Sixth Corps (some fifteen or twenty thousand troops) as they passed through the place, had all their bands, some twenty, play 'John Brown.' "I met an old man the other day in the street, and said to him. IN THE SHENANDOAH VALLEY 501 'This is the place you hung old John Brown.' 'Yes,' he replied. 'How long since?' said I. 'Four years since and,' added he, 'never had no peace since.' "] Wednesday, August 31, 1864. — McClellan nominated. A happy month in the main. The prospect is much less gloomy than at the beginning of the month. Grant will probably be able to keep his position before Richmond. Camp of Sheridan's Army, September i, 1864. Dearest : — Enclosed find state receipt for seven hundred dol lars payable at county treasury of Ross County. You can sign the receipt on the back and send it to the treasurer of Ross County by any friend. I suppose it will get around in about four weeks from this time. The Rebs are reported all gone. With Sheridan's fine cav alry and General Crook's shrewdness they had no business so far from home. We were picking them up in detail. Their loss in the last two weeks was sixteen hundred — mostly prisoners; our loss not over four hundred. Your two letters in which you speak of Ike Cook [a cousin of Mrs. Hayes] just reached me. I do not see how he can be commissioned as Mr. Hough proposes, but if he can get him commissioned and mustered in any regiment and get him leave to come here, I will get him a good place as aide (aide-de-camp) to myself or somebody else. Of course the regiments in the field need aU their promotions. If he is drafted, Mr. Hough can arrange it probably so he can join the Twenty-third or Thirty- sixth. I will then make him an orderly which will give him a horse and very easy duty — nothing harder usually than the care of his horse. If he wishes to volunteer, or go as a sub stitute, he can get big bounties, and as long as I retain my pres ent position he shall be mounted. AU weU. Soldiers so joUy. Birch and Webb would like it here. The men are camped in a wooded ravine, officers' quarters on the edge of the wood looking out upon fine open fields and 502 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES mountains. About a dozen men of Company B, Twenty-third, with their hats swinging ran yeUing up to the open ground cry ing, "See the prisoners ! Mosby a prisoner." Of course those next to them ran, the thing took and the whole camp clear to army headquarters a mile off or more, perhaps ten thousand men, followed their example. Officers of course ran, major- generals and all. Then the "sell" was discovered, and such laughing and shouting I never heard before. — A squirrel is started; up the trees go the soldiers and fun alive until he is caught. A mule or a dog gets into camp, and such a time! I am constantly saying, "How the boys would like this." Well, good-bye dearest. We feel that this Valley campaign has been a lucky one, though not very eventful. We shall, I think, go up the Valley again to Winchester and beyond. — Love to all. Ever affectionately, your R. McKinley is a captain now on General Crook's staff. September 2, A. M. — Your letter of 22nd came last night. You are doing me such a favor in writing often. I now get letters. In [the] September Harper is an article "First Time Under Fire" which is very like my case. — Truthful. Mrs. Hayes. Camp near Berryville, September 4, [1864]. Sunday evening. Dearest : — We had one of the fiercest fights yesterday I was ever in. It was between the South Carolina and Mississippi Divisions under General Kershaw and six regiments of the Kanawha Division. My brigade had the severest fighting, but in loss we none of us suffered as might have been expected. We were under cover except when we charged and then darkness helped. We whipped them, taking about one hundred prisoners and killing and wounding a large number. Captain Gillis was killed, shot near the heart. Captain Austin dangerously wounded through the right shoulder, George Brigdon, my color- IN THE SHENANDOAH VALLEY 503 bearer, bearing the brigade flag, mortally wounded. Only ten others of [the] Twenty-third hurt. Sixty in the brigade kUled or wounded. Captain GiUis was a noble, brave man, a good companion, cheerful and generous — a great loss to us. The Rebel army is again just before us. It was a pleasant battle to get through, all except the loss of GUlis and Brigdon and Austin. I suppose I was never in so much danger before, but I enjoyed the excitement more than ever before. My men behaved so well. One regiment of an other division nearly lost all by running away. The Rebels were sure of victory and run [ran] at us with the wildest yeUs, but our men turned the tide in an instant. This was the crack division of Longstreet. They say they never ran before. Darling, I think of you always. My apprehension and feel ing is a thousand times more for you than for myself. I think we shall have no great battle. We are again entrenched here. Our generals are cautious and wary. — Love to all. The dear boys, God bless them. Affectionately ever, your R. Mrs. Hayes. Camp of Sheridan's Army near Berryville, Virginia, September 6, P. M., 1864. Dear Uncle: — Saturday evening (September 3) my brig ade and two regiments of the other brigade of the Kanawha Division fought a very fierce battle with a division of South Carolina and Mississippi troops under Kershaw. We whipped them handsomely after the longest fight I was ever in. Took seventy-five officers and men prisoners and inflicted much severer loss than we suffered. Prisoners say it is the first time their division was ever flogged in fair fight. My color-bearer was killed and some of the best officers kiUed or wounded. We have fought nine times since we entered this valley and have been under fire, when men of my command were killed and wounded, probably thirty or forty times since the campaign opened. I doubt if a brigade in Sherman's array 504 RUTHERFORD. BIRCHARD HAYES has fought more. None has marched half as much. I started with twenty-four hundred men. I now have less than twelve hundred, and almost none of the loss is stragglers. I hope they will now get Sherman's army to Richmond. It will be taken if they do it promptly, otherwise I fear not for some time. McQeUan would get a handsome soldiers' vote if on a decent platform; as it is, he will get more than any other Democrat could get. I am glad that you feel as you do about my safety. It is the best philosophy not to borrow trouble of the future. We are still confronted by the enemy. I can't help thinking that the fall of Atlanta wUl carry them back to Richmond. What a glorious career Sherman's army has had ! That is the best army in the world. Lee's army is next. There is just as much differ ence between armies, divisions, brigades, etc., as between in dividuals. Crook, I think, has the best and the worst division in this army. Of the one you can always count upon it, that it will do all that can be expected, and of the other that it wiU behave badly. Sincerely, R. B. Hayes. September 8. — Nothing new except that the Rebels have drawn back perhaps ten miles from our front, possibly gone back to Richmond. S. Birchard. Camp at Summit Point, Virginia, September 9, 1864. Dearest : — I received today your good letter of the 30th. I think I have got the most, perhaps, all of your back letters. Speaking of politics: It is quite common for youngsters, adopting their parents' notions, to get very bitter talk into their innocent little mouths. I was quite willing Webb should hurrah for Vallandigham last summer with the addition, "and a rope to hang him." But I feel quite different about McCleUan. He is on a mean platform and is in bad company, but I do not doubt his personal loyalty and he has been a soldier, and what IN THE SHENANDOAH VALLEY 505 is more a soldier's friend. No man ever treated the private soldier better. No commander was ever more loved by his men. I therefore want my boys taught to think and talk well of Gen eral McClellan. I think he will make the best President of any Democrat. If on a sound platform, I could support him. Do not be alarmed. I do not think he will be elected. The im proved condition of our military affairs injures his chances very materially. He will not get so large [an] army vote as his friends seem to expect. With reasonably good luck in the war, Lincoln wiU go in. Have you any picture of Captain GUlis and Brigdon ? Captain Austin had his arm amputated at the shoulder and died the night after. There was no saving him. Lieutenant Hubbard, sup posed kUled at Winchester, escaped from the Rebels and is now with us, well and strong. About half of the Fifth Virginia Volunteers leave us today. Colonel Enochs, Captain Poor, and others remain. I do not know where the enemy is today. They were still in our front the day before yesterday. . . . As ever your Mrs. Hayes. R. [Dr. J. T. Webb writing to his nephews, the Hayes boys, from Camp Summit Point, Virginia, September ii, 1864, says: — "Since we left Charleston in April last, the Twenty-third Regi ment has had three captains killed and three wounded, two lieutenants killed and three wounded, and about four hundred and fifty privates killed and wounded. We have marched on foot twelve hundred miles, traveHed on steamboats and cars five hun dred; fought six or eight battles, {worsted in but one — at Win chester), [and] skirmished with the enemy in front or rear sixty days. Since we came into Sheridan's Army we have had comparatively easy times, as far as marching is concerned. In the way of skirmishing our division has had more than its share. Every few days an order came for us to go out and see where and what the enemy was doing. On one of these expeditions we killed and captured quite a number of the enemy without 506 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARl) HAYES losing a man. This was fun for me. It was quite a battle, and our friends, back in camp, from the amount of firing, supposed we were having a hard time, and sent out thirty ambulances to carry in our wounded. Imagine their surprise when we returned them all empty. In our other skirmishes we lost more or less each time, but invariably worsted the enemy."] Headquarters First Brigade, Second Division, Army OF West Virginia, Summit Point, Virginia, September 12, 1864. Dear Uncle : — We have had no severe fighting since the third. The frequent rains have fiUed the Potomac so it is no longer f ordable. I look for no attempt now on the part of the Rebels to get over the river and think there will be very little fighting unless we attack. We are gaining strength dail/. Our policy seems to be not to attack unless the chances are greatly in our favor. MUitary affairs wear a much better look. Our armies are rapidly filling up. I shall not be surprised if Grant should soon find himself able to make important moves. I like McClellan's letter. It is an important thing. It is the best evidence to Europe and the South that the people intend to prosecute the war until the Union is re-established. Still, if things continue as favorable as they now are, I think Lincoln will be elected. I see that Mr. Long is not renominated. I supposed he would be and that my election over him was quite a sure thing. Against Mr. Lord the result will depend on the general drift matters take. I am not; a-going to take it to heart if I am beaten. "It's of no consequence at all," as Mr. Toots would say. Mr. Lord's wife and family are particular and intimate friends of my wife and family. His wife is a sister of Stephenson's wife. Divers friends of his and mine wUl be in a worry how to vote, I suspect I am glad you are out of debt — a good place to be out of in the times a-coming. . . . Sincerely, S. Birchard, ^- ^- H^^»- IN THE SHENANDOAH VALLEY 507 Camp near Summit Point, Virginia, September 13, 1864. Dearest : — We have had heavy fall rains and are now having windy, cold fall weather. We are, however, very comfortably camped, clad, and fed. No fighting of importance since the third. The enemy was stUl in our front yesterday morning. A division is now out feel ing of their lines — the cannonading indicates that they have not all gone. McClellan, I see, has written a pretty good war letter. I sus pect it wiU make him trouble among the genuine copperheads. Mr. Lord declines running in the Second District and Mr. Butler is put in his place ! I think both of them are good war men and that they do not differ much from me. A funny mix it is. We have had two votes in this camp. The Thirteenth Virginia, Colonel Brown, gave three hundred and seventy-five for Lincoln, fifteen for McClellan. The Ninth Virginia two hundred and seventy for Lincoln, none ( I) for McCleHan. The platform and Pendleton destroys his chances in the army. I dreamed about you and the boys last night. I hope you are as well as I thought you looked. . . . Love to all Affectionately ever R. Mrs. Hayes. Camp near Summit Point, Virginia, September 17, 1864. Dearest: — Did Carrington leave a revolver (pistol) with you when he left [the] little sorrel? I have forgotten about it. General McClellan has written a pretty good Union and war letter, which I see is bringing the Democratic party over to our side on the war question. If he should be elected, — an event not now seeming probable, — I have no doubt that the war wUl go right on. The chief difference between us is on slavery, and I have no doubt that when the burden and responsibility of the war is on the Democracy, they will rapidly "get religion," as Sam Cary would say, "on that subject." General Grant is now here in consultation with General Sheri dan. The recruits and convalescents wUl soon fill up his ranks and I look for an active fall campaign. 508 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES September i8. Sunday P. M. — As usual the order to move comes on Sunday. We go on [in] what direction or why I don't know. But, darling, I love you and the dear ones. — Good-bye. Ever affectionately, R. Mrs. Hayes. Monday, September 19, 1864. — Marched fifteen miles and gained the battle of Winchester. Colonel Duval and Captain Hastings wounded near the close of the battle. I took command of the Second (old "Kanawha") Division at end of day. Tuesday, September 20. — Marched fifteen miles to Cedar Creek (near Strasburg). Early badly beaten yesterday; twenty- six hundred prisoners taken, swords, guns, and flags. Rebels halt at Fisher's HiU. We hide in the woods after dark. Wednesday, September 21. — In camp at Cedar Creek. Crook's troops concealed in woods. Rebels in a strong position on Fisher's Hill beyond Strasburg with strong works; we are trying to turn it. Camp near Strasburg, Virginia, September 21, 1864. Dearest : — As I anticipated when I added a few words in pencil to a half finished letter last Sunday, we left camp to seek General Early and give him battle. We met him at Winchester and, as I telegraphed, gained a great victory. General Crook's command in general, and my brigade and the Second (Kanawha) Division in particular, squared up the balance left against us on the 24th of July at the same place. The fighting began at day light Monday (19th), with our cavalry. Then the Sixth Corps fighting pretty well, joined in ; and about 10 :30 A. M. the Nine teenth [Corps] took part — some portions of it behaving badly, losing ground, two guns, and some prisoners. We in the mean time were guarding the wagons (!). Since the fight they say Crook's command was the reserve! By noon the battle was rather against [us]. The Rebels were jubUant and in Winchester were cheering and rejoicing over the Brigadier-General Rutherford B. Hayes (Brevet Major-General) and Staff. joseph t. webb, surgeon. lieutenant jas. w. DELAY. LIEUTENANT WILLIAM MCKINLEY, JR. BRIGADIER-GENERAL RUTHERFORD B. HAYES. LIEUTENANT 0. J. WOOD. CAPTAIN RUSSELL HASTINGS. IN THE SHENANDOAH VALLEY 509 victory. We were sent for. General Crook in person superin tended the whole thing. At one o'clock, having passed around on to the Rebel left, we passed under a fire of cannon and musketry and pushed direct for a battery on their extreme flank. This division was our extreme right. My brigade in front, supported by Colonel White's old brigade. As soon as we felt their fire we moved swiftly forward going directly at the battery. The order was to walk fast, keep silent, until within about one hundred yards of the guns, and then with a yell to charge at full speed. We passed over a ridge and were just ready to begin the rush when we came upon a deep creek with high banks, boggy, and perhaps twenty-five yards wide. The Rebel fire now broke out furiously. Of course the line stopped. To stop was death. To go on was probably the same ; but on we started again. My horse plunged in and mired down hopelessly, just as by frantic struggling he reached about the middle of the stream. I jumped off, and down on all fours, succeeded in reaching the Rebel side — but alone. Perhaps some distance above or below others were across. I was about the middle of the brigade and saw nobody else, but hundreds were struggling in the stream. It is said several were drowned. I think it not true. (N. B. I just received the enclosed with orders to have it read to every man in my division. I send you the original. Save it as precious.)"' The next man over (I don't know but he beat me — but — ) was the adjutant of the Thirty- sixth. Soon they came flocking, aU regiments mixed up — all order gone. [There was] no chance of ever reforming, but pell-mell, over the obstructions, went the crowd. Two cannons were cap- *Two yellow flimsies. One giving a despatch of Septemiber 20 from Secretary Stanton to General Sheridan, reading : "Please accept for your self and your gallant army the thanks of the President and the Depart ment for your great battle and brilliant victory of yesterday. . . . One hundred guns were fired here at noon today in honor of your vic tory." The other a despatch of the same date from General Grant, reading: "I have just received the news of your great victory and ordered each of the army corps to fire a salute of one hundred guns in honor of it at 7 o'clock tomorrow morning." 510 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES tured; the rest run off. The whole of Crook's Command (both divisions) were soon over, with the general swinging his sword, and the Rebel position was successfully flanked, and victory in prospect for the first time that day. We chased them three to five hundred yards, when we came in sight of a second line, strongly posted. We steadily worked to wards them under a destructive fire. Sometimes we would be brought to a standstill by the storm of grape and musketry, but the flags {yours as advanced as any) would be pushed on and a straggling crowd would follow. With your flag were [the] Twenty-third, Thirty-fourth, Thirty-sixth, and Seventy-first men, and so of all the others. Officers on horseback were faUing faster than others, but all were suffering. {Mem,.: — Two men got my horse out and I rode him all day, but he was ruined.) Things began to look dark. The Nineteenth Corps next on our left were in a splendid line, but they didn't push. They stood and fired at long range ! Many an anxious glance was cast that way. They were in plain sight, but no, or very little, effective help came from that handsome line. It was too far off. At the most critical moment a large body of that splendid cavalry, with sabres drawn, moved slowly around our right beyond the creek. Then at a trot and finally with shouts at a gallop [they] charged right into the Rebel lines. We pushed on and away broke the Rebels. The cavalry came back, and an hour later and nearly a mUe back, the same scene again; and a third time; and the victory was ours just at sundown. My division [was] entering Winchester as the Rebels were leaving, far in advance of aU other troops. My division com mander had faUen (Colonel Duval) badly, not dangerously, wounded, and I commanded the division in the closing scenes. The colonel of the other brigade. Captain Hastings, one of my orderlies (Johnny Kaufman), and hosts of others [were] wounded. You wUl see the lists. No intimate friends killed. It was a great victory, but a much greater battle to take part in than the results would indicate. I certainly never enjoyed anything more than the last three hours. Dr. Joe was perfectly happy, the last two hours at least — always after the first cavalry charge. We felt well. The sum of it is, [the] Sixth Corps IN THE SHENANDOAH VALLEY 511 fought weU; [the] Nineteenth only so-so. Crook's skill and his men turned the Rebel left making victory possible, and the cavalry saved it when it was in danger of being lost. Of course this is imperfect. I saw but little of what occurred. For that reason I would never have a letter of mine shown out side of the family. There is too much risk of errors. For in stance, crossing the creek, I could only see one hundred yards or so up and down. Forty men may have beaten me over, but I didn't see them. Colonel Duval has gone home. I command the division. Col onel Devol of the Thirty-sixth commands the First Brigade in my stead. We are following the retreating Rebels. They will get into an entrenched position before fighting again, and I sus pect we shall not assault them in strong works. So I look for no more fighting with General Early this campaign. — Love to all. Affectionately, R. Send this to Mother and Uncle with request to return it to you. P. S. — A comment on this letter. I am told that the creek we crossed was a swail or "sloo" [slough] three hundred yards long, and that my line above and below me crossed it easily — thus separating still more the different parts of my line. No one knows a battle except the little part he sees. Friday, September 23. — Marched twelve miles to Woodstock. Rebels outran the first Bull Run great rout. Woodstock a pretty reigon, Bath and clean woollen today. Woodstock, Virginia, September 23, 1864. Dearest: — We fought the enemy again [yesterday] at Fisher's Hill near Strasburg. They had fortified a naturally strong position with great industry. It seemed impregnable, but General Crook contrived an attack, by going up a mountainside, which turned their position. My division led the attack. The victory was [as] complete as possible and, strangest of all, our loss is almost nothing. 512 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES Captain Douglass sits near me in excellent health. We are following the enemy. Shall be out of hearing for some time. In the rush after the Rebels no flag was so conspicuous as yours. It seems a trifle larger than others, is bright and new, and as it went double-quick at the head of a yelling host for five mUes, I thought how you would enjoy the sight. The color- bearer told me he should go to see you when the war was over. He is an American German, with a dark Indian face, full of spirit. Captain Hastings' wound is severe but not dangerous. Captain Stewart, the best captain in [the] Thirteenth, ditto. Captain Slack killed. In the fight yesterday none were kUled of your friends or acquaintances and very few hurt. A train goes in a minute and I must send a line to Mother. — Dr. Joe perfectly triumphant. He was at the head of the host yesterday. — Love to all. Affectionately ever, R. P. S. — Since the wounding of Colonel Duval, I command the splendid old Kanawha Division — two brigades, now not over three thousand strong, but no better fighters live. Mrs. Hayes. Woodstock, Virginia, September 23, 1864. Dear Mother : — We have gained two great victories this week. The first was after a fierce and long battle, in which we lost heavily. The last unwounded man of my staff was badly wounded ; one orderly ditto ; two horses kUled, rode by my aides. I am unhurt and in good health. We are in pursuit and will soon get out of the reach of mails. — In haste. Love to all. Affectionately, your son, R. Mrs. Sophia Hayes. Saturday, September 24. — Marched five [miles] to Edinburg, seven to Mount Jackson, seven and one-fourth to New Market — nineteen and one-fourth [in aH]. A fine day; fine scenery. IN THE SHENANDOAH VALLEY 513 Rebels stood a short time at Reed's Hill near Mount Jackson, but soon retreated ; admit a bad defeat — loss of seventeen pieces of artillery and five thousand men. Camp facing the gap into Luray Valley. Sunday, September 23. — March nine [miles] to Sparta and nine to Harrisonburg — eighteen. A fine town and a fine day. General Early reported [to have] gone over into Luray Valley to go through Blue Ridge. I conjecture he will go to railroad and Lynchburg. This is a splendid day, a fine town. Monday, September 26. — At camp near Harrisonburg. Re ceive Sheridan's telegraphic report of our last battle. Crook's command gets proper credit for once. Harrisonburg, Virginia, September 26, 1864. Dearest : — Another victory and almost nobody hurt. The loss in my division (you know I now command General Crook's old Division, Twenty-third and Thirty-sixth Ohio and Fifth and Thirteenth Virginia, Thirty-fourth and Ninety-first Ohio and Ninth and Fourteenth Virginia) is less than one hundred. Early's Rebel veterans, Jackson's famous old corps, made our BuU Run defeat respectable. They ran like sheep. The truth is. General Crook outwitted them. The other generals opposed his plan but Sheridan trusts him absolutely and allowed him to be gin the attack on his own plan. But I have written aU this. Love to the boys. Regards to Uncle Scott and all on the hUl. I got his good letter just before our last fight. Affectionately ever, Mrs. Hayes. Harrisonburg, Virginia, September 26, 1864. Dear Uncle : — You have heard enough about our great victories at Winchester and Fisher's Hill. I will say only a word. No one man can see or know what passes on all parts of a battle-field. Each one describes the doings of the corps, division, or what not, that he is with. Now, all the correspondents are 33 514 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES with the Sixth and Nineteenth Corps and the cavalry command. General Crook has nobody to write him or his command up. They are of course lost sight of. At Winchester at noon, the Sixth and Nineteenth Corps had been worsted. In the afternoon. General Crook (who is the brains of the whole thing) with his command turned the Rebel left and gained the victory. The cavalry saved it from being lost after it was gained. My brigade led the attack on the Rebel left, but all parts of Crook's command did their duty. The Sixth Corps fought well, the Nineteenth failed somewhat, and the cavalry was splendid and efficient throughout. This is my say-so. My division entered the fight on the extreme right of the infantry, Merritt's splendid cavalry on our right, and Averell stUl further on our right. We ended the fight on the extreme left. The Rebels retreated from our right to our left, so that we went in at the rear and came out at the front, my flag being the first into and through Winchester. My division commander was wounded late in the fight and I commanded the division from that time. It is the Second, General Crook's old division. At Fisher's Hill the turning of the Rebel left was planned and executed by General Crook against the opinions of the other generals. My division led again. General Sheridan is a whole- souled, brave man (like Dr. Webb) and believes in Crook, his old class and roommate at West Point. Intellectually he is not General Crook's equal, so that, as I said, General 'Crook is the brains of this army. The completeness of our victories can't be exaggerated. If Averell had been up to his duty at Fisher's HUl, Mr. Early and all the rest would have fallen into our hands. As it is, we have, I think, from the two battles five thousand Rebel prisoners un hurt — three thousand wounded, five hundred killed ; twenty-five pieces of artillery, etc., etc. In the Fisher's Hill battle, the Sheridan Cavalry was over the mountains going around to the rear. This, as it turned out, was unfortunate. If they had been with us instead of Averell, there would have been nothing left of Early. General Averell is re lieved. I lost one orderly, my adjutant-general. Captain Hastings, and IN THE SHENANDOAH VALLEY 515 field officers in all regiments, wounded. No officers especially intimate with me kUled. I had my scene which I described in a letter to Lucy. Sincerely, R. S. Birchard. One hundred miles south of the Potomac, Harrisonburg, Virginia, September 27, 1864. Dearest : — We have left the further pursuit of Early's broken army to cavalry and small scouting parties. We are resting near a beautiful town like Delaware. We suspect our campaigning is over and that we shall ultimately go back towards Martinsburg. It has been a most fortunate and happy campaign for us all — I mean, for all who are left ! For no one more so than for me. My command has been second to none in any desirable thing. We have had the best opportunity to act and have gone through with it fortunately. My chief anxiety these days is for you. I hope soon to hear that your troubles are happily over. — Much love to the dear ones and oceans for yourself. Affectionately ever, your R. Mrs. Hayes. One hundred miles south of the Potomac, September 27, 1864. Dear Uncle : — Oar work seems to be done for the present. The cavalry and small scouting parties are after the scattered and broken army. It looks as if we should, after [a] whUe, return towards the Potomac. We are resting in the magnificent Valley of Virginia. A most happy campaign it has been. Our chance to act has been good, and it has been well improved. My immediate command is one of the very finest, and has done all one could desire. There are five or six brigadier-generals and one or two major- generals, sucking their thumbs in offices at Harpers Ferry and 516 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES elsewhere, who would like to get my command. One came out here yesterday to ask for it, but General Crook tells them he has all the commanders he wants and sends them back. There is not a general officer in General Crook's army and has not been in this campaign. Things look well in all directions. Lincoln must be re-elected easily, it seems to me. Rebel prisoners — the common soldiers — all talk one way : "Tired of this rich man's war ; determined to quit if it lasts beyond this campaign." Sincerely, R. B. Hayes. S. Birchard. Harrisonburg, Virginia, September 27, 1864. Dear Mother : — We are now one hundred miles south of Harpers Ferry. Our victories have so broken and scattered the Rebel army opposed to us that it is no use for infantry to pur sue further, except in small parties scouting the woods and mountains. The cavalry are going on. We are resting in a lovely valley. I rather think that our campaigning is over for the present. It has been exceedingly fortunate. General Crook's whole command has done conspicuously well. I commanded in the last fighting the fine division formerly commanded by Gen eral Crook. We led the attack on both days. It is the pleasant est command a man could have. Half of the men are from Ohio, the rest from West Virginia. I think we shall stay here some time and then go back towards Martinsburg. — Love to all. Affectionately, R. B. Hayes. Mrs. Sophia Hayes. [Dr. J. T. Webb, in a letter from "Camp nigh Harrisonburg, Virginia, September 28, 1864," describes the battle of Fisher's Hill in a graphic way : "[After the battle on the Opequon] the enemy feU back to Fisher's Hill, some eighteen miles from Winchester. This was IN THE SHENANDOAH VALLEY 517 supposed to be impregnable, the key to the VaHey. Here they fortified themselves and boasted, as you will see by the Rich mond papers, that they could not be ousted. We followed on. At this point the Valley is quite narrow. North Mountain and Middle Mountain approaching each other, say within three miles of each other. The mountainsides are steep and rough. Now, just here, a creek runs directly across the valley, whose banks are steep and high on which the Rebels have erected strong earthworks. To attack these would be worse than death. The Rebels felt quite secure. We could see them evidently enjoying themselves. After looking about a day or so. Crook proposed to flank them on their left again, this time climbing up the side of the mountain. So after marching all day, at four P. M., we found ourselves entirely inside of their works, and they knew nothing of it. Again Crook orders a charge, and with yells off they go, sweeping down the line of works, doubling up the Rebels on each other. They were thunderstruck ; swore we had crossed the mountain. The men rushed on, no line, no order, all yelling like madmen. [The] Rebs took to their heels, each striv ing to get himself out of the way. Cannon after cannon were abandoned (twenty-two captured). Thus we rushed on until we reached their right. Here again [as on the 19th] darkness saved them once more. Such a foot-race as this was is not often met with. The Rebs say Crook's men are devils. "It was after this charge, as we were encamped on the road side, [that] the Sixth and Nineteenth [Corps] passing gave us three cheers. Crook had given AvereH his orders to charge just so soon as the enemy broke, but as usual he was drunk or some thing else and f aUed to come to time. Thus -he wasted the grand est opportunity ever offered for capturing the enemy and gain ing credit for himself. Sheridan ordered him to the rear, re lieving him of his command. This same Averell was the sole cause of Crook's disaster at Winchester. He failed constantly on the Lynchburg raid; now he lost everything almost, and is merely relieved. Had he followed up the enemy after they were dispersed, he could have captured all their train, cannon, etc., besides scattering and capturing all of the men. Sheridan's Cavalry proper had been sent round to turn their flank through 518 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES Luray Valley, but the Rebs had fortified the pass and they could not reach us. As it is, however, we have whipped the flower of the Rebel army ; they are scattered in all directions. We have captured about four thousand prisoners (sound) and three thou sand wounded, killing some five or seven hundred. "Our cavalry are still pursuing. All this day we can hear artUlery firing. It is reported that yesterday we captured or caused them to burn one hundred waggons. I presume the infantry will not move much farther in this direction. "The men all feel fine. We have 'wiped out' Winchester. Notwithstanding the Rebs had choice of position, [the number of] our killed and wounded does not equal theirs. They have lost four or five generals ; colonels and majors, any quantity. Many are coming in from the mountain. All say they are tired of this war. The people are getting tired, and many noted Rebels are wiUing and anxious to close this out."] Harrisonburg, Virginia, September 28, (5 A. M.), 1864. Dearest : — We have marching orders this morning. Where to, etc., I don't yet know. I think we shall have no more heavy fighting. You will know where we are before this reaches you through the papers. We shall probably be out of the reach of you for several days. My thoughts are of you these days more than usual and I al ways think of my darling a good deal, as I ought to do of such a darling as mine. You know I am Your ever affectionate Mrs. Hayes. Harrisonburg, Virginia, September 29, P. M., 1864. Dearest: — The cavalry and part of our infantry are in Staunton and on the road to Gordonsville. They are merely keeping up the big scare. The Sixth and Nineteenth Corps are eight miles on the Staunton Road. We are enjoying ourselves. We rather expect and prefer to start back towards Winchester soon, but we know nothing. IN THE SHENANDOAH VALLEY 519 I write so often these days because I feel anxious about you and because I am uncertain about the delivery of my letters within our lines. — Love to all. Much for your own private self, my darling. Affectionately, your R. p. s. — It is now universally conceded in this army that Crook and his men did it. Mrs. Hayes. Harrisonburg, Virginia, October i, 1864. Dearest : — The First Brigade has gone out six miles to grind up the wheat in that neighborhood — three mills there — and Dr. Joe has gone with them. Colonel Powell just returned from Staunton. They burned all wheat stacks, mills, and barns with grain, and are driving in aU cattle and horses. Large numbers of families are going out with us. Dunkards and Mennonites, good quiet people, are gen erally going to Ohio. I hope we shall move back in a day or two. Our wounded all doing well. Only seven deaths in all the hospitals at Winchester. Miss Dix and Presidents of Christian and Sanitary Commissions with oceans of luxuries and comforts there, and the good people of Winchester to cook and help. [The] Sixth Corps take one street ; [the] Nineteenth, the Main Street; and Crook's, the Eastern. Rebel [wounded] and ours now there about three thousand. Twenty-third, thirty-three; Fifth, eight ; Thirty-sixth, thirteen, and Thirteenth, twenty. AU the rest gone home. Captain Hiltz, Twelfth-Twenty-third, lost his leg. As soon as the operation was over and the effect of the chloroform passed off, he looked at the stump and said: "No more eighteen dollars for boots to sutler now ; nine dollars [wUl] shoe me !" Captain Hastings doing well ; heard from him last night. General Lightbum came up a day or two ago with staff and orderlies and asked General Crook for the command of my divi sion. He had reported along the road that he was going out to take General Crook's old division. General Crook told him the '520 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES division was officered to his satisfaction and ordered him back to Harpers Ferry to await orders. Colonel Duval is doing well and hopes to return by the last of this month (October). Colonel Comly keeps a pretty full diary. He has sent extracts containing the two battles home. They will probably appear in the Cincinnati Gazette. I shall send a Rebel's diary to the Commercial. It was taken from his pocket at Winchester. We rather expect to go into something like winter quarters soon after getting back to Winchester or Martinsburg. Of course there will be extensive campaigning done yet, but we think we shall now be excused. I speak of Crook's Command. — Love ^° ^''- Affectionately ever, R. Mrs. Hayes. Harrisonburg, Sunday, October 2, 1864. — A fine day. First Brigade six miles out grinding; came in after dark. Cannonad ing in front. A hegira of Dunkards and others. Grant orders all provisions destroyed so "a crow flying from Staunton to Winchester must carry his rations." Harrisonburg, Virginia, Sunday, October 2, 1864. Dearest : — I am writing to you so often these days because I am thinking of you more anxiously than usual, and on account of the great uncertainty of our communications. There are some indications today that we shall push on further south. You wUl know if we do by the papers. If so we shall be cut off from friends more than ever. Dr. Joe has gone with the First Brigade out about six miles to grind up the wheat at some mills in that quarter. It seems to be a great place for sport. They are having a jolly time. We hear from Winchester today. One of our orderlies, Johnny Kaufman, died of his wound. Captain Hastings and the rest are all doing well. IN THE SHENANDOAH VALLEY 521 Great droves of cattle and sheep are going past us north. Everything eatable is taken or destroyed. No more supplies to Rebels from this valley. No more invasions in great force by this route wUl be possible. P. M. — Indications look more like going on with our cam paign. I would prefer going towards my darling and the chicks. StUl, I like to move. We came here a week ago. After this active year I feel bored when we stop longer than a day or two. I have tried all available plans to spend time. I read old Harpers, two of Mrs. Hall's novels, — you know I don't "affect" women's novels. I find myself now reading "East Lynne." Nothing su perior in it, but I can read anything. For the first time in five or six days, we are just startled by cannon firing and musketry, perhaps four or five miles in our front. It is probably Rebel cavalry pitching into our foraging parties, or making a reconnaisance to find whether we have left. "Have your men under arms," comes from General Crook. I ask, "Is it thought to be anything?" "No, but General Sheridan sends the order to us." Well, we get under arms. This letter is put in my ammunition box. I mount my horse and see that all are ready. The firing gets more distant and less frequent. "We have driven them," somebody conjectures, and I return to my tent, "East Lynne," and my darling, no wiser than ever. I am in receipt of yours of [the] 13th. The mail goes back immediately. Good-bye. Blessings on your head. Affectionately ever, Mrs. Hayes. Camp south of Harrisonburg, Virginia, Sunday, October 2, 1864. Dear Mother: — I have supposed that we would soon go back, at least as far as Winchester. We have destroyed the railroad from Richmond to Staunton in several places, and all the provisions and stores at Staunton and for a considerable dis tance south of that point. It would seem to be impossible for the Rebels to get supplies from this valley, or even to march a large force through it for the purpose of invading Maryland and Penn- 522 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES sylvania. There are now some appearances which would indicate that we may push on further south. We have no regular com munication now with the States, and if we go further we shall probably be for some time out of hearing of friends. All things with us are going on prosperously. The people here are more inclined to submit than ever before. I have heard nothing from Ohio later than the Sth — almost a month. I stUl hope that we shall be allowed to return north. — Love to all. Affectionately, your son, R. Mrs. Sophia Hayes. Tuesday, October 4. — My birthday — forty-two. Wrote to mother. Lieutenant Meigs killed last night by guerrillas, three mUes south of camp. Houses on the road for five mUes burned by order of General Sheridan. Not according to my views or feelings.* Harrisonburg, Virginia, October 4, 1864. Dear Mother : — I celebrate my forty-second birthday by writing a few letters. We have had a few gloomy days — wet, windy, and cold — but this morning it cleared off bright and warm. The camps look prettier than usual. Many flags are floating gaily and every one seems hopeful and happy. There is a universal desire to return towards the Potomac. We shall probably soon be gratified, as we have pretty nearly finished work in this quarter. I am in excellent health. This life probably wears men out a little sooner than ordinary occupations, even if they escape the dangers from battle and the like, but I am certain that we are quite as healthy as people who live in houses. — My love to all. Affectionately, your son, R. Mrs. Sophia Hayes. * The order was mitigated. Only a few houses near the scene of the murder were burned. IN THE SHENANDOAH VALLEY 523 [Thursday, October 6, the Union forces began to retire down the Valley. That day Hayes's division marched north twenty- four miles to Mount Jackson. The next day it made Wood stock, fourteen miles. Then] Saturday, October 8. — Marched eleven miles to Fisher's HiU. Ascended Round Top Mountain, Rebel signal station. A fine view of the VaHey, marred by the fires and smoke of burning stacks and bams. A bitter, windy, cold afternoon and night. Rebel cavalry harrassing our rear. Sunday, October p. — Felt a great repugnance to fighting an other battle last night; all right this morning. Our cavalry flogged the Rebels handsomely today. Took nine pieces of artil lery and many prisoners and train. Captain H. J. Farnsworth. a quartermaster, reported to my division. Headquarters Second Infantry Division A. W. Va., Camp near Fisher's Hill, south of Strasburg, Virginia, October lo. 1864. Dearest : — I am very anxious to hear from you. I hope you are doing well. We have slowly returned from our splendid campaign to this point. The Rebel cavalry impudently undertook to harass us as we approached here. General Sheridan halted his army and sent his cavalry back supported by two of my infantry regiments (Ninth and Fourteenth Virginia) and gave them a complete flogging, capturing their cannon (nine), train, and many pris oners. They were chased from the field at a run for twenty miles. I don't know when we shall return to Winchester, but probably soon. This valley will feed and forage no more Rebel armies. It is completely and awfully devastated — "a belt of desolation," as Sherman calls it for one hundred and twenty-five miles or more from our lines. — My love to all. Ever affectionately, R. 524 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES P. S. — Just heard through Captain Douglass (lo A. M.) that I am the father of another boy. God bless the boy — all the boys — and above all the mother. — H. Mrs. Hayes. Camp near Strasburg, Virginia, October 12, 1864. Dear Uncle Scott : — I am much obliged for your letter announcing the arrival of the big boy and the welfare of his mother. I had been looking for news somewhat anxiously. I intended to have had a daughter, but I failed to see the new moon over my right shoulder. I am glad to hear he promises to be a good boy, as Aunt Phoebe writes Dr. Joe. We had a quiet election here yesterday. My old brigade, Ohio voters, were unanimous — the two veteran regiments voting as follows : Twenty-third — two hundred and sixty-six Union ; Thirty-sixth — two hundred and fifty-nine ditto, and no Copper heads. The whole of Crook's Command stands fourteen hundred Union and two hundred Democrats in round numbers — three- fourths of the Democrats being in companies from Monroe and Crawford [counties]. Our campaign in the Valley is supposed to be ended. It winds up with a most signal cavalry victory. It is believed that the Sixth and Nineteenth Corps with Sheridan's splendid cavalry wUl join Grant and that Crook's hard-worked command wUl have the duty of guarding the Baltimore and Ohio RaUroad in winter quarters. We hope this is correct. If so, I shaU probably get home by Christmas for a good visit. I am compelled to write this on the half sheet of your letter. — Love to aH. c- 1 Sincerely, R, B. Hayes. Matthew Scott Cook. Chillicothe, Ohio. Thursday, October 13. — Today Rebels surprised us. The first intimation we had of them, a battery opened on my Second Brigade marching to put a signal station on Massanutten Moun- IN THE SHENANDOAH VALLEY 525 tain. Colonel Thoburn made a reconnaisance, was forced back losing Colonel Wells, Thirty-fourth Massachusetts, and one hun dred and fifty men, after a great fight. Friday, October 14. — I had five killed and six wounded by the Rebel battery yesterday. Colonel Brown, Thirteenth, went out and established a picket line easily. General Early very timid. Captain Little, five days in Libby [Prison, at Richmond], says Mosby's men are gentlemen. Saturday, October 13. — Rebels stiH in front. Election said to be favorable. Captain Hastings I fear is worse. Mosby cap tures a raUroad train. General Angus gets Mosby's artillery. Mosby gets three hundred thousand [dollars]. Cedar Creek near Strasburg, Virginia, Saturday Morning before breakfast, October 15, 1864. My Darling Wife: — Oceans of love for you and the fine new boy — yes, and for the boys aH. You may be sure I shall come to see you as soon as affairs here will allow. . . Early with a large re-inforcement came up to us on Thursday evening. He evidently supposed that the Sixth and Nineteenth Corps were gone. The Sixth was gone. He came up very boldly. But after a brisk affair, learning that the Nineteenth was stUl here, he hastily withdrew and took up his old entrenched position on Fisher's HiH. Yesterday he was at work fixing his left on North Mountain where we turned him before. The Sixth came back yesterday. This morning the Sixth and Nineteenth are mov ing out as if for battle. In any event, you know all I would wish to say. So, think of me, dearest, as ever your Loving Husband, R. Mrs. Hayes. Camp near Strasburg, Virginia, October 15, 1864. Dear Mother : — We have remained quiet in camp during this week with the exception of one afternoon's skirmishing. Early, 526 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES or somebody with a considerable force, is entrenched near us. We may fight another battle with him, but I have no information as to the intention. Colonel Comly is very well. He has had great luck to get through all this fighting with so little injury. He and the Twenty-third have been in all the hottest places. Over twenty officers in the regiment have been killed or wounded since the first of May. . . My love to aU. Affectionately, your son, R. Mrs. Sophia Hayes. Camp near Strasburg, Virginia, October 15, 1864. Dear Uncle : — We are resting. Early, reinforced, came up a few days ago, evidently thinking a good part of our army had gone to Grant. Finding his mistake, he moved back to his old fortifications on Fisher's [HUl], and is now there digging and chopping like mad. What we are to do about it, I can't tell. It must be a serious business for the Rebels to feed an army there now. I have not yet heard from the Ohio election. The two Ohio regiments in my old brigade (Twenty-third and Thirty-sixth Ohio) gave five hundred and fifteen votes for the Union state iand county ticket, and none at all for the Democrats. People at home can't beat that ! Give my regards to Father Works and to Mr. and Mrs. Valette. My sympathies or congratulations, perhaps, should be given to Mr. Oscar Valette. I see he is drafted. Of course, his health will be reason enough not to go. Jim Webb was drafted; iU health excused him. Sincerely, R. S. Birchard. Monday, October 17. — My election [to Congress] reported. Seventeen [Republican] to two [Democratic] members of Con gress in Ohio ; sixteen to eight in Pennsylvania. Better than all. Governor Morton elected by a good majority in Indiana. IN THE SHENANDOAH VALLEY 527 Tuesday, October i8. — A letter from Stephenson congratulat ing me on mv election by twenty-four hundred, ma.joritv - {^In the] First District. Eggleston has seventeen hundred majority. Still busy on entrenchments. Wednesday, October 19. — Before daylight under cover of a heavy fog Rebels attacked the left. Colonel Thoburn's First Division was overwhelmed. His adjutant. Lieutenant brought me the word. We hurried up, loaded our baggage, and got into line. [The] Nineteenth Corps went into the woods on right (one brigade). General Sheridan was absent. General Wright, in command, directed my division to close up on [the] Nineteenth. Too late ; the fugitives of the First Division and the Nineteenth's brigade came back on us. The Rebels broke on us in the fog and the whole line broke back. The Rebels did not push with energy. We held squads of men up to the fight all along. My horse was killed instantly. I took Lieutenant Henry's, of my staff. We feU back — the whole army — in a good deal of confusion but without panic. Artillery (twenty-five pieces) fell into Rebel hands and much camp equipage. About two and one-half mUes back, we formed a line. [The] Rebels faUed to push on fast enough. P. M. General Sheridan appeared ; greeted with cheering all along the line. His enthusiasm, magnetic and contagious. He brought up stragglers. "We'll whip 'em yet like heU." he says. General Crook's men on left of pike. — Line goes ahead. A fine view of the battle. [The] rebels fight poorly. Awfully whipped. — Cannon and spoils now on our side. Glorious ! Camp at Cedar Creek near Strasburg, Virginia, October 21, 1864. My Darling : — We have had another important victory over General Early's oft-defeated army. Reinforced by a division or two of Longstreet's Corps, he was foolish enough to follow and attack us here on the 19th. In the darkness and fog of early morning he was successful in doubling up our left flank, held by General Crook's little First Division, and so flanking our whole 528 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES army out of its position, capturing for the time our camps, a good many cannon, and perhaps fifteen hundred prisoners. But soon after it got light, we began to recover and finally checked and held them. In the afternoon we took the offensive and without much dif ficulty or loss flogged them completely, capturing all their cannon, trains, etc., etc., and retaking all we had lost besides many pris oners. The Rebels marched off a part of our prisoners. For a time things looked squally, but the truth is, all the fighting capac ity of Early's army was taken out of it in the great battle at Winchester a month ago. My loss was small. In the Thirteenth Lieutenant-Colonel Hall, a conspicuously brave and excellent officer, was kiUed. Lieutenant McBride (of [the] Twelfth) was wounded in [the] Twenty-third ; two officers of [the] Fifth [Vir ginia] ditto. As usual with me I had some narrow escapes. While gallop ing rapidly, my fine large black horse was killed instantly, tum bling heels over head and dashing me on the ground violently. Strange to say I was only a little bruised and was able to keep the saddle all day. {Mem. : — I lost all my horse trappings, saddle, etc., including my small pistol.) I was also hit fairly in the head by a ball which had lost its force in getting (I sup pose) through somebody else ! It gave me only a slight shock. — I think serious fighting on this line is now over. . I suppose you are pleased with the result of the election. Of course. I am. on general reasons. My particular gratification is much less than it„wmikLbe. if 1 were not so much gratified_by my good luck, in winning "golden^ opjninns'^jn the more stirring scenes around me here. My share of notoriety here is nothing at all, and mv >'ga/_share^f merit is also smaH enough, I know, but the consciousness that I am doing my part in these brilliant actions is far more gratifying than anything the election brings jne. Love to all. I am more than anxious to see you again. Affectionately ever, your R. Mrs. Hayes. IN THE SHENANDOAH VALLEY 529 Camp near Strasburg, Virginia, October 21, 1864. Dear Uncle: — Early reinforced by a division or two of Longstreet's Corps was foolish enough to attack us again on the 19th. It was a foggy morning, and the attack before daylight. One of General Crook's divisions (the First) was doubled up and our whole army flanked out of its position in confusion. But after daylight, order was gradually restored and in the afternoon, General Sheridan attacked in turn ; retook all we had lost and utterly ruined Early. It was done easily and with small loss. The fact is, all the fight is out of Early's men. They have been whipped so much that they can't keep a victory after it is gained. This is the last of fighting on this line, I am confident. My horse was kUled under me instantly, dashing me on the ground violent ly. LuckUy, I was not hurt much. I was hit fairly in the head with a spent ball. Narrow escapes ! The Rebels got my saddle, pistol, etc. The elections also are encouraging. In haste. Sincerely, ^ ^ ^^^ P. S. — General Max Weber, a "veteran of European reputa tion," and one of the senior brigadiers in our service, came out yesterday with the intention of taking command of this division. General Crook sent him to Hagerstown, Maryland, to await orders ! S. Birchard. Camp near Strasburg, Virginia, October 25, 1864. My Darling : — . . . . We expect to remain here some time yet. I suspect that apprehension is felt at Washington that the Rebels will try to get up a raid into Maryland or Penn sylvania to create a panic about the time of the Presidential election, and that we are kept here to prevent it. I can't think that after the complete defeat of Early's Army on the 19th, any serious attempt will be made to drive us back. I regard the fighting on this line as at an end for this year. I suspect that about the loth [of] November we shall move north, and I hope go into winter quarters soon afterwards. 84 580 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES We are having fine weather. Camped on a wooded ridge, we are very comfortable. This life is a good deal like that of the fall of 1861 when General Rosecrans' Army was camped around Tompkins' Farm. The men were then very sickly. Now there is no sickness. We now talk of our killed and wounded. There is however a very happy feeling. Those who escape regret of course the loss of comrades and friends, but their own escape and safety to some extent modifies their feelings. Laura has a daughter ! I must write her a congratulatory note. But how much I prefer a boy. Well stocked as our house is with boys, I almost rejoice that our last is not a girl. My regards and love to all the good friends who are so kind to you. Kiss all the boys. Affectionately ever, your .^is.. p. S. — Had a good letter from Force. He is returning to the Georgia front. Mrs. Hayes. Camp at Cedar Creek, Virginia, October 27, 1864. My Darling : — Yours of the i8th — the first since the boy — reached me last night. Very glad you were able to write so soon. I don't want you to make any exertion to write — just write one line and it will be enough. Half a page of your little note sheet will be a long letter now. . . . We have had so far fine weather. Our camps are as comfort able as possible. We expect to stay here until the season is too far advanced to admit of any formidable raids into Maryland or Pennsylvania. The Rebels, it is known, have been resolved to create a panic if possible in time to affect the Presidential election. Some of the foolish fellows in the Sixth and Nineteenth Corps, feeling envious of our laurels in previous battles, have got the Eastern correspondents to represent the rout of Crook's Corps as worse than theirs, etc., etc. There is not a word of truth in it. A sentence in General Sheridan's dispatch was no doubt intend ed to correct this in a quiet way. "Crook's Corps lost seven pieces of artUlery, the Nineteenth, eleven, and the Sixth Corps, IN THE SHENANDOAH VALLEY 531 six." We were attacked before them, and of course under more unfavorable circumstances, and yet we lost no more. In fact I lost nothing. My division fell back, but brought everything we had — our two cows, tents, and everything. Of course we lost no artillery, but did save an abandoned piece of the Nineteenth Corps. I hope to see you soon. It is impossible now to tell when we shaU be in a situation to ask for leaves of absence, but I suspect it wiU be within a month or six weeks. If we get on the railroad, I can go for a few days and not be missed. The Rebels have not shown their heads since the last crushing defeat. Nothing but a determination to interfere with the elec tion wUl bring back their forces. — Love to all. Affectionately ever, Mrs. Hayes. R. Friday, October 28. — Rained hard last night ; gusty and cold this A. M. Mem.:— Quy LoweU's "Fireside Travels." Barry, of HiUsboro, and West, of Cincinnati, bring poll-books for all and tickets for both sides. General Crook anxious to have Comly write our side of battle of Cedar Creek. Saturday, October 29. — Bright and warm. Read "John Phoenix." A new tent put up in good style. Bunk and fire place. Sunday, October 30. — Another beautiful October day. We are having delicious weather. The only shadow on my spirits now is the critical condition of Captain Hastings. So brave, so pure, so good ! God grant him life ! Monday, October 31. — [The] Fifth and Ninth Virginia con solidated as First Veterans West Virginia Volunteer Infantry. A splendid regiment it will be. Rode with Captain Hicks to Strasburg and down the Shenandoah below [the] railroad bridge and back to camp. Rebels at New Market with six pieces of artUlery left ! A month of splendid weather for campaigning. In a court-martial case for cowardice at Winchester a soldier testifies of the accused : "He is a good soldier in camp, but does not relish gunpowder weH from what I saw." CHAPTER XXV IN GARRISON — END OF THE WAR — NOVEMBER 1864- MAY 1865 ^EDAR CREEK, November i, 1864. — Saw the new moon V> over my right shoulder. Thar ! "Thinking of absent wife and boys will blanch a faithful cheek." God bless the dear ones ! I never was so anxious to see them before. Another fine day; cold nights. Wednesday, November 2. — Papers of 31st with much good news ; small victories in West Virginia, east Tennessee, and over Price in Missouri. Early scolds his army. Cedar Creek, November 2, 1864. Dear Uncle: — We are waiting for the fall rains and the Presidential election before withdrawing for the season. A drizzle today gives us hope that our work is almost over for this year. I am more impatient than usual to see my family. The campaign, if it closes now, wUl remain a most satisfactory one. I have only one drawback. I fear that Captain Hastings, my adjutant-general, wUl die of the wound got at Winchester, September 19. He is a man of the Rogers and Jesse Stem stamp. I can't bear to lose him, but his chance is less from day to day. — My health is excellent as usual. Sincerely, R. S. Birchard. Camp at Cedar Creek, Virginia, November 2, 1864. My Darling : — We get trains through from Martinsburg regularly once in four days. We return them as often. I try to write you by every regular train. We hope to get mails with each train. (£32) IN GARRISON — END OF THE WAR 533 We have had most charming weather all the fall. Our camps are healthful and pleasant, but we all are looking forward to the "going into winter quarters" with impatience. We suppose a week or two more here will finish the campaign. Then a week or two of disagreeable marching and delays and then rest. My tent and "fixin's" are as cozy as practicable. If my darling could share them with me, I could be quite content. I never was so anxious to be with you. This has been one of the happy periods with me. I have had only one shadow over me. You know Captain Hastings was severely wounded at the battle of Winchester, September 19. For three or four weeks he has been in a most critical condition. I have had a feeling that he would get well. I still hope, but all agree that his chance is very slight. He may live a month or die at any time. He is the best man whose friendship I have formed since the beginning of the war. Doctor is well and has a great deal of enjoyment. We still think we shall have no more heavy fighting this fall. General Duffie was captured by Mosby ! He was to marry Miss Jeffries soon (the younger). R. Mrs. Hayes. Camp Cedar Creek, Virginia, November 4, 1864. My dear Son : — This is your birthday — eleven years old today — almost a man. In less than eleven years more, every body will call you a man, you will have a man's work to do and wUl be expected to know as much as men know. But you are a good student and an industrious boy, and I have no fears of your being an ignorant or a lazy man. I wish I could be with you today. I would buy you some thing that don't cost much, for I mustn't spend much now or I shan't have anything left for that new little brother of yours. Besides, I would tell you about the battles. Uncle Joe has all the good stories now. He says up in Winchester the people work for the soldiers to make a living — they wash and mend and bake. The soldiers say they bake two kinds of pies, "pegged" and "sewed" ! The difference is the "pegged" have no sugar in them. 534 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES One boy in the Twenty-third was shot in the face. The ball entered near his nose and passed over or through the cheekbone up towards the outer comer of his eye. The surgeon thought it was a small bullet and fearing it would injure his eye to probe for it, let it alone. He got along very weU for three weeks, when they cut it out near his temple. They were astonished to find that it was an iron grape-shot over an inch in diameter — as large as one of your India-rubber baUs ! He is weU and never did suffer much ! . . . There have been a good many changes in the Twenty-third and the First Brigade since you saw them last at Loup Creek. Cap tain McKinley is on General Crook's staff. He has not been wounded, but every one admires him as one of the bravest and finest young officers in the army. He has had two or three horses shot under him. General Crook said his mess was starving for want of a good cook, so we let him have Frank. Frank is doing well there. Billy Crump has been so faithful that a short time ago he was given a furlough, and is now with his wife. He is coming back soon. Lieutenant Mather is on my staff as provost marshal. He is the only one you are acquainted with. . . . The band is full ; all of them safe and well. I hear them now playing for guard-mounting. We have many fine bands in this army, but none better than ours. I have lost three horses kUled or disabled since I saw you in July. I am now riding a "calico" horse lent to me by Captain Craig. My John horse is with me still, but he will never get fit to use again. My orderly in the place of Carrington is Underbill of [the] Twenty-third, an excellent young man; you would like him better than Carrington. Did I write your mother that I found my opera-glass again? It was lost at the battle of Fisher's Hill. I got it about three weeks afterwards from a Thirty-fourth soldier who found it near the first cannon we captured. It is getting very cold. We build a sort of fireplace in our tents and manage to be pretty comfortable. You and Webb would enjoy being in this camp. There is a great deal to see and always something going on. IN GARRISON — END OF THE WAR 585 You must learn to write me letters now. My love to all the family, "Puds" and all. Affectionately, your father, R. B. Hayes. Master S. B. Hayes [Birchard A. Hayes], Chillicothe, Ohio. Tuesday, November 8, — Went with Generals Sheridan and Crook and Colonel Forsythe to polls of [the] Thirty-fourth Regiment. All vote for Lincoln. General Sheridan's "maiden vote." AH of this A. M. under arms. Wednesday, November 9. — Marched eleven miles to camp south of Kernstown. Whole army glad to move towards winter quarters. — Result of election in this division : Lincoln, 575 ; McQellan, 98. Thursday, November 10. — Rode to Winchester ; saw Hast ings ; he is better I Very great hopes of his recovery. Lincoln probably gets all the States but three I Good. General Duval returns improved from his wound. Friday, November 11. — Clear and cold. Skirmishing all P- M. on our right. What does it mean? We don't want to fight any more battles this fall, but if we do we shall probably whip them. Saturday, November 12. — November weather ; Hke snow, only it doesn't. Captain Blazer and his scouts make some captures ; a deserter from Sixth Corps was married in ten days after. Sunday, November 13. — Windy and very cold. General Powell on Front Royal road captures from McCausland two guns, two colors, and two hundred prisoners ! A fine affair. Rode to the front. Rebels gone. Camp four miles south of Winchester, Virginia, November 13, 1864. — Sunday. My Darling : — You see we have made one day's march to wards civilization, and, as we hope, towards our much wished for 536 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES winter quarters. The weather has been and stUl 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 raUroad 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 wiU 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 wiU 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 con tradict the false report.* Affectionately ever, your R, * See "Life of Hayes," Vol. I, page 257. IN GARRISON — END OF THE WAR 537 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. Monday, November 14. — Cold, windy day. This morning the First Brigade returned from Martinsburg. I assumed command again and camped them pleasantly in a wood on the extreme left. Slept cold. Tuesday, November 13. — General Crook gone to Cumberland. General Duval takes his place. I today return to Second Division. Not so good quarters nor arrangements as at the brigade. Wednesday, Noveynber 16. — A fine November day. Had my tent floored, banked up, and a chimney. [The] Sixth and Nine teenth Corps building winter quarters. P. M. rode to cavalry camp on Front Royal Road. Night, a wine-drinking. Thursday, November 17. — Read speculations on Sherman's new move. Great hopes of his success. Rode into Winchester with Colonel Harris and Captain McKinley ; called at Mr. Williams' law office; read the constitutional provisions as to amendments. Camp near Winchester, Virginia, November 17, 1864. Dearest : — When I wrote last I was in some doubt whether this VaUey campaign was ended or not. It seems to be now setded. Early got a panic among his men and left our vicinity for good, I think. The Sixth and Nineteenth Corps are building winter quarters. A telegraph line is put up and the railroad from Winchester to Harpers Ferry is nearly rebuilt. The location is a good one for a large body of troops. We are very pleasantly camped, but 538 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES having no orders to put up winter quarters, have not fixed up for winter. We are very comfortable, however. My tent is fioored, banked up, a good tent flue buUt, etc., etc. We get daily papers now regularly. The Baltimore American, a sound Republican paper, sells several thousand copies, — more than all other papers put together. The Philadelphia Inquirer, also sound, sells next in number. The New York Herald, sound on the war in a sort of guerrUla style, sells one thousand to two thousand copies. No other newspapers have any large circula tion, but the pictorials. Harper's Weekly having the preference, sell immensely — nearly as many copies, I judge, as the Baltimore American. The Christian Commission distributes a vast amount of religious reading matter gratuitously. The sutlers sell dime novels and the thunder-and-lightning style of literature, in large quantity. The Sixth and Nineteenth Corps have buUt fine fieldworks. The weather has been good and a great many squads and regi ments are drilling. There are a score or two of bands. Possibly two are better than ours — not more than that. There is a good deal of horse-racing with tolerably high betting. The scenes at the races are very exciting. You would enjoy them. Nothing so fine of the kind is anywhere to be sene in civil life. Here the subordination of rank, the compulsory sobriety of the great crowds, etc., rid these spectacles of such disagreeable accom paniments as rioting, drunkenness, and the like. — We are begin ning to have oyster and wine suppers and festive times generaUy. General Crook has gone to Cumberland, and it is thought that my command will be ordered there for the winter, but this is all guess. I am again in command of the division after going back to the brigade for one day. How we shall be organized ulti mately is not settled. I prefer the brigade. It now has three fine veteran regiments and the Thirteenth. The First Virginia Veterans (old Fifth and Ninth) is splendid. I mean to ask for a leave as soon as we get housed in our winter quarters. I hope to see you by Christmas. TeH Birch I am greatly pleased to have a letter from him. He will soon be one of my chief correspondents. — Love to all. Affectionately ever, your R. IN GARRISON — END OF THE WAR 539 P. S. — Hastings is getting better slowly. There are now hopes of his recovery. His sister is with him. Mrs. Hayes. Camp Russell, Virginia, November 20, 1864. Dear Uncle : — I tonight received yours of the 14th. We have had no battle for a month, and it is a week yesterday since I heard Rebel firing! This is wonderful. It is more than six months since I could say the same. We do not feel settled here, but are getting very comfortable. It is probable that we shall have a rest sometime this winter, but not yet certain. The Sixth and Nineteenth Corps may be needed at Richmond or somewhere, but I think the Army of West Virginia will do guard duty merely. What an interest the country now feels in Sherman! It looks as if he might strike some vital blows. If we get settled in time, I mean to get home by Christmas, if it is possible. Sincerely, R. B. Hayes. November 23. — Awful weather. Linen tents, like a fiish seine for shelter, mud bottomless, cold and cheerless. All that yesterday and day before made many of us cross and gloomy — not me — but today is clear and bright and bracing. The turkeys, etc., sent from the Christian land [have arrived] and everyone is happy and jolly. This is camp life. We are sure we shaH make another move back in a few days. 24th. — Thanksgiving Day. Good winter weather and no news. S. Birchard. Camp Russell, Virginia, November 20, 1864. My Darling : — You see the Army of the Shenandoah has a name for its camp. Named after the General Russell who was kUled at the batde of Winchester, September 19. We have had no batde for a month ! No Rebel firing for a week ! Wonderful. But we don't feel settled yet. We are quite comfortable, nevertheless. We are I think waiting to see the 540 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES issue of Sherman's daring campaign in Georgia. At present no furloughs or leaves of absence are granted except for sickness. November 23. — Colder than any huckleberry pudding I know of ! Whew, how it blew and friz last night ! I took my clothes off in Christian style last night. No enemy near for a week and more makes this the correct thing. It got windy, flue disgusted smoked, let the fire go out, then grew cold ; put on pants, coat, and vest, in bed. Cold again, put on overcoat and in bed again. Colder than ever, built up the fire, [it] smoked. So I wanted to be cold, and soon was. Tent-pins worked loose from the wind flapping the fly ; fixed them after much trouble ; to bed again, and wished I was with my wife in a house of some sort I Today the men zvere to have had overcoats, stockings, shirts, etc., which they greatly need, but behold, we learn that the clothing couldn't come because all the transportation was required to haul up the turkeys and Thanksgiving dinner! We must wait untU next train, eight days ! And we all laugh and are very jolly in spite of it. 8 P. M. — The clothing has come after all. The turkeys are issued at the rate of a pound to a man. Very funny times we are having ! When the weather is bad as it was yesterday, every body, almost everybody, feels cross and gloomy. Our thin linen tents — about like a fish seine, the deep mud, the irregular mails, the never-to-be-seen paymasters, and "the rest of man kind," are growled about in "old-soldier" style. But a fine day like today has turned out brightens and cheers us all. We people in camp are merely big children, wayward and changeable. Believe me, dearest, your ever loving husband, R. Mrs. Hayes. Camp Russell, Monday, November 21, 1864. — Cavalry camp on our left broken up. Said to be gone to Stephenson's Depot, five miles north of Winchester. Rode out to works on Front Royal Road. Review of Sixth Corps in a cold rain-storm; eight brigades — ten thousand [men]. IN GARRISON — END OF THE WAR 541 Tuesday, 22. — Snow on the mountains low down ; ground frozen; "sky, chUl and drear." Rode with Roberts to Win chester and the battle-field, to where I crossed Red Bud Creek. An ugly place to cross, it is. Saturday, 26. — Rode with Generals Crook and Duval, Colonel Harris, of [the] Tenth, and Wells, of [the] Fourteenth, to works. A jolly wine-drinking in the evening with Captains Stanley and Stearns, Thirty-sixth, who leave on resignation. Sunday, 27. — A ride with Colonel Comly ; a visit to General Crook. A fine day ; a brigade dress parade. All pleasant. Camp Russell, November 27, [1864]. Sunday. Dear Mother : — We are not in winter quarters yet. The continued presence of the Rebel army in our front, or Sherman's campaign, or Grant's, or something else, keeps us in suspense. But we are graduaUy improving our condition and quarters until now we are pretty comfortable, and if we finally stay here for the winter, I, for one, shall not grumble. We had a jovial Thanksgiving. A fair supply of turkeys and other good things from the cities, together with good weather, made the day cheerful. The railroad, it is supposed, wiH be finished to within four or five mUes of us this week. We shall then have maUs and supplies with some regularity. I StUl hope to get settled in time to visit [home] during the holidays. My kind regards to Mrs. Wasson and Sophia. Affectionately, your son, R. Mrs. Sophia Hayes. Camp Russell, Army of the Shenandoah, Virginia, November 30, 1864. My dear Son : — I received a letter from your mother today in which she says that you are expecting a letter from me. . I am very glad to hear that you are studying your 542 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES lessons very well. . . . What a funny name your mother has for your brother "the Little Soldier." She thinks of calling him after one of her ancestors. Captain Bilious Cook. I wotUd prefer George Crook to such a queer name as "BUious." We are having pleasant weather, and drill the officers and men every day. AH the officers of the brigade were out today and we began with the musket driU, shoulder arms, etc. You would like to see our brigade have dress parade. The four regiments are formed in one line — the band and brigade flag in the middle. It makes a fine display. . December 2. — You would have enjoyed being here yesterday. It was a fine warm day and we moved camp. One division of the Sixth Corps left to go south via Washington, perhaps to Grant. We moved our camp about a mile over to their ground. We are getting well fixed again. We hauled over our flooring and bunks, and they left a great deal of material, so we rather made by the change. Your little letter pleased me very much. If you study hard you wiH soon be able to write a good long one. Give my love to Grandma, "the Little Soldier," and all the rest of your friends. If I don't get home by New Year's, you must write me about the holidays. — Good-bye. Your affectionate father, R. B. Hayes. Master James Webb Hayes, Chillicothe. Thursday, December i, 1864.— -An Indian-summer-like day. [The] First Division, Sixth Corps, go back — where? We change camp to their place — a pleasant enough change — west side of Valley Pike one and one-half miles south of Kernstown. Friday, 2. — Another good day. All thought is of Sherman and Hood's army. Hopeful. Busy fixing new camp for cold and wet weather. Saturday, 3. — Still fair weather. [The] Third Division, Sixth Corps, leave us. Rode around our works. Too numerous for IN GARRISON — END OF THE WAR 543 our force. Too extensive for less than forty thousand infantry or more. A battle at Franklin. Reports look well. Sunday, 4. — A fine day. All talk is of Sherman and Georgia or Hood and Tennessee. This week is likely to inform us of their movements and so determine our own. WUl Early on hearing that the Sixth Corps has left visit us? Tuesday, 6. — Good weather. The battle at Franklin, Tennes see, was a fortunate escape from a disastrous defeat. It was probably also a damaging blow, perhaps severely so. Nashville can probably hold out. The situation there is interesting with a favorable look for us. Camp Russell, December 6, 1864. My Darling: — We are very comfortable and very jolly. No army could be more so. We have had no orders to build winter quarters, but we have got ready for rough weather, and can now worry through it. . . . We have horse-races, music, church {sic!), and all the attrac tions. No fighting, which makes me hope I shall get off the last of this month to see my darling and the dear ones. Affectionately, Mrs. Hayes. Camp Russell near Winchester, Virginia, December 6, 1864. Dear Mother : — 1 received your cheerful letter on Sunday. It finds us in the best of spirits and so comfortably camped that we all would be glad to know that our winter quarters would be at this camp. We have the railroad finished to within eight miles ; daily mails and telegraphic communication with the world. The men have built huts four feet high, eight or nine feet square, of logs, puncheons, and the like, banked up with earth and covered with their shelter blankets. My quarters are built of slabs and a wall tent. Tight and warm. We are in woods on a rolling piece of ground. It will be muddy but we are building walks of stone, logs, etc., so we can keep out of the dirt. — I have a 544 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES mantel-piece, a table, one chair, one stool, an ammunition box, a trunk, and a bunk for furniture. We get Harper's Monthly and Weekly, the Atlantic, daily papers from Baltimore, New York, and PhUadelphia. The Chris tian Commission send a great many religious books. I selected "Pilgrim's Progress" from a large lot offered me to choose from a few days ago. Our living is, ordinarily, bread (baker's bread) and beef, and coffee and milk (we keep a few cows), or pork and beans and coffee. Occasionally we have oysters, lobsters, fish, canned fruits, and vegetables. The use of liquor is probably less than among the same class of people at home. All kinds of liquor can be got, but it is expensive and attended with some difficulty. The chaplains now hold frequent religious meetings. Music we have more of and better than can be had anywhere except in the large cities. We have very fine horse-racing, much better managed than can be found anywhere out of the army. A num ber of ladies can be seen about the camps — officers' wives, sis ters, daughters, and the Union young ladies of Winchester. General Sheridan is particularly attentive to one of the latter. General Crook is a single man — fond of ladies, but very diffident. General Custer has a beautiful young wife, who is here with him. I have just seen a case of wonderful recovery — such cases are common, but none more singular than this. Captain Williams of my command was shot by a Minie ball on the 24th of July in the center of the back of his neck, which passed out of the cen ter of his chin, carrying away and shattering his jaw in front. He is now perfectly stout and sound (his voice good) and not disfigured at all. But he can chew nothing, eats only spoon victuals ! Dr. Webb is a great favorite. The most efficient surgeon on the battle-field in this army. He is complimented very highly in General Crook's official report. He hates camp life, especially in bad weather, when he suffers from a throat disease. My love to the household. Affectionately, your son, R. Mrs. Sophia Hayes. IN GARRISON — END OF THE WAR 545 Wednesday, December 7, 1864. — Fine weather. We stUl in quire as to Early's position, not feeling sure but that he will visit us. Sherman is reported to have taken Millen. If so he is safe ; quite sure to reach the sea. Thursday, 8. — Windy and very cold, but dry. Rode with Dr. Joe around the works on our left. Bitterly cold. Some things look as if we were to move up the Valley to stop Early from going to Richmond, so as to give Grant a fair field. Friday, 9. — Cold and raw all day. First snow fell this eve ning. General Crook gave me a pair of his brigadier-general shoulder-straps this afternoon. A rank cheapened by poor ap pointments. I feel it an honor, conferred as it is at the close of a bloody campaign on the recommendation of General Crook ap proved by General Sheridan. Camp Russell, Virginia, December 9 (Evening), 1864. My Darling: — We have had two winter days. It has been snowing for the last hour or two. We feel that this ends our campaigning for this year. The last of the Sixth Corps left this morning. One "grapevine" (our word for camp rumor) says they have gone to Kentucky or Tennessee by way of the Ohio River, and another that they passed through Washington on the way to Grant. I conjecture the last is the truth. General Crook gave me a very agreeable present this afternoon — a pair of his old brigadier-general straps. The stars are some what dimmed with hard service, but will correspond pretty well with my rusty old blouse. Of course I am very much gratified by the promotion. I know perfectly well that the rank has been conferred on aH sorts of small people and so cheapened shame fully, but I can't help feeling that getting it at the close of a most bloody campaign on the recommendation of fighting generals like Crook and Sheridan is a different thing from the same rank con ferred — well, as it has been in some instances. Dr. Joe is busy court-martialling one of his brethren, who as medical chief of our hospitals at Winchester turned into private 35 546 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES profit the medicines, stimulants, chickens, eggs, etc., which had been provided for our wounded. We hope to get home together the last of this month or early next, but no one can yet tell what is to be our fate. We are waiting on Sherman and the weather. — My love to all. Affectionately ever, your R. P. S. — I am ever so glad that Governor Chase is Chief Justice. I had given up all hope of his appointment. I sent to Gallipolis directing my trunk or valise to be expressed to ChiHicothe care of William McKeU. If he is put to expense, as he wiH be, perhaps, have it paid. Get into it — my duds may need airing. — I shall want two or three pairs knit woollen socks. Mrs. Hayes. Saturday, December lo, 1864. — A cold day ; deep snow (eight inches) on the ground. [I] am the centre of congratulations [on promotion to generalship] in the camp. General Duval and staff. Colonel Comly, etc., drink poor whiskey with me ! A rational way of doing the joyful, but aU we have! Sunday 11. — Snow still on the ground. Wind high and very cold. Men must suffer on picket. Three deserters came in from Early. Early going to Staunton — perhaps to Richmond. Sher man and Hood "as they were." Am getting anxious about Sherman. Monday, 12. — A bright, cold day, less wind. Miss Hastings and Miss Defendrefer came out with Captain Hastings' nurse (Miss WUber) in a sleigh. Their first visit to a winter camp. I give them wine and warm up. A pleasant call, the first from ladies. Camp Russell, Virginia, December 12, 1864. Dear Uncle: — The snow is at least eight inches deep. A fierce northwester has been blowing for the last fifteen hours and the cold is intense. I fear that men on the picket line will perish IN GARRISON — END OF THE WAR 547 of cold. We probably notice severe weather more when living as we are in rather poor tents, but I certainly have seen nothing worse than this even on the shore of the lake. The campaign in the Valley has closed. The Rebel infantry has all been withdrawn. Our own is leaving rapidly. It goes to Grant. The destination of Crook's command is not yet known. It probably waits news from Sherman. I shaU ask for a leave of absence as soon as we get orders to go into winter quarters, which may come any day. I have been promoted to brigadier-general. The honor is no great things, it having been conferred, particularly at the first part of the war, on all sorts of men for all sorts of reasons ; but I am a good deal gratified, nevertheless. It is made on the recom mendation of General Crook, approved by Sheridan. This at the close of such a bloody campaign is something; besides, I am pleased that it seems so well received by officers and men of the command. It has not yet been officially announced, and wUl not be for perhaps a week or so. I am very glad Governor Chase is Chief Justice. I had al- '^most given up his appointment. I received letters from Swayne's friends urging me to write in his behalf. I heard nothing of the kind from the friends of Governor Chase. I suppose they felt sale. I replied to Perrv and others that I was for Governor Chase. It seems I have a place at West Point at my disposal. It is quite encouraging to know that my district abounds in young Napoleons. I hear of a new one almost every mail. The claim of one is based largely on the fact that he has two brothers in the service. I happen to know that they (both officers) have been so successfiU in finding soft places in the rear that neither of them after more than three years' service, has ever been in a batde ! I begin to feel very anxious about Sherman. His failure would be a great calamity in itself. Besides, it would bring into favor the old-fogy, anaconda style of warfare. Boldness and enterprise would be at a discount. If he has made a mistake, it is in not moving with more celerity. 548 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES We ought to have another draft without delay — or rather an other call for troops, to be followed by a draft if volunteering f aUed to produce the required number within a reasonable period. Sincerely, R. B. Hayes. S. Birchard. Tuesday, December 13, 1864. — Snow stiU on the ground ; very cold. Sleigh-ride with Captain McKinley to Winchester Depot. Run against hay team. Hastings improving decidedly. News from Sherman encouraging but meagre. Hood as he was, before Nashville. Early gone. Wednesday, 14. — Snow going off rapidly ; sun shining at intervals. In quarters almost all day. News from Sherman favorable. He is near Savannah and can probably avoid a fight and go to the sea if he wishes to do so. Nothing new from NashvUle. Thursday, 13. 1 — Cold, a little sleet. This evening we get the first message from Sherman's army. "So far all well," says General Howard from camp five miles from Savannah. Rebel news is that a battle for the possession of Savannah was raging on the I2th. God protect the right ! Friday, 16. — A thawing, raw day ; no rain. General Thomas attacks Hood's left with good results. We hope for a complete victory. Nothing new from Sherman. . . . Fifty guns fired. Saturday, 17. — An inspection of First Brigade. [The] Twenty-third looked well, but alas ! very few of the old men. I shed tears as I left the line. It never looked better. Abbott, wounded at Cloyd's Mountain and a prisoner for months, joined us today. General Thomas completed his victory at NashviUe. One hundred guns fired here. General Crook fears that one division will go to Grant. IN GARRISON — END OF THE WAR 549 Camp Russell, December 17, 1864. My Darling : — No certainty about things yet. We fired fifty guns yesterday and one hundred more today over General Thomas' great victories. How happy our men are. We had an inspection today of the brigade. The Twenty-third was pro nounced the crack regiment in appearance, etc. It looks very finely — as large as you used to see it at Camp White, but so changed in officers and men. A great many new ones at Camp White; then three hundred of the Twelfth in July; and three hundred conscripts, volunteers, and substitutes since. I could see only six to ten in a company of the old men. They all smiled as I rode by. But as I passed away I couldn't help dropping a few natural tears. I felt as I did when I saw them mustered in at Camp Chase. Captain Abbott joined us today — a prisoner since Cloyd's Mountain. He is very happy to be back. He looks in good health, his arm not perfectly weU. Lieutenant McBride, the brave fellow who took Lieutenant- Colonel Edgar and f orty-tvvo others at Winchester, is here again. Sweet and Snyder are back. Hastings is in capital spirits ; says he will be well long before next spring campaign. Heiliger writes me that he wants to get a commission in Hancock's Veterans. The band is playing its finest tonight. It contains all the old members and some good additions. I have written the boys. I asked them how they would like to call the little soldier George Crook ; they don't reply. — Love to all. Affectionately ever, R. Mrs. Hayes. Camp Russell, Virginia, December 18, 1864. Sunday morning before breakfast. Dear Mother: — We have as yet received no orders as to winter quarters. I begin to suspect I shall not get home during the holidays. 550 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES We are feeling very happy over the good news from the other armies. Salutes were fired yesterday and the day before in aU our camps in honor of General Thomas' victory at Nashville. We are living on the fat of the land now. The sutlers are now again allowed to come to the front and they bring all manner of eatables, wholesome and otherwise, but chiefly otherwise. I wish you could visit our camps. I know what you would exclaim on coming into my quarters, "Why, Rutherford, how comfortably you are fixed. I should like to live with you my self." I am getting books and reading matter of all sorts against rainy weather. Unless the weather is atrocious, I take a ride daily of a couple of hours or more. We yesterday had an in spection of my brigade. The Twenty-third was in the best condition. Notwithstanding our heavy losses, we have managed to get so many new men during the summer that the regiment is about as large as it was in the spring. It is larger than it was at this time last year. A large number of men and officers who fell into Rebel hands, wounded, are now coming back, having been exchanged. They are all happy to be back and full of determination to fight it out. I have been made a brigadier-general, but it is not yet officially announced. It was on the recommendation of Generals Crook and Sheridan. Affectionately, your son, R. Mrs. Sophia Hayes. Camp at Stephenson's Depot, Virginia, December 20, 1864. Dear Uncle: — We broke camp at Camp Russell yesterday at early daylight and marched to this place on the raUroad from Harpers Ferry towards Winchester. It rained, snowed, "blew, and friz" again. Awful mud to march in and stiH worse to camp in. But today it is cold and none of us got sick, so far as I know. Our First Division took cars to join Grant. It is said we shall follow in a day or two. This is not certain, but I shaH not be surprised if it is true. I prefer not to go, and yet one IN GARRISON — END OF THE WAR 551 feels that it is almost necessary to be present at the taking of Richmond. I am content, however, to go. I believe in pushing the enemy all winter if possible. Now that we have a decided advantage is the time to crowd them. Things look as if that were to be the policy. I Hke the new call for troops. What good fortune we are having. If Sherman takes Savannah and then moves north, this winter wUl be the severest by far that our Rebel friends have had. I received today your letter of the 14th enclosing Uncle Austin's about the sad fate of Sardis. I will do what I can to get further information, but we are no longer with the Nineteenth Corps and may not again see them. I am sorry to hear you have a severe cold. I am getting more nervous when I hear of your taking cold. Don't try to visit Lucy or anybody else in the winter. I am afraid I shall not get to visit you this winter. Sincerely, R. B. Hayes. P. S. — There is a short but tolerably fair account of the battle of Winchester in Harper's Monthly of January. It is written by somebody in the Nineteenth Corps. You wiU hardly read it with such emotion as I do. The writer calls our force "the Eighth Corps." When you read on the 199th page his account of our battle-yell as we advanced, and of the Rebel musketry which met it, you will remember that I led the advance brigade of the advance division, and that perhaps the happiest moment of my life was then, when I saw that our line didn't break and that the enemy's did. 23d. — It is pretty certain [that] we do not go to Grant ; prob ably in a week or two to Cumberland or West Virginia. S. Birchard. Thursday, December 22, 1864. — Last night the worst of my experience. A new camp; slight shelter; very cold; tent smoky. In all respects we are badly fixed. Issue a ration of whiskey to all. 552 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES Friday, 23. — A clear, cold, fine winter day. Began to move into a house; changed back. Visited Mr. Joseph JoHiffe, the only man who voted for Lincoln in i860! A brother of Mr. JoHiffe of Cincinnati. Read with great pleasure the story of Thomas' victories and Sherman's great march. Saturday, 24. — A fine day ; a pleasant chatty Christmas eve with the gentlemen of my staff in the hospital tent of the ad jutant: viz.. Captain Nye (R. L.), Captain Delay, Lieutenants Turner and Stanley — aH of Thirty-sixth O. V. I. and good men. Sunday, 23. — A pleasant and "merry Christmas." A good dinner. Captain Nye, Lieutenants Turner and Stanley, Dr. Webb, Majors Carey, Twenty-third, and McKown, Thirteenth. Wine, oysters, turkey, etc., etc. Read through [General Win- field] Scott's "Autobiography." Weak and vain beyond compare. Monday, 26. — A dull, foggy day ; snow thawing rapidly. Savannah captured by Sherman on the 21st, Hardee making a hasty retreat across the river to South Carolina. Some im portant captures. Salute of one hundred guns fired. We expect to go to New Creek soon. Tuesday, 27. — A bright, warm day ; snow turns to water and mud ; mud everywhere ! Rode into Winchester with Captain Abbott and Dr. Joe. Hastings in good plight and heart, but improving so slowly. General Crook says he has written for my missing appointment as brigadier-general. No increase of pay tiU it comes. No news today. Wednesday, 28. — Thawing and muddy. General Crook and staff go by railroad to Cumberland. We hope to follow soon. Rain this eve. Attack on Fort Fisher by Porter, etc. ; no results as yet. We hope WUmington will be closed — but? Friday, 30. — A cold morning, but ground thaws during day. March seventeen miles to Martinsburg. Men in fine spirits. Camp in the snow ! Saturday, 31. — Staid at Mr. AHen's, Martinsburg, last night. At 9 or 10 A. M., [the] Thirty-sixth and Thirteenth by cars to IN GARRISON — END OF THE WAR 553 Cumberiand. With staff at 3 P. M. to Cumberiand. Supper and good time at Cumberland. Winter quarters here. Cumberland, Maryland, January i, 1865. Dearest: — We reached here last night. We shall buUd winter quarters and soon settle down. I shall apply for a leave of absence as soon as we are all fixed, and then to see the dear ones ! On the 30th we were marching from Stephenson's Depot to Martinsburg. I often thought of the twelve-years-ago day [wedding-day], and of the happiness my darling has been to ma since. I do hope I shall see you soon. — Love to all. Affectionately, your Mrs. Hayes. R. Revere House, Cumberland, Maryland, Monday, January 2, 1863. — A fine day. Rode to camp, out one mUe north of rail road, east of town. Men all busy getting up huts. Scenery, mountains, etc., around the "Mountain City" very pretty. Eagle adopted as our badge. Red Eagle for my division. Army of West Virginia in three divisions ; General Duval, the First ; KeUey, Second ; Stephenson, Third. I have First Brigade, First Division. Tuesday, 3. — Bright day. Walked up Wills Creek to the Narrows. Received appointment as brigadier-general, dated November 30, to rank from October 19, "for gaUantry and meritorious servies in the battles of Opequon, Fisher's Hill, and Middletown." Put on shoulder-straps worn by General Crook in Tennessee. Changed quarters from Revere House to St. Nicholas. Thursday, 3. — Fine winter day. All goes well at camp. Shall call it Camp Hastings. Eve with Generals Crook [and] Duval and doctors at Mr. Thurston's. The old gentleman a fine staunch Unionist. Miss Tidball, a cousin of doctor's sang Secesh songs. Pretty giri. 554 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES Cumberland, Maryland, January 5, 1865. Dearest: — I am just in receipt of yours of the 21st. It has probably been on the hunt of me a week or more. I am very glad you are pleased to caH the little soldier George Crook. I think it is a pretty name, aside from the agreeable association. We are most pleasantly located here. In the midst of fine mountain scenes, plenty of wood and water, and no duty for the men. They are already in their new huts and are very joHy over it. The publication of my appointment has been made. I have not yet got the original document. It was missent to New York City and will go from there to Chillicothe. If it gets there before I do you will open it. It gives as the reason of the appointment, gallantry and good conduct in the late battles in the Shenandoah Valley and dates from the Battle of Cedar Creek, October 19, 1864. Aside from the vanity which goes always with brass but tons, I have other reasons for wanting the grounds of the ap pointment published. No flourish of trumpets, no comment, but simply, "Colonel R. B. Hayes, Twenty-third Regiment O. V. I., has been apopinted brigadier-general" for (here quote the exact words of the appointment). Show this to Uncle Scott and re quest him to have the paragraph published in the ChiHicothe paper when the letter of appointment gets there. I may be there first, but it is still doubtful. The doctor is very happy — young ladies, a pretty town, parties, balls, etc. I hope to get home within a fortnight. — Love to all. Affectionately, ever, R. Mrs. Hayes. Cumberland, Maryland, January 6, 1865. Dear Uncle : — We are getting into very pleasant quarters. The town is a fine one, plenty of parties, balls, etc., etc., for the beaux — fine mountain scenery — good water and wood con venient. Ohio Generals, Graduates From West Point Who Won the War for the Union. major-general PHILIP LIEUTENANT-GENERAL MAJOR-GENERAL JAMES H. SHERIDAN, 1831-88. WILLIAM T. SHERMAN, B. MCPHERSON, 1828-64. MAJOR-GENERAL GEORGE 1820-91. MAJOR-GENERAL GEORGE CROOK, 1,828-1890. general ulysses s. a. custer, 1839-76. grant, 1822-85. IN GARRISON — END OF THE WAR 555 There are stUl odds and ends of business to be finished, and then no reason that I can see why I should not go home. I ex pect quite confidently to be at home within two weeks. . The reason for my promotion, etc., has been officially an nounced "for gallantry and meritorious services in tha Battles of Opequon, Fisher's Hill, and Cedar Creek" and dates from the Battle of Cedar Creek, October 19. All very satisfactory. Sincerely, R. B. Hayes, S. Birchard. Camp Hastings, near Cumberland, Maryland, January 8, 1865. Dear Uncle : — I am now in our winter camp. All things seem to be about as they should be. My leave of absence for twenty days has been granted, and I shall start home in two or three days. I shall probably not be able to stay with you more than one day. I can't yet tell, but I suppose about the 25th I shall get around to Fremont. I hope to reach Chillicothe on the 12th. Yours of the first I got last night. I will stay with Mother one or two days at Delaware. Sincerely, R. B. Hayes. P. S. — My adjutant. Captain Hastings, is getting well. He is at Winchester and can't yet be moved from his bed. He will be major of [the] Twenty-third and in two or three months can probably ride. I have named my camp after him. S. Birchard. Monday, January 9. — Spent the day getting ready to visit home, signing approval of applications for furloughs and leaves, and reading Heine. His wit not translatable; ratherish vulgar and very blasphemous. [Tuesday evening, January 10, Hayes started for Ohio by railway. He reached the Ohio River the next day at Benwood 556 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES and there took a steamer, filled with "oU or petroleum specu lators," for Parkersburg. He arrived at ChUlicothe January 12, where he found Mrs. Hayes afflicted with rheumatism. A month was spent in Ohio with wife and children at Chillicothe and in visits to relatives and friends at Columbus, Delaware, Fremont, and Cincinnati. He was back at Cumberland, Thurs day, February 9.] Chillicothe, Sunday morning, January 22, 1865. Dear Mother : — We returned here yesterday afternoon. . . . I read your journal of the family and your early times in Ohio to Uncle Sardis. It was very interesting. It re minded him of many things which he had entirely forgotten. I am very glad you wrote it. I shall always preserve and prize it. I do not wish to impose any labor on you, but it would gratify me very much if you would occasionally put down in the same way anything you happen to think of. Aunt McKell's oldest son (a captain) returned from Sher man since I was here. He is out of service. His time was out three months ago, but he remained to go through the Georgia campaign. . . . One of our officers from Cumberland tells me he thinks we shall see very little more hard service during the war. — Love to all. Affectionately, your son, Rutherford. Mrs. Sophia Hayes. Chillicothe, Ohio, February i, 1865. Dear Hastings : — I returned here from Cincinnati last night and find your letter of the 23d ult. I am surprised and very glad to hear of your arrival home. If the journey has not hurt you it is a capital thing. I shall return to Cumberland in a few days via Columbus. . You will of course be promoted. If the governor should re main fixed in his feelings against [Major Edward M.] Carey, you wiU be lieutenant-colonel. I hear it said that you would IN GARRISON — END OF THE WAR 557 not accept. I can't suppose this is so. It surely ought not to be. I shall ask Governor Brough to promote Carey. If he will not do it, there is no propriety in your declining the promotion. My wife joins in regards to your sister and yourself. Sincerely, R. B. Hayes. Captain Russell Hastings, WiHoughby, Ohio. Camp Hastings, Sunday, February 12, 1865. Dearest : — We reached here after a pleasant journey Thurs day evening on time. No important changes here. The remnant of the unlucky Thirty-fourth is now in my camp to be consolidat ed with the Thirty-sixth. General Duval is quite unwell, and will go to Cincinnati to be treated for troubles affecting his hearing. General Crook has had a ball. I send you a ticket. He inquired after you all, particularly Webb and George. He is in fine health and spirits. He has become a convert to negro soldiers — thinks them better than a great part of the sort we are now getting. . . . It is cold, windy, and snowy. My tent groans, squeaks, and flaps. The sleeping is not so comfortable as in a house these days, but is more refreshing and invigorating. The Shenandoah army is all gone. Part of Nineteenth Corps is at Savannah ; the Sixth at Richmond and the most of ours. I had a brigade drill yesterday. The regiments are full, and in fine condition. The First Veterans [Twenty-third Regiment] are rather the crack men in appearance. Major Carey has resigned. Mrs. Comly is here, that is, in town. I have not yet seen her. The cars upset with her near Newark, but she kept on this way instead of going back home. Good stuff. — Love to all. Affectionately ever, R. Mrs. Hayes. Shriver Mansion, Cumberlcmd, Tuesday, January 14. — Took command of First Division today. General Duval gone to Cin- 558 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES cinnati for treatment of his hearing. Came down in a sleigh; sleighing almost all winter. Wednesday P. M., Februar}' 15, [1865]. Dearest : — You notice the last sentence.* Is it prudent or possible even for you to drop little George for a fortnight? I have of course no fears about the boy. His grandmother seems to have the full charge of him, but will it do for you? If so, you come to see your husband at Cumberland. Washington is not to be named. We are such little people that we can go "strictly incog." Bring on two hundred to three hundred dollars — no care about dress — and we can manage it. Write soon so I can get the leave if you say so. — Love to all. Affectionately ever, R. Mrs. Hayes. Cumberland, Maryland, February 15, 1865. Dear Mother: — We are jogging along in the usual style of a winter camp. The thing about us which you would think most interesting is the doings of our chaplain. We have a good one. He is an eccentric, singular man — a good musician — very fond of amusement and as busy as a bee. He is a son of a well-known Presbyterian minister of Granville, Mr. Little. Since I left he has had built a large log chapel, covered with tent cloth. In this he has schools, in which he teaches the three R's, and music, and has also preaching and prayer-meetings and Sunday-school. The attendance is large. The number of young men and boys from the mountains of West Virginia, where schools are scarce, in my command makes this a useful thing. He has also got up a revival which is interesting a good many, * This refers to the last sentence of a letter to Hayes from his friend Judge William Johnston, wriuen from Washington, on the blank page of which Hayes was writing. The sentence read : "Say whether you will be here at the inauguration. I have sent home for my family to be here. It will be the greatest demonstration the world ever saw, and I think both you and Mrs. Hayes ought to be here." IN GARRISON — END OF THE WAR 559 Since my return itinerant preachers of the Christian Commis sion have held two or three meetings in our chapel. Affectionately, your son, R. Mrs. Sophia Hayes. Cumberland, Maryland, February 17, 1865. Dear Uncle : — I send for safe keeping my original appoint ment as brigadier-general. It was confirmed by the Senate a few days ago. No movements here. It seems to be the expectation that Lee wUl attempt something desperate to get out of the net forming around him. We are having a gay time. Balls, etc., of the fastest sort are common. . . . Sincerely, R. B. Hayes. S. Birchard. Cumberland, Maryland, February 19, 1865. Dear Uncle: — Yours of [the] 17th received today. I will send you five hundred dollars by express tomorrow. It is in interest-bearing notes. Are they worth any more to you than other funds? We are paid a good deal of it. A cripple of my regiment from Fremont goes home in [a] day or two. I think he is a first-rate man — ¦ Lejune. [He] captured twenty-five Rebels at South Mountain. He was badly wounded at Antietam, and got well just in time to get awfully hurt at Cloyd's Mountain. Sincerely, R. B. Hayes. S. Birchard. Shriver Mansion, January 21. — At 3:30 A. M. Captain Mc- Neal and fifty or so of his band kidnapped Generals Kelley and Crook from their hotel on Baltimore Street. Daring and well executed. They inquired for me but on learning that I quartered in camp did not look further. 560 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES Cumberland, February 21, 1865. Dear Lucy : — You will be sorry to hear that the Rebels got General Crook this morning. A party of perhaps fifty or so dashed into town in the night, went direct to the hotels where General Crook (the Revere) and General Kelley (the St. Nicholas) quartered, took them prisoners and hurried off. All possible pains to recapture them have been taken, but I have no confidence of success. No special blame will attach to anyone, I suppose. General Kelley commanded the post and had such guards posted as he deemed necessary — the same I suppose he has had for the last year or more. The picket post was not blamable, I think, — at least not flagrantly so. It is a very mortifying thing to all of us. I have been in the habit of stay ing at my camp out a mile or so, and so was not looked for. The fact was, I had received an order to get quarters in town and was in town that night at General Duval's headquarters. But he, having left as everybody knew a week before, his quarters were not searched. A narrow chance for me. The only other officer taken was Captain Melvin, adjutant-general of General Kelley. The only possible danger to General Crook is the chance of his attempting to escape and failing. — Love to aU. Affectionately ever Mrs. Hayes. Shriver Mansion, Wednesday, January 22. — Sherman took Columbia Friday, the i8th. Rebels evacuated Charleston Tues day, 15th. Today at no,on national salute here and everywhere because "the old flag floats again over Sumter." Camp Hastings, near Cumberland, February 22, 1865. Dear Mother : — I suppose you have heard of the kidnapping of General Crook and General Kelley. . . . The ex change of prisoners is now so prompt that the matter is not regarded as a very serious calamity. General Crook's reputa tion is so good that it will not affect him much. Besides, such 36 IN GARRISON — END OF THE WAR 561 bold attempts may be successful in any town where a general is likely to have his quarters. The success of Sherman's splendid operations give[s] us all reason to hope that we are getting near the end of the Rebellion. As long as Lee's fine army remains, there is, of course, a chance that he may succeed in doing something that will postpone the final blow. But no defeat or disaster now could long delay our triumph Love to all. Affectionately, your son, R. Mrs. Sophia Hayes. 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 562 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES in my troops, my vigilance, and my luck, but I shall be much mis taken if the Rebels don't overwhelm a number of our posts dur ing the next six weeks or two months. Nothing but their ex treme 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 wiH 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 re signing 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. Cumberland, Maryland, March 2, 1865. Dear Uncle : — It is a rainy, dismal day. General Hancock is in command of this Department. Sheridan has collected all his cavalry, and it is on a big raid to cut and slash the railroads west of Richmond, or to capture Gordonsville, or something of the sort. I doubt whether ive see any more battles. I shall con sider myself discharged as soon as my four years are up and Richmond taken. I shall be surprised if the latter does not occur first. Great preparations are making for the inauguration. If nothing disastrous happens to our armies, it will be the greatest IN GARRISON — END OF THE WAR 563 thing of the sort that ever has been witnessed in the country. Write often. Sincerely, R. B. Hayes. S. Birchard. Cumberland, Maryland, March 2, 1865. Dear Hastings : — Glad to get yours of the 27th and to find you are sound on the question of promotion. There is some danger that your absence over sixty days may in the War Office induce your discharge, but the chances are that it will not be known. I want you to get the new title at least. The commander of a scow on the canal is called captain, but colonel is the best sounding title I know of. Yes, General Crook's capture is a great loss, as well as an especial calamity to all serving in this command. General Han cock takes the Department of West Virginia and General (brevet major) Carroll formerly of the Eighth Ohio, the District of Cumberland. General Sheridan, with an immense force of cavalry, is on a raid towards Gordonsville or Charlottesville, or somewhere — probably to distract the attention of Lee. We are all in suspense as to Sherman and Grant. I look forward to the capture of Richmond as my discharge from service. . . . A great many staff officers are In a state of mind about these days; also divers brigadier-generals "of whom I am not which." Webster is often quoted — "Where am I to go?" — in a very despondent way. General Lightburn, Colonel Comly, and Cap tain Sweet are running an examining board as usual, much to the disgust of the Thirteenth. Mrs. Comly is here with a fine boy. The colonel makes a pretty fair "nuss." — My regards to your sister. Sincerely, R. B. Hayes. Captain Russell Hastings, WiHoughby, Ohio. 564 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES 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 suc cess, 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 wUl 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 weH informed in these matters. I have written to him today on this supposition. Write to me frequently and fully and oblige. Sincerely, ^ 3 ^^^ William Henry Smith, Secretary of State, Columbus, Ohio. Cumberland, Maryland, March 5, 1865. Dearest : — General Sheridan has got together all the four- footed beasts of this region and mounted his last trooper. They are gone to try to destroy raUroads and stores if possible all the way to Lynchburg. We are thinking of nothing else just now. The only danger is the mud and high waters from the rains and melting snows. He is reported to have had a good little success at Woodstock, taking four guns and four hundred prisoners. A few weeks will probably produce great changes in the situa tion. Even a considerable disaster to our arms now wiH hardly enable the Rebels to hold Richmond much longer. Judge Johnston was here yesterday morning. He did not take his family to the inauguration. As things now are, I am glad you did not come. The railroad is in a wretched condition and our forces are so weak that we are liable to interruption at any time. General Duval wiU return, it is supposed, in a few days, when I can be better spared, if I wish to go anywhere. IN GARRISON — END OF THE WAR 565 I do not see any notice of Mitchell's appointment or confirma tion. I fear the announcement was premature. Wager Swayne lost a leg in South Carolina and is promoted to brigadier-general. General Hancock takes General Crook's place. We rather like the new regime. General Carroll takes General KeUey's shoes. We all like him, so far, very much. He takes to Dr. Joe almost as much as Crook did. — Love to all the boys and Grandma. Affectionately, ever, R. Mrs. Hayes. Cumberland, March 5, 1865. Dear Mother : — We are f eeHng a good deal of anxiety now to hear from our cavalry. General Sheridan with all the mounted men of the Department left last Monday to make a raid on the Rebel towns south of us. If successful, he wUl do much to wards compelling the evacviation of Richmond. The rains and swollen streams are regarded as the chief danger. So many troops have left us that those who remain are kept almost constantly on duty. The men never were so cheerful when overworked before. They all think the end is so near that they can stand anything during the rest of the struggle. . . Affectionately, your son, R. Mrs. Sophia Hayes. Monday, March 6. — Sheridan last Monday with a large cav alry force went towards Staunton, Charlottesville, and Ijynch- burg to destroy stores and connections with Richmond. Mud and water his chief enemies. Tuesday, 7. — Sheridan whips Early near Staunton, takes eleven cannon and over one thousand prisoners. "The boy Jube ran away from the subscribers." Wednesday, 5. — Busy replying to letters from divers office- seekers. They come by the dozens. 566 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES Camp Hastings, March ii, 1865. Dear Mother : — Nothing of interest in this particular local ity. As part of Sheridan's command, we feel a good deal of interest in his cavalry raid. He has already sent back about fourteen hundred prisoners. We hope to hear further. Major-General Hancock is now our immediate commander. He is a very large, noble-looking man — not less than six feet three inches high, and very large. All his new arrangements are very satisfactory to our division. He wiH hardly be so great a favorite as General Crook, but is making a most favorable im pression. . . . Affectionately, R. B. Hayes. Mrs. Sophia Hayes. Camp Hastings, March 12, 1865. My Darling : — I am very glad to have heard from or of you several times during the last week. While your rheumatism stays with you I naturally feel anxious to hear often. If you should be so unlucky as to become a cripple, it will certainly be bad, but you may be sure I shall be stUl a loving husband, and we shall make the best of it together. There are a great many worse things than to lose the abUity of easy locomotion. Of course, you wUl have to use philosophy or something higher to keep up your spirits. I think of Mrs. Little as giving more happiness to her household by her cheerfulness and agreeable ways than most of the walking women I know off. It is lucky you didn't come to the inauguration. The bad weather and Andy Johnson's disgraceful drunkenness spoUed it. I have bought a "Gulliver's Travels" which I wUl give to Webb if he can read it. I remember he was very fond of my telling it, and with his sweet voice often coaxed me to tell him about "the little people." We are under General Hancock now, and like him. He is [a] noble man in his physical get-up — six feet three and hand somely proportioned. So far as he has arranged, matters are satisfactory to me. I keep my brigade, IN GARRISON — END OF THE WAR 567 Sheridan is still absent. Of course some solicitude will be felt until he gets through. The last accounts are favorable. . . . Hastings is promoted lieutenant-colonel, Thompson, major. Good! McKinley and Watkins, Twenty-third, have gone with Hancock to Winchester or somewhere else up the Valley. Dr. Joe visits the "Pirates" (Semmes family, but intensely loyal), but not with any reputed designs. — Chaplain Little runs with his wife all sorts of schools and is useful and a favorite with all sensible people. . . . Love to all. Affectionately ever, R. Mrs. Hayes. Tuesday, March 14. — Sheridan tearing up railroads, burn ing bridges, and destroying the James River Canal very success fully; goes near Lynchburg, Gordonsville, and beyond Staunton. I hope he will in spite of high water get over James River and cut the Danville Railroad and join Grant. Camp Hastings, March 17, 1865. My Darling : — . . . You wUl feel relieved about Gen eral Crook. General Kelley is here. General Crook is at Balti more and will return here in a few days. They were treated in the kindest and most liberal way by the Rebels. The only ex ception was old Early; he was drunk and insolent. They were furnished with all the money they needed. Crook had no money. His pocketbook was left under his piHow where I found it. Their captors were civil and accommodating. The people at Richmond are whipped and confess it. The West Virginia Rebels at Richmond couldn't do enough for the generals and in fact, all prisoners there now are courted by the Secesh. It is an early spring here. We are now enjoying ourselves very much. — Love to aH. Affectionately, R. 568 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES March i8. — Great fun — a fine bright night, wind rose un heard of and blew down several hundred tents, etc., etc. BUly's kitchen. Uncle Joe's hat, etc., etc., still "absent without leave." Mrs. Hayes. Camp Hastings, March i8, 1865. Dear Uncle : — I have very little care or responsibility. My command is exclusively a fighting command. I have nothing to do with guards, provost or routine duty connected with posts. Mine is the only movable column west of Winchester. If an enemy threatens any place, I am to send men there when ordered. My time is wholly occupied drilling and teaching tactics and the like. My brigade furnishes details for guard and provost when needed, but I am not bothered with them when on such duty. My regiments are all large; nearly four thousand men, in the four, of whom twenty-five hundred are present at least. General Crook is again out, and we hope he will return to this command. We like Hancock very well. He behaved very handsomely with Crook's staff, and all of the troops and officers which [that] were particularly favorites with Crook. We were all left in our old positions, although some pressure was brought against it. I see gold is tumbling. If no mishap befalls our armies, the downward tendency will probably^.continue. Then debtors must look out. It will not be so easv to pav debts when greenbacks arej^ortlhdghty^ to^ ninety^ [cent_s] on the doHar.__My_iour years are up about the first of June. Sincerely, R. B. Hayes. S. Birchard. Camp Hastings, March 21, 1865. Dearest : — You would have boiled over with enjoyment if you had been here today. General Crook came out to my quarters. Both bands were out and all the men. We had about forty rousing cheers, a speech from Chaplain Collier, a good talk from the general, a little one from me, and lots of fun. It is four weeks today since the capture. We are having the finest possible time. The Twenty-third is IN GARRISON — END OF THE WAR 569 not camped with me now. It is two and one-half miles off in the prettiest camp they ever had the other side of town. But the brigade is a unit now. The mountain scenery is gloriotis; the men happy and well behaved. Chaplain Little and his wife get up something good at the log chapel daily. . . . Affectoinately R. We have an old fellow, hard-looking and generally full of liquor, who brings in our wood and builds fires — of the Thirteenth. He says, "I was glad to see old Uncle George." Mrs. Hayes. Camp Hastings, March 24, 1865. Dear Uncle : — Crook was all right with Grant, but Stanton was angry. Grant however rules matters where he really at tempts it. Stanton refused to make an effort for a special and privileged exchange. Grant, however, had it done. Crook stopped at Grant's headquarters. Grant wanted him to stay and take an important active command in his army before Richmond. Crook told him he wanted to be restored to the Department of West Virginia, if for only one day, to show the public that he was not in disfavor. It was accordingly so arranged. Crook returned here, took command, came out to my camp and had a happy meeting with the men, and the next day left for Grant's Army. It is supposed he wUl take the cavalry of the Army of the Poto mac. It is probably better for his reputation that it is so. Hancock is a very fair man, but nervous, excitable, and hasty. Would not act badly except from want of reflection. Your suggestion as to Mother is, I think, correct. She is probably happier than her letters would indicate. As people get along in life, their feelings and mode of talking and writing get into channels; they have habits of talking, etc., which do not mean much. If mother was perfectly happy she would write in a strain of melancholy. She is in the habit of thinking that she would like to be with her grandchildren all the time. This is a mistake. Their noise and childish acts and talking would in one week weary her into greater discomfort than she is now in for 570 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES want of them. For a litle while she enjoys them very much. My only effort is to treat her affectionately and try to turn her thoughts in some incidental way into pleasanter paths. If I were keeping house, I know she would soon become more tired of my home than she is now of Mrs. Wasson's. Her intellect is twisted into a habit of thinking and meditating too much on her self instead of occupying her mind with external affairs. It can't be helped. Indirectly we may do a good deal to con tribute to her happiness, but scarcely anything in the common way. Suppose I should say, "What do you prefer as your mode of life ?" and she should reply, I would do her no favor by com plying exactly with her wishes. I shall try to go to Washington [for] a few days soon. Sincerely, R. B. Hayes. S. Birchard. Camp Hastings, March 25, 1865. Dear Mother : — We have had a sudden and severe change of weather. For the first time this month the ground is white with snow, and the mountains look like midwinter. The wind blows our tents down once in a while, and makes a little trouble. In other respects the change does not trouble us much. General Crook has been exchanged and given a command under Grant before Richmond. He was placed in command of his old Department a few days to show that Grant had not lost confi dence in him. He came out to my camp, where the troops gave him a most enthusiastic reception. . We are ready to move from here at any time. It is not known, I think, by anybody where [and] when we shall go. . . . Affectionately, your son. R. Mrs. Sophia Hayes. Camp Hastings, April 3, 1865. Dear Mother : — . . . I am to have a new command in Hancock's Corps. Either veterans or a brigade of new Ohio troops. I shall probably prefer the latter, as it is not likely to IN GARRISON — END OF THE WAR 571 continue a great while. I leave Cumberland tomorrow. The new command is near Harpers Ferry. Letters addressed to me via Harpers Ferry will reach me. Affectionately, R. Mrs. Sophia Hayes. Camp Hastings, April 3, 1865. Dear Colonel : — That sounds better, don't it ? Your com mission was sent three weeks ago, as I was told by Harry Thomp son. There has been some oversight or negligence. I know Colonel Comly would not purposely withhold it. The Twenty-third is in a nice camp near town, doing provost duty. You could enjoy yourself with them as soon as you can hobble about a little. . General Crook has command of the cavalry of the Army of the Potomac. Just for the name of the thing, he took command of this Department for a day or two. He came out to our camp. We gave him a regular jolly mass-meeting sort of recep tion, which he and all of us enjoyed. I think it better for him as it is. We are all ready to move. The talk is that we shall go soon. Hancock has at Halltown about ten thousand to fifteen thousand men, six or eight new Ohio regiments of the number. . . Sincerely, R. B. Hayes. Lieutenant-Colonel Russell Hastings, WiHoughby, Ohio. New Creek, [West] Virginia, AprU 5, 1865. Dear Lucy: — I am assigned to a new command of cavalry, infantry, and artillery — mostly West Virginia troops. I hated to leave my old command and at first was disposed to rebel. I am ordered to take command of an expedition through the moun tains towards Lynchburg. It is over awful mountain roads, through a destitute country, and is in all respects a difficult, if not impossible, thing to do. I hope that Lee in his retreat wUl take such a direction as will make it plainly useless. If so, it will 572 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES be abandoned, I trust. There will be little danger or hardship to me, but great hardships for the men. I wiH write you often tUl I start. I am to make my headquarters here whUe getting ready. I am to start from Beverly in Randolph County. Warm Springs, Staunton, and Lexington are named as points. — Love to aU. Affectionately ever, R. General Crook had the advance of Sheridan [in] the late movement at Petersburg. Mrs. Hayes. New Creek, [West] Virginia, AprU 8, 1865. Dearest : — The glorious news is coming so fast that I hardly know how to think and feel about it. It is so just that Grant, who is by all odds our man of greatest merit, should get this victory. It is very gratifying too that Sheridan gets the lion's share of the glory of the active fighting. The clique of showy shams in the Army of the Potomac are represented by Warren. We do not know the facts, but I suspect Warren hung back, and after the Potomac fashion, didn't take hold with zeal when he found Sheridan was to command. So he was sent to the rear ! General Crook wrote me the day before the battle that the men were in superb condition and eager for the fray, but that some of the generals were half whipped already. No doubt he meant Warren. Crook commanded the advance of Sheridan's attack. No doubt his strategy had much to do with it. Personally, matters are probably as well as they could be, con sidering that we are in the hands, as Joe says, of the Yankees. The faU of Richmond came the day before we all left Camp Hastings. We had a glorious time. All the men gathered, all the bands; Chaplain Collier and I talked. I did not then of course say good-bye, but I said about all I would have said if just parting. The Thirty-sixth is about as near to me, the officers possibly more so, than the Twenty-third. I am in a command of all sorts now, a good regiment of cavalry, the old Pennsylvania Ringgold Cavalry, two batteries of Ohio men, one of them Cap- IN GARRISON — END OF THE WAR 573 tain Glassier's (the old Simmonds Battery), one of the veteran West Virginia regiments (Second Veterans), and a lot of others of less value. It was intended to send me in command of about five thousand men, quite a little army, by mountain routes towards Lynchburg. We are still preparing for it, but I have no idea now that we shall go. I wish to remain in service until my four years is up in June. Then I shaH resign or not, as seems best. If matters don't suit me, I'll resign sooner. Now, if things remain here in statu quo, would you like [to] come here ? It is a most romantic spot. I have Captain Nye and Lieutenant Turner of Thirty-sixth as part of my staff, Charley Smith, BiUy Crump, and two other Twenty-third men as order lies. We have speedy communication by raU and telegraph and with a little more company it would be very jc^ly. — Love to aU. Affectionately, R. Mrs. Hayes. New Creek, [West] Virginia, April 9 (Sunday), 1865. Dear Mother : — The good news is coming so fast and so much of it that I hardly know how to think or feel about it. I expect to see no more fighting with any part of my command, and in all quarters the severe fighting must, I think, soon cease. I was assigned to the command of an independent expedition through the mountains towards Lynchburg some days ago. We are still preparing for it, but I now think it will not go. In the meantime my headquarters are temporarily at this place. I do not much care where I am during the short time I shall probably now remain in the army. I want to stay a little while longer until the smoke of these great events blows away enough to let us see what the Rebels wUl try to do next. I expect to see many of them give up, but the Rebel organization will hold on I sus pect some time longer. My four years is up in June ; after that I feel at Hberty to resing. Sooner if matters [don't ( ?) ] suit. Write me at this place for the present. Affectionately, your son, R. Mrs. Sophia Hayes. 5I4i RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES Cumberland, Maryland, AprU lo, 1865. Dear Judge: — I am told that my application for leave has come back without approval. I am sending it again today. At this rate it wUl be ten days before I see it again. The War De partment wants to know my business. They mustn't be too crotchety or I'll get naughty on their hands. I hope this cruel war is over. I shall resign probably in about six weeks. Sincerely, R. B. Hayes. [Judge William Johnston (?), Wctshington.] New Creek, West Virginia, April 12, 1865. Dear Uncle : — I am just beginning to fully realize and en joy our great victories. I am more glad to think my fighting days are ended than I had expected. Grant deserves his great vic tory. Crook, too, had a conspicuous place. It was his immediate command which captured the wagon train, Armstrong guns, prisoners, etc., which figure so largely in Sheridan's reports. I am still preparing for my expedition, but I am confident it is given up and will never be undertaken; it is rendered useless. I think it not improbable that there will be an extra session of Congress ; if so, I go out of service then, of course. I am pretty weU pleased with matters now. Pecuniarily, I shall gain by stay ing in service as long as possible. That consideration aside, I am ready to qtiit now almost any time. Address me at this place. Sincerely, R. B. Hayes. S. Birchard. New Creek, West Virginia, April 12, 1865. Dearest : — I wonder if you feel as happy as I do. The close of the war, "home again," darling and the boys and all to be together again for good ! And the manner of it too ! Our best general vindicated by having the greatest victory. General Crook too. Did you see, it was his immediate command that captured IN GARRISON — END OF THE WAR 575 so much, which Sheridan telegraphs about — the wagons, Arm strong guns, etc., etc. ? All most gratifying.* My expedition into the mountains wUl no doubt be given up, al though we are still preparing. I am well satisfied with present matters personally, and think I am rather fortunate, all things considered. I decide nothing at present. I wish you to be ready to join me on very short notice. It is not likely I shall send for you, but I may do so any day if you would like to come. My notion is that an extra session of Congress soon is a likely thing to occur. That will be known in a week or two. — Love to all. "So much." As ever R. P. S. — My pictures being in demand, I have got another. Mrs. Hayes. New Creek, Saturday, April 13. — 8 A. M. startled by report that Lincoln, Seward and were assassinated. Somehow felt it was true. New Creek, West Virginia, April 16, 1865. Dear Uncle: — I am in receipt of yours of the nth. My mountain expedition is given up. If I go at all from here, it will be directly up the valleys to occupy Staunton. In any event, I think I shall see no more active campaigning. I have been greatly shocked by the tragedy at Washington. * Dr. J. T. Webb writing to his mother from Winchester, April 13, 1865, says : — "It must be pleasant to those worthies who put on so much style to reflect that while there was fighting to be done here in this valley, Sheridan and Crook were here ; now that the fighting has been transferred to Richmond, they [the worthies] are sent here and Crook and Sheridan taken off down there. It's all style and airs — very oflfensive to sensible people, but as the war is about over, it matters but Httle who commands. Were there an enemy in our front, I should not fancy our generals. As it is they are very good for fuss and feathers, great on revers, etc., — about all they are suited for." 576 RUTHERFORD BIRCHARD HAYES At first it was wholly dark. So unmerited a fate for Lincoln! Such a loss for the country! Such a change! But gradually, consolatory topics suggest themselves. How fortunate that it occurred no sooner! Now the march of events wUl neither be stopped nor changed. The power of the Nation is in our armies, and they are commanded by such men as Grant, Sherman, and Thomas, instead of McClellan, Hooker, or, etc., etc. Lincoln's fame is safe. He is the Darling of History evermore. His Hfe and achievements give him titles to regard second to those of no other man in ancient or modern times. To these, this tragedy now adds the crown of martyrdom. Sincerely, R. S. Birchard. New Creek, West Virginia, AprU i6 (Sunday), 1865. Dearest : — When I heard first yesterday morning of the awful tragedy at Washington, I was pained and shocked to a degree I have never before experienced. I got onto the cars, then just starting, and rode down to Cumberland. The probable consequences, or rather the possible results in their worst im aginable form, were presented to my mind one after the other, until I really began to feel that here was a calamity so extensive that in no direction could be found any, the slightest, glimmer of consolation. The Nation's great joy turned suddenly to a stiU greater sorrow ! A ruler tested and proved in every way, and in every way found equal to the occasion, to be exchanged for a new man whose ill-omened beginning made the Nation hang its head. Lincoln for Johnson ! The work of reconstruction re- quiring so much statesmanship just begun ! The calamitv to Mr. Lincoln ; ni_aj)ersonal point of view, so uncalled for a fate ! — so undeserved, so unprovd