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 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 Washington 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 dollars. 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.
