Fayetteville, January 16, 1862.
Dear Lucy: — Lieutenants Warren and Smith leave today. We are very well. Mud awful deep and streams overflowing.
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.
