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 excitable, 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 dollars’ worth of 7:30 bonds, but I will keep them in preference to the stock.
I like Brough’s nomination [for governor of Ohio.] We everywhere lack energy. He will have enough.
Sincerely,
R. B. Hayes.
S. BIRCHARD.
