Camp White, West Virginia, July 1, 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 disasters 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.
