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 represented.
I found my family well 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, will probably find me. I think all your letters have finally reached me.
My health, after all our severe campaigning, is excellent.
Your affectionate son,
Rutherford.
Mrs. Sophia Hayes.
