Following the American Civil War Sesquicentennial with day by day writings of the time, currently 1863.

Post image for Rutherford B. Hayes.

Rutherford B. Hayes.

August 23, 2014

Diary and Letters of Rutherford Birchard Hayes

Camp between Harpers Ferry and Charlestown,

Virginia, August 23, 1864.

Dear Mother: — We have a pretty large Rebel army just in front of us. We drove it before us several days until it was reinforced when it slowly drove us back to this point. Here we are in a pretty good position and there seems to be a purpose to fight a general battle here if the enemy choose to attack. Of course, there are frequent skirmishes and affairs in which parts of the army only are engaged which are small battles. So far our success in such affairs has been quite as good as the enemy’s. I am inclined to think that there will be no general engagement here.. It looks as if we were so well prepared that the Rebels would move in some other direction.

I am now longer without a letter from you than ever before. I know you write but we have had no mails. — My health is good. I heard from Lucy and Uncle Sunday. The weather is now delightful. We have had good rains. — Love to all.

Affectionately, your son,

R.

Mrs. Sophia Hayes.

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