Headquarters First Brigade, Second Division,
Army of West Virginia, Summit Point, Virginia,
September 12, 1864.
Dear Uncle: — We have had no severe fighting since the third. The frequent rains have filled the Potomac so it is no longer fordable. I look for no attempt now on the part of the Rebels to get over the river and think there will be very little fighting unless we attack. We are gaining strength daily. Our policy seems to be not to attack unless the chances are greatly in our favor. Military affairs wear a much better look. Our armies are rapidly filling up. I shall not be surprised if Grant should soon find himself able to make important moves.
I like McClellan’s letter. It is an important thing. It is the best evidence to Europe and the South that the people intend to prosecute the war until the Union is re-established. Still, if things continue as favorable as they now are, I think Lincoln will be elected.
I see that Mr. Long is not renominated. I supposed he would be and that my election over him was quite a sure thing. Against Mr. Lord the result will depend on the general drift matters take. I am not a-going to take it to heart if I am beaten. “It’s of no consequence at all,” as Mr. Toots would say. Mr. Lord’s wife and family are particular and intimate friends of my wife and family. His wife is a sister of Stephenson’s wife. Divers friends of his and mine will be in a worry how to vote, I suspect.
I am glad you are out of debt — a good place to be out of in the times a-coming. . . .
Sincerely,
R B Hayes
S. Birchard.
