Camp Near Strasburg, Virginia, October 12, 1864.
Dear Uncle Scott: — I am much obliged for your letter announcing the arrival of the big boy and the welfare of his mother. I had been looking for news somewhat anxiously. I intended to have had a daughter, but I failed to see the new moon over my right shoulder. I am glad to hear he promises to be a good boy, as Aunt Phoebe writes Dr. Joe.
We had a quiet election here yesterday. My old brigade, Ohio voters, were unanimous — the two veteran regiments voting as follows: Twenty-third — two hundred and sixty-six Union; Thirty-sixth — two hundred and fifty-nine ditto, and no Copperheads. The whole of Crook’s Command stands fourteen hundred Union and two hundred Democrats in round numbers — three-fourths of the Democrats being in companies from Monroe and Crawford [counties].
Our campaign in the Valley is supposed to be ended. It winds up with a most signal cavalry victory. It is believed that the Sixth and Nineteenth Corps with Sheridan’s splendid cavalry will join Grant and that Crook’s hard-worked command will have the duty of guarding the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad in winter quarters. We hope this is correct. If so, I shall probably get home by Christmas for a good visit.
I am compelled to write this on the half sheet of your letter. — Love to all.
Sincerely,
R. B. Hayes.
Matthew Scott Cook.
Chillicothe, Ohio.
