Camp Russell, Army of the Shenandoah, Virginia,
November 30, 1864.
My Dear Son: — I received a letter from your mother today in which she says that you are expecting a letter from me.
. . . I am very glad to hear that you are studying your lessons very well. . . . What a funny name your mother has for your brother “the Little Soldier.” She thinks of calling him after one of her ancestors, Captain Bilious Cook. I would prefer George Crook to such a queer name as “Bilious.”
We are having pleasant weather, and drill the officers and men every day. All the officers of the brigade were out today and we began with the musket drill, shoulder arms, etc. You would like to see our brigade have dress parade. The four regiments are formed in one line — the band and brigade flag in the middle. It makes a fine display. . . .
December 2. — You would have enjoyed being here yesterday. It was a fine warm day and we moved camp. One division of the Sixth Corps left to go south via Washington, perhaps to Grant. We moved our camp about a mile over to their ground. We are getting well fixed again. We hauled over our flooring and bunks, and they left a great deal of material, so we rather made by the change.
Your little letter pleased me very much. If you study hard you will soon be able to write a good long one. Give my love to Grandma, “the Little Soldier,” and all the rest of your friends. If I don’t get home by New Year’s, you must write me about the holidays. — Good-bye.
Your affectionate father,
R. B. Hayes.
Master James Webb Hayes,
Chillicothe.
