Cumberland, Maryland, January 5, 1865.
Dearest: — I am just in receipt of yours of the 21st. It has probably been on the hunt of me a week or more.
I am very glad you are pleased to call the little soldier George Crook. I think it is a pretty name, aside from the agreeable association.
We are most pleasantly located here. In the midst of fine mountain scenes, plenty of wood and water, and no duty for the men. They are already in their new huts and are very jolly over it.
The publication of my appointment has been made. I have not yet got the original document. It was missent to New York City and will go from there to Chillicothe. If it gets there before I do you will open it. It gives as the reason of the appointment, gallantry and good conduct in the late battles in the Shenandoah Valley and dates from the Battle of Cedar Creek, October 19, 1864. Aside from the vanity which goes always with brass buttons, I have other reasons for wanting the grounds of the appointment published. No flourish of trumpets, no comment, but simply, “Colonel R. B. Hayes, Twenty-third Regiment O. V. I., has been apopinted brigadier-general” for (here quote the exact words of the appointment). Show this to Uncle Scott and request him to have the paragraph published in the Chillicothe paper when the letter of appointment gets there. I may be there first, but it is still doubtful.
The doctor is very happy — young ladies, a pretty town, parties, balls, etc.
I hope to get home within a fortnight. — Love to all.
Affectionately, ever,
R.
Mrs. Hayes.
