Cumberland, Maryland, March 2, 1865.
Dear Hastings: — Glad to get yours of the 27th and to find you are sound on the question of promotion. There is some clanger that your absence over sixty days may in the War Office induce your discharge, but the chances are that it will not be known. I want you to get the new title at least. The commander of a scow on the canal is called captain, but colonel is the best sounding title I know of.
Yes, General Crook’s capture is a great loss, as well as an especial calamity to all serving in this command. General Hancock takes the Department of West Virginia and General (brevet major) Carroll formerly of the Eighth Ohio, the District of Cumberland.
General Sheridan, with an immense force of cavalry, is on a raid towards Gordonsville or Charlottesville, or somewhere — probably to distract the attention of Lee. We are all in suspense as to Sherman and Grant. I look forward to the capture of Richmond as my discharge from service. . . .
A great many staff officers are in a state of mind about these days; also divers brigadier-generals “of whom I am not which.” Webster is often quoted — “Where am I to go?” — in a very despondent way. General Lightburn, Colonel Comly, and Captain Sweet are running an examining board as usual, much to the disgust of the Thirteenth. Mrs. Comly is here with a fine boy. The colonel makes a pretty fair “nuss.” — My regards to your sister.
Sincerely,
R. B. Hayes.
Captain Russell Hastings,
Willoughby, Ohio.
