Following the American Civil War Sesquicentennial with day by day writings of the time, currently 1863.

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“… and we push off for the supposed point of the enemy’s approach.”—Rutherford B. Hayes

August 22, 2011

Diary and Letters of Rutherford Birchard Hayes,The American Civil War

[August] 22. Thursday.—At our nice camp. P. M. rained and blew violently. In the midst of it we got orders from General Rosecrans to prepare to march to Beverly. “Early” in the morning would do. Slept in my wet boots. Wrote home and to mother and Uncle.

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BUCKHANNON, August 22, 1861.

DEAR JIM:—I have written hastily to Mr. Warren. I hope he will not be so much disturbed after he reflects on matters. Have you had a formal application before the governor for a place? It should be done by yourself or by a friend in person. I suppose examination may be required. If so, attend to it. Dr. Joe is well. We are expecting an enemy soon.

Sincerely,

R. B. HAYES.

DR. JAMES D. WEBB.

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BUCKHANNON, VIRGINIA, August 22, 1861.

DEAREST:—It is a cold, rainy, dismal night. We are all preparing for an early march. I have made up a large bundle of duds—all good of course—which must be left here, to be got possibly some day but not probably. All are cut down to regulation baggage. Many trunks will stop here. A tailor sits on one end of my cot sewing fixings. All is confusion. The men are singing jolly tunes. Our colonel takes his half regiment, the left wing, and half of McCook’s Germans, and we push off for the supposed point of the enemy’s approach. We shall stop and camp at Beverly a while, and then move as circumstances require.

How are the dear boys ? Will Scott writes me that he goes into the Kentucky Union regiments.

Good-bye, darling. Joe wishes to write and wants my pen.

Affectionately,

R. B. HAYES.

MRS. HAYES.

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