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Hayes, Rutherford Birchard (1822-1893) to Eliakim P. Scammon

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02032 Author/Creator: Hayes, Rutherford Birchard (1822-1893) Place Written: s.l. Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 3 August 1862 Pagination: 1 p. : docket ; 25 x 20 cm. Order a Copy

Marked unofficial. Brigadier General Hayes writes, as Lieutenant Colonel of the 23rd Regiment of Ohio Volunteers, to Scammon, his superior, as commander of the 1st Brigade. Expresses his disappointment over the detention of a Mr. Landcraft and a Mrs. Roberts. States, "I believe Mr. L is a good man and friendly to us and our cause." Of Mrs. Roberts he states, "has a rebel husband, but she is a lady and a mother. Her detention is needless, therefore cruel and I think disgraceful. Mr. L we can keep on suspicion, no great harm done, but to prosecute Mrs. R. is a business that I want to be relieved from as soon as possible." Suspects it is all a mistake. Docketed by Scammon. Hayes fought in the Civil War and rose to the rank of brevet major general. Between 1867 and 1876 he served three terms as Governor of Ohio. He was elected President in 1876.

Hayes fought in the Civil War and rose to the rank of brevet major general. Between 1867 and 1876 he served three terms as Governor of Ohio, and was elected President in 1876.
Scammon was commissioned colonel of the 23rd Ohio Volunteer Infantry in June 1861. He was promoted to brigadier general October 15, 1862 and commanded the District of Kanawha until February 3, 1864 when he was captured and held as a prisoner of war until August 3, 1864. In the last months of the war, he commanded the District of Florida.

[Draft Created by Crowdsourcing]
Unofficial
Aug 3d 1862
Dear Col.
I was disappointed yesterday in getting nothing in regard to Mr. Landcraft and Mrs. Roberts. I believe Mr. L. is a good man and friendly to us and our cause. He is perhaps well enough to try to conciliate Secessionists and save his property but I shall be surprised if anything very bad shall be discovered against him.-Mrs. Roberts has a rebel husband, but she is a lady and a mother. Her detention is needless, [strikeout] therefore cruel and I think disgraceful. Mr. L. we can keep on suspicion and no just harm done, but to prosecute Mrs. R. is a business that I want to be relieved from as soon as possible. I write this as a private note, but I trust you will use your influence with the Genl. to act promptly. I suspect the whole thing is a mistake.
Sincerely,
R.B. Hayes

Col. Scammon

[docket]
Lieut. Col. R.B. Hayes.
Camp Green Meadows
Aug. 3. 1862
About the detention of Landcraft and Mrs. Roberts

Hayes, Rutherford Birchard, 1822-1893
Scammon, Eliakim Parker, 1816-1894

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