Our Collection

At the Institute’s core is the Gilder Lehrman Collection, one of the great archives in American history. More than 85,000 items cover five hundred years of American history, from Columbus’s 1493 letter describing the New World through the end of the twentieth century.

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

High-resolution images are available to schools and libraries via subscription to American History, 1493-1943. Check to see if your school or library already has a subscription. Or click here for more information. You may also order a pdf of the image from us here.

A high-resolution version of this object is available for registered users. LOG IN

Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02033 Author/Creator: Hayes, Rutherford Birchard (1822-1893) Place Written: Camp Green Meadows, West Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 17 July 1862 Pagination: 1 p. : docket ; 21 x 13 cm. Order a Copy

Writes to Scammon, his superior and colonel commanding the 1st brigade, concerning safeguarding Union loyalists in West Virginia. Mentions a Mr. Caldwell, who wants to get his family out of Mouros. Describes his plan to follow them and asks for approval. "...I will take say six or eight Cos of 23rd & 20 of Capt. Gilmore's Cavalry and two waggons and go after them. Leave here so as to cross the ferry soon after dark - go say five miles and bivouac..." Hayes signs as Lieutenant Colonel, 23rd Infantry. 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, 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.

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

Citation Guidelines for Online Resources