Hayes, Rutherford Birchard (1822-1893) to Eliakim P. Scammon
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02994 Author/Creator: Hayes, Rutherford Birchard (1822-1893) Place Written: Camp Green Meadows, West Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 4 August 1862 Pagination: 1 p. : docket ; 24.5 x 19.5 cm. Order a Copy
Hayes writes as Lieutenant Colonel of the 23rd Regiment of Ohio Volunteers to Scammon, his superior, as commander of the 1st Brigade. Writes again about Mr. Landcraft and Mrs. Roberts, whom he states were sent on to safety (see GLC 2032). Proposes destroying the works at the Mercer Salt Well, as a squad of soldiers and bushwhackers is operating nearby. "The well is of no great importance in ordinary times but just now its loss would be felt by the Rebels." Informs in a postscript that the 28th has marching orders and that it is possible the entire army will be moved.
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.
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