Hayes, Rutherford Birchard (1822-1893) to Eliakim P. Scammon
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02995 Author/Creator: Hayes, Rutherford Birchard (1822-1893) Place Written: Camp Green Meadows, West Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 6 August 1862 Pagination: 1 p. : docket ; 25 x 20 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. Reports that he believes the Confederate force at Pack's Ferry is not large enough to cross the river. Advises, "I would not make a forced march, nor perhaps even start a force until we get further news - No cannon were seen, and I doubt if the force was large..." Dated 7 AM. Hayes signs twice, as "R.B.Hayes" at the close of the letter, and as "H." at the close of the postscript.
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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