Hayes, Rutherford Birchard (1822-1893) to Eliakim P. Scammon
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03205 Author/Creator: Hayes, Rutherford Birchard (1822-1893) Place Written: Camp White, West Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 2 April 1863 Pagination: 1 p. : docket ; 24.5 x 19.7 cm. Order a Copy
Colonel Hayes reports to General Scammon about a deserter from Confederate General Albert G. Jenkins's force. "A deserter from Jenkins force was just brought from the Forks of Coal [River] by a patrol of Capt Gilmore's men. He is young and not very intelligent but is I think truthful." Informs Scammon of what the deserter has told them about the location and movements of the Confederate forces. "Gen. Jenkins force under Col Dunn or Col French was to pass north from Central Depot and make for Parkersburg or some other point on the B&O R.R....At the same time Gen Jones was to come into the Kanawha Valley...This was merely the talk of the men...He understands that Gen. J. commands the cavalry in this part of Va. and Gen. Jones the whole force."
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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