Camp Tompkins, October 18, 1861.
Dearest : – Soon after I had sent off my letter yesterday, Mr. Schooley stopped with your bundle and letter. All most acceptable, gloves, etc., particularly. I get all your letters. . . .
Don’t worry about the country. Things are slowly working around. For a first campaign by a green people, we have done well. The Rebellion will be crushed even at this rate by the time our three years are up. McClellan is crowding them. They must fight or run soon, and I think either is death.
We have a little excitement every day over some guerrilla story. But the rumors as they are sifted vanish rapidly into smoke.
Dr. Menzies was here today. He is troubled about his family, about his colonel, and so on. Very queer how some clever people manage to keep in a worriment under all circumstances.
One paymaster has come up. We hope to see ours some day. I shall send you funds as soon as they are paid me.
It is raining – a settled fall rain. But we are in a valley (not on top of Mount Sewell). I have a board floor to my tent. Who cares for the rain? – especially if my wife and bairns are safe under a tight roof by a warm fire. Keep up good courage. Kiss the boys, give my love to all, and continue to have happy dreams about your
Affectionate husband,
Rutherford.
Mrs. Hayes.