Civil War–dated partly-printed DS, signed “R. B. Hayes Lt.,” one page, 16 x 12.5, December 23, 1861. Document headed "Consolidated Morning Report of the 23d Reg't O.V. Inf., U.S.A., Stationed at Camp Union at Fayetteville, Lt. Colonel R. B. Hayes Commanding," listing the field and staff officers of each company, tallying up numbers of officers and soldiers present, sick, and absent. Signed at the conclusion in ink by Rutherford B. Hayes, and countersigned by Acting Adjutant General Robert P. Kennedy. In very good condition, with scattered toning and staining, and splitting to the intersecting folds.
After the bombardment of Fort Sumter, Hayes resolved to leave his law practice and fight for the Union cause, joining the 23rd Regiment of Ohio Volunteer Infantry. Also joining up were his friend and college classmate Stanley Matthews (later a justice of the Supreme Court), future congressman Robert P. Kennedy (who also signs here), and another future president, William McKinley. Marching into Virginia, the regiment first met resistance at the Battle of Carnifex Ferry in September 1861, driving the rebels back in a decisive strategic victory. Hayes was promoted to lieutenant colonel in November and led his troops deeper into western Virginia, where they entered winter quarters at Fayetteville—where he signed this document. A scarce, very early Hayes document from his heroic service in the Civil War.
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