Hotchkiss describes his activities en route to camp in Monterey, Virginia. He writes about traveling and sleeping conditions, the scenery, and people's reactions to the beginning conflict.
Hotchkiss relates the remainder of his journey to Camp Garnett, discusses his efforts to secure a position in the army, and describes some surveying work in which he is engaged.
Hotchkiss describes a small engagement with Federal forces, resulting in casualties on both sides. He remains uncertain about a possible job with the army and writes more about camp life.
Hotchkiss writes about camp life. He discusses a recent battle that resulted in the death of General Garnett and the capture, by the Yankees, of hundreds of Confederate troops, many of whom were then paroled.
Hotchkiss describes the return of paroled prisoners captured in a recent battle. He also gives his wife instructions concerning items he wishes sent to him.
Hotchkiss writes to his wife concerning his hopes of getting leave to go home, his recent illness, and living conditions in camp.
Hotchkiss relates a description of the battle at Rich Mountain to the Editor of the Richmond Whig.
Hotchkiss writes to Governor Letcher on behalf of a Colonel Heck, who was captured and sent to a Union prison. He asks Letcher to consider a prisoner exchange so that Heck's regiment may be reorganized as it was before the war.
Hotchkiss describes his recent illness, the army's move from McDowell to Monterey, Va., and the possibilities for a post with General Lee's staff.
Hotchkiss discusses his typhoid attack and his employment in making maps.
Hotchkiss describes a quiet Sunday in camp and the religious services that took place. He also discusses his activities making maps.
Hotchkiss describes his efforts to furnish his tent, about visitors to camp, and about the items he sent his wife, Sara.
Hotchkiss describes his continued search for a permanent appointment with the army, the presence of Yankees in Virginia, and he also discusses the treatment of sick soldiers by women.
Hotchkiss describes camp life, including food and shelter. He includes a floorplan drawing of his tent.
Hotchkiss writes a brief note concerning his appointment as Lieutenant of Engineers by General Loring.
A brief note by Hotchkiss, telling of the possibility of getting a furlough.
Hotchkiss describes a 7-day march towards the Yankees which ended with Jackson's failure to attack.
Hotchkiss describes an extended march that ended in a failure to engage the Federal forces, his poor health, and other miscellaneous news.
Lydia Hotchkiss writes to her children, relating information about agricultural prospects, health and illnesses, and other local news.
Hotchkiss writes of a recent battle defeat and retreat.
Hotchkiss describes the movement and encampment of the army.
Hotchkiss describes the army's current encampment, the weather, and the mustering in of militia units.
Hotchkiss recounts being mustered into the Confederate army and describes some troop movement.
Hotchkiss reacts to the news of his children's illness and recounts the results of a recent battle.
Hotchkiss expresses his relief at his daughter's recovery from Scarlet Fever and providing details concerning the losses and outcome of a battle and continuing skirmishes.
Hotchkiss describes the Confederate army's movements and the women of Winchester. He also conveys news of soldiers from Augusta County.
Hotchkiss writes of his appointment as Acting Topographical Engineer on General Jackson's staff and of the drafting of all the militia units into the regular Confederate army.
Hotchkiss describes skirmishes with Federal forces. He also discusses his new position in the army and gives brief details about the battle of Kernstown.
Hotchkiss reports on the draft conducted by the Confederate government. He discusses his daughter's illness and describes the various people he has met recently.
A brief note from Hotchkiss to his wife, telling of recent bad weather and its effects on the soldiers.
Hotchkiss answers some questions that his wife had asked concerning their finances. He also discusses their hired slave, Allen, and requests that his wife send certain items.
Hotchkiss describes the members of General Jackson's staff to his wife, and relates some news about the Confederate draft, the militia, and a prisoner from New York.
Hotchkiss relates news of a skirmish and describes his current lodgings.
Hotchkiss describes an expedition to burn several bridges, ending in a skirmish with Federal forces and a Confederate retreat.
Hotchkiss relates news of the Federal forces in Winchester and discusses the election of army officers.
Hotchkiss describes Confederate and Federal troop movement in western Virginia and the Shenandoah Valley.
Hotchkiss describes his activities in observing Federal forces and the army's attempts to build a corduroy road.
Hotchkiss writes that the Confederate army is passing close to Augusta County, and that he hopes to be able to see his wife.
Hotchkiss describes the battle and results of the recent action at Bull Pasture Mountain.
Hotchkiss describes the retreat of the Federal forces towards Moorefield, Virginia, and lists numbers and names of the dead and wounded.
A brief note from Hotchkiss to his wife to tell about a Confederate victory over General Banks.
Hotchkiss gives a detailed account of the Confederate forces' retaking of Winchester and of their drive to push the Federal forces out of the Valley.
Hotchkiss writes about traveling and gives miscellaneous instructions for those at home.
Hotchkiss writes a brief note to his wife telling about bad weather.
Hotchkiss writes to his brother to ask him to hire someone to help Hotchkiss' wife on the farm. He also relates news about the army, including the exploits of General Ashby.
Hotchkiss gives some details about a recent battle and about efforts to drive the Federal forces from the Valley.
Hotchkiss relates news of skirmishes with Federal forces and of Confederate successes against Generals Shields and Fremont. He also describes the harsh treatment of civilians by Fremont's "Dutch" troops.
Hotchkiss requests his wife to send him certain items from home, mostly food and clothing.
Hotchkiss relates some brief details about a battle at Turkey Point, below Richmond.
Hotchkiss writes to tell his wife that he will not be able to go home for a visit as planned because of possible battle activity near Gordonsville, where Jackson's troops will be needed.
Hotchkiss describes his trip from Staunton to Gordonsville. He also talks about the conditions in camp and the possibilities for future battles.
Hotchkiss describes the army's encampment north of Gordonsville after a battle near Richmond.
Hotchkiss writes of continued skirmishes with Federal troops, an attack of cholera, his desire for food from home, and his opinions on his daughter's education.
Hotchkiss relates miscellaneous information about the army and gives his brother instructions to send him certain items.
Hotchkiss describes the Confederate camp at Mechanicsville, especially the surrounding countryside and the availability of supplies. He relates news of a skirmish and reports that the Confederate forces are expanding in numbers.
Hotchkiss describes meeting and fighting Federal troops near Culpeper. The Confederate troops lost one general but took hundreds of prisoners.
Hotchkiss gives his brother a detailed account of the battle near Cedar Run.
Hotchkiss relates the results of the Battle of Cedar Run, including those killed or wounded, and prisoners and arms taken. He also describes the Federal efforts to find and bury their dead.
Hotchkiss describes a Confederate victory near Gainsville, Virginia.
Hotchkiss describes the recent battle near Groveton, including the capture of 60 Washington citizens who traveled out to watch the fight. The Confederate troops then moved towards Maryland, and Hotchkiss relates the welcome they received as they made their way towards Frederick City, Maryland.
Hotchkiss relates news of the Confederate Army's trip into Maryland and its capture of 11,000 Federal troops in Virginia.
Hotchkiss relates the battle of Sharpsburg (at Antietam Creek) and gives his thoughts on his daughter's education.
Hotchkiss writes to his brother on various topics, including recent battles and troop movements, his daughters' education, the lack of army provisions, northern opinions of the war, and the growth of the Confederate Army.
Hotchkiss enumerates some items he has shipped home. He describes a brief skirmish and a visit by Abraham Lincoln to the Federal forces at Harper's Ferry.
Hotchkiss recounts his experience mapping the battlefield of the Kernstown battle and gives news of various people.
Hotchkiss briefly describes a successful raid by Stuart into Pennsylvania, which passed through Chambersburg.
Hotchkiss writes of bad weather that has delayed him at an inn while scouting and relates news of the people he met there. He spent the next night at Mt. Sidney and relates news of people from there as well.
Hotchkiss describes troop movements in the Valley, and discusses the northern political races and their implications for peace.
Hotchkiss describes his travels as he maps the countryside and tells of the people and places he sees.
Hotchkiss describes his trip to the Cedar Run battlefield, current skirmishes and prisoners taken, and the state of the surrounding countryside.
Hotchkiss arrives at the army camp near Winchester and relates various pieces of news, including possible troop movement, information about the command change in the Federal army, and the sympathetic attitude of captured Yankee prisoners, including an Irishman.
Hotchkiss writes of his new orders from General Jackson to make another map and of the Federal and Confederate troops near Fredericksburg.
Hotchkiss relates his travels to eastern Virginia and gives his brother instructions for food and other provisions at home.
Hotchkiss sends his wife a list of items he wants from home and relates bits of news about camp life, skirmishes, and the weather.
Hotchkiss gives his brother a brief description of the two armies' positions on opposite banks of the Rappahannock and then discusses his provisioning needs, as well as matters at home.
Hotchkiss writes to his wife on the eve of a battle and speculates on his possible fate.
Hotchkiss continues his letter from the previous day and describes the battle just fought.
Hotchkiss describes a recent battle and discusses people at home, such as slaves and children.
Jedediah Hotchkiss describes for his daughter, Nelly, the Battle of Fredericksburg, tents for soldiers, local technique of "wattle" fencemaking, and a local graveyard.
Hotchkiss gives his wife instructions for sending him a box.
Colonel Imboden writes to Sara Hotchkiss, thanking her and the ladies of Augusta County for the supplies they gathered for the Confederate troops.
Hotchkiss writes briefly about the position of Federal forces, the possibility of securing a leave, and his health.
Hotchkiss writes a brief note to his wife, mentioning his plan to ask for a furlough.
Hotchkiss continues a previous letter, describing camp life and giving instructions concerning food at home.
Hotchkiss writes of his failure to obtain a slave and his life in camp, and he also provides miscellaneous instructions for his wife.
Hotchkiss describes his trip back to camp on New Year's Day, when the trains were crowded with hired slaves going to new work situations. He also expresses optimism at the way in which military matters are unfolding in the west.
Hotchkiss describes life in a quiet camp on Sunday, the map of the battle of Fredericksburg that he made, and the state of the soldiers' supplies. He also gives brief instructions to his wife concerning their children and home.
Hotchkiss writes to his wife, describing camp life and activities. Yankee troops had been making some demonstrations, but no battles had developed. He writes of food supplies, and responds to news of the family. He also describes the sacked city of Fredericksburg.
Hotchkiss imagines what his family is doing on a Sunday, describes a skirmish with the Yankees across the river, and discusses Northern politics and troop enlistments.
Hotchkiss writes to his wife, detailing his muddy and difficult trip back to camp.
Hotchkiss writes a brief note to his wife, enclosing five dollars and responding to news of his daughters' activities.
Hotchkiss writes to his wife, describing the weather in camp, the capture of Yankee cavalry, the illness of a friend, and politics. He also discusses the shooting of deserters and reasons that soldiers desert
Hotchkiss writes a brief letter to his wife, discussing pay, food in camp, and a finished map of the battle of Winchester.
Hotchkiss writes about the horrible destruction of war, the bad weather in camp, and the environment around the camp. He comments on the farm and affairs back home, and a possible commission for himself.
Hotchkiss describes setting up camp in their new location, and a raid by the Yankees. He comments on the food in camp, and his wife's health.
Hotchkiss describes to his wife a Sunday in camp, commenting extensively on the preaching. He discusses his brother's success in selling a farm, and gives advice to his wife on cultivating relationships with some new neighbors.
Hotchkiss relates various bits of news to his wife: his mapmaking, a prayer meeting, the weather, food, prospects for future employment, and some business matters.
Hotchkiss recalls the joys of home, describes a prayer meeting in camp, and discusses his supply of food.
Hotchkiss requests food items from his wife, comments on affairs at home, including illness, and discusses a potential purchase of property.
Hotchkiss discusses the food items he sent home, and the visit of General Lee's wife to the camp.
Hotchkiss describes troop movements in preparation for an expected battle, and describes to his wife his possible role in the battle. He also comments & gives instructions on affairs at home.
Hotchkiss writes from the battlefield at Chancellorsville, describing the battle, the death of his tent-mate, and the wounding of General Jackson, who lost his arm.
M. W. Pollard writes to her cousin James, telling him of her life at school, her studies, her teachers, and the people she has met. Also, she relates news of family members.
Hotchkiss describes the battle of Chancellorsville and its aftermath, death toll and prisoners taken. He reports that General Jackson's condition is worse, and that he is near death. He comments briefly on affairs at home.
Hotchkiss describes the battle of Chancellorsville, including details of how General Jackson got shot. He describes the actions of the Yankees in the Valley, and the reactions of the inhabitants.
Hotchkiss gives his brother a description of recent military action: a series of battles that saw both his tent-mate killed and General Jackson wounded.
Hotchkiss writes to his wife, describing personnel changes in the Army after the Battle of Chancellorsville. Hotchkiss does not anticipate being able to go home soon, but comments on affairs at home.
Hotchkiss describes the army's newest movements, originally towards Culpeper. He describes the marks the two armies have left on the Valley's landscape. Hotchkiss also comments on affairs at home, and his family.
Hotchkiss describes the Confederate Army's capture of Winchester--killed, wounded, and prisoners taken--and the scattering of the Union army.
Hotchkiss describes the Confederate Army's movement northwards to Sharpsburg, then to Pennsylvania. He writes of the supplies the army is acquiring there, and describes the people of Pennsylvania. He also gives brief instructions to his wife concerning affairs at home.
Hotchkiss describes the people and provisions the Confederate Army finds in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, and the lack of military opposition in the vicinity.
Hotchkiss recounts to his wife the battles at Gettysburg, and the heavy losses on both sides. He continues two days later, describing the Confederate Army's retreat.
Hotchkiss sends a brief note to his wife, informing her of preparations for another battle.
Hotchkiss writes to his wife that the Confederate army is back in Virginia, and not demoralized at all after Gettysburg, and ridicules the lack of pursuit by the Union troops. He comments also on affairs at home.
Hotchkiss lists items he is sending back to his wife, as the army is reducing the number of baggage wagons. He describes some fighting as the army crossed a river, without too much loss.
Hotchkiss describes a Sunday in camp. He comments on the New York draft riots and Northern morale, and says that the Gettysburg casualties were much fewer than reported.
Hotchkiss briefly describes a small battle at Front Royal, the weather, and a Sunday's rest.
Hotchkiss describes traveling over the countryside, making a map. He writes of Sunday in camp, and the lack of battle activity at present.
Hotchkiss writes his brother, discussing affairs at home, particularly the situation of a young woman in their household who wants to make a trip to her home in New York.
Hotchkiss writes of a Sunday in camp, commenting on the sermon at length. He hopes to get leave to go home soon.
Hotchkiss writes to his brother after hearing of the latter's severe illness. He also discusses the army's recent fast day and the state of the army's provisions.
Hotchkiss writes to his wife, describing a Sunday in camp, the sermon, and music and dancing entertainment. He gives his wife his thoughts on education/religious training for the children.
Hotchkiss conveys various pieces of news to his wife: the possibility of leave, affairs at home, and preaching in camp.
Hotchkiss describes his journey upon leaving home after a visit.
Hotchkiss writes his wife a brief note to inform her that the Army is moving.
Hotchkiss writes a brief note to his wife after a skirmish with Federal troops, who retreated beyond Manassas.
Hotchkiss responds to news from home, and mentions briefly the movement and activities of the Army.
Hotchkiss comments on affairs at home, food in camp, and miscellaneous information.
Hotchkiss describes recent troop movements, Stuart's cavalry skirmishes, and possible winter quarters for the Confederate army. He also discusses matters at home.
Hotchkiss writes to his wife of a battle near Culpeper, Virginia. He comments on his current accommodations, and on their children.
Hotchkiss comments on news from home, and speculates about the army's future activities.
Hotchkiss gives instructions to his wife concerning financial matters at home.
Hotchkiss relates news from camp, concerning officers, preaching, and camp life. He comments on family news, and on various other topics.
Hotchkiss writes a brief note to his wife, notifying her of a small battle.
Hotchkiss writes to his wife on his birthday, telling her of skirmishing and a possible battle in the near future.
Hotchkiss tells his wife of skirmishing, the retreat of the Union troops and their horrific treatment of civilians. He relates miscellaneous news about himself, and comments on that from home.
Hotchkiss writes to his wife, describing a skirmish with the Union troops, and discussing the patriotism of the soldiers in the Army of Northern Virginia.
Nelson Hotchkiss and W. B. Young promise to pay Mrs. Robberts in a year for the use of three servants.
Hotchkiss relates news from home to his brother, including information about the death of their sister. He also discusses food prices, Confederate currency, and slave hiring.
Hotchkiss writes to his wife, describing activities in camp, a church service, and the progress of the war.
Hotchkiss relates news of camp and the army to his wife.
Hotchkiss describes the actions of Grant and the Union army, and relates miscellaneous news.
Hotchkiss relates to his wife some movements of the Union army, and the possibility of a large battle in the near future.
Hotchkiss describes to his wife a battle and death tolls at Wilderness Run.
Hotchkiss describes to his wife continued fighting near Wilderness Run.
Hotchkiss describes continued fighting between Wilderness and Spotsylvania.
Hotchkiss relates news of continued fighting, including deaths and results.
Hotchkiss describes to his wife the results and outcome of fighting near Spotsylvania. He mentions a number of deaths, and speculates on the state of the Union army, including its morale.
Hotchkiss describes the movements of the two armies, and reinforcements coming to each, as they position themselves against one another.
Hotchkiss writes a brief note about some fighting near Richmond, and the death of an officer.
Hotchkiss responds to news of the destruction of Staunton, and awaits news from his wife as to how she fared.
Hotchkiss writes to his wife, telling her of skirmishes with the enemy -- in particular attacks on some wagons. He lists some items he sent his wife in a package.
Hotchkiss describes skirmishing with Union troops, and a cavalry pursuit when the Union troops retreated.
Hotchkiss writes his wife that he will not be able to come home after all, and gives her advice on affairs at home.
Hotchkiss describes the army's movements, and their accommodations along the way. He briefly mentions actions of the Union troops and of the Lincoln administrations.
Hotchkiss relates to his wife recent skirmishes with Federal troops, and the actions of both armies
Hotchkiss reacts to bad news from home, relates the latest actions of the armies, and reports to his wife what he has recently sent her.
Hotchkiss writes briefly to his wife, informing her of the latest military actions.
Hotchkiss reports the latest military actions to his wife, comments on affairs at home, and gives advice to his wife.
Hotchkiss writes a brief note to his wife, reporting that the army is on the move again, and relating some news from Northern papers.
Hotchkiss writes to his wife, describing recent troop movements and skirmishes with Union troops and cavalry. He comments on affairs at home, and sends some items to his family.
Hotchkiss describes troop movements and skirmishes with Federal troops, but no major battles.
Hotchkiss describes some cavalry movements and skirmishes, and the deaths of some prominent men. He comments briefly on items he sent home to his wife.
Hotchkiss describes in brief some movements of the armies. He also discusses matters relating to a female relative, including her reception at her northern home, and her Confederate sweetheart.
Hotchkiss relates to his wife the latest troop movements and skirmishes. He also discusses the coming presidential election in the North, particularly the McClellan ticket and its implications for peace.
Hotchkiss describes fighting with Federal troops at Winchester, in which Confederate General Rodes was killed.
Hotchkiss describes to his wife a battle at Fisher's Hill, Virginia, in which the Confederate troops broke ranks and fled. He also comments briefly on affairs at home.
Hotchkiss briefly describes a Confederate rout of Yankee cavalry, and gives instructions to his wife for having a coat made for him.
Hotchkiss describes news about recent skirmishes and the damage done by Federal troops in the Valley. He also relates news of people back home.
Hotchkiss writes a brief note to his wife, telling her the location of the army.
Hotchkiss writes to his wife, commenting on affairs at home, the morale of the army, a recent battle, and other military news.
Hotchkiss relates the latest battle news to his wife, describing Confederate successes, and Union prisoners taken. He comments briefly on the coming presidential election in the North, and on affairs at home.
Hotchkiss describes to his wife recent battle activity near Cedar Creek and Middletown, Virginia.
Hotchkiss writes to his wife about affairs at home, concerning the farm, servants and chores. He also gives brief news about the army.
Hotchkiss describes skirmishing with Federal troops, and numbers of prisoners taken. He also comments on food supplies for the winter at home.
Hotchkiss describes camp life, troop enlistment, and miscellaneous news about friends and neighbors, a church meeting, and Northern opinion of the war.
Hotchkiss informs his wife that the army is on the move again. He relates news of Northern opinion, election, and Southern sympathizers.
Hotchkiss relates army activities of the past month, the military situation in the Valley, and activities in preparation for winter. He also writes of affairs at home.
Nelson Hotchkiss promises to pay Mrs. Robberts for the hiring of a servant.
Hotchkiss writes to his brother while on furlough. He describes the weather, the hiring of slaves, and news of various neighbors, friends, and family.
Hotchkiss writes his wife a brief note, informing her of the army's movements, and commenting on affairs at home.
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Franklin County Personal Papers: Eve of War | War Years | Aftermath
Augusta County Personal Papers: Eve of War | War Years | Aftermath
