Augusta County: Jedediah Hotchkiss to Sara A. Hotchkiss, March
23, 1862
Summary:
Hotchkiss recounts being mustered into the Confederate army, and some describes some troop
movement.
Sara A. Hotchkiss
Sunday Morning, 5 1/2 o'clock A.M. Mar 23rd 1862
Camp Mecin, Near Mt. Jackson Va
My Dear Wife --
We were yesterday mustered into the service of the Confederate States for the war, unless sooner discharged, a large number volunteered -- but we made up 380 & a battalion was formed & put in command of Maj. Pougue who is the senior Major I retain the Adjutancy for the present, and may keep it after the Regiment is filled up from other counties -- Formed a mess today with Col Sproul & Archibald Christian -- they have a black boy along & a white boy hired so I shall do very well. Gen Jackson came over to see us Friday -- he is a fine looking fellow -- Baylor mustered us in. Gen. Jackson moved his army back down the Valley today, the enemy having fallen back, it is said below Winchester on account of the reported trouble in Maryland -- we have any amount of Rumors, but know nothing. We have orders to march this morning at 8 o'clock -- and I have to go to Col. Baylor's at 7 -- and have writing to do before going, so excuse this --. I suppose we shall go to Strasburg, but will write. It's cold. Good bye -- love to all --
Your affectionate husband
Jed. Hotchkiss
Write to where you hear we are
