Augusta County: Jedediah Hotchkiss to Sara A. Hotchkiss, May 3,
1862
Summary:
Hotchkiss describes his activities in observing Federal forces, and the army's attempts to
build a corduroy road.
Sara A. Hotchkiss
Saturday May 3rd 1862
John Lewis' at Foot of Blue Ridge -- Brown's Gap -- 3 miles from Port Republic
My Dear Wife.
I have not had time to write to you since I got back -- for the Gen. started me at 1 o'clock the night I got back, for the top of [unclear: Peaked] Mt
-- to observe the movements of the enemy about Harrisonburg & then I got back as the
Staff started up towards here and since then have been busy all the time, with a whole Regiment
of men, mending the worst road I ever saw in the Valley of Va -- we made miles of corduroy
road. The whole army is up here now & on the way to Mechum's river, over the Ridge up
the Va. C.R.R. and
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and I think we will come from there to Staunton, but do not know
-- we left Ewell's whole army at Conrad's Store -- he came up as we left -- I must close for
the courier is going -- I am perfectly well & hope you all are Just got 2 letters of
yours & Hamilton's -- Good bye & God bless you
Your Affectionate Husband--
Jed. Hotchkiss
