Augusta County: Jedediah Hotchkiss to Sara A. Hotchkiss, October
5, 1862
Summary:
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.
Sara A. Hotchkiss
Oct. Saturday Oct. 5th 1862
Strasburg Va --
My Dear Wife:
I have been off on a reconnaissance communication & so have not written to you before since I received your last very welcome letter -- I am glad you have gotten over the 'blues' as you say -- don't let them get hold of you again -- they are poor comforters I reckon -- I never cultivate their acquaintance for that reason -- I got my bundle of things sent to Staunton -- hope it got through I sent it to the care of Maj. Bell -- There were 20 yds brown [unclear: fullned] cloth, 12 yds of Osnaburg -- 2 yds, wide gray cloth, 1 pair garters & 1 pair shoes for you, 1 pair for Nelly & 1 pair for Anna - - 1 lb of tea, 1 lb of Soda, pepper, a fine comb, a silk pocket handkerchief, some cloth for sleeve lining, buttons, a box of patent thread a doz sps a spool of white thread -- some velvet tape to bind my coat &c -- Take care of them till I come home & make disposition of them -- Engage Miss Fisher to make me a suit of clothes before long -- I have not been able to find any shoes for Allen as yet, but hope I may yet find some - - Get a lot of candles made up if you can, though I do not see how you can are to get them or the materials for them. I cannot [unclear: find] my dress materials -- they are all picked up --
We had a cavalry fight near Martinsburg, a few days ago, repulsed the enemy with much loss
-- we lost some
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Everything is quiet -- the enemy is in Harper's Ferry in force, but
we picket to within 3 miles of there -- Old Abe paid the place a visit a few days ago and they
went wild at the sight of their king -- We did not attempt to hold Harper's Ferry, we removed
all our captures, burned the bridges &c and then abandoned the place -- the enemy soon
after occupied it -- The party that holds the Maryland Heights has the key to Harper's Ferry
and so occupies it -- Our army is still not far from Winchester -- I am going back today, but
am in hopes that I can come back up the Valley in a few days -- I was up as far as Woodstock.
Mr [unclear: Bayley] was to carry up my bundle, I left it with Maj. Sam Yost at Winchester, where he is Quarter Master, and he promised to send it on --
I have recovered from my attack of diarrhea since I left camp & have been riding about, and am as hearty as can be now - -
Keep in good spirits my love & hope for the best -- all will yet be right -- love to all & kiss the babies
Your affectionate husband
Jed. Hotchkiss
Write soon
