Augusta County: Hannah to Enos Ott, November 29,
1864
Summary:
In this letter to her Uncle, Hannah tells Enos about their efforts to send him a
box of provisions, Frank McNutt's military transfer, and Mr. Junkin's
preaching.
Moffetts Creek Va
Nov 30th
Mr Enos Ott
Camp
Lee
Richmond
Virginia
Care Rev H. Brown
Mr Enos Ott
Nov 29th 1864
Dear Uncle
Do not think I have forgotten to write or do not intend to answer your letter. I
should have written sooner I know, but [deleted: we] the rest were
writing from home any way besides I did not know but you would be home soon. I
am glad to see by the tone of your letters that you have become better satisfied
[added: contented] than you was at first, not
that I think you should give over trying to 'get off' and settle down with the
belief that there is no use in your doing any thing more, that you cannot off any how, but I think it is best for a person
not to appear restless and uneasy. They should be determined, firm, but calm and
composed. I do think it strange that Adam Steele has succeeded in getting off
(whether on detail or how he did get off I do not know) and you cannot, but I
hope your time will come yet, and may be soon, some have taken away their wool
others are leaving it with the expectation that you will be home to card for
them yet this winter All seem to be astonished that [added: the] authorities have not let you off before now. I am
glad you have met with Lieutenant Hull, probably he
can be of some service to you, he might know how to help you to get on the
'right track'. Please give him my Compliments &c.
[page 2]
We started
a box for you last week containing your overcoat flannel shirt, socks, gloves,
and some eatables, hope you have received them before
this, the box was sent in care of Tyler & Son. Jennie also wrote to you
at the same time [added: sent by mail] and told you
about your box &c. She received a letter from
you last thursday. Uncle H was at home a few days last week. He, Frank M
& Mc[unclear:
[added: Old]
] Lewis were detailed to come home for some Cattle & other
supplies they brought an army wagon with them for supplies (potatoes, apples
dried fruit beans &c) but I think they did not get it very well loaded,
the people not being willing to sell for government
price when they can get so much more by selling to individuals they besides took
a private wagon with them pretty well loaded with boxes &c for soldiers.
Uncle H & Frank McNutt were transferred to Company J 4th
Regiment
Lieutenant John H Jones commanding. I believe they
consider themselves in for the war but a great many think, (and I among the
rest, but you know I am always hopeful) that when the Army goes into Winter
quarters [deleted: that] the detailed men will be sent home, but by
that time Army agents &c will have all the surplus grain gathered up
hauled away, or destroyed, for from all accounts they destroy enough to keep a
small army some time, for the last two or three weeks the country has been [deleted: nearly] overrun with Army agents, (one came in just now
wanting hay) Some say that for every detailed man put in the field there are
three or four detailed from the army. I think the policy is bad, but I do feel
sorry for men when they are trying to get supplies and don't succeed in finding [deleted: any] much Uncle H wants to
get home to bale the Hay and haul it away. I do not whether he will succeed or
not.
[page 3]
Mr Junkin held sacramental meeting last sabbath commencing friday he had no assistance, had a very
slim congregation friday but pretty good saturday and sunday. Text on sunday in
21chapter chap John 16 verse Words 'Lovest thou me' he
preached a very impressive sermon, and was listened to with attention. Oh that
the word preached may find lodgment and bring deep conviction to many hearts,
that many may ask themselves 'do I love Jesus & Seek Him and find Him
precious to their souls.
I believe I have nothing new or strange to write Aunt Mag wrote you a few lines in which I suppose she told you some news Please write soon and all the news you can and believe me to be your affectionate Niece &c
Hannah
I received a letter from Jim Ott last week. I suppose you heard of a fight McCausland's command had with the Yank's early in this month in which he lost a good many men in killed, captured, and wounded Jim and Frank are safe Jim is with Lieutenant Lindsey as nurse in [deleted: the] a private house in Luray. He says they have no officer now with the Command except Lieutenant Sargeant Jim Mc Major Mowning of 16th Regiment Commands 14th Colonel Gibson was captured I do not know where Colonel Cochran is, the 14 Regiment lost 75 in killed, wounded, and captured. the whole command lost 222.
