Augusta County: Jedediah Hotchkiss to Sara A. Hotchkiss, April
24, 1863
Summary:
Hotchkiss discusses the food items he sent home, and the visit of General Lee's wife to the
camp.
Sara A. Hotchkiss
April 24th 1863
Head Quarters 2 nd Corps Army of Northern Virginia
My Ever Dear One:
I have been delaying to write to you, owing to a press of business and a mishap that befell me in the running off of my horse, compelling me to look three days for him, hard riding, in the rain, and it was only this P. M. that I found him, so I have not been in any mood for writing, you may well imagine.
William got back Monday, all safe, everything right & nothing broken, a few beans
and apples mixed, but they were soon sorted & he had faithfully attended to every
errand I sent by him -- he gives glowing accounts of the beauty of your yard, the condition of
your wood pile and the air of "Comfort" that pervades all things "at home" & almost
made me homesick with the recital Many thanks for your numerous favors -- I enjoyed a full meal much, being prepared to appreciate it from a continued
abstinence of sundry days. I am very sorry the jars got broken, thought the blanket would keep
them tight -- you did not say whether the molasses and sugar came safely -- they will aid in
eking out your store of sweets -- I fear you denied yourselves to send me butter, in your noble
self denying for my benefit -- I hope you did not, for I can do without
better than you can -- I bought me a new pair of pants today from the Quarter Master for $7.50 -- so I am supplied & can let William
have my old blue ones & he will be provided for. We are having very hard rains and the
roads are very muddy, so there is not much prospect of any movements soon -- A few of the enemy
came across at Port Royal a day or two ago, but they
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soon went back. The General's
wife came up Monday and she and "Miss" Julia Laura (the lately arrived one) are now at Mr.
Yerby's -- a mile below here -- the General goes down about dark and comes back to breakfast
and prayers at 7 A. M. -- so is up by daylight, you see, a pattern for all good soldiers -- but
one which many of them would be slow to imitate under like circumstances, I imagine. Mr Lacy
baptized the "Baby" yesterday -- the Gen. says it is "very fine, very
fine." I have been so busy looking for my horse that I have not my respects to Madam as yet,
though most of the Staff have done so -- I may go tomorrow and will
tell you about her as, of course, there is much importance pertaining to the "Lieutenant
Generaless," as Smith calls her - - The soldiers cheered them when they saw him help her out of
the cars -- You did not say what you thought of Lindsey's place after I wrote you the price --
I can easily borrow the money on long time and at a monderate rate of interest, but I shall be
governed in the matter entirely by your views in regard to it. Nelson writes to me that Mrs.
Opie is unwilling for her girl to go over the Mt. so he will send her to you & you will
then be relieved from much drudgery you have had to undergo, and you can make such disposition
of Allen's time as you see proper & make as much out of him as you can -- I will send
you more money in a few days. You may give those accounts of Dr.
Butcher's to James Bear (Harvey's son) and tell him to get them receipted and I will pay them.
I am very sorry for Mr. C. Bear & family & can but mourn with them. Pardon my
short letter, My Dear, I am so weary after my long ride today -- Write to me often -- I have no
fears of the enemy's coming to Augusta -- I still consider it safe, but admire your spirit
under impending evils -- Love & kisses for you all -- & may the Lord's belssing
be with you --
Your true husband
Jed. Hotchkiss
