Augusta County: Jedediah Hotchkiss to Sara A. Hotchkiss, October
7, 1863
Summary:
Hotchkiss describes his journey upon leaving home after a visit.
Sara A. Hotchkiss
October 7th 1863
"The Hall" Head Quarters 2 nd Corps
My Dear Wife:
I got to Staunton by half past five and had time to get all my errands attended to before the
cars started then got along very well to Orange Court House, &
there Mr. Shaw invited me to spend the night at his house, so after paying my respects to Gen.
Lee & chatting a while with Maj. Harman I went up & had a good night's rest on
a feather bed & I tell you my Dear I stood in need of it, for
my early start, hard seat & a little cold & the all day's ride in the cars had wearied me much & I was decidedly nervous, but the night's rest refreshed me. William got there in good
time. This morning I got up early, breakfasted with Harman & then rode down with Maj.
Harman to Head Quarters fifteen miles --
quite a pleasant ride, the air bracing. I found them at Morton's House, "The Hall" a very nice
place & all in the house, though the tents are up in the yard "for charm" Mr. Robinson had a room in the house -- big fire &c, so I am quite
comfortably fixed & though somewhat jaded, hope to stand it very well. Everything is
quiet & there is no prospect of fight at present, though one is expected here before
long --
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I hope you were not made sick by your many labors of the day before my
leaving. Please send me back my letters -- you can put them all in one of yours. Tell Mrs. Wise
I saw the Rev. Mr. Slaughter who had seen some people lately from Culpeper & they said
Meade had his quarters at Mr. Wollocks & had a large drove of cattle in that vicinity
-- The ladies that came out lived near Mitchell's Station & were compelled to come away
for want of food, they had to ask Gen. Warren (Fed.) for something to eat before they could
come to our lines -- it was said the Yankees had killed a Mr. Nelson at Culpeper Court House -- but in general they had behaved very well -- I found all
very well & enjoying their comfortable quarters. My snack was delightful -- Maj. Allen
& brouther ate with me -- Gen. Rodes got on the cars at Charlottesville -- he said he
had got a fine boy & his wife was doing well. Ain't he a lucky man? I forgot to tell Allie that I did not get a chance to
see Capt. Sterrett privately - - sorry I did not -- but she must be of
good cheer & hope for a change -- time mends all things even rheumatic joints.
I shall write to you again in a few days & send some money -- I wish to go to the Court House tomorrow.
Kisses & love for all the children including allie & the rest if there & a full [illeg.] for you my Love -- Write to me soon -- very soon: By the way I left a roll of paper on the pile of big books, which I want sent to Lt. Koemer, Staunton care of Maj. Bell -- send it soon to Maj. Bell -- Good bye & God bless you
Your affectionate husband
Jed. Hotchkiss
Get Harvey Bear to bring your 90 pounds of salt from Hanger -- I told him of it but he may forget & you give him a receipt --
