Augusta County: Jedediah Hotchkiss to Sara A. Hotchkiss,
November 9, 1863
Summary:
Hotchkiss writes to his wife of a battle near Culpeper, Virginia. He comments on his current
accomodations, and on their children.
Sara A. Hotchkiss
Monday Nov -- 9th 1863
Martins House
My Dear Sara:
We left Culpeper yesterday the enemy having come in the day previous & got a decided
advantage over us by capturing nearly a Brigade some 1300 men that we had on picket across the
Rappahannock. They also got our advantage in position at Kelly's ford & so drove our
men from there & then crossed in force as we came back to a line of battle -- about 3
miles from the Court House -- and there we waited all day yesterday
for the enemy to come on & although we only had a tolerable position they advanced very
slowly, & as Gen Lee did not like the position for a fight and intended to come back to
Orange Co. anyhow we broke up camps & came back last night to our old quarters, where I
found the Gen -- when I came from home. I was up guiding the troops all night before last
& we rode until quite late last night before we got here
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so am rather dull
today & only write because I have not written for several days, not since I got your
letter - - Maj. Bell sent the butter down, it came safely to hand -- very nice & we
have enjoyed eating very much since -- as we have had light rolls & you know I can do
my duty when they are on hand. We are in a house again thank good luck & very
comfortable fixed or will be -- having a large, light & airy room, and shall fix up
today & go to work again -- We think Gen. Lee will fight again this year to overcome
the two almost disasters this army has met with both traceable to our own short comings. I sent
you some money by Mrs. Wise & will avail myself of the first opportunity to send you
some $200 -- that may have to pay for your fall supplies &c I
am sorry poor Anna's arm is "so sore" hope it is well by this time
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the poor little bird -- I wrote to Nelly & I suppose my letter has come to hand
-- I enclose you a Yankee stamp & you can write to your mother, one page of letter,
purely on domestic matters, and endorse your letter "By flag of truce" & enclose it to
Brig. Gen. Winder Richmond of [illeg.] paying the postage on the encolsure &
ask Gen. W. to forward --
I wrote to Father by another channel, somehwhat doubtful, a few days ago. I hope Allie is getting much better & I am anxious to hear from you all --
Good bye & God bless you
Write soon
Your Affectionate husband
Jed. Hotchkiss
