Augusta County: Jedediah Hotchkiss to Sara A. Hotchkiss, June
28, 1864
Summary:
Hotchkiss writes his wife that he will not be able to come home after all, and gives her
advice on affairs at home.
Sara A. Hotchkiss
June 28th 1864
Staunton Va --
My Dear Wife:
We are about to start for Mt. Crawford -- I did not come home yesterday, my horse being too
weary & it was thought we could start at daylight today -- I hope you will not feel
much disappointment, though it would have given me the greatest pleasure to have been able to
be home once more -- I hope though it will not be long until I get home again -- I do not need
the clothes I left at home as I put on others in their place. Get along as well as you can --
get Snyder to cut up your wood & Capt Sterrett to haul it & leave it for me to
settle -- If you want any more money call on Dr. Hamilton for it -- but only get it if you need
it. I could not send William out as we did not stay as I expected -- I
made arrangements for Bishop Glossbrenner to bring you in to see the troops, but it will be too
late, events hurry us off sooner than it was anticipated
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I leave most of my baggage
with Maj. Bell as do all of us -- & he is to take care of it -- I shall not give you
more to trouble for then you already have -- Mrs. Gen Rodes has gone out to William Nelson's to stay --. Go up to the Bishops & get some
cherries -- he said he would send & bring you up -- You will get all the Richmond news
in the Papers -- Mr. Col. William Bell is to be buried today --
Be of good cheer & I hope this campaign will end the war & in God'sgood providence bring me to remain in my quiet home & bear my portion of its cares -- & free from the double load of duty imposed by these cruel times Write to me to the Care of Lt. Gen. Early Head Quarters Valley District, through Maj. Bell -- Good bye my loved ones & may the Great Protector be with & defend you -- I shall write as often as I can & you do the same
Your Affectionate husband
Jed. Hotchkiss
