Augusta County: Jedediah Hotchkiss to Sara A. Hotchkiss, July
27, 1864
Summary:
Hotchkiss writes briefly to his wife, informing her of the latest military actions.
Sara A. Hotchkiss
July 27th 1864
Head Quarters Valley District Martinsburg Va
My Dear Sara:
I have a chance to send a few lines by a direct carrier -- Mr Points, who came from Staunton
yesterday -- Maj. Bell wrote to me & said he had sent my bundle home -- I am glad it
got safely there -- We left Strasburg last Sunday morning (today is Wednesday) met the enemy
under Crook, (Hunter having been displaced) & defeated & routed them &
have pursued them across the Potomac at Williamsport -- capturing several Hundred, killing
& wounding a large number, captured some wagons & caissons & caused
them to burn over 70 wagons -- they went in great confusion & rout & our
infantry, some of it, marched 30 miles that day -- we had a hard rain at night which made it
too dark to pursue & so the wretches got away -- but they got a good threshing
& that too in the Valley where they had so misbehaved -- I saw Mr. Trotter & he
gave me an account of your troubles with Jordan -- glad they are over, but do not like the
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way it had to be done -- I hope he may get his desserts -- I
have reported him to the enrolling officer at Staunton & hope he will do something for
him & his son -- but do not say anything about it -- We had a fine rain Sunday night --
& it kept on until noon on Monday I tell you it did a vast amount of good -- I hope you had a rain too -- & that things are growing -- I
have not heard from you for some days but hope to hear soon. I am in excellent health -- but
get very tired marching as much as we do -- but I like it better than lying idle in camps -- We
are now destroying the Railroad -- 5 days after they got it started
-- send me a new list of little things you want for I have lost the one you gave me -- Excuse
my short note -- for the courier is going -- Love & kisses for you all -- Write soon
Your affectionate husband
Jed. Hotchkiss
