Augusta County: Jedediah Hotchkiss to Sara A. Hotchkiss, August
15, 1864
Summary:
Hotchkiss describes troop movements and skirmishes with Federal troops, but no major
battles.
Sara A. Hotchkiss
Aug 15 th 1864
Fisher's Hill
My Dear Wife:
I wrote to you the day we left Winchester & enclosed some Ribbons for the children
& one or two other things -- I have not heard from you for some days but knowing that
you will hear all kinds of stories & will be anxious to hear the truth I will write
again, though briefly -- We came back here on Saturday the enemy advancing in force to the
vicinity of Strasburg but halting to deliberate as soon as they found we had reached a place
where we intended to fight them & since then they have been lying on the banks of Cedar
Creek, 3 miles beyond Strasburg & we on the banks of Tumbling Run 2 miles this side of
Strasburg with an occasional forward movement of Cavalry &
skirmishers first on one side & then on the other, with no results -- We have been
having a signal station on the end of Massanutten Mt. above Strasburg -- yesterday the enemy
sent up 60 men to capture it, but our men got away & we sent up a company of
sharpshooters & drove them away, capturing three & killing two of them, with no
loss to us -- today they have sent up again & we have sent to dislodge them -- that & some little skirmishing is all that breaks the monotony
of staying out here all day in the sun & dust awaiting the advance of the enemy, or for
"something to turn up" -- -- it is very
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tiresome, but I suppose will not last longer
than today, for Anderson with Longstreet's Corps, reaches Front Royal this morning &
Fitz Lee is already there, so we will soon be in Condition to assume the offensive again
& start Sheridan, who now commands the "Yanks" here, on the track so well beaten by
Banks, Fremont, Shields, Milroy, & Crooks & Co. We just got a letter from Mosby
in which he says he fell on the enemy's train day before yesterday at Berryville &
Captured & destroyed 75 wagons, got some 200 prisoners & some 600 mules
& horses & killed a good many & also he fell on a scouting party that
was going to Culpeper & routed them capturing & killing a good many, Mosby is
certainly one of the bravest spirits we have -- quiet & modest, a fine looking fellow,
but always in motion & reaping a rich harvest of spoils -- William & Sam.
Chapman are both captains in his command -- & are highly esteemed by him, I understand
--
We had a little rain last night & it is pleasanter today than heretofore -- it has
been intensely hot -- but we have managed
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to stand it so far -- & if we can
whip the force that is now before us it will be a fine thing for the country. I think, as
heretofore, that this campaign will go far to end the war & do not think there will be
much if any fighting after this campaign. No doubt the entire army will be here before long
& the field of battle be transferred to the Banks of the Potomac or North of it. Grant
was at Harper's Ferry a few days ago & is, no doubt, trying to get away from Richmond
as best he can -- I got a very fine young horse in Maryland, it only cost me $100. in
Confederate money, as Gen. Early let us have horses at the cost price there, paying in
Confederate money the value fixed on them in Federal -- it was a good thing for me &
will enable me to sell one of my horses & help to get along &c whenever Charley
gets in order I want to sell him if horses command a good price I hope there may be some
cessation of active operations so I may get home for a few days early in Sept -- My shirts are
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getting somewhat worse for wear & I think I shall try to buy some ready
made ones if we get where there are any, I believe white ones do as well as any others in the
army & they usually last longer -- I do not think it best to have any pants made of my
cloth just now -- if you have not done anything to them just keep the cloth safely -- I will do
all I can for your memoranda bless your dear little heart I wish you had all the things you want I hope Parkins carried up the box of cups & saucers
& that you have gotten it by this time. Write me how the children like the books -- I
sent them &c &c Write me my love -- I know you have hard times this hot weather
& wish I could be at home to attend to affairs but be of good cheer -- all will yet be
well -- Love & kisses & blessings for you all --
Your affectionate husband
Jed. Hotchkiss
