Augusta County: Jedediah Hotchkiss to Sara A. Hotchkiss, August
26, 1864
Summary:
Hotchkiss describes some cavalry movements and skirmishes, and the deaths of some prominent
men. He comments briefly on items he sent home to his wife.
Sara A. Hotchkiss
Aug 26th 1864
Shepherdstown Va.
My Deary:
We are again on the Banks of the Potomac -- we drove the Yanks down to Harpers Ferry, spent
two days in front of that place, then came away yesterday, leaving the 1
st
Corps in front of the enemy there & came to this place, met all the Yankee
cavalry on the road -- they said they were on the way to Staunton -- had three days rations for
man & beast -- commanded by Custer -- we met them at Leetown & routed them
driving them in every direction -- & killed & wounded a good many &
forced the rest back across the Potomac & to Harper's Ferry, so nipping in the bud one
of the biggest raids they have ever undertaken -- We lost but few but they were fine men --
Col. Monaghan of the 6th
Louisiana was killed --
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& Col. Wolf of one of the
Western Va. Regts. Gen. Gordon was struck by a glancing ball, in the forehead & bled profusely, but was not much hurt -- he did not get off his
horse or stop to have his wound dressed but pressed on after the enemy all sprinkled over with
blood -- the very personification of a hero -- The Yankees say they lost 500 in the fight -- I
suppose 100 will cover all our casualties -- Our cavalry went on to Williamsport &
today will cross the river We shall also move -- The Yanks will not get much rest here Gen.
Early believes in motion & keeping them well stirred up -- We never stay more than 2 or
3 days in one camp -- The country owes much to Gen. Early -- & his vigilance I think
will keep this Valley
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safe from incursions of the enemy -
I hope my letter with the ribbons &c in, my box with the cups & saucers
& Tumblers &c, & the little bundle with the bonnet pattern in, have all
gotten to you safely -- If you do not like the bonnet pattern you can sell it. I will get
everything I can for you - rest assured my dear One -- I want to send you some money but the
comunications are so uncertain -- I will send before long -- I have not heard from you by
letter for a long time -- two weeks at least -- but Jacob Henger told me you were all well
& quieted my fears that you might be sick -- but do write -- I long to hear from you
& have an ardent desire to come home, but no chance while we are
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so busy
& if we can only end the war I am perfectly willing to endure this season of activity
-- the signs are brightening & I still confidently [illeg.] a conclusion of
hostilities with the ending of "Old Abe's" reign -- I have not time to write more now -- Kiss
the children for me, they must be good girls -- I hope Mary is doing all she can to please you
-- if she is industrious & diligent I will bring or send
her a present, tell her -- Write to me often --
Good bye & may the Lord bless you all --
Your loving husband
Jed. Hotchkiss
