Augusta County: Jedediah Hotchkiss to Sara A. Hotchkiss, October
2, 1864
Summary:
Hotchkiss briefly describes a Confederate rout of Yankee cavalry, and gives instructions to
his wife for having a coat made for him.
Sara A. Hotchkiss
Oct. 2 nd 1864
Mt. Sidney Va --
My Dear Wife:
We are again after the enemy, moved yesterday from Waynesboro to this place & today
we are resting -- Keeping the Sabbath for once -- so I hope good may come of it -- We routed
the Yankee Cavalry at Waynesboro, quite handsomely & they retreated pell mell through
Staunton & by the way of Spring Hill & Mossy Creek to Bridgewater, going in
such haste that they did no damage, only tearing up the little bridges, for fear of the 10 men
that followed them I send Mr. Robinson over to take my coat & look after other things
-- I send you $50, by him -- Have Miss Susan make my coat as soon as possible & write
me when I can send for it -- the one I have is coming to pieces rapidly -- have the coat lined
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throughout, deep and strong pockets (you will have to
send some of the [illeg.] cloth for them I reckon) -- I want two pockets behind
& one on each side -- wide & deep -- the left hand one on the outside, the
right hand one on the inside -- keep the small buttons -- I do not want any on the sleeves --
ask Miss Susan if she cannot turn the coat I am wearing -- there is a
tailor here that does it. Please send my Jacket to me by Mr. R. he will tell you all the news
-- &c Nelly gave him a hard account of "Pa." I am sorry he is getting so bad -- Get all
your flour home as soon as you can -- I fear it is going to be scarce, so much wheat was burned
-- Ask Mr. Geeding if he cannot spare me a load of his hay -- the government will get it all
any way -- & I will pay him the same --
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I send you some papers - read them
& send them up to Mrs. Wise to see, for me -- tell Mrs.
Stubblefield I saw her husband a few days ago & he was well -- The Yanks burned J. C.
Roler's barn & stable -- I hope we shall soon be able to turn the tide on them -- I
would come home today but I have only one horse to ride & it needs rest -- & we
are so busy now & the Gen. depends on me for routes &c in this region so I
cannot leave just now, but hope to get home again before long -- the Lord hasten the time when
I may be able to stay there -- I send you a fine Spencer Rifle - - a present from Mr. Robinson
-- just what you have wanted -- be careful of it & keep it hid -- don't let it be known that you have it
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Love & kisses for the
children Good bye my Love & God bless your dear soul --
Your Affectionate husband
Jed. Hotchkiss
