Augusta County: Jedediah Hotchkiss to Sara A. Hotchkiss, October
31, 1864
Summary:
Hotchkiss writes to his wife about affairs at home, concerning the farm, servants and chores.
He also gives brief news about the army.
Sara A. Hotchkiss
Oct 31 st 1864
New Market, Va.
My Dear Wife:
I send William, he will tomorrow get to Mr. Hamilton's & the next morning come home,
then you have him do what you wish to have do . . . put away your vegetables &c
&c -- let him find out from Mr. Heizer where to cut wood & go & cut for
about 4 or 5 days -- I want him to get back by the 10
th
of Nov. unless I write to the contrary. I have him ride up a horse that he can put into
pasture -- Mr. Geeding will let it run in his I suppose, or Dr. Wilson as it will not be more
than a week -- have him get the axe that Mr. [unclear: Euritt] fixed & grind it
up he will reach home Wednesday morning, let him go to Mr. Hamilton's over next Sunday
& then start for here direct on the 9
th
. Did you charge Allie Hanger not to let the desks be cut? - Get the flour from all that I
named on the list I gave you -- I am trying to pay all up at Christmas -- glad you got
buckwheat -- I am very much pleased to know, by your letter, that you are succeeding so well in
getting things together -- Make the most of William's time you can now, & I hope, by & by to come home myself with him & get up a
full supply of wood for winter but he can cut up a lot now & perhaps when I come with
him we can get the Colored man you spoke of to help &
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haul up wood, with my own horses if I can do no other way. Mr. R's shirt fits only a
little too narrow in the back -- I send you a copy of Gen. Early's address to the army -- we
are getting well organized & are prepared to meet any force that may come up -- we have
been reinforced by some Cavalry from the S. W. & all things wear a cheerful aspect -- I
do not think there is any idea of evacuating the Valley -- Of course an army could be subsisted
as well near Staunton as any where else, as there is Railroad
communication -- . Send my towel, hair brush, & white blanket by William -- I hope my Saddle bags have gotten home -- send them back by William. Maj. Green's things, bed & carpet bag were sent to Maj.
Bell -- & he was to send them out. I do not know what became of them -- I hope they are
safe. I will provide a blanket for Mary & think I can get shoes, what is her no: -- I
shall yet have a chance to get the gloves for Miss Kate, I think -- Have my coat turned. I
shall draw pay tomorrow & will send you some money -- Write soon -- I will write again
in a day or so. All quiet. Love & blessings for you all --
Your affectionate husband
Jed. Hotchkiss
