Augusta County: Jedediah Hotchkiss to Sara A. Hotchkiss,
November 8, 1864
Summary:
Hotchkiss informs his wife that the army is on the move again. He relates news of Northern
opinion, election, and Southern sympathizers.
Sara A. Hotchkiss
Wednesday Nov. 8 th 1864
Head Quarters Valley District New Market Va.
My Dearest One:
We are off agian tomorrow, I suppose, for "down the Valley" again, as it is reported that the
Yankees have left Cedar Creek & we must go to see where they have gone & keep
watch of them that they do not slip off to Richmond & so bring an undue force against
Mas. Robert" -- We are all in a good humor at the idea, poor
creatures that we are, we soon get tired of the quiet & monotony of "camp life"
& long for the "storm & bustle & hurricane of war" Heaven grant that we
may meet with no disaster & that we may not have to fight another battle this fall
& sadden many a hearthstone with the inevitable news. I was
talking with Mr. Lacy today & he says he can but think as I do, that in the good
Providence of God this year will end this long & cruel war -- I do not see that any
good can come to us from
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this Yankee election & yet I long to know how it
has gone -- to know if the majority of the people have approved the course of "Old Abe" for the
last four years & desire a continuance of the same -- I do not think there will be a
real election, so many have been sent from the army & from
government employ to use the influence, patronage & means of corruption at their
disposal that they will carry the election by fraud, if no other way
-- One of the Consuls of the "Hessian States" from New York has been here for a few days -- he
left there three weeks ago -- he says there are many Southern sympathizers there, but they are
so closely watched that they do not dare to express their sentiments -- he also says that the
frauds practiced on foreigners to entrap them into service are almost beyond belief. I send you
the paper today containing the President's Message -- he broaches some "new doctrines" -- the
country is much divided in regard to the proper employement of the slaves -- I think the
soldiers are opposed to arming them -- they want them used
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as wagoners &c
but are unwilling to see arms put into their hands -- the President handles the subject
cautiously as though treading on uncertain ground. I wrote you that I was very busy, am really
tired I have been working so closely, & am glad to ride again & have field duty
-- then it has turned warmer today & the air is inviting -- I suppose we shall now have
"Indian Summer" I have not heard from Mr. Euritt so I suppose he got off as he desired, else he
would have let me know as he agreed. Our men have been much improved by the course of
discipline they have undergone & are in better "trim" than at any previous time during the campaign, I hope much from them. Gen. Early has issued orders
in regard to the keeping of the Sabbath, getting liquor &c which have had a fine
effect; the men have been kept in camp & drilled most of the time, then so many have
come back from hospitals &c and filled up our depleted ranks -- & so I might go
on -- "hopeful as usual" you will say.
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I hope William has been of some use to you, though of not much -- for I fear he was out of the way
-- during my absence he got hold of liquor and got a taste of the accursed stuff & has
used every effort to obtain it since -- I shall take him in hand after he returns -- I gave him
money to pay his way up & back, but I fear he spent it -- yet I can stop him &
will do so -- I shall try now to get some of the the things you want -- hope William will come
tomorrow & bring letter -- I have had a pair of shoes made for myself by one of the
Engineer Company -- I got some 7 yards of linsey from Cumberland --
that is, it is on the way -- I want my cape lining completed & you may have the balance
-- I may let you have it all --
I hope Nelly and Anne ate making good progress in their studies & are good & dutiful children -- fearing God & obeying their Mother. I must write to Nelly -- I shall expect her to be able to make me a loaf of bread when I next come home -- when I shall be in her debt somehow -- & Anne shall not be forgotten if she shows progress according to her years -- Also remember me to Mary -- I hope she does well -- Write soon -- Goodbye & God bless you
Your affectionate husband
Jed. Hotchkiss
I enclose you Twenty Dollars --
