Augusta County: Henry H. Dedrick to Mary E. A. Dedrick, [no
date]
Summary:
Dedrick describes the action near Winchester and the taking of prisoners, including African
Americans. He continues to eat well and reports on recent desertions.
Mary E.A. Dedrick
...them thunder. There the Yankees broke for Winchester before we got there. It was nine miles from where we was to Middletown. We went 3 miles below town that night and we stayed there about 3 hours and then we started for WInchester. Some of our forces was on ahead and they came in on the Yankees about daylight and in a few minutes after we got there. Our men made a charge on them and they broke and run and we run them 5 miles and we got a great many prisoners. The cavalry men has been bringing them back in big squads all day today.
They brought a yankee past and his wife was with him and she was a [unclear: back] one at that. Dr. Lewis asked him if that was his wife. he said yessir and [unclear: the] had took a good many negroes and we got a good many of them back. We have taken a great many horses and wagons and other things. We got 3 trains of cars at Front Royal and 500 sacks of coffee and a great deal of salt and other things. They burnt up nearly one square of Winchester. We expect to follow them on.
I have more news but I have no time and no paper with me, but I have plenty in my knapsack. It is in Harrisonburg. I seen John and [unclear: Harry] Friday morning. They are both well. I seen Uncle Jacob Dedrick in Bridgewater. He said he seen Jake that morning driving a wagon and I heard of him being at FrontRoyal but I have not seen him yet.
Give my love to all and accept a great portion for yourself. So nothing more but remain your affectionate husband until death. May god bless you all. Write soon. H. H. Dedrick to wife. I sent you a letter some time ago and I have got no answer from it.
Dear Lissa I just have eaten a hearty dinner. Me and Ben White had the pleasure of eating dinner by ourselves as all the rest of our mess has run off but four. J and James Lewis and Joseph Liggett has gone out to get their dinner. I received your kind letter while I was at dinner and I was truly glad to hear from you and to hear that you all was well.
Dear Lissa [illeg.] be very glad to see you at his time. I have a good deal of news to tell you which is too tedious to write. You will please excuse my bad writing as I have no chance to write. Fare you well my dear.
