Augusta County: John Quincy Adams Nadenbousch to
Hester J. Nadenbousch, September 22, 1863
Summary:
Nadenbousch writes to his wife to report that he has rented a house and inquires
about preparation for moving the family to Staunton. He expresses the desire to
get out of the service, and laments how much domestic life the war has caused
him to miss. He sends messages to his children, especially his son Freddy who
has reportedly been "running about" and acquiring "bad habits."
September 22nd 1863
Staunton Virginia
Dear Wife
I avail myself of a few moments to write you. I am still here and well, and doing
as well as can be expected I have rented a house in the country some few miles
in case you can get to move out, but think it best not to come without your
household effects, as such here would be hard to get, and could not live without
them. [deleted: and] the rent will not be much & I had better
pay the rent than to miss having a place in case should need it. I wrote you
several times to try & see if you could be allowed to move your things
out here & if could get teams to move say to Woodstock & I would
meet you there with teams to bring you on up &c. have you learned this
if so why not send me word what the result is if you Cant
write get some one else to write me, Henry, Moses John or Jimmy C. or someone I
am anxious to know what to count on If you will not be allowed to bring your
things, unless Molested or interfered with or uncomfortable or unpleasantly
situated there, I rather think best to remain there for the present but if not
Comfortable & pleasant there Move to the country or Come on up here
with
[page 2]
what you will be allowed to bring. I still think I will be
able to get out of the service soon and can be with you altogether but how soon I can't say. this
is uncertain. I have made every effort I can now with propriety, and must hold
still for at least a short time, before making another effort. I assure you I am
quite anxious to be with you continually. it seems that this war has cut me out
of 2 1/2 years of my life. My daily thoughts are about you
and the children but I learned that you were getting along well & not
interfered with but I have not received a letter from you detailing all the
little ups & downs & private domestic matters that I feel[deleted: ed] concerned about but I hope you are all getting along in
every sense of the word well. I had some intimation that Freddy was running
about without any constraint & getting in bad habits. do try and prevent
this. try & keep him about home or at school & do keep him from
being knocked about & getting into bad habits & read to him the
following & the other children also. Freddy I learn that you are running
about & getting into bad habits. Now do prevent this do you stay about
home keep out of bad company do not run with those bad boys. such conduct leads
boys to ruin. attend school try & learn all you can & make a
smart man of yourself. look after the wants of your Ma - & sisters do
all you can to make them comfortable
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& happy. remember they
have no help now there but you. try & conduct yourself like a little man
do what is right to all & keep away from the evil ones be kind to all
And then every one will like & praise you. Now do this & see
after all you can for the family You attend to things as I usually did &
dont run about the streets with the bad boys take good care of your little
sisters & treat them kindly. I hope to be home soon & will be
glad to hear that you conduct & behavior has
been good can't you write me a letter you ought to write letters by this time
tell me of the Cow the dog the fruit hogs & wood &c&c-
Hester try & let me know how you are being provide for wood &c &c. - And what prospect for winter meat &c Can't Mary write or Miss Jane might if you cant & send to Winchester to Harrison Bowers or Mr Arnold
I have nothing new to write you I would like to have a pair of soft shoes- say
Congress Gators number 7, such as I used to have Shoe
the family well Get Moses to send you 1 [added: or 2]
calf skin [deleted: or] 1 side [unclear: hip] & 1 side
sole leather and keep it in the house if you should move so to bring it along
try & get me word that I will know what to rely upon if you can't come then I will stop thinking about it little girls do you be
kind to each other be obedient
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to your Ma & be good girls
Make Freddy be a good boy give My love to Mary A- [unclear: --y]
& lucy- also cousin [unclear: Lute] & Aunt Peggy
Tell Cousin Mary the Confederacy is all right yet
No More but remain
Yours ever
John Quincy Adams Nadenbousch
