Augusta County: John Quincy Adams Nadenbousch to
Hester J. Nadenbousch, April 11, 1864
Summary:
Nadenbousch responds to his wife's worries regarding confiscation of their
property by Federal soldiers. He assures his wife he has enough money to sustain
the family, and to not worry too much if some property is lost. He also
complains about his loneliness and his suffering from rheumatism. He urges his
wife to come to Staunton if things become too difficult at home.
April 11/64
Staunton Virginia
My Dear Wife
Through the extreme kindness of a friend I propose to try & get you a few lines. I have been quite disabled from Rheumatism for some three (3) weeks most of the time confined to my room & a good portion to my bed & now whilst I write I am in the greatest misery, but hope so soon as the weather clears up & settles I will be relieved Louise, Hen, & Jenny are all well, fat & saucy We are still running the machine & doing quite well My papers not yet come on look for them daily
I heard through a friend a few days ago from you in which I am informed that you are in a peck of trouble about the
confiscation of our property Well first no property will be permanently
confiscated until after the war (certain) and a claim
to it now is all a farce & of short duration. So far as ours is
concerned if they will take it now let it go. I have plenty here to keep us well
during our lives if properly managed. don't let this
matter weary you one particle but just take it as it comes & if
unpleasant for you there or if you are in any way in need come out here at once
or at any time you can & may desire
[page 2]
I have a good place here
for you and only wish you were here now, to help to cheer up my dull gloomy
hours that I spend in my lonely room only relieved occasionaly by the dropping
in of some friend The doctor being my most constant visitor. George Schoppert rubbed my back by the fire last night until it
is now in blisters. his family is well. M
r
J. Thomas family are now boarding with us which adds something more to our
society Colonel Hoge & a host of other lower
Valley friends surround our tables & makes it seem [added: more] like old times
The last word I got from you was dull & gloomy and in a desponding tone which I regreted much to see as previously you spoke so hopefull & cheerful & all things seemed bright. But I hope you will soon dispel these dark gloomy clouds & look forward to brighter days. I spend portions of my time in reviewing your pictures thus calling to mind lovely recollections of the past similar to which I hope soon to be returned
Captain Brown is here & well the men generally from our section are well. I will try & write you more fully when I get better I want you all here whenever you can come out
Yours ever
John Quincy Adams Nadenbousch
Don't be driven into any thing that you may in future regret take things cool
