Augusta County: John Quincy Adams Nadenbousch to
Hester J. Nadenbousch, June 22, 1864
Summary:
Nadenbousch writes his wife that business is slow, and he is thinking about
shutting down. He discusses his health, his loneliness, his desire to come home,
and mutual friends. He sends messages for his children, and gives news of recent
battles and casualties.
June the 22nd 1864
Staunton Virginia
Dear Hester
I have another
opportunity & write you I am still
improving in health & hope soon to be well I am still running the hotel
but there is little or nothing doing here so dull that I have almost concluded
to shut up. We have a few boarders which business of course won't pay. Thomas & family are here Reverend Walton & family & a M
r
Bird & family are here with a few men boarders, in all about 20
persons M
r
Thomas is here on furlough & well. Jack Harrison is wounded in
Richmond he was quite ill but has gotten much better his uncle [unclear: Meverel]
[added: &
Mr
Young] is with him. If I had any trusty person to leave here I
would try & get down to see you If the Doctor can get home to attend to
business I will come down. I don't know how soon he will
get here but he has offered his resignation & expects soon to get home
[page 2]
I want so much to see you. This is a hard way of living but we
are not alone in this as there is plenty here in the same fix E J Lee &
Chas Lee just left here this morning trying to get
to Clark to see or hear from their families. been refugeeing & not in
service. very foolish in the old man I hope this state of affairs will not last
much longer & that we can all live in peace & happiness. I wish
so much that Freddy at least was here with me I am so lonely plenty of persons
here but it don't seem to be company to me. But no doubt
you would miss him very much as he is your only help in business & of
course I can do better without him than you, but if you can get up bring him
along to see me at any rate
I have been meditating the subject of closing up at least for a time until traveling is again resumed
[page 3]
I wrote to you fully by Captain B- & sent you $170 00 in green backs which use to suit yourself get Moses to have the carriage wheel fixed if not yet done. have the Hamers gotten from Kneadlers & look out for the Dun Horse have him alright Henry is getting better. Louise is not so well but moving about as usual. I just by chance bought her a calico dress. Makes her as proud as a peacock do try & write me give the private news your Idea of our matters &c &c-
Let me know what has become of the mill in whose hands it is &c-
I think Moses ought to write me. Call his attention to this matter. I don't suppose he is afraid
Remember me kindly to all friends
Freddy be a good boy don't expose yourself to the hot sun too much attend school but don't study too hard as it may injure your health take
care of Ma- and your little sisters
[page 4]
remember you are the only man
person now at home they can rely upon for help & protection do the best
you can. act like a little man Mary Ellen & Lila & Jinnie be
good little girls stay about home learn your lessons and help Ma to attend to
her duties take evening walks but not too far & not alone kiss Miss Jane
three times each for me
M r Schoppert & family are here & well old daddy Kearfott was in the late battle near here he was wounded in the head slight but now almost entirely well
Hunter's forces are retreating from Lynchburg by [unclear: Lumesse] railroad closely pursued by General-- & General-- with Confederate forces all quiet here Grant has got on South side James River attacked Petersburg but was repulsed as he has been all the time write write
Yours ever
John
