Augusta County: John Quincy Adams Nadenbousch to
Hester J. Nadenbousch, November 11, 1864
Summary:
Nadenbousch writes his wife to say that he and Freddy are doing well but lonely,
and hopes the family can soon be together. He discusses business in Staunton,
including prices of various supplies. He praises his wife for the job she has
done managing things at home, including tasks to which she was unaccustomed. He
comments on Lincoln's reelection and hopes it may bring peace soon. He sends
instructions to his wife on preparing for winter, and dealing with individuals
with whom he has outstanding business.
November 11/64
Staunton Virginia
My Dear Wife
As there may be an opportunity for to get a letter to you & I may not have a chance to get home or may not know when the way is open in time I write in the event that I don't get home at the same time, but hope the way may be open long enough for me to get home this fall
Freddy & I have both been well, we are living here quite comfortable but
quite lonely, though it is very different from being entirely alone as formerly.
Freddy goes to school and is doing well he writes to little Mary & I
suppose he gives his news. I do wish you were all here, you would have to suffer
some privation of your present luxuries but upon the whole might be as pleasant
I hope that [added: it] will not be long until we can
be together constantly. I have hoped to hear from you for some time but I
suppose the lines are held so strict that letters can not pass. but you must
write me by every opportunity you have &
let me know how you are getting along &c &c. I can hardly think
of having to spend this winter without you, but I fear we cannot better
ourselves now. If the way is open long enough for me to go I will be sure to be
down if able to travel &c I have been trying to sell out here, and can
sell for a large price but to exchange the money for such as can be used there I
would get so little that
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it would not justify the sale. I am still
watching for opportunities & when [added: one] offers that will pay well I will quit
this business immediately
We are doing a considerable business here now our receipts are from 1000$ to $2000 00 per day, but the expenses are equally heavy Flour $200 00 to $280 per Barrel Beef $2 per pound but we get plenty of supplies
As to our business there, you have managed so long & done so nobly that I need not interfere, but just let you continue to manage as you think best I only regret that I can't be with you & relieve you from all these troubles which you were unaccustomed to as when I was at home I tried to relieve you of all outdoors management. I hope you have fully recovered your health. I fear you give yourself trouble about business matters which sometimes unnerves you & makes nervous & delicate try & take all matters smooth & easy do what you can & let the rest pass by. I suppose Mary B. is still with you & not doubt she is great help to you If she is now with you & suits you, try & keep her, remember me kindly to her. I suppose the little girls are now going to school. don't let them be too much confined allow them as much recreation as you can
The election is over & I suppose Lincoln is again President for four
years what result will be from the new election we know not but I hope a
speedy
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peace will soon be brought about Lay in full winter
supplies & don't stint yourself in anything
there is to be had. I have a lot of money for you such as you can use there,
which I hope to get to you soon I will continue to get all I can of that kind of
funds that you may have plenty under all circumstances
As to the furniture of M
rs
It is but just and right to keep her things under the contract. They were
not worth More than that amount of such money at the time we got them. but in
view of her being a very poor & needy persons & I think well
disposed, I would let her have her things Just make her a
present of them it will be little or nothing to us and perhaps will be
best in the end
As to Wolff say to him that I owe him no money in any way The things I bought of Hamilton I paid him & H for & I have nothing to do with him in the matter and say farther to him that if he interferes with you in any way whatever in the matter he will regret it as I am not always from home. I have saved him from one ducking & tar & feathering since the commencement of this war & this is the thanks for it you may let him read this paragraph for himself.
I can't think of any matters now of particular interest to write you. take good care of all & may god ever bless & protect you
good night
John Quincy Adams Nadenbousch
