Augusta County: Jedediah Hotchkiss to Sara A. Hotchkiss, July
15, 1862
Summary:
Hotchkiss writes to tell his wife that he will not be able to go home for a visit as planned,
because of possible battle activity near Gordonsville, in which Jackson's troops will be
needed.
Sara A. Hotchkiss
Tuesday, 10 P.M.
July 15th 1862
Staunton Va.
My Dr. Wife
We have just been ordered, by telegraph, to report at once to Gen. Jackson at Gordonsville,
with wagon, maps &c, so we are obliged to be off early tomorrow morning, and I shall be [unclear:
deborred
] the privilege of coming home to see you before I leave, which I am very sorry for, I
had hoped to have a days notice of a movement, and then I could have
slipped home, but it is too late to think of now, and my horse is not feeling very well either
and will have a long ride to make tomorrow. The enemy has made some demonstration towards
Gordonsville and Gen. Jackson is moving up that way I suppose, from the order
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to
us. I will leave the pitcher at Dr. Young's so you can get it from there -- I shall miss my
clothes some that I left at home, but I may have a chance to send for them, or I will direct
you how to send them to me -- I can get along for a time. The cars are not running up to
Staunton now -- they are all employed for army movements. I suppose it will not be long until
they run again, but I shall find some way to write to you, which I will be sure to attend to. I
must go to rest, for I shall get little enough at best tonight -- May God bless and keep you
all safe -- do not despond, but trust in him that doeth all things well & wisely, and
who ruleth over all.
A kiss for my children and my love to all --
Good bye -- Your Aff husband
Jed. Hotchkiss
