Augusta County: Jedediah Hotchkiss to Sara A. Hotchkiss,
September 1, 1862
Summary:
Hotchkiss describes a Confederate victory near Gainsville, Virginia.
Mrs. Sara A. Hotchkiss
Churchville
Augusta Co
Va.
Care of Maj. Bell
Staunton
Sara A. Hotchkiss
Sunday Sept. 1st 1862
Near Gainsville
My Dr. Wife.
We yesterday drove the enemy beyond Groveton after a hard fight -- We routed them from Thorofare Gap on Tuesday -- then fought them near Gainsville on Thursday -- on Friday drove them some two miles -- then came back to our old position between Gainsville & Groveton & yesterday fought the enemy there and drove them away with great loss -- and our reinforcements are coming up, and we may fight them today on the old field of Manassa -- the line of hills near Groveton was our line yesterday -- Jackson went to Centerville & Manassa on Tuesday & captured immense stores -- destroyed some 200 cars, loaded with everything, captured many men, servants, arms &c, and put the enemy into a perfect panic -- after destroying the bridges, R.R. &c and breaking their communications -- he then moved back towards Gainsville -- the Yanks in the meantime left the Rappahannock & Warrenton and advanced towards Thorofare Gap where Longstreet met them & drove them back with slaughter, then he & Jackson united & have fought them two days -- our loss is considerable -- Gen. Ewell is badly wounded, loses his leg & may die -- The people here are perfectly wild with joy all true -- the ladies come out to shake hands & feed all -- I am well -- & will write soon more at length. All things go well by God's good providence -- Let the friends see this --
Your Aff husband in [illeg.]
Jed. Hotchkiss
