Augusta County: Phebe Ann McCormick to Enos Ott,
December 9, 1864
Summary:
In this letter to her brother-in-law, Phebe discusses the recent harsh weather,
local troop movements, Henry's detail to some public works, and their attempts
to round up her father's apples.
Mr Enos Ott
Camp Lee
Richmond
Virginia
Care of Rev Henry
Brown
Mr Enos Ott
December 9, 1864
Home
Dear Brother
It is now nearly the middle of the day and I have had my paper, pen, &
ink all morning to write to you, but we had company last night, and they have
not all got away yet, and several more come in so you see I have just [added: to] slip off from them and write. I am up
stairs in our room with little fire & so cold that I cant write with a pen so you must excuse pencil. It is
one of the coldest days we have had this winter. I received your kind letter
several weeks ago (or rather it came here for me) as I was at Moore's at the
time I spent two weeks (wanting two days)
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there. They nearly all had
diptheria very badly. Marie had it so badly that we did not think she could live
at all, but they are all well of it now. So you see my brother you will have to
take off the two weeks I was there waiting on the sick folks. When I came home I
spok of writing and Ma said for me to wait until Pa
would start your apples to you, so you could be on the "look out" for them but I
have waited, and waited, long enough for that, so I have concluded to write now
as there is no probability of getting your apples off for a few days. Harry is
away working on some public works, will not be home before next week, if then.
We can't haul away any thing until he
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comes to drive the wagon I hope
you will excuse your "little Sis" for not writing soone as you will see I had to battle with circumstances, but enough of
this. Ginnie and Charlotte were over at O.P.
last Sabbath They are all well there. Ginnie has been over there a good while,
and will remain until about Christmas, then she will come over and stay with us
awhile. Henry is at home now, came home on a Twenty-day furlough, to attend to
his buisness. I wish you could meet with such luck
as that, only to get a longer one and come home to stay. Gordons &
Pegrams Divisions were ordered to Richmond a few days ago, and Brother
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was seen in Staunton on his way down. I feel very uneasy about him. He has
never been home since he left the 18th of Oct. If you can we would like for you to ascertain
something about where he is &c and if any thing should happen him to let
us know. We know not what a day nor an hour may bring forth. We will try
& send you a barrel as soon as we possibly can. I was truly glad to hear
that you were so fortunate as to get in with Lt.
H. and did not have to go the field of a action hope you will remain there.
Write soon and let us hear from you, and if you know any thing about Davis.
Sarah Margaret and all send their love to you. Please
excuse this horridly written letter as I am in a great hurry, and am cold. May
the blessings of our Heavenly Father ever be with you is the prayer of your
sister
Phebe A
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