Augusta County: Jedediah Hotchkiss to Sara A. Hotchkiss, June 6,
1863
Summary:
Hotchkiss describes the army's newest movements, originally towards Culpeper. He describes
the marks the two armies have left on the Valley's landscape. Hotchkiss also comments on
affairs at home, and his family.
Sara A. Hotchkiss
June 6 th 1863
Camp near Locust Grove, Orange Co. Va.
My Dear Wife:
We are again on the move, off for a long march I doubt not, whither it is not my province to conjecture, only our movement is offensive, not defensive -- We were going to Culpeper C. H. today, but a portion of Hooker's army crossed the Rappahannock, below Fredericksburg, late yesterday P. M. and so we are waiting awhile this morning, to see what it may amount to -- it is, most probably, only a demonstration to try and detain us in our movement, we have no idea that Hooker will cross & move towards Richmond while we are moving in the direction of Washington & today will probably find them back to the other side -- they cannot fool Gen. Lee & I doubt not he is aware of the real movements Hooker has made, despite his feints -- We marched some 22 miles yesterday, and were up at daylight this morning & ready to go again -- it is only 5 1/2 o'clk A. M. and yet I took my breakfast an hour ago -- It has been a long time since we came to Fredericksburg -- six months - - yet it has passed rapidly and did not seem half as long as the previous three months of continued marching & fighting -- We were all glad to get away from there -- too many unpleasant memories haunted us there, too many of our noble army had there gallantly met their last enemy -- we hope we shall not be obliged to return there, for the feeling of the army was unanimously in favor of a march, anywhere & for any good purpose, in preference to the lazy life of a summer camp --
We have left many a scar on the face of the once lovely valley of the Rappahannock to tell
of our long occupancy -- more than 30 miles of fortifications mark the line of the front and
then inner works, of all descriptions, attest the vigor of our intention to use every means in
our power to defend our country --wide forests have been swept away, many an old mansion has
fallen a victim to the flames or been torn away piece meal by the destroying hand of war --
whose business is, surely, "devastation & destruction" -- O! that his might come to an end --
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You asked me in a late letter how I liked
Harrison's History -- it does very well until he reaches Manassa -- when he becomes fanciful --
the credit of the Messenger as a literary journal his depreciated
considerably --I hope it may revive -- The account of the Mt. Campaign of 1861 is not full
enough -- he does not reason any -- only tells events -- If you have an opportunity, tell Mr
Lindsey I have concluded not to buy & should have written to him but for the press of
business -- Events crowd on us, and this must be the most important year of the war -- I will
send you the money to pay Hottle & Marshall's a/cts, they
are some of my old ones that I wish to pay off. I have $100, that I shall send to you by some
one in few days & you can pay them off -- I owe Bernard S. Brown at Bridgewater, some
$100 -- write to him and see if he will send up and get it -- and I will see that you have the
funds. -- I shall send my funds home as I have a chance & what you do not need apply as
I told and deposit the balance to my Cr. in the Valley Bank as
Exr of O. Butcher Decd -- I sent
you $60-- a few days ago -- I saw Capt. Roberts a few days ago and he said he would send some
butter by some of his conscripts -- you can put it in the small bucket -- but you cannot spare
that -- I think we shall be able to buy enough in a few days & you keep yours -- but
every thing is at sea now & I cannot give you any directions worth following -- so be
quiet on the subject -- . You will know why I did not go with Gen. J's remains when you get my last letter. I was away, under orders, when he died, and
did not know of it until he was dead & gone. I was mo fault of Gen. Jackson's that I
was not commissioned, neither is it that of Gen. Lee for both recommended me, but there have so
many been appointed from Va. that it is almost impossible for any one to be appointed from
there -- but I am content -- I have the same pay & emoluments & like my place
& duties & enjoy the confidence of the commanders -- I am gratified to know
that Nelly is a good child and so well attends to her duty in studying & reading
& learning the Holy Scriptures -- do not omit the duty of labor too, have some domestic
duty for her each day - - it is as important as any thing in the world for a child. I am sorry
that Anna has been sic again -- why is it she is sick so much, she has a look that would
indicate health --I hope she may become hearty I am glad of the efforts to aid the soldiers,
but fear too much time is lost in trying to get people to give -- they ought to do it as a
matter of course without any stimulus -- our people are not half no one fourth as liberal as
the army is -- it is too bad. I hope Nelly will not be made vain by the parade of a coronation
-- it would be a sad thing -- Direct to the Hd. Qrs. of 2
nd
Corps, Army of N. Va. and it will always find me -
Gen. Ewell is our chief -- I have no idea I shall be able to get home soon -- tho' I think of it daily -- The enemy crossed a few over to Fredericksburg
yesterday & there is some cannonading here this morning -- what a day may bring forth
no one can tell -- My love to all -- write soon -- & May God bless you all
Your aff. -- husband
Jed. Hotchkiss
