Augusta County: Jedediah Hotchkiss to Sara A. Hotchkiss, July
17, 1863
Summary:
Hotchkiss lists items he is sending back to his wife, as the army is reducing the number of
baggage wagons. He describes some fighting as the army crossed a river, without too much
loss.
Sara A. Hotchkiss
July 17th 1863
Hd. Qrs. 2 nd Corps
My Dr Wife:
I send back today the most of my baggage -- we have a general cutting down so as to reduce
our wagons from 4000 to 2000, I send, let me see, here is the invoice:
1 Carpet Bag full of sundries, some fine cotton & Hdkfs & Gloves & Coffee & tea &
soap &c for you & the Key enclosed, also 2 bunches of S.C. Soup of [deleted: ] is a fine seasoning for a pot of vegetables -- 2 striped tick you can use
1 Box, Key enclosed, containing books, papers &c, part public
property & 3/4 of a ream 3 bundles of note paper, sell to Mr. Cowan 2 bundles, they are
worth $20 each I suppose keep one, the broken one, for your own use, I owe Mr. Cowan some
& wish to pay him & Dr. Young $10 -- that he paid for binding for me - pay him
from the proceeds -- you can judge what is mine & what public -- have all cared for --
1 Long box of Maps and Drawing paper
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have it taken care of
--
1 Mess Box and Contents -- One Comfort, in it, jars, tin &c &c
1
Stove Pipe
1 Tent Fly }Have them put away --
1 A Tent, new, }
2 Knapsacks which
two of my friends wish to have stored --
1 Bundle of maps, wrapped up in my bed tick --
you can use the tick I do not want it -- My jacket's in my carpet bag, you can use it for Allen
--
1 Shade & 1 pick --
If my bundle did not reach home before it will go by
my wagon & you will get that the -- driver will get it in Winchester -- I also send a
bottle of [unclear: Copperas] -- a fine article -- I write to you about the indigo --
You can send to Mrs. Jno. Harman for it --. I have been so busy
assorting & fixing that I have not much
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Writing humor in me -- If you mak me some shirts make them "long tailed" Write
how the goods suit & how much there is of them so I may know if it is necessary to buy
more if opportunity offers -- We passed safely over the river, with but little loss -- less
than we inflicted on the enemy that pursued -- and are now encamped near Darkesville &
Bunker's Hill -- the enemys cavalry making some demonstrations near
the river, all else quiet -- Our wagon train is so large as to impede greatly the movements of
the army & by reducing it we promote the efficiency of the army & we are all
ready to do any thing to promote that -- I hope you are all getting along comfortably, pleasantly I cannot expect, in the gloom of the present -- the seemingly
thick
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darkness that envelopes us -- but I do not despair in the least -- &
only look upon it as the darkness before the dawn -- looking for the Republic to come brightly
out of all its tribulations -- it is no time to think of coming home, else I would apply for
permission & try & come -- Wait in patience my Love, for the days of peace must
come -- write to me often & tell me if there is anything I can do to lighten the burden
of your cares & add to the comfort of my loved ones at home -- " O! had I the wings of
a dove, how soon would I fly away & come to you -- I have no news to write -- so be of
good cheer -- heartily thank God for his many mercies & implore the continuance of his
favor -- My kisses for my dear children -- and love & prayers for you all Write soon --
Your Aff. husband
Jed. Hothckiss
