Augusta County: Jedediah Hotchkiss to Sara A. Hotchkiss,
December 6, 1863
Summary:
Hotchkiss writes to his wife, describing a skirmish with the Union troops, and discussing the
patriotism of the soldiers in the Army of Northern Virginia.
Sara A. Hotchkiss
Dec. 6 th 1863
"Morton House" -- Orange Co. Va --
My Dear One:
This is Sunday night & though I have written to you this week & have nothing
of interest to communicate, I cannot forgo my custom of having a chat with you at this time
regularly -- It is said the enemy has removed his infantry across the Rappahanock into Fauquier
Co -- only keeping his cavalry in Culpeper -- his trains of wagons to his calvalry pass down to
their camps in full view of our infantry camps -- & yesterday some of our men went over
yesterday & had a skirmish with them. Some think Gen. Lee may go over to attack Meade,
but I hope not, it is too late in the season, & we might find ourselves in the midst of
a winter storm & suffer much. Today has been quite cold, sharp wind -- I have spent the
day at home, reading & talking. Read Doddridge's Life, my Bible &c. Mr. Lacy
preached in one of the Brigades not far from here -- He is a good talker & has now
formed one of my mess & consequently I see much of him -- he always has something good
to tell & whiles away much of the tedium of the men -- society, camp life &c.
Everyone longs for the conclusion of the war & a return to their homes, yet no one
talks of giving but until our liberties are obtained -- come what may. A few days ago, while we
were in the [unclear: near ch] I found Wash. Reeves
& Lil. Stout marching back from where they
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had been as a guard &
they told me they had not had any rations for a day & a half -- so I invited them to
come and spend the night with me, as our camp was near -- & I had a big supper prepared
and you may believe they did it justice, it would have done you good to see the hungry fellows
eat -- they slept in my tent & breakfasted with me & then went to camp -- very
grateful for my hospitality -- they are both good soldiers - Reeves an excellent one &
very neat -- Lil retains much of his former self, but has been improved by the duties &
labors of a common soldier -- Our men endured much hard labor unrepiningly during our late
movement - - in fact I do not thing the world ever saw a nobler & more unselfish set of
men than the Army of Northern Va -- I shall apply for my furlough some time about the 20
th
& intend to ask for 20 days. I much hope that Richard will come up before I get
home -- I know Garber is very loth to part with him, but he promised me that he might come when
he got his fall work done -- But some way will be provided I trust, for the Lord has been very
gracious to us in these days of trial & suffering & let us humbly acknowledge
his mercy & strive to obey in all things his most holy commandments -- Kiss my little
daughters for me, may the Lord make them good & amiable, abounding in modesty &
all Christian graces -- May the Lord bless & keep you all -- My loved ones --
Ever sincerly your husband
Jed. Hotchkiss
