Augusta County: Jedediah Hotchkiss to Sara A. Hotchkiss, May 13,
1864
Summary:
Hotchkiss relates news of continued fighting, including deaths and results.
Sara A. Hotchkiss
Friday May 13th 1864
My Dear --
Yesterday we had a terriffic battle from 4 AM to 3 P. M. the
hardest of the war the enemy under cover of a dense fog came in our line at 4 AM &
broke it & captured 20 pieces of Arty -- we drove them
back & fought them all day -- repulsed every attack & are still masters of our
position -- We lost heavily in Killed wounded & prisoners but are still in good
condition & they have done the best they could -- two of the Bell boys were killed --
Gen. Wilkes had his arm broken & Gen. Johnson was captured -- the result of the dense
fog which
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coverd the first attack of at least 30000 men on
one point -- we gained every advantage after that & have great case for gratitude as Grant threw his whole force upon our corps -- We drove them away
& a mile from our right -- Grant tried to break our center. It rained nearly all day
but the fight was continued -- One of Rodes' staff & one of Early's was killed -- Mrs.
Wise's son was well last night -- I came by his battery after the fight -- [unclear: I
am] well [illeg.] haste
Yr Aff H --
Jed. Hotchkiss
Have of Food Radishes Onions Potatoes Corn Beans Sweet N Sour Pickles [illeg.] Peaches Celerry & Huckleberry Pies Coffee, milk & water Resp. Manager & Mine & Cahis
