Augusta County: Jedediah Hotchkiss to Sara A. Hotchkiss,
September 3, 1864
Summary:
Hotchkiss relates to his wife the latest troop movements and skirmishes. He also discusses
the coming presidential election in the North, particularly the McClellan ticket and its
implications for peace.
Sara A. Hotchkiss
Sept. 3 rd 1864 --
Hd. Qrs. V. D. Stephenson's Depot
My Dear Sara:
Yours of the 27
th
came to hand in two days -- the first late news I have had from
you in a long time -- so you know it must have been very welcome -- the more so that it
contained good news -- that is news of your good health & spiritis & the
good rains & prospects of something to eat &c. We are constantly moving
about, as usual; yesterday we moved from Bunker's Hill towards Charlestown, intending to attack
the enemy, Averill found we were moving & drove in our cavalry Vaughn's Brigade, which
offered but little resistance to him & then ran away leaving some 14 wagons in his
hands & compelling us to return from our movement to look after him -- we drove him
away & recaptured some of the wagons -- We came back here for the night -- had a
very
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long march -- Today we move again, back to Bunker's Hill & then after
the Yankees again. It is said part of the Yankee troops have gone to City Point -- if so we
shall give them a staggering blow -- We cannot rely upon our cavalry to hold points &
that makes it very difficult for us to move rapidly as we have to guard our trains constantly
We learn by the late papers that McClellan & Pendleton are the nominees of the Chicago
Convention -- I have not seen the Platform -- but think it must be a peace one -- Pendleton is
a southern man in principle & it is thought he will be for peace -- everything
indicates a strong peace movement in the North & they may succeed in electing their
candidates The nights are getting quite cold, but the days are very pleasant. I will write to
Mr. Geeding about the horse -- should like to know what he will
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give -- he knows
what horses sell for now -- Ask him?
Sept. 5
th
-- I did not finish my letter before we were started off to join Gen. Anderson who had
gon to Berryville & there met & defeated the advance of the Yankees towards
Winchester -- whipping a corps with a division -- We went down to aid him & found the
Yanks had entrenched themselves strongly so we did not attack them, but the defeat Anderson
gave them caused their cavalry to come back from a raid they had started way up the Valley, so
our object was accomplished -- Yesterday we came back to Stephensons where we now are, in time to join our Cavalry in a fight they were having
with Averill & we drove him back several miles, until dark stopped the pursuit -- One
of Alfred Wilson's sons was wounded in the fight, not severly
though -- we had several of the Cavalry killed & wounded -- They behaved well
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It rained very hard last night & today it is very moist -- We are being smoked by
camp fires & lounging round to pass the day -- I think the rain will do much good --
making the ground fit for plowing. I suppose McClellan will be elected as nearly all the Army
of the Potomac goes for him -- Pendleton, the nominee for Vice Pres., is a man with strong
Southern feelings & a peace man, it is said -- Evidently the Peace & War men
have made a compromise matter of the nominations & will all be for peace if the signs
of the times are as much in our favor as they are now. We are very well assured of the fall of
Atlanta, since the Yanks have official despatches announcing it,
but we are full of hope that even good may come from temporary ill & that Hood has not
given up the place but for good & sufficient reasons -- I am in excellent health --
Hope to hear from you today again -- it seems a long time between your letters - Love to the
children & blessings for you from our Merciful Heavenly Father -- Write often My Sweet
one --
Your Aff. husband
Jed. Hotchkiss
P.S. I send you, by mail, the May Iss. of Harper's Magazine --
