Augusta County: John Quincy Adams Nadenbousch to
Hester J. Nadenbousch, May 8, 1864
Summary:
Nadenbousch writes his wife with news of a battle on The Rapidan river and
includes mention of casualties and wounded arriving in Staunton. He says most
regard it as the decisive battle of the war, and reports high spirits among the
Confederates. He also discusses matters at home, including the confiscation of
the mill by the Federals. He reports his health is recovering and discusses
running the hotel.
May 8/64
Staunton Va
Dearest Hester
I find that I have an oppertunity of at best starting a letter to you & I write hoping that it may reach you safely
The weather here is warm & pleasant, the persons are generally done planting corn. We have no new vegetables here yet except Sparagrass
Since the weather has settled I have improved somewhat in my health but by no means well yet I am moving about regularly but suffer much with Rheumatism in one leg & shoulders & back. I have been trying my old remedy. Cotton wadding which I think improves me. hope to continue improving until recover entirely
There is some excitement and anxiety here in consequence of the hard fighting on the rapid Ann which has been going on since [deleted: Friday] [added: Thursday] last
The reports here say heavy loss on both sides. the Federals have been driven back
at all points with great slaughter & are said to still be retreating
& Lee pursuing. The stonewall Brigd was
again fully engaged & loss considerable The 2
nd
Regt lost Lt
Col R Randolph from Clarke Co
Va.
Lt Grubbs of same county & four (4)
privates no losses of persons from our section of country. I have enquired
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particularly and can learn of none up to yesterday 7th & think there is no fighting today Hunters, Jack Harrison,
Drebbing, Riddle, & all seem to be spared If any accident has happened I
will try & get you word promptly as I know the friends are so anxious to hear
This is regarded as being the decisive battle of the war all think that Lees victory or success will be complete the army seemed to be much cheered & confident of the result but mourn the loss of Many a gallant Comrade I do hope that this may be the last battle of the war. to think of the dreadful carnage is distressing. god grant that the end may soon Come, that we may at an early day enjoy the blessings of peace at our quiet & devoted homes
The Federals have advanced from several directions but preparations seem to have
been made for to meet them at all points & they have been successfully
repulsed & driven at all points The Confederates seem fully determined
on a decisive victory & nothing will make it otherwise but annihilation
of the Southern Armies Some few of our wounded are arriving here this (Monday
Morning) but very few all seem hopeful & in good spirits as to the
result We have nothing new here to write you all getting along well. we are
still operating the Hotel I am now running the machine and get along quite well
Louise has been acting housekeeper for some weeks
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giving out
provisions &c &c - I am managing the house entirely.
How I would like to have you here to cheer & comfort my gloomy house I hope by the blessing of god soon to be able to get home. keep prepared to come out whenever oppertunity may offer
I hesitate to write about our private matters fully but act as [added: previously] directed I have much to say to you but have to forbear now I learn that the Yankees have taken the mill & that Walker has rented & running it x x I would be glad to know the facts of this matter Cant you write me on this subject
I must close writing as the bearer is about leaving in the stage So take care of your self & the little fellows & keep things allright
By the way I never got the lace stockings- I sent you a Draft of 100$ on Maryland the other day did you get it have it collected as directed in note
Give my love to all friends
To the children be good & kind May god bless & protect you I hope soon to see you all. The later news from the army is brilliant
God bless & protect you ever
Yours ever
J Q A Nadenbousch
