Augusta County: Hannah to Enos Ott, November 3, 1864
Summary:
In this letter to her Uncle, Hannah informs him of each family member's recent
activities, including Henry's unhappiness at the military keeping troops under
guard while stationed in Staunton.
Moffetts Creek
Nov. 4th
From Home
Mr. Enos Ott
Camp
Lee
Richmond
Virginia
Care Rev H.
Brown
Mr. Enos Ott
Nov 3d 1864
Willow Row
My Dear Uncle
Yours of Oct 29th was received
day before yesterday. Jennie went to her father's last friday and has not yet
retruned. I went with her, was at church friday and saturday. She and Becca
expected to go down the country this week but I think it is doubtful whether
they have gone yet as yesterday was rainy, and today is cloudy and cool. Jennie
told us to open your letters if we received any in her absence. You spoke of
needing your overcoat but did not say whether we should it, if we have a safe
opportunity. I do not know that we will have an opportunity unless we box it up
and send by express to Camp Lee. You also spoke of a pair of boots but did not
tell us to get them made. I believe Rowe is not yet able to work, and if he was
we would not know which leather to take and I reckon Rowe has not your measure.
Uncle Henry did not get home but Mr. Black saw him in
Staunton on saturday, he said they [added: about 400]
were sent up to Staunton under guard and kept there under guard left camp [deleted: ] about one oclock saturday. We have not heard from them since,
being kept under guard (Mr. Black said) was right galling
to the men but they had to submit. They
[page 2]
did not like to be put with
and treated as deserters, and shirkers. Uncle H sent up the veil you sent, and I
sent it to Jennie on monday. We are all doing the best we can. Alex stays with
us and helps Alfred. There has been some cider made at the mill Alex attends to
it, Aunt Mag refused to let people make it at first but when she found that he
could attend to it she did not hinder. Mr. Decker was here
last week, said he wanted to saw a stick this week for something about M H Mill,
but has not come on yet to do it. Mr. Taliaferro sent [unclear: some]
word the other day that he wants all the plank that is at the Mill, that he will
haul some sticks in place, he knew I was writing to Uncle H. at the time and
wished me to write about that, which I did, though I told Alex I thought
doubtful if he [added: Uncle H] knew any thing [added: or much,] about it and I thought it was your
[deleted: understanding] intention for him to have it, so I
thought I tell you and when you write you can say something about it, if you
think necessary. Are there many of your men found for light duty and assigned to
heavy artillery are you drilling any or learning how to fire your guns. I
suppose from what you say in your letter that [deleted:
men
]
[added: you] sometimes have to go in the trenches as
well as mind your guns. I believe I have no news to write when you please try
and give us all the news you can Take good care of yourself, keep in good
spirits. Put your trust in God, and I pray God to bless cure accept and take
care of (preserve) you, and bring you home in His good time may that good time
be soon.
Believe me to be your affectionate Neice
Hannah
