Nadenbousch writes to his wife from Staunton about plans to move to the town. He discusses his efforts to purchase a house and get out of the service. He also praises the attentiveness of the town's inhabitants, and gives instructions to his wife to prepare for the move and trip down the Valley.
Nadenbousch writes his wife to report on his efforts to purchase a house or property in Staunton. He gives her instructions on preparing to move the family to Staunton, including items to pack and tasks to accomplish on the farm. He lists prices of many goods in town. He also discusses the possible purchase of a lucrative hotel now being used as a hospital.
Nadenbousch has sent a messenger to his wife and asks her to relay information through him regarding the state of affairs at home and the possibility of moving the family to Staunton. He has rented a house there and sends directions to prepare for the trip.
Nadenbousch writes his wife to complain that he has had no response to his previous letters. He guesses she has not written out of fear that the letter would not be permitted through the lines. He again asks her to write with details on affairs at home. He reports renting a house for her, and his need for a pair of shoes.
Nadenbousch writes his wife a brief note introducing Miss Hieskell, who will convey information and forward Nadenbousch any letters devoid of war news.
Nadenbousch writes to his wife to report that he has rented a house and inquires about preparation for moving the family to Staunton. He expresses the desire to get out of the service, and laments how much domestic life the war has caused him to miss. He sends messages to his children, especially his son Freddy who has reportedly been "running about" and acquiring "bad habits."
Nadenbousch sends a quick note to his wife asking her to write him by "flag of truce" if necessary.
Nadenbousch writes to his son Frederick and praises him for going to school. He says he has heard of his "wild and unruly behavior," however, and lectures him on the importance of being a good boy. He gives him instructions for the care of animals on the farm and procuring boots for the family. Nadenbousch also describes life in Staunton, discusses his purchase of a hotel there, talks of his desire to leave the army and see his family, and writes about friends and relatives.
Nadenbousch writes his wife and announces arrangements are going forward to open the hotel he has purchased. He regrets his wife will not be able to join him in Staunton, but suggests that perhaps Freddy should be sent as a cure for his "reckless" behavior. He also discusses supplies he would like sent.
Nadenbousch has heard that the children have whooping cough and suspects that will hinder his plan to move the family to Staunton. He gives directions to his wife in case she does come, and includes a list of supplies to bring. He also discusses preparations for opening the hotel.
Nadenbousch writes as "Mr. Nobody" to his wife. He gives her instructions to follow if she decides to move the family to Staunton, including a list of items he needs. He describes the hotel he has purchased and his plans for opening. He complains that she does not write often enough, and expresses the desire to leave the service.
Nadenbousch writes to his wife to inform her that Captain Brown may arrive in Martinsburg, and can help her move if she decides to bring the family to Staunton. If she chooses not to come, he asks that she send supplies for the hotel, and any goods in advance of a future move.
Nadenbousch assures his wife he is not crazy, and promises to stop requesting anything besides the presence of his family. He reports that the hotel is open. He also discusses financial issues and sends messages to his children.
Nadenbousch writes his wife and describes the operations of his hotel, mentions his desire to resign from the service, complains about the few letters he receives and discusses acquaintances.
Nadenbousch writes his wife and reports on his successful hotel business. He mentions he has tendered his resignation and hopes they can be together in the Spring.
Nadenbousch writes his wife and expresses his unhappiness at being separated from his family. He discusses his pending resignation, and revives the idea of the family moving to Staunton. He complains that he does not receive enough letters from home.
Nadenbousch sends his wife a quick note by a lady traveling North. He urges her to respond with a full letter, complaining that she never writes.
Nadenbousch writes his wife, alarmed by reports that necessity has compelled her to do her own work. He urges her to hire help, and revives the idea of moving the family to Staunton. He instructs her on making arrangements and mentions items he needs. He also reports on the management of the hotel and discusses his pending resignation from service.
Nadenbousch writes his wife thanking her for the pictures of the family she sent. He sends messages for all the children, and instructions on how to care for them. He worries about his wife's "delicate" appearance, and complains of his loneliness. He also discusses his pending resignation and news about friends and family.
Nadenbousch responds to his wife's worries regarding confiscation of their property by Federal soldiers. He assures his wife he has enough money to sustain the family, and to not worry too much if some property is lost. He also complains about his loneliness and his suffering from rheumatism. He urges his wife to come to Staunton if things become too difficult at home.
Nadenbousch writes his wife with the good news that his resignation has been accepted and he is out of the army. He will come home as soon as he is well and able. For the moment, he will not because he does not wish to take an oath of loyalty to the Union. He tells his wife not to worry about confiscation of their property, as everything will be sorted out after the war. He expresses the opinion that the coming campaigns will decide the issue and asserts that Confederate forces are in good shape and highly motivated by such issues as the enlistment of black men in the Union army. He also sends messages for his children.
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.
Nadenbousch writes his wife with reports of casualties in the Confederate Army. He reports on his health and hotel business. He also urges her to send news from home, especially regarding confiscation. He sends a message to his children and discusses his domestic life.
Nadenbousch writes his wife and states he is doing well in Staunton, which is now occupied by Federal troops. He reports that many of the officers have been staying at the Hotel, and there is little disruption in daily life. He expresses impatience with life separated from his family by war, and hopes to wrap up his business in Staunton and move home. He also discusses financial and family matters.
Nadenbousch sends a friend bearing a note to his wife. He hopes for an end to the war so he can see his family and "live in peace." He says that business at the Hotel has been slow due to destruction of the railroad. He also discusses financial matters, the possibility of his returning home with a pass, and mutual acquaintances.
Nadenbousch writes his wife that business is slow, and he is thinking about shutting down. He discusses his health, his loneliness, his desire to come home, and mutual friends. He sends messages for his children, and gives news of recent battles and casualties.
Nadenbousch writes a quick note to his wife announcing his plans to come home in a few days. He instructs her to show hospitality to his business partner who will deliver the note.
Nadenbousch writes his wife and announces his safe arrival back in Staunton. He expresses pleasure that Freddy has come with him, and says he is doing well. He mentions many items that he forgot to bring, which he would now like sent. He also discusses household and financial matters.
Nadenbousch writes his wife and reports a safe arrival in Staunton after a difficult journey. He says that Freddy is doing well, and mentions the work he does at the hotel. He also discusses his efforts to sell the hotel, including his decision to hold on to it until after the war to take advantage of better currency values. He also discusses supplies he is shipping from home.
Nadenbousch writes his wife worried that his last letter may not have gone through. He discusses hotel business, Freddy's happiness and activities, and mutual acquaintances. He sends an inventory of supplies he needs, and asks that they be shipped.
Freddy writes his mother and describes the long trip to Staunton, the death of Henry, and his activities at the hotel. He sends messages for his sisters and friends at home.
Nadenbousch writes his wife and reports on how he and Freddy are doing. He asserts that he can't stand the thought of his wife doing her own work, and discusses the possibility of sending her an Irish servant girl. He itemizes the things that were lost in his trip to Staunton.
Nadenbousch writes his wife Hester who is despondent over being left alone and without domestic help. He cannot come home and stay because he refuses to take an oath of loyalty to the Federal government and fears arrest. Instead, he has hired an Irish servant girl for Hester, and will send his slave Louise if that does not work out. He discusses moving Hester and the family to Staunton as a third option, even if it means loss of property to the Federals. He cannot get out of Staunton to visit home because of the shifting battle lines. Nadenbousch also discusses financial matters.
Nadenbousch writes his wife and describes the difficulties he has had in attempting to go home for a visit. He encourages his wife to leave their property to chance, and move to Staunton. He explains that he cannot come home permanently for fear of arrest by the Federals. He also informs her he is sending her an Irish servant girl, and itemizes the goods lost on his last journey to Staunton.
Nadenbousch writes his wife to say that he and Freddy are doing well but lonely, and hopes the family can soon be together. He discusses business in Staunton, including prices of various supplies. He praises his wife for the job she has done managing things at home, including tasks to which she was unaccustomed. He comments on Lincoln's reelection and hopes it may bring peace soon. He sends instructions to his wife on preparing for winter, and dealing with individuals with whom he has outstanding business.
Nadenbousch writes his wife and laments that the war has kept the family apart for three years. He discusses his business, and news of family and friends.
Nadenbousch writes his wife and complains of his loneliness without her. He describes a trip with Freddy to Richmond, and discusses business plans. He also describes his domestic life in Staunton.
Nadenbousch writes his wife and describes the lonely life he and Freddy are leading. He expresses his frustration at a life separated from his family, and laments the four years they have been apart. He discusses running the hotel and a store in Staunton. He also sends several I.O.U.'s his wife can collect for her own use.
Nadenbousch writes his wife to report that he and Freddy are well. He discusses the financial drafts he sent but failed to endorse. He urges Hester to visit him in Staunton. He also discusses the people's enthusiasm for the Confederate cause evident at a recent meeting.
Nadenbousch writes his wife and reports that he and Freddy are well. He discusses financial matters, the advisability of his wife coming to live in Staunton, and mutual friends. He reports that the railroad near Staunton has been destroyed, making life in town very dull.
Nadenbousch writes his wife and reports that he and Freddy are well. He is split between closing up his business operation in Staunton and coming home, moving his family to town, or continuing to live alone in Staunton. He explains that he cannot take a loyalty oath to the Federal government as it would harm his relationship with his friends. He also discusses the education of his children, financial matters, and mutual friends.
Return to the War Years Personal Papers
Franklin County Personal Papers: Eve of War | War Years | Aftermath
Augusta County Personal Papers: Eve of War | War Years | Aftermath
