Valley Personal Papers


Return to Browse | Return to Search

Bibliographic Information | Original Version

Augusta County: John Quincy Adams Nadenbousch to Hester J. Nadenbousch, September 22, 1863

Summary:
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."


September 22nd 1863

Staunton Virginia

Dear Wife

I avail myself of a few moments to write you. I am still here and well, and doing as well as can be expected I have rented a house in the country some few miles in case you can get to move out, but think it best not to come without your household effects, as such here would be hard to get, and could not live without them. [deleted: and] the rent will not be much & I had better pay the rent than to miss having a place in case should need it. I wrote you several times to try & see if you could be allowed to move your things out here & if could get teams to move say to Woodstock & I would meet you there with teams to bring you on up &c. have you learned this if so why not send me word what the result is if you Cant write get some one else to write me, Henry, Moses John or Jimmy C. or someone I am anxious to know what to count on If you will not be allowed to bring your things, unless Molested or interfered with or uncomfortable or unpleasantly situated there, I rather think best to remain there for the present but if not Comfortable & pleasant there Move to the country or Come on up here with

[page 2]
what you will be allowed to bring. I still think I will be able to get out of the service soon and can be with you altogether but how soon I can't say. this is uncertain. I have made every effort I can now with propriety, and must hold still for at least a short time, before making another effort. I assure you I am quite anxious to be with you continually. it seems that this war has cut me out of 2 1/2 years of my life. My daily thoughts are about you and the children but I learned that you were getting along well & not interfered with but I have not received a letter from you detailing all the little ups & downs & private domestic matters that I feel[deleted: ed] concerned about but I hope you are all getting along in every sense of the word well. I had some intimation that Freddy was running about without any constraint & getting in bad habits. do try and prevent this. try & keep him about home or at school & do keep him from being knocked about & getting into bad habits & read to him the following & the other children also. Freddy I learn that you are running about & getting into bad habits. Now do prevent this do you stay about home keep out of bad company do not run with those bad boys. such conduct leads boys to ruin. attend school try & learn all you can & make a smart man of yourself. look after the wants of your Ma - & sisters do all you can to make them comfortable

[page 3]
& happy. remember they have no help now there but you. try & conduct yourself like a little man do what is right to all & keep away from the evil ones be kind to all And then every one will like & praise you. Now do this & see after all you can for the family You attend to things as I usually did & dont run about the streets with the bad boys take good care of your little sisters & treat them kindly. I hope to be home soon & will be glad to hear that you conduct & behavior has been good can't you write me a letter you ought to write letters by this time tell me of the Cow the dog the fruit hogs & wood &c&c-

Hester try & let me know how you are being provide for wood &c &c. - And what prospect for winter meat &c Can't Mary write or Miss Jane might if you cant & send to Winchester to Harrison Bowers or Mr Arnold

I have nothing new to write you I would like to have a pair of soft shoes- say Congress Gators number 7, such as I used to have Shoe the family well Get Moses to send you 1 [added: or 2] calf skin [deleted: or] 1 side [unclear: hip] & 1 side sole leather and keep it in the house if you should move so to bring it along try & get me word that I will know what to rely upon if you can't come then I will stop thinking about it little girls do you be kind to each other be obedient

[page 4]
to your Ma & be good girls Make Freddy be a good boy give My love to Mary A- [unclear: --y] & lucy- also cousin [unclear: Lute] & Aunt Peggy

Tell Cousin Mary the Confederacy is all right yet

No More but remain

Yours ever

John Quincy Adams Nadenbousch



Return to Full Valley Archive