Letters of Jedediah Hotchkiss, 1860-1865
- U. Burrows to Sara Hotchkiss, August 1, 1860
U. Burrows writes to Sara Hotchkiss with information
concerning several
financial transactions, including a sale of land.
- Jedediah Hotchkiss to Sara Hotchkiss, June 27,
1861
Hotchkiss describes his activities en route to camp in
Monterey, Virginia. He writes about travelling and sleeping
conditions, the scenery, and people's reactions to the beginning
conflict.
- Jedediah Hotchkiss to Sara Hotchkiss, July 5, 1861
Hotchkiss relates the remainder of his journey to Camp
Garnett,
discusses his efforts to secure a position in the army, and describes
his surveying work.
- Jedediah Hotchkiss to Sara Hotchkiss, July 7, 1861
Hotchkiss describes a small engagement with Federal forces,
resulting in casualties on both sides. He remains uncertain about a
possible job with the army and writes more about camp
life.
- Jedediah Hotchkiss to Sara Hotchkiss, July 17,
1861
Hotchkiss writes about camp life. He discusses a recent
battle that
resulted in the death of General Garnett and the capture, by the
Yankees, of hundreds of Confederate troops, many of whom were then
paroled.
- Jedediah Hotchkiss to Sara Hotchkiss, July 18,
1861
Hotchkiss describes the return of paroled prisoners
captured in a
recent battle. He also gives his wife instructions concerning items he
wishes sent to him.
- Jedediah Hotchkiss to Sara Hotchkiss, July 22,
1861
Hotchkiss writes to his wife concerning his hopes of
getting leave
to go home, his recent illness, and living conditions in
camp.
- Jedediah Hotchkiss to Editor of the Richmond Whig,
July 22, 1861
Hotchkiss relates a description of the battle at Rich
Mountain to
the Editor of the Richmond Whig.
- Jedediah Hotchkiss to Governor Letcher,
July 27, 1861
Hotchkiss writes to Governor Letcher on behalf of a
Colonel Heck, who was captured and sent to a Union prison. He
asks Letcher to consider a prisoner exchange so that Heck's
regiment may be reorganized as it was before the war.
- Jedediah Hotchkiss to Sara Hotchkiss, July 30,
1861
Hotchkiss describes his recent illness, the army's move
from
McDowell to Monterey, Va., and the possibilities for a post with
General Lee's staff.
- Jedediah Hotchkiss to Sara Hotchkiss, August 3,
1861
Hotchkiss discusses his typhoid attack and his employment
in making
maps.
- Jedediah Hotchkiss to Sara Hotchkiss, August 4, 1861
Hotchkiss describes a quiet Sunday in camp and the religious
services that took place. He also discusses his activities making maps.
- Jedediah Hotchkiss to Sara Hotchkiss, August 11, 1861
Hotchkiss describes his efforts to furnish his tent, about visitors to
camp, and about the items he sent his wife, Sara.
- Jedediah Hotchkiss to Sara Hotchkiss, August 16, 1861
Hotchkiss describes his continued search for a permanent appointment
with the army, the presence of Yankees in Virginia, and he also discusses the
treatment of sick soldiers by women.
- Jedediah Hotchkiss to Sara Hotchkiss, August 24, 1861
Hotchkiss describes camp life, including food and shelter. He
includes a floorplan drawing of his tent.
- Jedediah Hotchkiss to Sara Hotchkiss, August 26, 1861
Hotchkiss writes a brief note concerning his appointment as Lieutenant of
Engineers by General Loring.
- Jedediah Hotchkiss to Sara Hotchkiss, August [?], 1861
A brief note by Hotchkiss, telling of the possibility of getting a
furlough.
- Jedediah Hotchkiss to Sara Hotchkiss, September 17, 1861
Hotchkiss describes a 7-day march towards the Yankees which ended with
Jackson's failure to attack.
- Jedediah Hotchkiss to Nelson Hotchkiss, September 18, 1861
Hotchkiss describes an extended march that ended in a failure to engage the
Federal forces, his poor health, and other miscellaneous news.
- Lydia Hotchkiss to Family, December 28, 1861
Lydia Hotchkiss writes to her children, relating information about
agricultural prospects, health and illnesses, and other local news.
- Jedediah Hotchkiss to Sara Hotchkiss, [?] 15, 1861
Hotchkiss writes of a recent battle defeat and retreat.
- Jedediah Hotchkiss to Sara Hotchkiss, March 18, 1862
Hotchkiss describes the movement and encampment of the army.
- Jedediah Hotchkiss to Sara Hotchkiss, March 21, 1862
Hotchkiss describes the army's current encampment, the weather, and the
mustering in of militia units.
- Jedediah Hotchkiss to Sara Hotchkiss, March 23, 1862
Hotchkiss recounts being mustered into the Confederate army and
describes some troop movement.
- Jedediah Hotchkiss to Sara Hotchkiss, March 25, 1862
Hotchkiss reacts to the news of his children's illness and recounts the
results of a recent battle.
- Jedediah Hotchkiss to Sara Hotchkiss, March 26, 1862
Hotchkiss expresses his relief at his daughter's recovery from Scarlet Fever
and providing details concerning the losses and outcome of a battle and continuing
skirmishes.
- Jedediah Hotchkiss to Sara Hotchkiss, March 26, 1862
Hotchkiss describes the Confederate army's movements and the women of
Winchester. He also conveys news of soldiers from Augusta County.
- Jedediah Hotchkiss to Sara Hotchkiss, March 30, 1862
Hotchkiss writes of his appointment as Acting Topographical Engineer on
General Jackson's staff and of the drafting of all the militia units into the
regular Confederate army.
- Jedediah Hotchkiss to Sara Hotchkiss, April 2, 1862
Hotchkiss describes skirmishes with Federal forces. He also discusses his
new position in the army and gives brief details about the battle of
Kernstown.
- Jedediah Hotchkiss to Sara Hotchkiss, April 4, 1862
Hotchkiss reports on the draft conducted by the Confederate government. He
discusses his daughter's illness and describes the various people he has met
recently.
- Jedediah Hotchkiss to Sara Hotchkiss, April 10, 1862
A brief note from Hotchkiss to his wife, telling of recent bad weather and its
effects on the soldiers.
- Jedediah Hotchkiss to Sara Hotchkiss, April 10, 1862
Hotchkiss answers some questions that his wife had asked concerning their
finances. He also discusses their hired slave, Allen, and requests that his wife
send certain items.
- Jedediah Hotchkiss to Sara Hotchkiss, April 14, 1862
Hotchkiss describes the members of General Jackson's staff to his wife, and
relates some news about the Confederate draft, the militia, and a prisoner from
New York.
- Jedediah Hotchkiss to Sara Hotchkiss, April 17, 1862
Hotchkiss relates news of a skirmish and describes his current lodgings.
- Jedediah Hotchkiss to Sara Hotchkiss, April 20, 1862
Hotchkiss describes an expedition to burn several bridges, ending in a
skirmish with Federal forces and a Confederate retreat.
- Jedediah Hotchkiss to Sara Hotchkiss, April 24, 1862
Hotchkiss relates news of the Federal forces in Winchester and discusses the
election of army officers.
- Jedediah Hotchkiss to Sara Hotchkiss, May 3, 1862
Hotchkiss describes Confederate and Federal troop movement in western
Virginia and the Shenandoah Valley.
- Jedediah Hotchkiss to Sara Hotchkiss, May 3, 1862
Hotchkiss describes his activities in observing Federal forces and the
army's attempts to build a corduroy road.
- Jedediah Hotchkiss to Sara Hotchkiss, May 8, 1862
Hotchkiss writes that the Confederate army is passing close to Augusta
County, and that he hopes to be able to see his wife.
- Jedediah Hotchkiss to Sara Hotchkiss, May 9, 1862
Hotchkiss describes the battle and results of the recent action at Bull
Pasture Mountain.
- Jedediah Hotchkiss to Sara Hotchkiss, May 10, 1862
Hotchkiss describes the retreat of the Federal forces towards Moorefield,
Virginia, and lists numbers and names of the dead and wounded.
- Jedediah Hotchkiss to Sara Hotchkiss, May 25, 1862
A brief note from Hotchkiss to his wife to tell about a Confederate victory over General Banks.
- Jedediah Hotchkiss to Sara Hotchkiss, May 26, 1862
Hotchkiss gives a detailed account of the Confederate forces' retaking of
Winchester and of their drive to push the Federal forces out of the Valley.
- Jedediah Hotchkiss to Sara Hotchkiss, May [?], 1862
Hotchkiss writes about traveling and gives miscellaneous instructions for
those at home.
- Jedediah Hotchkiss to Sara Hotchkiss, June 4, 1862
Hotchkiss writes a brief note to his wife telling about bad weather.
- Jedediah Hotchkiss to Nelson Hotchkiss, June 4, 1862
Hotchkiss writes to his brother to ask him to hire someone to help Hotchkiss'
wife on the farm. He also relates news about the army, including the exploits
of General Ashby.
- Jedediah Hotchkiss to Sara Hotchkiss, June 10, 1862
Hotchkiss gives some details about a recent battle and about efforts to drive the Federal forces from the Valley.
- Jedediah Hotchkiss to Sara Hotchkiss, June 15, 1862
Hotchkiss relates news of skirmishes with Federal forces and of Confederate
successes against Generals Shields and Fremont. He also describes the harsh
treatment of civilians by Fremont's "Dutch" troops.
- Jedediah Hotchkiss to Sara Hotchkiss, June 24, 1862
Hotchkiss requests his wife to send him certain items from home, mostly food
and clothing.
- Jedediah Hotchkiss to Sara Hotchkiss, July 4, 1862
Hotchkiss relates some brief details about a battle at Turkey Point, below
Richmond.
- Jedediah Hotchkiss to Sara Hotchkiss, July 15, 1862
Hotchkiss writes to tell his wife that he will not be able to go home for a
visit as planned because of possible battle activity near Gordonsville, where Jackson's troops will be needed.
- Jedediah Hotchkiss to Sara Hotchkiss, July 18, 1862
Hotchkiss describes his trip from Staunton to Gordonsville. He also talks about the conditions in
camp and the possibilities for future battles.
- Jedediah Hotchkiss to Sara Hotchkiss, July 22, 1862
Hotchkiss describes the army's encampment north of Gordonsville after a
battle near Richmond.
- Jedediah Hotchkiss to Sara Hotchkiss, July 27, 1862
Hotchkiss writes of continued skirmishes with Federal troops, an attack of
cholera, his desire for food from home, and his opinions on his daughter's education.
- Jedediah Hotchkiss to Nelson Hotchkiss, July 27, 1862
Hotchkiss relates miscellaneous information about the army and gives his
brother instructions to send him certain items.
- Jedediah Hotchkiss to Sara Hotchkiss, August 3, 1862
Hotchkiss describes the Confederate camp at Mechanicsville, especially the
surrounding countryside and the availability of supplies. He relates news of a
skirmish and reports that the Confederate forces are expanding in numbers.
- Jedediah Hotchkiss to Sara Hotchkiss, August 9, 1862
Hotchkiss describes meeting and fighting Federal troops near Culpeper. The
Confederate troops lost one general but took hundreds of prisoners.
- Jedediah Hotchkiss to Nelson Hotchkiss, August 14, 1862
Hotchkiss gives his brother a detailed account of the battle near Cedar
Run.
- Jedediah Hotchkiss to Sara Hotchkiss, August 16, 1862
Hotchkiss relates the results of the Battle of Cedar Run, including those killed or wounded, and prisoners and arms taken. He also describes the Federal efforts to
find and bury their dead.
- Jedediah Hotchkiss to Sara Hotchkiss, September 1, 1862
Hotchkiss describes a Confederate victory near Gainsville, Virginia.
- Jedediah Hotchkiss to Sara Hotchkiss, September 8, 1862
Hotchkiss describes the recent battle near Groveton, including the capture of
60 Washington citizens who traveled out to watch the fight. The Confederate
troops then moved towards Maryland, and Hotchkiss relates the welcome they
received as they made their way towards Frederick City, Maryland.
- Jedediah Hotchkiss to Sara Hotchkiss, September 17, 1862
Hotchkiss relates news of the Confederate Army's trip into Maryland and
its capture of 11,000 Federal troops in Virginia.
- Jedediah Hotchkiss to Sara Hotchkiss, September 21, 1862
Hotchkiss relates the battle of Sharpsburg (at Antietam Creek) and gives his
thoughts on his daughter's education.
- Jedediah Hotchkiss to Nelson Hotchkiss, September 28, 1862
Hotchkiss writes to his brother on various topics, including recent battles
and troop movements, his daughters' education, the lack of army provisions,
northern opinions of the war, and the growth of the Confederate Army.
- Jedediah Hotchkiss to Sara Hotchkiss, October 5, 1862
Hotchkiss enumerates some items he has shipped home. He describes a brief
skirmish and a visit by Abraham Lincoln to the Federal forces at Harper's
Ferry.
- Jedediah Hotchkiss to Sara Hotchkiss, October 12, 1862
Hotchkiss recounts his experience mapping the battlefield of the Kernstown
battle and gives news of various people.
- Jedediah Hotchkiss to Sara Hotchkiss, October 14, 1862
Hotchkiss briefly describes a successful raid by Stuart into Pennsylvania,
which passed through Chambersburg.
- Jedediah Hotchkiss to Sara Hotchkiss, October 26, 1862
Hotchkiss writes of bad weather that has delayed him at an inn while
scouting and relates news of the people he met there. He spent the next night
at Mt. Sidney and relates news of people from there as well.
- Jedediah Hotchkiss to Sara Hotchkiss, November 2, 1862
Hotchkiss describes troop movements in the Valley, and discusses the northern
political races and their implications for peace.
- Jedediah Hotchkiss to Sara Hotchkiss, November 12, 1862
Hotchkiss describes his travels as he maps the countryside and tells of the
people and places he sees.
- Jedediah Hotchkiss to Nelson Hotchkiss, November 12, 1862
Hotchkiss describes his trip to the Cedar Run battlefield, current skirmishes
and prisoners taken, and the state of the surrounding countryside.
- Jedediah Hotchkiss to Sara Hotchkiss, November 16, 1862
Hotchkiss arrives at the army camp near Winchester and relates various
pieces of news, including possible troop movement, information about the command
change in the Federal army, and the sympathetic attitude of captured Yankee
prisoners, including an Irishman.
- Jedediah Hotchkiss to Sara Hotchkiss, December 4, 1862
Hotchkiss writes of his new orders from General Jackson to make another map
and of the Federal and Confederate troops near Fredericksburg.
- Jedediah Hotchkiss to Nelson Hotchkiss, December 4, 1862
Hotchkiss relates his travels to eastern Virginia and gives his brother
instructions for food and other provisions at home.
- Jedediah Hotchkiss to Sara Hotchkiss, December 7, 1862
Hotchkiss sends his wife a list of items he wants from home and relates bits
of news about camp life, skirmishes, and the weather.
- Jedediah Hotchkiss to Nelson Hotchkiss, December 7, 1862
Hotchkiss gives his brother a brief description of the two armies' positions
on opposite banks of the Rappahannock and then discusses his provisioning needs, as well as matters at home.
- Jedediah Hotchkiss to Sara Hotchkiss, December 13, 1862
Hotchkiss writes to his wife on the eve of a battle and speculates on his
possible fate.
- Jedediah Hotchkiss to Sara Hotchkiss, December 14, 1862
Hotchkiss continues his letter from the previous day and describes the battle
just fought.
- Jedediah Hotchkiss to Sara Hotchkiss, December 17, 1862
Hotchkiss describes a recent battle and discusses people at home, such as
slaves and children.
- Jedediah Hotchkiss to Sara Hotchkiss, December 17, 1862
Hotchkiss gives his wife instructions for sending him a box.
- Colonel Imboden to Sara Hotchkiss, December 18, 1862
Colonel Imboden writes to Sara Hotchkiss, thanking her and the ladies of
Augusta County for the supplies they gathered for the Confederate troops.
- Jedediah Hotchkiss to Sara Hotchkiss, December 21, 1862
Hotchkiss writes briefly about the position of Federal forces, the
possibility of securing a leave, and his health.
- Jedediah Hotchkiss to Sara Hotchkiss, December 31, 1862
Hotchkiss writes a brief note to his wife, mentioning his plan to ask for a
furlough.
- Jedediah Hotchkiss to Sara Hotchkiss, [no month, day], 1862
Hotchkiss continues a previous letter, describing camp life and giving
instructions concerning food at home.
- Jedediah Hotchkiss to Sara Hotchkiss, January 2, 1863
Hotchkiss writes of his failure to obtain a slave and his life in camp, and
he also provides miscellaneous instructions for his wife.
- Jedediah Hotchkiss to Nelson Hotchkiss, January 4, 1863
Hotchkiss describes his trip back to camp on New Year's Day, when the trains
were crowded with hired slaves going to new work situations. He also expresses
optimism at the way in which military matters are unfolding in the west.
- M.W. Pollard to Cousin James, May 6, 1863
M. W. Pollard writes to her cousin James, telling him of her life at school,
her studies, her teachers, and the people she has met. Also, she relates news
of family members.
- Jedediah Hotchkiss to Nelson Hotchkiss, May 20, 1863
Hotchkiss gives his brother a description of recent military action: a
series of battles that saw both his tent-mate killed and General Jackson
wounded.
- Jedediah Hotchkiss to Nelson Hotchkiss, August 15, 1863
Hotchkiss writes his brother, discussing affairs at home, particularly the
situation of a young woman in their household who wants to make a trip to her
home in New York.
- Jedediah Hotchkiss to Nelson Hotchkiss, August 21, 1863
Hotchkiss writes to his brother after hearing of the latter's severe illness.
He also discusses the army's recent fast day and the state of the army's
provisions.
- Jedediah Hotchkiss to Nelson Hotchkiss, October 25, 1863
Hotchkiss describes recent troop movements, Stuart's cavalry skirmishes, and
possible winter quarters for the Confederate army. He also discusses matters at
home.
- Jedediah Hotchkiss to Nelson Hotchkiss, January 24, 1864
Hotchkiss relates news from home to his brother, including information about
the death of their sister. He also discusses food prices, Confederate currency,
and slave hiring.
- Jedediah Hotchkiss to Sara Hotchkiss, August 24, 1864
Hotchkiss describes in brief some movements of the armies. He also discusses
matters relating to a female relative, including her reception at her northern
home and her Confederate sweetheart.
- Jedediah Hotchkiss to Nelson Hotchkiss, October 3, 1864
Hotchkiss describes news about recent skirmishes and the
damage done by Federal troops in the Valley. He also relates news of people
back home.
- Jedediah Hotchkiss to Nelson Hotchkiss, November 14, 1864
Hotchkiss relates army activities of the past month, the military situation
in the Valley, and activities in preparation for winter. He also writes of
affairs at home.
- Jedediah Hotchkiss to Nelson Hotchkiss, December 30, 1864
Hotchkiss writes to his brother while on furlough. He describes the weather,
the hiring of slaves, and news of various neighbors, friends, and family.
- Elisabeth Reddy to Sara Hotchkiss, March 29, 1870
Elisabeth Reddy writes to her sister, Sara Hotchkiss, relating family news,
including children's education, a change in residence, family photographs, and
health.
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