Fort Riley K.T.
Feb’y 22d 1859
My Dear
Cousin,
I have been
thinking so much of you and my new Cousin since I received your welcome letter
of Dec 12th that I can hardly believe it is yet unanswered. The communion of thought and sentiment being
such as to constitute presumptive evidence in my mind that I have already
replied to the good tiding it contained, that you had found a wife in one too
near to us both now to allow praise, in terms of the strongest congratulation. Such things are always given and received as
a mere matter of course, but I beg leave to add to the act of formality in my
case the [illegible] of sincerity and truth.
[some missing]
It was
approved by all the intermediate Commanders, except Col Sumner (our
impracticable Veteran).
[some missing]
I see in the
States that you have withdrawn from the Senatorial Contest, and that Dr
Crockett opposes Floyd. I take a good
deal of interest in politics, and begin to think I missed my calling in
inclination at least. I am told however
by those who ought to know that I make a good soldier and therefore I ought to
be satisfied. But if Congress goes to
lopping off our pay I will be very strongly tempted to quit in disgust at such
a vacillating establishment.
I do not think
there is much chance for the bill (to diminish it) to pass this session at any
rate for the want of time, [illegible] it is stuck as an amendment to an
appropriation Bill. At last accounts
Col Cooke & his family were still at Willard’s. Col C had been assigned to temporary duty in Washington by the
War Dept. The Two Floras enjoy fine health. La Petite is growing in size,
beauty, an accomplishments every day. I
know you will give her the palm over all babies, even A.B. Stuart
Esq. I am longing to be once more
among you in old Va, if I fail to get my leave it will be a sore
disappointment. Please write soon. Kiss for each of us three [illegible] Dear
Cousin El. and may long life & unalloyed happiness attend you both.
Most affectionately your cousin
J.E.B.Stuart
Give joint love to
all friends JEBS