Richmond, Va.
Feby. 5, 1863.
Maj. Genl. J.E.B. Stuart
Comdg. Cavalry, Army of Northern Va.
My Dear Jeb:
I have been intending to write to you for a long time in reference to
the promotions &c to which you called my attention some time ago,
but have had so little success in the matter, that I have been
deferring my epistle in the hopes of being able to give you some
definite information.
As far as Mr Oden is concerned, he goes up to day and will give you all the points in his case.
In regard to bringing up the other cases to the President’s
attention, I don’t know how it can well be done unless you will
write a letter to him, alluding to the facts in the case, what has been
done &c. and asking his action.
In reference to Pelham, I should think from your statement that there would be no difficulty about his promotion.
In respect to the others; There is no vacancy in the Signal Corps,
there have been no promotions in the Engr. Corps for some time past,
but there will be shortly, and I will do what I can for Capt.
Blackford. There is but one vacancy from Va. that is known on the
cadet list, and until the cadets which have been appointed will conform
to the instructions of the Adjt. Genl and report their ages, residences
&c., the President is unwilling to take up the matter. The
other cases will stand on their merits.
Not wishing to trouble the President with the case of Capt. Magruder
who has no commission except as Adjt. Genl. to Genl. J.R. Davis, I sent
your letter in reference to Capt. Magruder to Genl. Davis who brought
the matter before the captain. There results from it the enclosed
[illegible] which explain themselves.
I would like above all things to pay you a visit, and hope to get up to the army before long, but when I can not say.
Write soon and tell me what you want and how I can serve you, and you
can always be sure of my services to the best of my ability.
As ever yrs truly
G.W.C. Lee