Bivouac La Fayette
Near Yorktown April 18th 62
My Darling Wife –
Arrived safely here at 9 this morning in fine trim for battle,
desultory skirmishing, grand battle, of several days, imminent.
Maria told me she had not received your draft from Gordonsville.
What has become of it? Your letter from Lynchburg was most
welcome, and I hope ere this you are comfortable, and that Milly has
joined you. I saw her in Richmond & tried to engage her to go
but she would not promise
positively to do so; but said she would
try.
Maria was not well. She ought to join you as the Dr is coming
down here. I saw Dr Madison today – He seemed glad to see
me & rode to my camp. We have a fine army here & I am
sanguine of success, but in God must be our trust, for
He
giveth us the victory. Dabney joined me in Richmond, and the
portfolio you sent me was just the thing I needed. All
well. Love to those dear Jewels. Send letters by men coming
to 11th Va, or other troops here. In haste
Yours ever faithfully
Stuart