Camp Pelham
April 19th 1863
My Darling
One,
How I pine for
you this beautiful Sabbath morning, and yet before yonder sun reaches the
Zenith our blades may be gleaming brightly on the war path. High water has for the last few days
declared a truce to be broken ere long by the clash of arms. I am going to [illegible] but I go equipped
for the field. We had some hard
fighting with enemy’s cavalry the other day but finally drove him back with loss. Suffering not much ourselves. I have a
beautiful camp a little south of Culpeper, in the woods.
I have not
heard from you since April 7th and have been at loss whether to
address you at Danville or where, till yesterday Channing said you were at Danville
& would come to Richmond this week.
So I send this care of Mr Thos. R. Price where you ought to stay, as
Maria has not room for you. I have
written my objections to your keeping house there, and I hope upon reflection
you will co-inside with me.
If the Yankees
go back to Acquia I will want you up here for a day or two but you must leave
Jimmie & Mary with Maria if you come.
I hope you received the money I sent you ($120). I was very much disgusted at Ma’s opening my
letters, who is there that wants his letters to his wife read by others. If they are meant for others’ perusal they
are [missing – maybe “not worth”?] having.
During the
stirring campaign about to be inaugurated I think Dundee is the best place for
your Hd Qrs, they are anxious to have you, and until your condition requires
removal you had better be there – but suit yourself my Darling as to whether
Lynchburg or Dundee will suit best. I
think you ought to visit them for a day or two however any how, & visit Bro
A for a week. Miss Nannie sprained her
ankle by a false step in the green house, & is laid up. Mrs Hill is on a visit to Charlottesville,
she will be back in a day or two. It is
church time and I must close but will add to-night if I can.
Yours ever
[missing]
P.S. P.M.
The mail
brought me this evening yours commenced 14th and ended 17th
from Danville – many thanks – but it has put me in a bad humor to think so many
of my letters have missed you. I sent
you $120 also wrote in full my objections to the Brewer arrangement, & you
have received neither – these letters I remember. I wish you would write a letter of condolence to Mrs Pelham
Alexandria Ala. She will be so grateful
to know how you appreciated her dear boy.
All join in regards.
Yrs ever
JEBStuart.