Camp Glamorgan
April 29th 1862
My Darling Wife –
No decisive battle yet. It is a second Sevastopol affair, being a
regular siege. McClellan is determined to provide against his
defeat being a second Bull Run in stampede. I am anxious to hear
how you are situated – whether comfortably or not. I hope
Milly has joined you again. I wish you were down at Wmsburg for
that would be far enough off for you to get away, but I feel sure they
would never let you pass Richmond. Our meetings during this war
must necessarily be unsatisfactory, and our partings abrupt.
The re-election of officers in the 1st Va Cavalry has taken
place. Lee is Col, Brien (my A.A.G.) Lt Col, & Drake Major
Patrick & Blackford were not re-elected. My loss in Brien is
very serious but I still keep him on duty. I have offered the
place to Lt Dearing (who lives near Lynchburg) I believe you know him,
but he has been elected Capt of a Battery of Artillery – which of
course he preferred. I think now of giving it to Lt. P. Fontaine
who failed of re-election & is well fitted for the place. He
is a Cousin of ours. In Robertson’s Regt. all the Field
officers were re-elected.
Brien had no aspirations for the office, and it took him greatly by
surprise. It was an excellent selection, and a very high
compliment to Brien. My vol aids are Towles, S.H. Hairston,
(Wat’s brother) & Sam. G. Staples of Patrick C.H.
[illegible] Hairston is also on duty with me. My own mess
consists of A.A.G. Dabney, & Burke. You forgot to leave with
me the daguerreotypes did you not?
May God bless & protect you & ours & grant us a speedy meeting.
Ever Yours
JEBS
Do write – I have not heard a word since Dabney came. I had aunt Milly sent to Mrs Chichester.