Hd Qrs Cav Div A of N Va
Aug 11th 63.
My Darling Wife –
I read your welcome letter on Sunday. I wish you could have been
at communion with me at church that day. I thought of you &
how much you would wish to be there. I enclose a nice letter from
Mrs Gen’l Jackson which you must keep.
Mrs Lee is at the Hot Springs suffering much from rheumatism. She
has always treated me as kindly as if I were her own Son.
Much as I long to see you & be with you my Dear one I can not bring
myself to ask you to make the trip under present circumstances, for the
fatigue & heat & delay of the journey would not do.
[Illegible] is here with me on a visit, he belongs to the 12th Va
Cavy.
I am getting on very well, on my old line, but very busy & it is very hot.
Von Borcke is not improving, Doctors recommend Sea air. I have
asked for his promotion and mission to Europe, hope it will be granted.
Write as often as you can if only a line to say you are well. I
pray you may come safely through all your difficulties. Above all
keep brave, dont be
faint hearted, & by all means put your trust in the Lord.
I suppose you have seen mention of Hood’s assignment to the command of the Cavalry as Lt Genl. It is
all bosh, gotten up by some malicious Scamp striving to undermine & vilify me.
If there is a Lt Genl of Cavalry appointed it will be your husband – that is if the Cav. Div. Gen Lee the
Secy
& Prest. Davis have a Say in the matter.
Whatever defeats there are in our
Cavy can not be cured by Hood.
Give my love to all friends, I wrote to Mrs Farley the other day about her dear son. I have no more Vol Aids.
I hope Goldsborough will be back soon. I miss him so much. I have
recd
several messages from
him, he is very well. I am getting very much opposed to kin on
the Staff & shall avoid them hereafter – unless they possess
decided merit otherwise.
I enclose you some Photographs – Major Ball I hope delivers Maria’s organdy safely.
Custis did offer himself, but Rooney will be as far from allowing it, as old Abe. I have no fear on the Subject.
Yours
J.E.B.Stuart
The
Hill has grown to be a
mountain.