Camp Von Borcke
Aug 2d 1863.
My
Darling Wife—
I
send you a nice little pen with which I now write, which I think will suit you
exactly, to write to your husband with.
Yesterday we had a hard days fighting.
The whole of the enemy’s cavalry advanced on one Brigade commanded by
Baker, it fought most gallantly disputing step by step. I was with it all the time. Finally A.P. Hill’s corps was moved forward,
& enemy retired to the river again.
Cols Baker Young & Black were severely wounded, 3 Lieuts mortally
wounded & killed, 12 N.C. & privates ditto. 55 wounded, & a very few say 3 or 4 missing. Enemys loss much greater but not known –
except 28 prisoners, and a number of killed.
Baker is now a Brigadier also Lomax.
I recommended both – Baker will command the four N.C. regts. He is not in danger.
My
own escape untouched is most extraordinary.
I was as much exposed as any, and we have reason to be thankful to God
for his deliverance.
Let
me hear more particularly how you are.
Do you remark any difference between the present and former cases as to
motion. Let me hear from you often – I
am inclined to believe, Gen R.E. Lee will not obey your orders two months
hence. I have recommended Dabney as a
Brigade Inspector with the rank of Captn he will be better at that
than anything else, and I want to get rid of him as Aid if I can. He is not fearless enough for me, it
is getting to be remarked on in the Staff.
Take
good care of yourself my Dear one, and let me hear often from you particularly
how you like the things I sent. Jimmy’s
socks (2) will be rather long. You will
have to cut them off.
Love to friends -- particularly Blackford, let me know how he is. Kiss Jimmie