Centreville Feb’y 14th 1862
My Darling One –
I have just recd by Capt Flournoy – the watch & the nice & acceptable package of needful articles, for which many
many
thanks. I miss your letters, but perhaps the children & Maria
employ your time more profitably. The news from Roanoke is sad
but not disheartening – the reflecting mind will rather take
courage at such wholesome reverses – for such only can arouse our
people from the criminal apathy into which they have fallen.
I miss you more & more every day – I miss you in my sober
hours of reflection when “none but God is near.” And when I
look for my second self –
Thou art not there.
But if we would deserve the blessings in store for us Sacrifices must be made.
I wait with eagerness for the ides of March to restore you to my arms
– but would prefer that February would see us once more
together. The inauguration will be a gay time in Richmond no
doubt. Capt Brien hears from his wife quite regularly. She
is in Balt
o with her father. I forgot to send to Balt
o
for your Kid gloves but did send for a pr Morocco boots no 2 ½
for you – was that right? I did not know what kind of Kids
you preferred. Have you worn your silk yet?
I made a scout of with some 200 cavalry, having Col Baker & Fitz
Lee with me, below Vienna the other day – but found no enemy, but
found where they had been the day before. Dick Anderson is here
for duty in command of a S.C. Brigade. Have you seen
Pegram? Write to me a nice long letter & tell me all about
your Dear Darling self and our sweetest of children. Our Dear Boy
has had a rough hard time, but he no doubt has a strong
constitution. I saw Miss Antonia Ford to-day she & Miss Laura
always inquire anxiously after you & the Dear Little ones.
My Dear Little Flora Pa thinks of you every day. He loves you
“more than tongue can tell” – and is always telling
other people what a sweet little daughter he has, and how good she is
to mind every word Mama tells her, & is so kind to Brother. I
attended at once to the matter of Jno’s promotion, & sent a
strong letter to him from myself, strongly endorsed by Gens J.E.B.
& Ewell. I hope it will affect his promotion. It is as
muddy as ever here. Those socks are indeed a luxury. Write
to me often Dearest. Jno Dabney is here now, is about going on
sick leave. Remember me to all friends –
Believe me
“Dearest thine own”
Stuart
Chiswell Dabney is still at home sick but convalescent. Gen Stone
has been sent to Lafayette. I send you Genl J’s patriotic
appeal to 12 mos men. J.E.B.S.