Centreville Feb’y 19th 1862
My Darling Wife;
The sad news from Ky of the fall of Fort Donelson, and the consequent
falling back of the army of Bowling green have reached you, & put
my Dearie in the dumps no doubt. But while every success of the
enemy will tend to lengthen the war, no reasonable man ought to be
disheartened – and I hope that under the dispensations of
Providence, it will redound to our advantage. Our people must be
roused to unity of action, and whenever we put forth our whole strength
we are sure to win. Be of good cheer, and school yourself to feel
that for such a cause & for success to the country, you are ready
to give your husband should the sacrifice become necessary. I am
thinking that the Army of the Potomac will have to achieve our
independence.
I want to see you very much, and if you wait for good weather, it will
not be safe for you to come, for as soon as the roads dry up thoroughly
we look for McClellan. Don’t risk our children if they are
not well.
Machen went down yesterday he promised to see you. J.E.J. went to
Richmond on urgent business (telegraphed for by the President).
Only one or two here know of his absence. He will return very
soon. His is the master mind of our army, I think it likely
Richmond will not know of his being there.
Love to our friends & kin,
Yours fondly
& ever
J.E.B.Stuart