Centreville Feb’y 1st 1862
My Dear
Sweety –
I received your welcome letter last night. I really think the
last of Feb’y is too far off – say next week and you shall
be provided for. As for the Machens’ you had better go
there
unless you can get better quarters at Dr Alexanders which I doubt. As for the matter of board we can get even in another way.
Capt Brien begs me to say he is much gratified at the safe condition of
our little ones. I sincerely hope they will continue so.
The Washn Art’y (Roper’s battery) gave me a pretty red cap
which is very becoming. If you will only come on I will
“take care” of you in grand style I tell you.
I am in the big house that Gen Johnston occupied on the opposite side
of the hall from him. He will move in a few days to the other
side of Bull Run and then Gen Longstreet will be my neighbor.
Remember me to Miss Mary Lee when you see her, I hope she & you
will make warm friends. I think she & all the family are
quite friendly to me.
I have not received the “business letter” from your Cousin
Mary you refer to. I cant imagine how or why they shd be
unfriendly to us.
I hear that Otis married Miss Agnes Boon at Fort Wise. I have
often thought of the complaining temper of some of our friends in
inglorious ease in the Depts – and I feel very confident that at
heart they are quite satisfied with their situations, but you keep cool
& let them talk as they will, justice is slow but pretty
sure.
This Army is in a better condition now than it was two months ago.
I want you to go down to the Book store & buy a good scrap book in
which I want you want you to put clipping from the papers of everything
of interest to you & me to preserve, whether poetry or prose,
Military reports, letters, editorials &c &c. It will be a
pretty good history of the war. Robert is complaining
Mrs Field is near Gainesville. Mrs Ransom arrived last night at
Bristoe, but as Ransome today received 15 days leave of absence, I
presume he will take her back. I was glad to hear from Deshler
& would like very much to see him. I think the best time for
you to visit Staunton early in the spring as soon as the weather
becomes so good as to render your longer stay here dangerous.
Old Burke still flourishing. Give my Dear litle Pet one rousing
kiss & tell her Pa hasn’t finished his letter to her
yet. Gen Johnston has promised our boy a Cadetship at the V.M.I.
should the House resolution pass the Senate.
I was glad to see the sketch of Gen Johnston in the Dispatch of
yesterday – it was singularly able & truthful. Ever
yours. J.E.B.Stuart