Hd Qrs Cav Div Feby 26th [1863]
My Dear
One;
I recd your welcome note by Major H. to-day. I have been absent
several days up the river, and returned this afternoon wet as a
submerged
rat. I am hardly dry yet, but must make some reparation to you
for a week without a letter – (How often in that time has my
Darling written to me?) – Fitz Lee had a brilliant success on the
reconnaissance I directed him to make the other day in rear of
Falmouth, as far as ascertained he captured over 150 prisoners, &
what was more obtained the valuable information sought.
Simultaneously with his exploits the other Lee (Rooney) on the
Rappahannock near Tappahannock attacked two gunboats with a section of
the Stuart Horse Artillery & put them to ignominious flight without
loss to us. Gallant fellows those Lees. The rains &
snow make military operations impossible on any but a very small
scale. Fitz Lee had 400 men with him, & attacked 6 or 7 regts.
I saw Mrs FitzHugh and Major Lynde – They seemed very blue &
cold at first but soon warmed up as old associations came up.
FitzHugh has just applied for & obtained 30 days leave to fix his
family some where in the interior. Tell Mrs Lee of the success of
her son & nephew.
You must be brave & not give way to gloomy forebodings, remember
fortitude is
woman’s speciality, and
patience her most
shining virtue. Do not allow trifles to harass and above all do not let the thousand & one
imaginary ills which your mind may conjure up depress you. Be ever hopeful and up-hearted, and laugh croakers out of countenance.
I am very busy on my reports & have only reached Catlett Station on
my way to Maryland. I have seen young Goldsboro he is a real nice
fellow & would make a dashing A.D.C. I expect to make several
changes in my staff which will promote Channing which he well
deserves. Beckham wants to get into my Division, I know his value
& would like to have him. Sweeny’s regt wants him very
much & I think I will let him go for a while if not
altogether. I desire you to fill your scrapbook with passing
articles slips & cuttings which we will prize & our boy will
prize in after years. Collect cartes de visite for your
Photographic album, & fill it, send me a good one of my best of
friends Joe Johnston – If you can with propriety stay longer in
Richmond – two weeks later will make your visit south more
pleasant. Have as little to say & do with Mrs George as
possible
she won’t do tell Maria B. the same – remember the words of your
husband.