Centreville
Jan. 20 1862
.
My Dear Darling –
I received your letter & La Pets by
Wat. I have assigned him a very
responsible & important duty with the outposts, and as soon as he returns
from his one month’s leave.
The weather is terrible under
foot. I hope to see you very soon my
Darling. I hope that scarlet dog will
soon leave your household, for it places you as it were in quarantine. Give my love to Maria & the Dr. I am obliged to make this short as Wat is
waiting. Come down as soon as you
can. Gen Longstreet visits Richmond on
urgent public business.
As for my coming look over your mantle
at what is written there in reference to the subject.
Wat tells me it was whispered in the
street that I was to be a Major Genl.
I have no such expectation, but I do know I would make better than
some. Critenden & Ewell for
instance. I do not expect promotion
till all hands are so clamorous for it that it cant well be witheld, my reasons
are for that conviction are that I am so young and men are too envious
not to combine to pull one down. This
of course is all “entre nous.”
.
Tell
La Pet I will answer her nice letter very soon. Give them both a
sweet kiss for Pa, and tell Jimmie he must be a-horse back soon.
I send you the leathers of a nice bridle. Get you a nice
curb bit (Chiffeny if possible). I hope to see you on horse-back
frequently when you come again. I send you $90. enclosed.
Miss Mary Lee has gone to Richmond & is stopping I hear at Mr
Caskie's. I hope you will call to see her & make her
acquantanse