Hd Qrs at the Bower
July 18 1863
My Darling Wife –
We are all back in Virginia as you have doubtless heard. I am
very well & lack only an interview with you to make me happy.
I find my friends here as cordial as ever & they all seem so fond
of you & admire your picture so much. I saw Mr Robinson of
the firm Yeatman Robinson & Co St Louis who saw your Pa’s
family at the Planters House a short time ago. Says Julia is very
quiet & reserved. She was not introduced to them. She
is now in Shepperdstown. Mrs Lee (Lily) sent to Balto & got
the prettiest Sack for Jimmy you ever saw I send it in a trunk with
other purchases tomorrow by way of Staunton. I have had many
hairbreadth escapes to-day is about the first day I have had without a
fight. My lady friends here are extremely anxious for you to
visit me here – particularly Mrs Lee who entertains genuine
affection for her. She will never forget your kindness to her at
Riley. Mrs Coalter is strong Southern but very prudent.
Capt Blackford is ill but not seriously. Dr Fontaine is acting
Div Surgeon – Eliason being sick – Chiswell is very
no-account – I have gotten rid of my extra staff entirely.
I miss Von Borcke & Goldsborough exceedingly. The former will
get well & the latter is – Old Capitol very well &
comfortable but they wont exchange him or any other officer.
McClellan suits me admirably – but I was so much attached to poor
Channing no one can replace him. I was not surprised to hear of
Dexter Otey & his wife being at logger heads – I thought she
was in New York by this time. She is sister of Mr
Boteler’s. I have heard nothing from your Uncle Edwards yet
– Bush is in the 12th Va cavalry
I am perfectly amazed at the Yankee lies about the Cavalry fights
between Richmond press & Yankee lies my command has a hard time
– but I will strive to do my duty
& let reputation take care of itself. I haven’t heard
from you for some time – Dont break yourself down looking after
Jimmy let Mary take charge of him more – Dont be anxious about
me. Put your trust in God & he will bring it to pass.
I have received some nice presents from my Berkeley & Jeff friends
& the Sack for Jimmy is the prettiest thing I ever saw – I
would like so to see him in it.
Ever yours
J.E.B.Stuart