Camp
Von Borcke July 30 1863
.
My
Darling Wife, I am now at my old Hd Qrs near Brandy Station (not Fleetwood). With Meade’s army in my front and the great
unwhipped army of Lee in my rear – the Rappahannock once more separates the
belligerents and the “eyes & ears” of the army are busy as
usual. Your last was recd
last night dated July 21st.
Your telegram was later in which you say “not very well come & see
me.” My darling I wish I could go in
this letter, but you know how I am situated and the same inexorable duty which
keeps me in the army keeps me from you.
I can not hope for the pleasure of seeing you in Culpeper, I can not ask
it as much as I want you. When
shall I see you? We are all doing
pretty well in this wet weather, a rain every day & mud all the time. In returning from Gen’l Lee’s the
last night I stop at Major Hill’s, & saw Mrs. H. Mrs. A.P. & Mrs
Saunders – all well, but Mrs Major Hill tremendous – the crisis is
expected at any moment. I regret very
much that no black silk was procurable
in my track through Pa – they had all disappeared. I saw a beautiful dress at Hagerstown but
did not get it because the piece was only 10 yds which the man insisted was
enough – but I learnt 12 or 15 in your school.
It was like organdy, but very pretty. I got an organdy less pretty 15 yds for Maria. All sent by Dabney Ball. and I hope have reached & her you ere
this. The Yankees are hard on Dundee,
there is no spot for which I would strike for Dundee with more unsparing
hand than for Dundee. I shelled
Carlisle for Dundee & a great many other cruel things I did for
Dundee. I have not seen the Knox’s
since my return in fact I have not visited at all. I think I wrote you I had met with Mrs Dongley of St Louis who
had seen your Ma & Julia quite recently.
Gen Cooke was at St Louis on Ctmartial duty -- & they were staying
at the Planters house. Julia was very
quiet and retired. Mrs Coalter was said to be a rebel at heart as also her
husband – but kept very mum. Coalter
takes great pride in imparting to his friends the intimate relations existing
between us & in commending my course.
Mrs Coalter tells every one about the glass case of Texas birds I gave
her, & shows my picture. Poor Jule
– what does she think? I feel so
sorry for her. I have recd
to-day yours of the 28th & am glad you are not so badly off as I
feared. The letter you sent to Winchester
will reach me – staff all well & send regards, except Blackford who is sick
in Lynchburg – Von B is recovering slowly, he is at Mr L. R. Price’s – write
often to Culpeper. Love to all –
Chiswell wrote to-day Kiss Jimmie –
Did you get the little picture & the money. Ever yours. JEBStuart