Cavalry Bivouac
Fauquier Mar 20 1862
My Darling One –
I received your nice long letter by Chiswell Dabney who came up with
Jno Esten. You need not fear any difference between me & Jno
E. for he is with the Battery and by no possible chance with me.
I had not heard from you for nearly a month and I assure you your
letter was a great treat. Chiswell is greatly improved –
Burke went down yesterday & I told him to tell
you all about me,
as till now I have not had paper fit to write to you on. I wrote
you a hasty note since the march began. I also sent a long string
of messages by Lt. Sam Johnston, I hope they both have seen you,
and have told you all about my doings since I last wrote. This
will be delivered by Lt Henry C.S.A. My friends have bad luck in
finding you visible somehow. There are many of your questions
which I cant answer, but as for the watch chain, if it suits get
it. My Darling wont you please have a
colored
photograph of yourself also for your hubbie. I am so glad you got
good ones of the children and I would like dearly to see it. I
miss Brien much, and I really think he would enjoy this life, though
the weather is very bad now. On account of the children and as a
measure of economy I think you will find the country desirable.
Pittsylvania C.H. is a quiet healthy place probably better for society
than any you could find, and people too who would take you by the hand,
it is sixty miles from Lynchburg – and
20 miles from Danville, to the latter a daily mail runs. You had better try several till you get a place to suit you.
Chiswell who lives at Campbell C.H. does not think you would like it. Lynchburg will do pretty well, but will be a very
rowdy
place, without martial law. However I want to see you & talk
these matters over. Mrs Chichester is moving from Culpeper, but I
can find a place for you elsewhere. Culpeper is the place for
you, but when you can come, will depend on the passport system adopted
and the trains. Lt Johnston & Burke may be of assistance to
you. Tell Capt Brien he must be a Major when he comes to
me. So I will have twice the work to do that we have had. I
send Towles to Staunton to see his sweetheart again to day. Have
you made any further progress with the acquaintance of Miss Mary Lee
and my Cousins? The former was sick some time since.
Give my friends oceans of love – and take one
sweet long tight embrace for your precious
self.
Yours ever,
J.E.B.Stuart