Near Your Cousin Sallie’s
May 17th 1862
My Dearest
One,
I went over to
Mr Duval’s this morning and found them all very much surprised and delighted to
see me. I could not stay long as not a
day has elapsed for weeks that I have not been skirmishing with the enemy, and
I expect to be interrupted before this is finished, by the intelligence of an
“advance.”
The same God
who has been with us from the beginning still protects me.
Just as I
expected, for just as I arrived at this point the enemy’s advance was
announced, and after quietly crossing the Chickahominy before them, burnt the
bridge, and gave them a slap in the face with Pelham’s battery which sent them
howling to the other back in confusion.
I would advise you to write a note thanking Cousin Peter for his kind
offer and tell him that it will not be convenient to accept this summer. Thank sister Mary for her present ($100) (I
suppose it was Alex’ wife) & offer in turn to attend to anything she may
want in Lynchburg. Buy something nice
for yourself with the $100.
Brien is first starting to Richmond – Many thanks for that dear curl of
my pet’s. I will keep it as long as I
live.
Dr Brewer
wrote me a note which I enclose.
Maria is in
Raleigh – Brien’s regards
In haste
Yours J.E.B.Stuart