Camp Price May 26 1863
My Dearest One,
I forgot to tell you at Gordonsville that most of the cargo ordered
from Nassau had arrived at Charleston – send me a list of yours
so I can tell how to distribute it. I hope this opportune arrival
will relieve your wants very materially.
I am very uneasy for fear I will not be able to attend the
wedding. You know I make duty paramount to everything and that I
fear will require the sacrifice, for the Yankees are stirring around so
that I might be absent at the most critical time. At any rate
however I hope you will give me a call as you pass en route to
Lynchburg, leaving baggage with Major Boyle at Gordonsville. I
recd a note from Nannie to-day. I must confess myself somewhat
beclouded, but she says she will tell me when we meet. Old Von B.
is mad as a Bull (but tries not to show it) because I could not spare
him Monday. I have to hold these fellows with a strong hand
sometimes. A newspaper reporter reported for duty to-day to me
during the ensuing campaign, which I politely declined, he returns tomorrow with a flea in his ear. Look out to see me abused for it.
I certainly expect you to pay cakes, as I have reformed and am now a changed man in that respect.
I will try to send some representatives of the cavalry down to the wedding but they will have to return next day.
Capt White goes tomorrow to Loudon. Robertson with two regts has
arrived and reported. My force will be large enough for two
Divisions but can not tell whether or not it will be divided. The
campaign ahead is perhaps the most momentous one yet our heads &
our hearts look to it with intense interest, let one one & all
resolve to do our whole duty confiding in God who has not failed us, to
bring it to pass.
I am opposed to subscribing money to the Jackson monument now, but
think the Va Legislature ought to make provision for the erection of a
superb statue on which the best art is to be employed, but now our
charities should absorb our funds, for Fredericksburg, & our sick
& wounded soldiers, and our refugees, women & children.
Dont you think so? Old S. Bassett has asked me for $10,000 for
that purpose (the Jackson monument). My staff are very efficient
indeed, Venable has not yet arrived. But I do miss Channing, Dear
fellow, so much. You are right to keep the studs, I did not know
you attached value to them, much less that my Darling Flora had worn
one.
Give oceans of love to the Dear family who treat you so kindly.
They have an undying hold on my affections – as for the Dr, while
I would make an effort cheerfully for his promotion, I feel sure he
would soon tire of it & I could never forgive myself if anything
should befal him. Nannie is now on my staff, & they much
represent the family – how about Uncle James horse? Write
often to your
Darling husband – JEBStuart