Bivouac Nov. 2d
1863.
My Darling One,
I would love dearly to run down to Lynchburg, to take a peep at you
& our little ones and give you a rousing kiss for your nice letter
of the
31st
Oct. I can not
however reconcile it to my motives of duty to ask such an indulgence at
such a time. Whenever you feel able to come I can find a nice
comfortable place for you to stay while visiting me. I will make
inquiries about different places in Orange for you to stay but am
inclined to think you will have to be settled in a little home or go to
Alick’s the latter would involve some troubles with Jimmie and
the other boys. I have the money with which to purchase the
Madison place but I have not yet effected a purchase. I would
prefer a place back about Scottsville if one could be found to suit but
we cant tell without seeing – I can not make any arrangement
without seeing you.
You have never told me whether you yielded to my wishes concerning the
name of our darling. I wrote that it was my heart’s desire
to call her
“Virginia Pelham,” but have heard nothing from you on the Subject.
I am so glad to hear you are doing well, but Mary’s sickness must
be a great inconvenience to you. You will never appeal in vain to
Uncle Chiswell or Brother Alick. We have a Cavalry Review on
Wednesday or thursday. I will write at once for the Jacket &
the 7 ½ yds of red flannel. I have also sent some more
cloth to Mrs Thos R. Price. I hear Major Von Borcke is quite ill
– poor fellow. I would like dearly to see him. Dr
Fontaine wll probably go down on a few days leave soon. I think
it very probably Cousin Lizzie is in an
interesting situation.
I received a note from Cousin Nannie the other day congratulating me on
the arrival of our little gem. I hope she will be like our Little
Flora. Jno’s Brigade is quite close to me. I do wish
he was with it. There seems to be quite a revulsion in favor of
my command as well as myself everywhere. I have traced much of
the vilification to Bob Swan, who boasted to a friend of mine that he
had been moving heaven and earth to injure me, & would leave no
stone unturned to hurt me. You know he is a low life puppy, &
mad because I did not recommend him for promotion which he did not
deserve. “Truth crushed to earth will rise again”
– make that your motto. People’s opinion has changed
but I have not, neither has my command. Col Boteler is a fast
friend & very acceptable companion. Major Venable is now on a
leave of 15 days to see his sister married. I send you $200.
which I hope will answer your purposes for awhile. Send me 10 lbs
of coffee as soon as you can by safe hands. I am entirely
out. Let me know how much I owe Daughtery & I will pay
it. Aunt Maria & Uncle William are very anxious for you to
visit them & will send their carriage any time. Consult your
own inclinations. My little Lily of the Valley is ready for you
– be sure to bring your habit. I went into church yesterday
& saw Mrs Hill & Mrs Saunders – they fared very well
while the Yankees were here & sent love & congratulations to
you. They are faithful friends & say you must come to see
them. Chiswell has not yet been comissioned but his efficiency
has been so much increased by being with Gen Gordon that I will let him
stay. He is brigade inspector & will probably be comissioned
as Captain before long. Give my love to the family, & get
along on the best terms you can with those about you. I want to
get Mary’s brother if possible. I am getting along very
well – in fine health & spirits -- & only want you hear
to make me comparatively happy. I have been thinking of having
our St John’s Boxes shipped to some point in Maryland with the
view of getting them on the next advance – what think you of the
risk?
I think I could get them to
Balto.
Do you fancy the suburbs of Lynchburg for a home or not. – Look
around & see if there is not some little Cottage we could buy which
would charm you.
Uncle Chiswell can tell you. Give him much love -- & all other friends –
& believe me – Dearest
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