The Bower
Oct 1st 1862
My Darling One,
My Hd Qrs are near the charming residence of Mr Steph. Dandridge.
The good people of Berkeley & Jefferson treat me with far more
consideration than anywhere else in the state. The girls are
always sending me bouquets, decking me with ribbons, &c &c but
with all this my heart ever turns to
my
Darling & the loved ones prattling at her knees. Would I
could see you this bright morning at the Bower. It is very much
such a place as Dundee, with hearts as true & kind. They are
kinsfolk of yours.
The idea of my paying
you a
visit is you know as well as I do, out of the question, we must be
separated for a time unless you can contrive to stage it from Staunton
to Winchester 90 miles. Now is a very favorable occasion for you
to visit our Staunton friends – and I want you to spend the
months of October & Nov
r at Sandy Stuart’s. He has sent me such cordial and pressing invitations.
As for housekeeping in Richmond, you will find it wont do.
Partnership concerns are rarely harmonious, and I would fear to risk an
estrangement between the Dr’s family & mine. You
remember that even boarding together you did not get on well with the
Dr. last winter – Experience is the best teacher. Please
write to Sister Mary for me & tell her I thought I had sent last
spring’s remittance but was sorry to find I had neglected
it. You had better come on to Staunton & let the idea of
housekeeping in Richmond be dismissed for the present. It will be
very costly, & Dr B’s pay will not be sufficient.
Jno R. is doing finely & in a fair way to promotion.
Andrew Kennedy is now here. Jo Taylor is at Harpers Ferry.
He wrote me a note the other day which I enclose to remind you of old
times. He is Chief of Sumner’s staff. I have not
answered it. Your Pa is I think still on duty as Prest of
Retiring Boards. I am sorry I did not get far enough northward to
benefit you more in the clothing line. You must let me hear from
the packages sent you. I send some linen bought at 75c per
yard. My last letter from you was dated Sept 20 1862. Your
friends are all well. Love & kisses to our Dear ones.
Ever dearest yours
J.E.B.Stuart
I want a jacket & pants right off. The jacket exactly like
the last the pants a little fuller & a little longer. Give
kisses to the girls, Tell Nannie “that bright smile haunts me
still” and tell Ellen
--There’s not a charm within a dwell’n
--On the land or on the sea that’s swell’n
--But what my fancy’s fondly tell’n
--To my heart tis like to Ellen.
And keep to yourself
--“Am I not fondly thine own!”
You think Chis did not just today return from Beaver dam. I have got him bad scared about being
arrested.
Your things have no doubt been brought to Va but how I will get them is doubtful.
Tell Bro A how much I desire to see him, and I fear if I manage to run down I will find him just left as before.
“Be kind to the friends of your husband.”
Stoneman is in command of Hookers cavalry.
Pleasanton went up spout with McClellan, & Buford with Burnside.
“Sic transit gloria mundi.”
Cousin Agatha answered my letter very affectionately, & the first
thing you know I will have another sweetheart. Kiss that Dear Boy
– His kind treatment of me the last time was highly
gratifying. Tell Blackford the grass will soon be growing in the
Engineer Dept Cav Div. Having heard nothing from the junior
member T.R.P. I have to report him “missing.”
Yours JEBS