Hd Qrs Cav Corps A of N Va
Oct 3d 1863.
My Darling One,
I have been thinking of you almost constantly for several days. I
am getting more anxious every day & wish I could get on the cars
tomorrow & see for myself how you are getting on. Your
anxiety about me pending a battle is not unlike that I feel for you in
your impending trial. But I look hopefully for a safe issue of
your troubles, & to hear you are blessed.
I have not heard for several days but I trust the telegraph will keep me promptly informed.
How is Jimmy – poor fellow he little knows his Mama’s
troubles. I wish I could take him off your hands for a
week. You will perceive the press are getting
write
right concerning me & the Cavalry. I send you a specimen from
the Whig. There is another in the Enquirer of Oct 2d, very good
by a Private 9th Va Cavalry.
I have relieved Dr Eliason, & Fontaine will be my Medical
Director. I like him better, though he may not be as skilful a
Surgeon as Eliason. If you get a change try & prevent Nan
Patton’s associate with Dr E
it will do her no good. Those words have meaning.
I think Dr Eliason will take charge of a hospital in Richmond.
Ransom I hear went to S.W. Va to take command of Cavalry under
Sam’l Jones. Chis has gone on duty as Inspector & has
made a good beginning. You will not be at church to morrow
– I will hear Mr Slaughter whom you perhaps remember. It is
late – so I will close. May God in his mercy bless &
prosper you is the prayer of your husband
P.S.
We had a grand drinking of the raspberry vinegar the other day, but the
3d bottle containing the catsup was by mistake passed round & all
but two of us got sold – with a mixture anything but palatable
– Fontaine & I were the only lucky ones.
JEBS