Camp Chickamauga
Oct 5th 1863
My Dearest Wife—
How are you this bright autumnal morning. I have heard nothing
for Several days, and am very anxious about you. The battle seems
more imminent since yesterday, but the guns are still silent.
When they wake the whole of the Rapidan we may expect a busy and a
bloody day.
I send you some scraps from the papers which will put you in a better
humor with the press, about the Cavalry. I recd a very nice
little note from Cousin Aga to-day. She seems much wrapt up in
Jimmie, thinks he is such an original lad. I have no doubt that
his constant associations with you gives him much the manner of a grown
person. I believe I told you the redoubtable Ralph Abercrombie
(ex Lt 6th U.S. Infy) turned up here the other day, and Lloyd Beall is
a private in the
Stuart Horse Artillery.
Mrs Taylor passed through Culpeper & went north. She did not
send to me for a pass & I thought perhaps she preferred passing
through without seeing me.
I sent Maria some captured letters of some interest. One of them
was very like your style. There is an old lady here Miss
Glasselle who danced a jig with my great uncle (Sam Pannill) at my
mother’s wedding. She wears a turban, & is an elegant
old lady. Major Venable remarked the other day that “she
was never happy unless she was miserable.” It reminded me
of my darling when she will insist on looking on the dark side in
preference to the bright. I suppose Jimmie is growing very
fast. I would like dearly to see him.
Do any of the family ever hear of Mr Chevalier’s family.
Gordon is now a Brigadier. Jones I think will go elsewhere.
I am camped near Dr Grinnan’s, who has treated us with great
kindness. His wife & family, are at Mrs Dr Blackfords at
Lynchburg – She was Miss Georgia Ryan, & is a relation of the
Bates’. I hope you will form her acquaintance.
Dr G’s sister & his aunt (Mrs Glasselle) have charge of the house.
Major Von Borcke is still quite low with fever at Dr
Price’s. I suppose you know the Col Spears who carried off
W.H.F. Lee, was the identical Sergt Major 2d Drags. Have you the
words of “When this cruel war is over”? I send you
the “Cavalier’s Glee” by Capt Blackford. It is
now the great cavalry song. I will send you the music.
Yours ever—
J.E.B.Stuart.
write as soon as you can.