Hd Qrs Cavy
Corps
Sept 26 1863
My Darling Wife,
The Yankee Cavalry started on a raid for the central rail-road the
other day. I found it out the night previous & put after him
to attack & frustrate his purpose. I did this very
effectually, attacked the column in flank & turned it back upon me
– in doing which it endeavored to get in my rear so that I had
Kilpatrick on one side & Buford on the other – fighting both
at the Same time – I drove Kilpatrick to the south side of the
Rapidan where our Infy ought to have annihilated him – but
instead of attacking him remained on the defensive. I immediately
crossed at Liberty Mills (
didn’t “fall back” as
the papers have it) to get two brigades reinforcements and moved upon
him driving back to his artillery an advance regt. It was nearly
dark, & it was still in the power of the enemy to make for
Charlottesville or Gordonsville. I accordingly moved at once to
get on the south side of the enemy & concentrated that night at
Barboursville – next morning early started to attack the enemy
but he had taken to his heels & I just did overhaul him before he
crossed the Robinson & chased him across the river, capturing
prisoners. In the two days operations we captured over 100 and
inflicted a very heavy loss on the enemy in killed & wounded.
Our own loss was much less. It was a grand success to turn back
so much larger force than mine, & defeat its object independently
of the loss inflicted. Gen Lee wrote me a letter which I send you
– showing how he appreciated it.
I was very glad you gave Cousin Mary my picture. Dont give
yourself any uneasiness about my clothing. My fine horse
Highflyer just bought was shot under me on
22d.
Bush Cooke behaved very gallantly. – We look for active
operations for some time to come. – Everything is ready to march
or fight at the sound of a gun. I hope Maria will be with you. I
pray for your safe deliverance, and shall wait with great anxiety the
result. Be sure to have me telegraphed. Kiss that Dear boy
for Papa. The picture you gave me was very life-like I wish I
could peep in today & see it.
Be cheerful, my Dearest all will be well. Our victories in the West are glorious.
Very affectionately
Yours,
J.E.B.Stuart