Fort Wise, K.T.
January 18th, 1861
My Dear
Brother,
Events are
transpiring so rapidly that furnish us little hope of perpetuating the Union,
that I feel it incumbent upon me to tell you my course of conduct in such a
contingency. Of course I go with
Virginia whether she be alone or otherwise, but I am sure that a large
military force will be required for a time by the state and I am anxious to
secure from Wythe a legion of Cavalry (200 men) myself as commander, or a
battery of light artillery 100 men or less.
With Gov. Letcher as Gov. and you on the spot I think I ought to be able
to get such a command. I could soon
drill and discipline such a corps – and with such material I would feel sure of
making “Stuart’s legion” as formidable
as “Lee’s legion” of the Revolution. As
I can not be on the spot till after Va’s leaving the Union I will have to get
you to get up or assist in getting up such a corps and if John & Bob Sayers
Ch Haller Terry Gleaves will support me & advocate my election I would
expect to be successful. Of course till
the time comes to act I shall expect you to keep this “Sub-rosa.”
I am very much
annoyed at being separated from my family in these critical times. I fear I cant get down till April to Fort
Riley. Floyd has resigned without
giving me a captaincy or ordering me to West Point – the latter he certainly
had it entirely in his power to do. I
made a temperance speech here Christmas which gained me great eclat among the
officers and soldiers – there are one fourth of the command Sons of Temperance;
they had a grand procession &
ovation. I had only a few days notice
& spoke 20 minutes.
In these times
of trial our only hope is a firm reliance on Divine Providence by whose guidance
all things will be right.
Flora &
the children were at Riley & well at last accounts. Give my best regards to Haller Bolling
Fulton Gleaves Terry Kent & all other friends and best love to your family
including Bell – why don’t she write?
Write soon
Yours affectionately
J.E.B.Stuart