Hd Qrs Cav Corps A. N. Va
Jany 30th 1864
My Dear
Brother –
I received
your kind favor, introducing young Lownes, & was greatly obliged to you for
your kindness. He is evidently a young
man of ability and merit, but I felt it incumbent, other things equal to select
one who had rendered service & accordingly gave it to Theo. S. Garnett who
has served as a Private unexceptionably & makes a very efficient
officer. I will keep my eye on Lownes,
who was informed when he reached here that he could not be permitted to join
Mosby & has consequently joined 4th Va. Cavy and gone
back to Buckingham for his horse.
Although Mosby is part of my command, & was as it were brought up by
me – I consider it much more evidence of “grit” to join the 4th
Va. Cavy or any other organized regt of Cavy as a private
than Mosby’s Partizan Rangers. With the
former the sole motive is patriotism & sense of duty, with the latter the
hope of plunder & the desire to escape the wholesome restraints of military
discipline actuate the greater part.
Mosby himself and about 15 of his men are none such, but I am
sorry to say the majority are a worthless rabble & none know it better than
Mosby himself.
Advise our
friends to join some organized cavalry regiment in the Service. Mosby accomplishes a great deal of good with
his little band by his sleepless activity, vigilance and enterprise.
How have you
all enjoyed Richmond? I wish I could
see you again – cant you call by here before you return – I will take pleasure
in getting you rooms in a few days notice – I desire to see more of you before
embarking on the uncertain issue of a campaign.
My cavalry in
front is not idle. Small parties are
ever hovering on the enemy’s flanks – and daily bring in Yankees.
Be sure to
inform me if you decide to enter the service.
I can give you very strong recommendations. I look forward with interest to the spring. A gigantic struggle is before us. God grant we win the victory.
I received
today a very kind and complimentary letter from Gen Jo. Johnston – Please tell
his brother Bev. that I would love dearly to have a visit here. I know he will enjoy it. I regretted I saw so little of him in
Richmond. Please let me hear from you.
I received
some very complimentary resolutions from the Comd. Officers of Witcher’s
cavalry, in response to a flag I sent him.
I sent Litchfield’s Co home for a month or two. I presume it will increase very much.
Love & kisses to
yours. J.E.B.Stuart