Camp Glamorgan
May 1st 1862
.
My Dear
Brother;
.
Here I am on
the Peninsula, occupying a back seat for the first time since the war began –
owing to the nature of the country in which we are operating. We are (the cavalry) comparatively at rest
but I do not doubt that before this reaches you some of the hardest fighting of
the war will have taken place, and I do not doubt that the Cavalry will have
plenty to do.
.
I received the
splendid charger you sent by Mr. Hicks at Richmond. He is truly a splendid War Horse, and I have no doubt he now
“smelleth the battle” near by. I
am greatly indebted to your generosity for such an acceptable present, and hope
that his feats on the Field will make you proud of him. He is rapidly recovering from the hardships
of his trip from Western Va, and yesterday he made a fine appearance on
review. I have named him “Shiloh”
after our last victory.
.
I have been
very much disappointed at failing to see you, but I presume our respective
duties render a meeting impracticable.
In reply to your repeated offer of pecuniary assistance, I must return
my grateful thanks, but while I live my family will be above want – but owing
to the probable confiscation of all I had invested in St. Louis – some $7000.00
my family will be in need the moment I fall.
The only way in which you can aid me is by insuring my life which
would be a very risky business just now.
If however you will insure it for $10,000 for the benefit of my
wife & children I will pay you a high premium.
.
My old Regt
was reorganized the other day – and old W.E. Jones was turned out of the Colcy. Lt Col Lee a noble fellow was elected Col,
almost unanimously. Old Jones showed
the basest ingratitude to me, to whom he was mainly indebted for his promotion. My Adjt Genl Brien was elected Lt Col – a
merited compliment & an excellent selection but a serious loss to me. He has frequently expressed his gratitude to
you for your brotherly kindness during his sickness in Richmond. It impressed him very much. He
sends his kindest regards.
Should you come soon to Richmond come down on the Curtis Peck to Grove’s
Landing where we will receive you with open arms. Give much love to your dear family & Bell. Flora is now I think at or near
Lynchburg. She came to see me at Brandy
Station about the time I left. The Washington
Co Company elected Con T. Litchfield Captn turning out Capt Blackford an
excellent officer. Come down & we
will feast you on shad & oysters all the time.
.
My camp is
named after Brien’s home in Maryland. I
would like to talk with you about the conduct of the war, signs of the times
&c &c but time will not now allow.
I am enjoying excellent health.
All climates agree with me. The
fall of New Orleans makes some look blue, but I do not expect that we will be
able to hold any maritime place, but ought to concentrate our scattered
detachments for decisive blows.
.
Yours ever
J.E.B.Stuart