West Point New York June 8th /50
Dear
Pa
I
have delayed writing at the appointed time, that is, every two weeks, until I
had been received and quartered in Camp, and although I know that I can say
nothing of any interest, still I have determined to comply with your request, and
write by letting you know how I am progressing in soldier life, and also in
regard to my notions of the place. I
wrote to Ma soon after I arrived informing her as to my situation at that time,
and you shall hear from me every two weeks regularly until you order a
discontinuance, whether I receive answers or not, but do not understand by this
that I am indifferent about matters of at home, for nothing could afford
me more pleasure than the receipt of a letter from home. So far I have not heard a word from my state
since I left it, true I received a letter from Andy Fulton forwarded from
Arrarat, but it was dated in April, also one from cousin Alick, but I hope that
I am not altogether forgotten if I am far away. I do not expect you or Ma to be punctual in answering my letters,
but would like to receive a letter from one of
[two
pages missing]
The
pay here for each cadet is $26.00 per month out of which is taken all his
expenses, I doubt whether I will have more than enough money at the end of the
first two years to put me equal with the world; but if I have [illegible]
enough for this I shall be perfectly satisfied. I owe C.A. $105.00 Geo. Crockett about $45 making in all
$150.00 after that I will have more saved.
If
I am not sent away sooner, I will be at home during the summer of 1852,
furloughs are generally granted between the 15th of June and 28th
of August, mileage is given for traveling expenses. I will repair home via of Wytheville as soon as that time
arrives; I know that if I try I can go through and I am determined to try. I have nearly taken up four pages in trash
and it is time for me to conclude give my love to all at home take care of my
rifle I reckon there is no [necessity?] for asking you to take care of Dodge as
I know you will do that and how). Give
my shirts to John Dabney tell him I will write to him very soon but he must let
that deter him from writing to me, and tell him too that I shall expect him here
after he gets his Diploma in Richmond next March. Write soon and believe me your affectionate son
J.E.B.Stuart
Mr.
Arch. Stuart of Va
P.S.
Direct your letters to “Cadet J.E.B. Stuart
U.S. Military Academy
West Point
N.Y.”
There
are two Post offices here