Stuart, Jeb (1833-1864) to Flora Cooke Stuart
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02334.01 Author/Creator: Stuart, Jeb (1833-1864) Place Written: Camp Von Borcke, Virginia Type: Autograph letter Date: 18 August 1863 Pagination: 4 p. : envelope ; 20.7 x 25.9 cm. Order a Copy
Stuart, commander of a cavalry division in the Army of Northern Virginia, writes to his wife. Mentions General John Bell Hood. Expresses confidence that General Lee (possibly Robert E. Lee) has recommended him (Stuart) for the position of Lieutenant General of Cavalry. Writes that newspaper reports (on the topic on the subject of who will assume the post of Lieutenant General of Cavalry) are false attempts "to manufacture public opinion in favor of Hood." Predicts that Confederate President Jefferson Davis and Secretary (possibly James Seddon, Secretary of War) will favor him for the position. Declares "... as my reports will show- and rest assured, the Cavalry has no record brighter than that of June & July's campaign.- I will gladly rest my name & reputation on the achievements of those two months." Mentions Charles Cornwallis Chesney's book, 'A military view of recent campaigns in Virginia and Maryland.' Notes that Chesney grants him high praise. Reports that Dabney Ball (possibly his chief of subsistence), recently visited. Recommended Major Heros von Borcke for promotion to Brigadier General. Plans to move toward Culpeper, Virginia, where grass is more plentiful. Signature has been clipped.
Camp VonBorcke
Aug 18 1863
My Darling one -
Your last letter was truly gratifying; it was in better spirits than usual.
Nothing has occurred here to change the current of events - the Hood imbroglio seems never to have had origin anywhere except in the busy cravings of some of his eager friends - I do not believe he ever gave the matter countenance.
I am begged to give myself no uneasiness on the subject in a private note by Gen Lee - & I feel very confident that Gen'l Lee has recommended me for Lt Gen'l of Cavalry and the appointment of some [2] one will probably be made this week. The newspaper talk on the subject is an effort (which I believe will fail) to manufacture public opinion in favor of Hood. Col Young writes from Richd that there is not a word of truth in the report. Col Boteler a true friend of mine says (he has just returned) [strikeout] [inserted: the] President is warmly in favor of me & the Secy. is a true friend of mine. So in the face of all these it must be gammon. -
As for the growlers - who come back - pay no attention to them - they had hard long & harassing marches but they were necessary indeed indispensable - [3] as my reports will show - and rest assured, the Cavalry has no record brighter than that of June & July's Campaign. - I will gladly rest my name & reputation on the achievements of those two months. In the Enquirer of the 17th I see from British papers a Capt C Chesney Royal Army has written [struck: a] [inserted: a book called] review of the War in which he mentions me in glowing terms as the model of chivalry & bear ideal of the Cavalry leader. I advise you to buy the book to read when your hubbie gets low in your estimation it will help you out - Dabney Ball is here on a visit, [4] that I recommended Von B. as Brig. Gen'l to go to Europe. I hope the Prest. will grant its Poor fellow I fear he will never get well.
I expect to move nearer Culpeper tomorrow as the grass is so scarce - here - that we must leave this camp. I think I shall move to Camp Price where you last saw me - How I wish you would be there with me tomorrow - but the Dr is no doubt right. I will try & stop up our Jimmy's mouth with a pony. I must write to Dr Brewer - He wrote a very kind letter -
Love to all friends -
[envelope]
Aug 18. ,, 1863
Mrs J.E.B. Stuart
Lynchburg
Va.
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