Stuart, Jeb (1833-1864) to Flora Cooke Stuart
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02334.02 Author/Creator: Stuart, Jeb (1833-1864) Place Written: s.l. Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 16 April 1864 Pagination: 4 p. ; 20.6 x 25.6 cm. Order a Copy
Stuart, Commander of Cavalry Corps, Army of North Virginia, writes to his wife from Wigwam (possibly in Virginia). Mentions mutual acquaintances and family members. Took a moonlight ride with Fontaine and Garnett (possibly Colonel Edmond Fontaine and Stuart's aide-de-camp, Theodore Stanford Garnett). Encourages his wife not to worry. Discusses a group of young girls, possibly family, who will soon visit Mrs. Stuart: "...do not interfere with the girls, they are old enough and pretty enough to take care of themselves... I think you judge the girls too harshly." Transmits a letter from Flora's sister Ellen, and a report from General Robert E. Lee (neither letter nor report is included). Signs once, and includes initials following a post script. Implies that Mrs. Stuart is staying near Beaver Dam, Virginia (possibly at the home of Colonel Fontaine).
Wigwam. April 16th.. 1864
[struck: General]
My Dearest One -
I received your kind favor of 13th.. & answer it by Dr John - who goes to BD to-day - I enclose a very nice letter from Sister Ellen breathing all the fervor of a sister's love. I am sure there could be no greater inducements than now exist to take me to Beaver Dam - except the presence there of a large force of the enemy. May that all-powerful inducement never be offered. - I have not seen Ms Scott since you left - in fact have ket very closely. Fontaine Garnett & I took one little moonlight ride which [2] did'n't pay very well.
We have had some nice shad which I wish I could share with you. I have no doubt you are having a royal time, do not interfere with these girls, they are old enough and pretty enough to take care of themselves, and I conjure you, if you love me, to "cast that shadow from they brow". "Be gay & happy," Tomorrow will bring its own cares without torturing the imagination to day [inserted: to] divine what may happen - By all means avoid "pet miseries" and cultivate a lithe merry heart, with cheerful resignation to the decrees of Providence.
I will send the money to Maria or to you tomorrow -
[3] There will be no tournament - I think you judge the girls harshly - they are jus as you Maria Hull, Mary Summer Kate Rich & all other girls that I ever knew. -
Try not to make their visit less agreeable, or to make them wish you away, but to adapt yourself (with[inserted:out] compromising your own conduct) to their girlish fancies. I am delighted to hear my pet is such a belle - she will be a greater one if she lives to reach sweet sixteen - at, which time we can establish our Rules & Regulations for the government of young ladies in search of husbands. Tell Nannie she forgot to send me that original couplet - & also to answer my letter [4] but she has been so delightfully occupied that I can not complain. Give much love to her & to all at Beaver Dam -
If you think yourself equal to the occasion kiss all the girls for me. Tell Keave & Aga that I will devote a special sheet to them soon.
Fontaine is waiting so I must conclude - I send you a report - Gen'l Lee's & others which you will find interesting. Do not let it leave your possession, though I do not object to those with you reading it.
Ever yours -
J.E.B. Stuart.
P.S. This Summer is in Culpeper - Captain of Co D. 1st Cavalry (old 1st. Dragoons ) -
JEB.
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