Stuart, J. E. B. (James Ewell Brown) (1833-1864) to Archibald Stuart
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC04086 Author/Creator: Stuart, J. E. B. (James Ewell Brown) (1833-1864) Place Written: West Point, New York Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 3 February 1854 Pagination: 2 p. ; 25 x 20 cm. Order a Copy
Complains to his father that Congress does not adequately support the military. Written as a student at West Point, states that the military appropriations bill may not pass, and upset military spending is always the first place the "watch-dogs of the Treasury" make financial cut backs.
West Point N.Y. Feb'y 3d 54.
Dear Pa
Your favor of 16th ult. was duly received and would have been answered more promptly but for my expecting Bro: A to arrive every day, and a consequent conclusion to wait until he left. He at length came but stayed only a day and suffered so much from cold that I doubt whether he will ever be prevailed upon to try it again. It was rather cold but I did not find it necessary to haul on my overcoat. Much anxiety is felt here for the success of the Army Appropriation bill, and fear is expressed that Congress will continue to repeat those acts of continued neglect with which the army has annually been laid on the table. As long as there are men in the House ambitions to be called like Caved Johnson the "Watch-dogs of the Treasury," the army is selected as their hobby for withholding appropriations with that object in view, simply because its wants are not directly addressed to their constituents, and the Army has no representation in either house to insist on its rights and merited immunities and enclosements. When you come on next summer you will see for yourself how narrow-minded and unjust has been the policy of the House in denying us a Riding Hall which any man of common sense who will investigate the matter will admit is absolutely indispensable. The present cooped up place is very dangerous. The only objection ever urged by cage. Representatives is based upon a wonderful fear lest they make "band-boxed soldiers of us" and a little of the spice of ridicule is always thrown with this objection on the bill which altogether is enough to crush it in the estimation of a majority of that august tier-garden They want us to ride in the open air whereas (we do so ride in summer) in [2] the winter the climate is too severe both on horse and rider, moreover it would be impossible to hear a command three paces on account of the wind. A squadron of Cavalry maneuvering in snow two feet deep might suit a Russian Campaign of Napoleon but is certainly not requisite for disciplining our army in time of peace. Besides it would be in the end more expressive for Congress would have then to make large appropriations every year for a new supply of horses. But enough of politics. My best respects to all friends, All well at home when last heard from. A longer letter next time.
Your devoted Son
J.E.B. Stuart
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