Mosby, John S. (1833-1916) to James Ewell B. Stuart, Jr.
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC05252 Author/Creator: Mosby, John S. (1833-1916) Place Written: Washington, D.C. Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 8 November 1910 Pagination: 1 p. ; 25.1 x 20.2 cm. Order a Copy
Offers assistance in an unspecified endeavor of Stuart's (possibly a political appointment or campaign). Encourages Stuart, son of Civil War General James Ewell Brown Stuart, to call on President Taft when Taft travels to Richmond, Virginia. Mentions that Colonel Henderson (an old friend of President Taft and Chief of the Law Department, Southern Railroad) may be able to assist Stuart. Mentions his friend, Norton, who also may be able to assist Stuart from the White House. Instructs, "When you come here I wish you wd. bring along a can of fine oysters: We will enjoy them at my room in the form of cocktails with some of our friends." Hopes that Henry Stuart will be elected over Slemp, since Slemp's supporters are against J.E.B. Stuart, Jr. (possibly referring to Henry Carter Stuart and Campbell Bascom Slemp). Will deliver an lecture at New Haven, Connecticut, and promises that his lecture will discuss General J.E.B. Stuart at length.
Mosby served as a colonel during the Civil War. He served on General James Ewell Brown Stuart's staff, and was a noted (and notorious) leader of Confederate partisan rangers. He was assistant attorney in the Federal Department of Justice from 1904 to 1910. Slemp was a United States Representative from Virginia 1907-1922. Henry Carter Stuart was Governor of Virginia 1914-1918.
Department of Justice
1130 12th St. Washington
November 8,1910
Captain J.E.B. Stuart:
Dear J.E.B.
I recently spoke to Col. Henderson - Chief of the Law Dept: Southern Railroad - about calling on President Taft in company with you after the election where he (Taft) will be independent. He said that he would be glad to do it. I see that Mr. Taft is to be in Richmond about the 23rd. It might be well for you to go soon after he returns. Col. Henderson is an old friend of Mr. Taft practiced law in his court before he was President. I feel very confident that you will win in the end. I will write you where to come. As Norton is now at the White House & is a friend of mine & yours that will be an advantage to you. Of course I couldn't do anything directly for you - but I have friends who may. When you come here I wish you would bring along a can of fine oysters. We will enjoy them at my room in the form of cocktails with some of our friends. I hope Henry Stuart will be elected today. If he is it means the end of Slemp. All of his influence - & of his set is against you. All they want is the power to blackmail office holders. I have accepted an invitation to deliver a lecture at New Haven, Conn. on December 6th in which there will be a great deal about your father.
Yours truly,
Jno. S. Mosby
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