Field Letters from Stuart's Headquarters.
[The following autograph letters, for which we are indebted to Major H. B. McClellan, formerly of General J. E. B. Stuart's staff, are worth preserving in our Papers, and will be of interest to others as well as to those who "followed the feather" of the gallant and lamented Chief of Cavalry of Army Northern Virginia.]
General J. E. B. Stuart, Commanding Cavalry:
General—I desire you to rest your men to-day, refresh your horses, prepare rations and everything for the march to-morrow. Get what information you can of fords, roads, and position of enemy, so that your march can be made understandingly and with vigor. I sent to you Captain Mason, an experienced bridge builder, &c., whom I think will be able to aid you in the destruction of the bridges, &c. When that is accomplished, or while in train of execution, as circumstances permit, I wish you to operate back towards Culpeper Courthouse, creating such confusion and consternation as you can, without unnecessarily exposing your men, till you feel Longstreet's right. Take position then on his right, hold yourself in reserve and act as circumstances may require. I wish to know during the day how you proceed in your preparations. They will require the personal attentions of all your officers. The last reports from the signal stations yesterday evening were that the enemy was breaking up his principal encampments, and moving in direction of Culpeper Courthouse.
| Very respectfully, &c., | |
| (Signed) |
R. E. Lee, General.
|
| Official: | |
| R. Channing Price, First Lieutenant and A. D. C. | |
General J. E. B. Stuart, Commanding Cavalry:
General—I have just returned from Clarke's mountain. The enemy as far as I can discover is retreating on the road to Fredericksburg. His route is certainly north of Stevensburg, and is thought to be through Brandy station over the Rappahannock by Kelly's ford. You will therefore have to bear well to your right after crossing the Rapidan, unless you can get other information. I propose to start the troops at the rising of the moon to-morrow
