Description:

Stuart James



J.E.B. Stuart, Perhaps the only Known Letter to the Confederate Congress Showing His Love of Horses & Commitment to the Cavalry


War date Letter Signed, "J.E.B. Stuart," Bi-fold, signed to verso of the first page. 7.75" x 10", "Hd. Qrs. Cavalry Division, Army of Nor Va.," April 16, 1863, to the Hon. Muscoe Russell Hunter Garnett (1821-1864), a Virginia Representative to the Confederate States Congress concerning pending legislation concerning the cavalry and the care of horses. Body of text somewhat light, but featuring a strong, bold signature by Stuart, spine fold partly separated, minor separation to one horizontal mailing fold, else fine condition. Presented matted, framed and glazed with the signature page centered and on display to the front. The recto of the the same page is visible by a clear window to the back of the frame. To the left of the signature page is a lovely copy of the front page, and an outstanding photograph. Matted and framed in a lovely gilt-tone frame to a completed size of 24.75" x 18.25". 


The letter, which was hand delivered to Garnett by Robert E. Lee's oldest son, Gen. W.H. F. "Rooney" Lee, reads in full: "I understand from Brig. General W.H.F. Lee that you have signified a desire to aid in any legislation needed for the Cavalry service - if we would state succinctly what is wanted. Availing myself of your kind offer I submit the following through his kindness for your consideration. An Act providing for remuneration for Cavalry horses permanently disabled by wounds or rendered permanently unserviceable by accident received when the owner is in the immediate execution of an order - or unavoidably captured by the enemy. The question to be determined by a board to be composed of 3 officers of the Regiment to be designated by the Colonel as the 'disabled horse board' or upon the order of a General officer. extension of the law, authorizing military courts, to each Army Corps or Department, so as to include a Division of Cavalry attached to a grand army - as absolutely necessary to ensure speedy trial and justice, and preserve discipline. (See copy of urgent letter on this subject to Gen. R.E. Lee, April 9th, 1863). A Veterinary Surgeon to each Brigade of Cavalry, to be selected and appointed after thorough examination into his qualifications, with the rank of Major. The amount of saving in horse flesh to the Confederacy by a competent Veterinary Surgeon to each Brigade would be incredible. I assure you that no greater service could be rendered the cavalry of the Provisional Army than the passage of such laws as embrace the foregoing."


A resolution concerning provisions for veterinary surgeons for the cavalry had already been introduced in the Confederate Congress on April 4, 1863. However the Congress went into recess on May 1, not meeting again until December 7, 1863. Within a week, the Confederate Congress said once again "That the Committee on Military Affairs inquire into the expediency of providing by law for the appointment of a veterinary surgeon, with the rank of captain, to each brigade of cavalry, the appointment to be made upon due examination before a board of at least three colonels of cavalry." In addition, the Congress "Resolved, That the Committee on Military Affairs inquire into the expediency of amending the law establishing a military court for each army corps, so as to authorize a similar court to commands of cavalry composed of two or more divisions. Resolved, That the Committee on Military Affairs inquire into the expediency of so amending the law abolishing regimental commissaries as to except the cavalry regiments from it operation." (Journal of the Confederate Congress, April 4, 1863, 6:292; December 14, 1863, 6:530). It would appear that the issue died in committee as no mention of further action on the matter was recorded. Due to increasing manpower shortages as the war dragged on, it is likely that it proved impossible to find qualified personnel to fill the positions.


This is believed to be the only known J.E.B. Stuart field letter addressed to the Confederate Congress in private hands. It was purchased from the descendants of a Union soldier who had captured it during the Fall of Richmond in 1865.



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