Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 08.djvu/453

Rh and of Seven Pines. It must suffice to say that, while holding his cavalry in reserve ready to improve any advantage, he personally participated largely in these engagements, directing especially the movements and fire of our artillery, a diversion of which he was particularly fond.

On the 13th and 14th and 15th of June, 1862, Stuart prosecuted his famous ride around McClellan's army on the Chickahominy. I have in my possession the autograph letter of General Robert E. Lee, which conveyed to Stuart his instructions. This letter is of so much interest that I venture to give it in full. It is marked "Confidential" and is dated:

, 11th June, '62.

Gen'l. J. E. B. Stuart, Com'd'g Cav'y.

Gen'l,—"You are desired to make a scout movement to the rear of the enemy now posted on the Chickahominy, with a view of gaining intelligence of his operations, communications, &c., and of driving in his foraging parties and securing such grain, cattle, &c., for ourselves as you can make arrangements to have driven in. Another object is to destroy his wagon trains said to be daily passing from the Piping-tree road to his camp on the Chickahominy. The utmost vigilance on your part will be necessary to prevent any surprise to yourself, and the greatest caution must be practiced in keeping well in your front and flanks reliable scouts to give you information. You will return as soon as the object of your expedition is accomplished; and you must bear constantly in mind while endeavoring to execute the general purpose of your mission, not to hazard unnecessarily your command, or to attempt what your judgment may not approve; but be content to accomplish all the good you can, without feeling it necessary to obtain all that might be desired.

I recommend that you take only such men and horses as can stand the expedition, and that you use every means in your power to save and cherish those you do take. You must leave sufficient cavalry here for the service of this army, and remember that one of the chief objects of your expedition is to gain intelligence for the guidance of future movements.

Information received last evening, the points of which I sent you, lead me to infer that there is a stronger force on the enemy's right than was previously reported. A large body of infantry as well as cavalry was reported near the Central railroad. Should you find upon