Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 37.djvu/329

 From Richmond, Va., Times-Dispatch, August 1, 1909.

'''THE GALLANT DEFENCE OF STAUNTON RIVER BRIDGE.''' Editor of the Confederate Column: 

Sir, You recently published in your Confederate Column an inquiry from Philip Alexander Bruce for my address, and also expressed a wish for an article on the engagement at Staunton Bridge. I enclose a letter to Mr Bruce explanatory of the conditions and circumstances of that engagement, which you are at liberty to use in your Confederate Column.

Yours very truly,

B. L., Late Colonel C. S. A.

July 14, 1909. 'Mr. Philip Alexander Bruce, 118 Beachwood Place: 


 * —Seeing a letter from you to Major Hunter, concerning the preservation of the fortifications which I had erected at Staunton River Bridge, and which enabled the forces under me to make such a gallant defense of the position and hold it against the bold and determined attack of about 6,000 of the best armed and well-seasoned veterans of General Grant's army, supported by three batteries of choice artillery, the whole constituting three brigades, under the command of their cavalry generals Wilson, Kautz and Speer I write to advise you of my address, and to tender my services in any way in which I can assist to further the laudable purpose which prompted your interest in the preservation of the fortifications, as yet plainly observable, but which time and the encroachments of nature, or perhaps those who have no sentiment or appreciation of the patriotism and heroism of the men who erected and defended these works, will within a decade or two efface entirely.

I am truly glad to know that,, as one of the thoughtful leaders