Virginia Military Institute
My dear sir
You are aware that Mr. S. entered this Institution as a cadet in July 1847. After completing the whole course of studies, he was graduated in July last with great credit. You will see by the accompanying merit roll that in all his classes he maintained a most respectable standing, while in Geology, Artillery, and Infantry Tactics, he was No. 1. And in Military Engineering 3rd.
In addition to these facts, he was a commissioned officer of the Corps of Cadets and gave great satisfaction to us in the manner in which he discharged his duties.
So high was our estimate of his talents as a scholar and qualifications as an officer, that on a vacancy in our Corps of Instructors occurring in July, he was selected as an assistant Professor of Math. And assistant Instructor of Tactics and has been discharging these duties with great credit up to the present time.
From my personal knowledge of the qualifications of an officer of the Army, I know that there are few young men who enter the Service from West Point who are better qualified than Stuart and I have no doubt he will make as fine an officer as can be selected for the Infantry arm of the Service.
You know his moral qualifications as well as I do. If any doubt had existed on this point, he would never have been appointed an officer in this Institution.
hope it will be the pleasure of the President to confer an appointment upon Mr. Stuart.
This Institution has been laboring now for 11 years in building up its Military reputation and we should like to have an opportunity of comparing our graduates with those from West Point.
With cordial regards to Mrs. S.
Hon. A. H. H. Stuart Washington City
Va. Military Institute
Mr. W.D. Stuart desires to obtain a commision in the U.S. Army. His present post, that of Asst. Instructor of Tactics in the Va. Military Institute is evidence of his peculiar fitness for command. His acquirements at the Insititute of which he is a graduate, embracing Engineering, Artillery, and Infantry Tactics, with Mathematics and the Natural Sciences were such as to induce the authorities of the Institute to select him from her many graduates for the very responsible situation he now holds, a situation which requires judgement, firmness and decision of Character- all of which Mr. Stuart possesses in a high degree. His uniformily gentlemanly deportment has endeared him to his fellow officers and will make him grace the position he seeks.
VMI
W. Stuart was appointed immediately after his graduation Assistant Instructor of Tactics in the Virginia Military Institute. This is the highest and most indubitable testimony of the estimate of his military qualifications, by those who know him best. The course of military instruction and discipline at the Institute conforms strictly to that of the U.S.A. at West Point and is conducted by graduates of the latter Institution. If from a jealous regard to the character of the Army, the Government ordinarily restricts its commissions to the graduates of West Point, the same principle might well incline it, in its exceptional appointment of citizens, to feel a preference for those, who like Mr. Stuart, have at a State Institution, thoroughly prepared themselves for the Military Profession.
Engineers Office
My Dear Stuart,
It is really refreshing, my old friend to hear from you and especially to know that you are a married man and in the full enjoyment of the pleasures that attend married love. My wife returned from Virginia about the first of September with much improved health---and my boy is a most magnificent fellow. A look at him might be of some service to you. Don't blush my dear fellow I don't mean any thing.
Dabney, what under the sun has become of all of our class mates. You are living in the center of our great union and should be posted up on every thing. I never see the names of any of our class in the papers, nor do I ever correspond with any of them, hence I am utterly ignorant of their movements. I never any thing from Lexington since you left there. Have any of our old acquaintances married off since our days-.
Matters here are still wearing a pleasant and flattering aspect. Our road is moving on finely, and we trust ere many more months pass away, that we will have a large and important portion of our work finished. I wish that we had a good comfortable post to offer you here. We are finishing up so fast that we are reducing the Corps instead of increasing. Still, should you ever make up your mind to embark in the profession, we might look out for a post for you.
Your school I trust will for the present afford you a comfortable competency, and something besides. School teaching, like every thing else has its reverses, its calms and its storms. We can find no profession that is made up entirely of sunshine. We must expect the life of man to harmonize with nature, having its passing clouds and refreshing sunshine in equal turns. I with all my hopeful temperament, have had my moments of gloom and anxiety, but with a fond wife, no less hopeful than myself, to cheer me, I have faced all and am now full of bright anticipation. Nor does this come about from any fortune, or particular promises, but all from a conviction that there is room for everyone in this world and plenty for everyone to do, and that industry when ever it is found is in the course of time rewarded. This is an unusually difficult time with almost everyone. There seems to be a weariness in the money market in every quarter. Men experience great difficulty in meeting their general expenses. This state of affairs, I have no doubt has had its influence upon your school, and I feel assured that there will be an improvement after a little while. I hope my dear Stuart, that you will continue to keep me posted up in regard to your movements, for I may find a good offering out South that would please you, and if such should be the case, it would give me inexpressible pleasure to serve you. I will always be on the look out. A new country is better for a young man in any profession. The competition is not so great and pay better. Present me the kindest manner to your good wife and receive the renewed assurance of your old and sincere friend and classmate.
Richmond, Va.
Gov. Letcher
Head Qrs Va Forces
Col. T.P. August, Lt. Col. W.D. Stuart, and Major Thos. G. Peyton, Virginia Vols, are assigned to duty with the troops at the "Camp of Instruction" and will report without delay to Col. William Gilham commanding that post.
By order of Maj. Genl Lee
Richmond
Dear Sir,
While the Company deplores deeply the necessity which separates you from us, we rejoice to know that our Beloved State will have the benefit of your valuable services.
Permit us personally and on behalf of the Company to tender you our best wishes for your future happiness and prosperity.
Very truly your friends,
Unofficial
Camp of Instruction
My dear Col.
Yours sincerely
Richmond
Dear Sir,
Yours very respectfully,
Head Quarters Williamsburg
Col.,
I am sir very respectfully
Adjutant Inspr Genl's Office
XI. Lieut Colonel William D. Stuart Virginia Volunteers is promoted to be Colonel and assigned to the Command of the 56th Virginia Regiment just organized at Camp Lee, near this city, andwill report accordingly.
By order of the Secretary of War
Camp Lee
Sir
As the commanding officer of the Regt. and its organ upon this occasion, I need not assure you that I received it with pride and satisfaction. Regarding it as the emblem of the honor and purity of our Mother State, hitherto unsullied in Council or War it shall be carefully guarded that it receive no detriment at the hands of the Regiment to which you have confided. I think I can with all safety assure you, and that the Sons of Va., voluntarily of the 56th Va. Regt. will ever be found at their post of duty and that they will never do discredit to the sacred cause in which they have enlisted.
The Daughters of Va. whose fair hands have wrought this beautiful emblem of Va.'s honor, will never have cause to blush for shame at the conduct of their brothers.
I am very respectfully
Adjt and Insp Genls Office
XI. The 56th Regiment Virginia Volunteers, Col. Stuart Commanding, will proceed without delay, via Wytheville, to Jeffersonville, VA. and report for duty to Brig. Genl. Marshall.
By Command of the Sec. of War
Head Quarters Brigade
Col. Stuart,
I am sir,
Some of the wagoners I hired and started left the teams on the road. I am compelled to go to Abingdon by private conveyance ad will purchase some waggons & c by the way and hire other wagoners.
W. Gibboney
Transportation Office C.S.A
Colonel,
Will you please inform me whether you have already provided receipt for the transportation and whether the baggage was entitled to transportable from government. I have the honor to be
Very Respectfully
Hd. Qts. Knoxville, Tenn
To-
You will move with your Regiment as soon as transportation can be furnished to you, to Nashville Tenn.
By Command of
Received at: Abingdon Dec 10 1861
By Telegraph from: Knoxville Dec 10
Genl. Johnson orders that your Regiment remain with Genl. Marshall W. H. Carroll
Received at: Abingdon Dec 11 1861
Proceed with your Regiment to Pound Gap and report to Genl. Marshall. The Quarter Masters Dept. is ordered to furnish transportation.
S. Cooper
Headquarters 1st Brigade
Special Order
Col. Stuart is directed to move his Regiment from Abingdon immediately with such transportation as can be procured. It is of the first importance to the safety and success of the command on this frontier that the reinforcements destined for the forces already here shall move to the front without delay. Fine opportunities for brilliant successes have been lost for want of their presence ad others are daily passing away. The weather has favored the movement of the troops, but has not been taken at advantage. The General directs that the movement be commenced without further delay and that the passage of the troops over Pound Gap be notified to him by the returning courier.
By order of
1861 December 22
Col. Stuart,
If there are any forces near your route who are disengaged I would like exceedingly to have them assist me now. I am here with a force not amounting to 1500 men fit for duty. I shall struggle to keep off the evil day as long possible for you to arrive.
Yours truly & c
[note on back]
Adj. [&] Inspect. Genl's Office
Sir,
Very Respectfully
Lt. Col. Philip P. Slaughter
Abingdon (Va) Dec 27th 1861
To-
Dear Sir:
From what I have learned since writing the above, the opinion prevails in Richmond that the Regt. declined transportation on account of the "onerous march across the mountains". You can judge of the correctness of this statement. Such seems to be the prevailing opinion in the War. Dept. Can you do any thing for us? I am in the worst quandary I ever was in my life. Please telegraph me at your earliest convenience.
I think a court of inquiry would be beneficial to us: at all events, it could not injure us.
Yours very respectfully
P. S.
Abingdon Dec. 27th 1861
To-
Sir,
The Regt. is reduced lower than one half its original size, and is at present in a very debilitated condition. Col. Stuart, by reason of sickness has not been able to take command of the Regt. since leaving Richmond. Maj. Green is absent, all of which combine to place me in a very unenviable position upon the receipt of your orders.
As to the matter of transportation, I have only eight or ten wagons and no horses, as the Quartermaster informs me.
I shall endeavor to the utmost of my ability to move at the earliest time possible and most sincerely hope I may be able to join you in season to render some assistance in the existing emergency.
This will be handed to you by Capt. T. Smith of the 56th Regt. in whom you can place all confidence.
I did not see your courier or I should have dispatched by him. He left before I could reach the village.
I am sir very respectfully
Abigdon, Va. Dec 27th 1861
Dear Colonel,
In great haste
Adjt and Inspr. Genl's Office
Colonel Stuart's 56th Regiment Virginia Volunteers is detached from General Humphrey Marshall's Command and will immediately proceed to Bowling Green Kentucky and report to General A.S. Johnston for duty with General Floyds Brigade.
By Command of the Secretary of War
Abingdon (Va) Jan. 4th 1862
Dear Sir,
Six companies of the Regt. have gone in under command of Capt. Boswell. The others will go tonight. I am much afraid we may be detained somewhat at Union, the first burnt bridge; but our great object is to get away as fast as possible from the road to Pound Gap. I will send you a copy of the order from the Sec of War.
Jacob, during our troubles has been invaluable to me; indeed, while attending to my immensible duties, I think I would have starved but for his providing hand & it is almost certain I would have lost everything I have, but for his care. I envy you very much the possession of so valuable & reliable a servant.
I told him he would either keep his horse in the Quartermaster's stables or at Mr. Benham's. In case I misinterpreted your wishes concerning him, and you should desire him to be sent on, write to Dr. Howard, who expects to carry his own, & it will be as easy to carry two as one. Should you adopt this suggestion, you had better write immediately.
Jacob desires me to say he is tolerable well and would like to hear from you as soon as convenient to know what course he is to pursue.
Maj. Green has not returned as yet. Two of Capt. Richardson's men deserted last night. I think we have some thirty sick in the hospital.
Hoping this may find you rapidly recovering and that you are able to rejoin us speedily.
I am sir, very respectfully
[on back] Copy of Order from Sec. Of War
XV. Colonel Stuart's 56th Regt. Virginia Volunteers, is detached from General Humphrey Marshall's Command and will immediately proceed to Bowling Green, Kentucky and report to General A. S. Johnston for duty with General Floyd's Brigade.
By Command of the Secretary of War
Richmond, Va.
Genl. Cooper,
Head Quarters Brigade
Col. Stuart,
I am sir
This order was received late at night and a verbal message by Capt. Taylor that a messenger had been sent to Genl. Crittenden to inform him of my presence in Abingdon and that he should write order me to join him if necessary. Not hearing from Genl. Crittenden in forty-eight hours after, I sent Lieut. Col. Slaughter to Knoxville to find out from him at once whether I should expect orders from him and he replied by Telegraph through Capt. Cunningham his A. A. Genl.ordering me to Nashville & Col. Slaughter returned the following day bringing the following order by which this is an exact copy.
Hd. Qrs. Knoxville Tenn.
Sir,
By Command of
The interval between the reception of these orders was employed by me busily in attempting to procure transportation and finding no Quarter Master at Abingdon, I sent to Wytheville for Capt. Gibboney A. Q. M. at that point to report at Abingdon and assist me. My own QuarterMaster was without funds for that purpose. Capt. Gibboney arrived bringing with him waggons purchased on the road and by the time of the reception of the order from Genl. Crittenden, I had enough transportation on hand, by leaving some articles behind to enable me to reach Prestonsburg. Of course after the order of Genl. Crittenden, I had no use for the waggons and ordered them immediately to be loaded with supplies of ordnance and other belongings to Genl. Marshall and forwarded to him
Immediately upon the receipt of Genl. Crittenden's order, so uncertain was telegraphic communication, I sent my Quarter Master to Lynchburg to arrange for transportation by rail to Nashville and had already procured it and would have been on the way to Nashville but for the bursting of one of the [flues] of the engines, when I received the following order by Telegraph received in Abingdon Dec 10th about dark.
Knoxville Dec 10th
Upon the reception of this order I immediately telegraphed the Department to know whose orders I should obey? In the meantime the waggons I had secured for my Regiment were on the way to Pound Gap and I was thus compelled to commence again to prepare transportation for that trip.
I had been quite unwell with jaundice ad the Surgeon finding that we would be compelled to go to Pound Gap told me that he would not answer for the consequences should I undertake to go and advised my return to Richmond, where I have been confined to my room with a severe attack of Rheumatism until within the last ten days. I left the Regiment under command of Lt. Col. Slaughter and I know that the delay in proceeding to join Genl. Marshall arose from no indisposition on his part to execute the orders, but from an absolute inability to procure the necessary transportation. There can be found in the service no officer more active, intelligent and competent to the discharge of the duties of his position. We are anxious if there is the slightest doubt remaining on the mind of the Honl. Sec. as to the want of proper activity on the part of the officer of the Regiment to move forward, that he will order a Court of Inquiry that the matter may be thoroughly sifted.
I have the honor to be
Genl. Hospital
Wm. T Cross, Private Co. E. 56 Reg. Va. Vols. has been in this hospital since 1 Nov 1861 with Secondary Syphilis. He has now Syphilitic Rheumatism & as his turn of enlistment will expire in June, I recommend his discharge from the service.
I. Beu. Gibson
Official business
Sir,
If there is a prospect of obtaining his discharge at once, I would prefer his remaining in the Hospital until it is received here.
Very resp.
Richmond Arsenal
My Dear Colonel,
His health is now sufficiently restored to justify his joining his command. I bespeak for him your kind consideration in advance, because having known him intimately from boyhood to the present time, I declare him to be a "gentleman and a soldier", as Lear was a king- "every inch".
Your Friend
Head Quarters Floyd's Division
The reenlisted men of this command are entitled to a furlough of sixty days at home, but in case of a collision with the enemy at Knoxville this will be suspended for one week.
By order
Official
Headquarters Floyd's Division
The entire command will move tomorrow morning on the cars in the following order. 1st Headquarters, 2d Artillery, 3d. 1st Brigade, 4th 2d Brigade.
The 1st Brigade will load its baggage on the cars at 9 o'clock in the [trn]-yard just across the bridge arranging so that their baggage or wagons will not be in the way of Head Qrs.
By order Brig. Gen. Floyd
Official
Head Qrs Floyd Division
Having been relieved from my command I hereby turn over the troops under me to the command of Col. Maney commanding forces at Knoxville Tennessee. The commanding officers of Regts will report for duty at once to Col. Maney
By order Brigdr Gen. Floyd
The Field Officers and officers commanding regiments will report at these HdQrs as soon as practicable. The General desires to introduce these gentlemen to the commanding officer Col. Maney.
By direction
Head Quarters Knoxville
Col. Stuart
You will hold your Regt. ready to move at 10 o'clock tomorrow morning. Send to these Headquarters by 8 ½O'clock tomorrow morning a report of the strength of your command for duty.
Geo. Maury
Hd. Quarters Knoxville
Colonel
You are hereby directed to take command of all the forces here, formerly of Genl. Floyd's command in the movement towards Jacksboro. Capt. B. W. Snyder Qr. Master will report to you as Qr. Master for your command. He will be furnished with twelve 4 horse wagons for transportation of your command. If this transportation is more than sufficient for the tents, cooking utensils and ammunition necessary for your command you will please direct your commissary, whom you may select from your command, to load the unappropriated wagons with Flour and Bacon for which he will make requisition on the post commissary at this place.
Respectfully,
Hd Qrs Knoxville Mch 20th/62
Col. Stuart will move with his command tomorrow morning at 6 o'clk on the road to Clinton. You will have rations for one day cooked tonight.
By comd of
Head Qrs Knoxville, March 21st 1862
Col Stuart
Col. George Maney Comdg Post
Col. Stuart
R. B. Snowden Adjt.
Hd. Quarters Knoxville
Col. Stuart
Your order to march toward Clinton is revoked. I desire to see you at my Hd. Quarters in person at first convenient moment to regard to encamping your command here.
Very Respectfully
Lebanon, 31st March 1862
Col. Stuart,
The others parts of your order I cheerfully approve and will sustain. I know of no vice so fatal to our soldiery as intemperance; and, independent of the loss of many genial fellows to the cause in which our swords are drawn, their fall is the gain of the meanest and the most heartless men in community. The vigor of authority shall not be wanting on my part to sustain every effort to limit the pernicious vice.
I enclose an Order, which please hand to Maj. Fisher that he may have a few struck off and sent after such of my men as have left Abingdon.
Your vindicatory note has been successful I imagine in proving that you did not delay marching last winter intentionally, but the failure to join me was a great misfortune to this command.
I am ready however to look forward and not backwards, and hope our acquaintance may be as agreeable in its continuance as it has been awkward in its beginning.
Yours Respectfully,
Apr 1st 1862
Dear Sir,
I am sir very truly yours
Confederate States of America
Dear Mr. Stuart,
If Frank had been successful I would not myself apply, but I suppose his application is pretty securely pigeon holed & he will never hear from it, though Tom Harris is now in the city & a member of the Military Committee of Congress.
I saw Aunt F. last night and she and the children are in good spirits, looking forward to visiting you in Abingdon, in accordance with your letter of recent date. Aunt F. was glad to hear of your being so well & comfortably fixed & perhaps her cheerfulness is only the reflection from your good spirits, as she learns from your letters & others who have seen you.
Ma and the children are pleasantly fixed in Danville & are all very well: Frank was at Orange C. H. when I heard from him, though there is a rumor that his division went down to reinforce Magurder. The sky is brightening. I have not time to write more at present. Hoping to hear from you soon, I remain yours affectionately.
Abingdon 20th April 1862
Dear Sir,
With the highest respect
Confederate States of America
Genl. G. W. Randolph
Sir,
In these days of uncertain tenure of office, your endorsement of the substance of this letter would probably be of great service to him, especially as his standing on the Peninsula and conduct in the Battle of Bethel are personally known to you.
With great respect, your obedient servant,
War Department
I take great pleasure in bearing the testimony to the gallantry and conduct of Col. Stuart at the Battle of Bethel of which I was an eye witness, and to his efficiency as an officer and his deportment as a gentleman. He is an educated soldier and I should be sorry for the Country to lose his services.
Camp near Winchester, Va.
My dear Colonel:
I can truly assure you I was much gratified with the expressions of regard and esteem you therein expressed towards me. My brief association with you was among the most pleasant I have formed during the war and I sincerely trust it may be renewed at no distant time, under such auspices that we may be able to cultivate a still closer intimacy. With many prayers for you safety and happiness I remain truly your friend
Provost Marshal's Office
Dear Sir,
I was astonished to hear that you contemplated such a thing as it would undoubtedly place me in a false light before the Department. I presumed you had received official notification of my appointment here.
I have always thought you were magnanimous enough not only to be willing for any officer of your Regt. to obtain promotion and a better position, but would aid him if possible in doing so.
I informed you in three letters before that I applied in Sept. last to Q. M. for transportation to Regt. and applying the same day to Adjt. Gen. Cooper in person to ascertain the point to go to, was directed by him to report to Maj. Gen. Smith for duty. By whom I was sent to Brig. Gen. Winder who ordered me to take charge of the C. S. Military Prison. I remained there about three weeks and discharged the duties satisfactorily to my commissioning officer and was on the 21st Oct. appointed "Provost Marshal" of this city with written orders from Maj. Gen. G. W. Smith, a copy of which I send you.
Each position was unsolicited and unexpected by me; but at the same time agreeable ad satisfactory; because the "posts" I was assigned were not only easier and higher than the Capt. of Infantry, but also horses and servants furnished me, and paid $180 per month. The pay however is no consideration with me. The chances of promotion are still greater in my present position.
I will also state to you, that is I preferred it, I am legally exempt from military duty by the recent "exemption act" passed by both "Houses of Congress" and approved by the President. First I have a plantation with over 40 negroes, and on it "no white male adult not liable to military duty." Second I have a large manufacturing mill and my superintendence is necessary for its successful operation. For either 1st or 2nd reasons I am exempt by "Act of Congress".
But notwithstanding pecuniary losses I am willing to remain in the army, provided my services will accomplish anything in the cause we are engaged.
I hope this will be satisfactory to you. I fear you did not receive my former letters making substantially the same statements as above; and I feel a conscientious sense of duty, in justice to myself to write to you again
The appointment here was somewhat complimentary to me and I have intimations already of a higher and more responsible position being assigned me.
I would be glad if you would answer this.
Very respectfully
P.S. I understand that only 8 or 10 efficient men of Co. "G" are with the Regt. and only about 22 or 23 in all on roll. I left several in Richmond at Hospital who will probably never recover sufficiently to return to duty.
18th Va. Regt.
Col.,
I am Col.
Camp Near Petersburg
Sir,
Most Respectfully
Camp Near Petersburg, Va.
I respectfully ask permission to be absent from my duties for a few days for the following reasons. My property has been dwindling away daily since 25th Dec last, for want of my personal attention. My negroes are roaming through the country without a proper home and I will probably lose them all if I cannot attend to the matter immediately. I leave my company in command of the Capt. I have deferred asking leave of absence until now, because of there being only two (2) officers belonging to the company and the comdg. Officer of the Regt. deems it best that the vacancies of 2nd and 2nd jr. Lieuts. should not be filled at present, I presume because of the smallness of the Co. I reenlisted as a private and have never received a furlough or anything in lieu thereof and have never been absent without leave.
S. D. Cronin 1st Lieut.
March 8th, 1863
I respectfully ask for a leave of absence for 20 days to visit my home in Mecklenburg Co. Va. having been in the service for 20 months and having never received but four days furlough since the organization of my Regiment. I hope this application will be granted. I was originally a 12 months Volunteer and subsequently reenlisted for the War.
Lieut. F. W. Nelson
Kittrell's Springs
Dear Sir,
Preston LibraryVirginia Military Institute345 Letcher Ave.Lexington, VA 24450-0304