![[CIVIL WAR]. STUART, James Ewell Brown "JEB" (1833-1864), Major General, CSA. Autograph letter signed twice ("J.E.B. Stuart"and "J.E.B.") to an unidentified member of the Confederate Congress, "Hd Qrs Cav Corps A.N. Va.," 10 February 1864. 4 full pages, 8vo, minor mat burn, evidence of mounting in margins of pages 2 and 3.](https://www.christies.com/img/LotImages/2003/NYR/2003_NYR_01318_0240_000(070550).jpg?w=1)
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[CIVIL WAR]. STUART, James Ewell Brown "JEB" (1833-1864), Major General, CSA. Autograph letter signed twice ("J.E.B. Stuart"and "J.E.B.") to an unidentified member of the Confederate Congress, "Hd Qrs Cav Corps A.N. Va.," 10 February 1864. 4 full pages, 8vo, minor mat burn, evidence of mounting in margins of pages 2 and 3.
JEB STUART CAMPAIGNS FOR PROMOTION TO LIEUTENANT GENERAL
A fine letter in which the daring cavalry commander expresses frustration over his slow advancement. Writing to a member of the Confederate Congress, Stuart sarcastically says: "I see the House is hard at work so am I. My reports are still up nearly to completion. Genl Lee's Pennsylvania [Gettysburg] report went in some time ago & mine with it. I have been so fortunate as to hold a command, properly belonging to a higher grade, I have escaped Providentially, being hurt, and as one consequence have not been promoted. When I lose my head however I hope to be promoted... Apropo of this subject of promotion I will quote part of what I endorsed on Mosby's last report of his operations - 'While self consciousness of having done his duty well is the patriot-soldier's best reward, yet the evidence of the appreciation of his country, is a powerful incentive to renewed effort, which should not be overlooked nor undervalued by those who have risen to the highest point of military and civic eminence -- that evidence is promotion .' That Col[onel] is the true doctrine. It is not always practicable to promote the deserving; but when it is practicable it ought to be awarded graciously. A military man without aspirations is like a vessel without sail - a compass without the needle." The modest Stuart cautions that his comments should remain private: "I talk to you Col[onel] just the reflections that rise in my own mind, as to a friend who will not misconstrue what I write, but listen to the story with patience if not approval. Of course what I write on such subjects is private." Stuart continued to campaign for his promotion to Lieutenant General throughout the Spring of 1864, but on 11 May of that year, he was fatally wounded at the Battle of Yellow Tavern.
JEB STUART CAMPAIGNS FOR PROMOTION TO LIEUTENANT GENERAL
A fine letter in which the daring cavalry commander expresses frustration over his slow advancement. Writing to a member of the Confederate Congress, Stuart sarcastically says: "I see the House is hard at work so am I. My reports are still up nearly to completion. Genl Lee's Pennsylvania [Gettysburg] report went in some time ago & mine with it. I have been so fortunate as to hold a command, properly belonging to a higher grade, I have escaped Providentially, being hurt, and as one consequence have not been promoted. When I lose my head however I hope to be promoted... Apropo of this subject of promotion I will quote part of what I endorsed on Mosby's last report of his operations - 'While self consciousness of having done his duty well is the patriot-soldier's best reward, yet the evidence of the appreciation of his country, is a powerful incentive to renewed effort, which should not be overlooked nor undervalued by those who have risen to the highest point of military and civic eminence -- that evidence is promotion .' That Col[onel] is the true doctrine. It is not always practicable to promote the deserving; but when it is practicable it ought to be awarded graciously. A military man without aspirations is like a vessel without sail - a compass without the needle." The modest Stuart cautions that his comments should remain private: "I talk to you Col[onel] just the reflections that rise in my own mind, as to a friend who will not misconstrue what I write, but listen to the story with patience if not approval. Of course what I write on such subjects is private." Stuart continued to campaign for his promotion to Lieutenant General throughout the Spring of 1864, but on 11 May of that year, he was fatally wounded at the Battle of Yellow Tavern.