Ghent,

Norfolk, Va.

April 8. 1909

 

Mr. L. W. Hopkins,

            Dear Sir:

                        Yours of Mar. 30. came to me in due time, but with a sick grandchild, & many interruptions it has been impossible for me to write. I am much interested in all you tell me of yourself / your career, & your book. In regard to the horses my husband rode, it is hard to write of at this late day. As I recall only some few of them. "Skylark" was one of the first he had in May 1861. While others were bought from time to time, this one was used in the lower Valley—& at the Battle of Manassas.—

 

He was one of those lost in / Maryland upon the return from the "Chambersburg" Expedition. Another favorite lost at some time was "Lady Margrave". (see Maj. McClellans book,—Stuart's Campaign). "Star of the East" was a favorite. When at Mason's & Munson's Hills. A large sorrel with star in forehead. I think he was killed—or died from wound rec'd in battle. Lilly was a beautiful dark dappled brown,—& was my riding horse, when visiting / occasionally—near Head Qrs. I had her for years after the war. An injury to her foot caused such trouble that she had to be shot.

 

"General" a large grey was the horse Gen. Stuart rode in his last charge—I believe. He was given to Maj. Andrew Venable of Farmsville, Va. Write to him. He can tell you more than I can. Wishing you great success—

 

                                                I am—

                                                            Very Sincerely

                                                            Flora Stuart.

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