Presented here is an original clerk’s copy of Confederate General Jeb Stuart’s orders, given after the battle at Kelly’s Ford. Handwritten in period ink on blue lined paper, measuring 7 ¾” by 9 ¾”. Shows fold creases, yellowing in areas and scattered chipping on edges and center fold. Totally readable.

Letter reads, “Head Quarters, Cavalry Division Army of N. Va., March 21^st, 1863. General Orders No. 8 / The series of fierce contests in which Brig. Gen. Fitz Lee’s Brigade was engaged on the 17^th inst., with an enemy greatly superior in numbers, resulting in entire success to us, reflects the highest credit on its commander, its officers and its men.

On no occasion have I seen more instances of individual prowess, never such heroic firmness in the presence of danger most appalling. The enemy afraid to contest the palm of cavalry, preferred to rely upon his artillery, ensconcing his Cavalry, dismounted, behind stone fences, and other barriers, which alone saved him from capture or annihilation- this converting the long vaunted “raid” which was to breake the back bone of the “rebellion” with preparations complete for an offensive expedition, into a field advance and a defensive opera-tion. The serious disaster inflicted upon this insolent foe in which he was driven, broken and discomfited across the Rappahannock- leaving many of his dead and wounded on the field-  was not without loss to us, “The Gallant Pelham”- so noble-so true- will be mourned by the nation. The brave Puller- the in-trepid Harris, and our fallen heroes in the ranks have left a legacy imperishable known, and the memory of their fate will give a keener edge to vengeance in the next conflict.

Commanders will take care to record while fresh in their memories the instances of personal heroism for future use, and the Brigade still have the name of “Kelleysville” inscribed on their banners, as its greatest achievements.

J.E.B. Stuart, Major General Commanding”  [sl]

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