This is an original field dispatch written in pencil by famed Confederate cavalry commander J.E.B. Stuart in 1862. James Ewell Brown Stuart (1833 - 1864) commanded the cavalry of the Army of Northern Virginia from September 1861 until May 1864, when he was mortally wounded at Yellow Tavern, VA. The note authorizes "Mrs. Miller" to pass through Confederate lines and proceed to The Bower (Dandridge estate near Martinsburg, VA - now WV). The pass was written by Stuart to acting brigade commander T. T. Munford sometime between September 28 and October 8, 1862; Stuart established his headquarters at The Bower following the Battle of Antietam on September 28 and Munford was relieved by Brigadier General William E. Jones as brigade commander on October 8. It reads: “If the lady (Mrs Miller) comes to stay, all right, let her come, but allow no driver or other person to come with her. In haste JEB Stuart Magogenl” It is also addressed to “Col T.T. Munford Comdg” from “Major Genl JEB Stuart -Bower-”

The Bower remains perhaps Stuart's most famous headquarters during the war. While camped on The Bower grounds, Stuart not only found time to host three balls, but also executed his second daring ride around the federal Army of the Potomac - thereby embarrassing General George B. McClellan once again. Gala dances, hilarious theatrical performances by Prussian volunteer Heros von Borcke, music by Sweeny the banjo player, and the romantic pursuit of a Dandridge daughter by artillerist John Pelham all make The Bower memorable in the lore of J.E.B. Stuart's staff adventures!

"Mrs Miller" was probably "Miss" Virginia L. Miller of Leesburg, VA. Leesburg is just 30 miles from The Bower and Miss Miller was an enthusiastic "groupie" of well-known Confederate generals, turning up frequently at their headquarters throughout Northern Virginia in 1861 and 1862. She likely kept this pass as a sovenir of her stay at The Bower and meeting Lee's famed cavalry commander.

The document is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity from leading signature expert John M. Reznikoff of University Archives. It has also been professionally restored by document and fine art conservator Maria Pukownik; Mrs. Pukownik has performed work for the Smithsonian and is a nationally recognized expert in her field. The document originally had some trace-over in places; Mrs. Pukownik removed the trace-over and also corrected a small hole in the upper left corner and a modest tear in the upper right corner. Restored to its original condition, the document now resides in an archival mylar sleeve and is professionally framed with acid-free materials and UV protective glass. The document measures 6” x 5”, and the frame measures 21 ¾” x 18”.

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