[10] be doubly vigilant in order not to lose the superiority they had acquired during the early days of the war. Thus left to themselves, being no longer compelled to follow the marches of a large army in order to watch and cover it, these bold champions of the South were able, during that period, to carry on what we might properly call a fancy war. Stationed among the villages of Virginia, where each of them contended for the honor of having such defenders of the Confederate cause, feasted everywhere, and surrounded by those attentions which compensate the soldier for many months of suffering and privations, they availed themselves of the inauspicious weather in order to rest and prepare for new conflicts. When the sun reappeared the sound ‘To horse!’ was heard, and they were quickly in the saddle, ready to manoeuvre before some of their favorite chiefs, Stuart, Jackson, or Lee; at times a division of infantry would even be called to witness their evolutions. And again, when some of the thousands of volunteer spies who overran the Federal lines pointed out some new bold stroke to be dealt, a detachment more or less strong according to the importance of the enterprise received in the evening the order for marching. From early dawn all the windows of the village would be crowded with women, who cheered the dashing raiders on their departure, while the latter rushed gayly into the country occupied by the enemy.
Stuart possessed the rare gift of communicating to those serving under him the ardor which burnt in his own bosom, and of moulding their character after his own. In achieving, within the space of one year, the high position he occupied, and a military reputation which justified it in the eyes of all men, he had lost none of the brilliant qualities which had attracted public notice from the commencement of his career. Passionately fond of his profession, always endeavoring to instruct and perfect himself in the great art of war, he had preserved all the dash of the young cavalry-officer joyfully going forth for the first time to the field of battle. Exemplary in his conduct, warmly attached to his family, sincerely religious, and of strictest sobriety, he found no relaxation during the intervals of his campaigns except in the society of young women, differing widely in this respect from Jackson, who, it was said, only found pleasure in the company of
