may be able to frustrate his plans, in part, if not in whole.... I
pray that our merciful Father in Heaven may protect and direct us!
In that case, I fear no odds and no numbers."

About June 5th most of the army was gathered around Culpeper. Its
efficiency, confidence, and MORALE were never better. On June 7th
the entire cavalry corps was reviewed on the plain near Brandy Station
in Culpeper by General Lee. We had been preparing ourselves for this
event for some days, cleaning, mending and polishing, and I remember
were very proud of our appearance. In fact, it was a grand sight--
about eight thousand well-mounted men riding by their beloved commander,
first passing by him in a walk and then a trot. He writes to my
mother next day--June 8, 1863:

"...I reviewed the cavalry in this section yesterday. It was a splendid
sight. The men and horses looked well. They have recuperated since
last fall. Stuart [J. E. B. Stuart, commanding cavalry corps.] was
in all his glory. Your sons and nephews [two sons and three nephews]
were well and flourishing. The country here looks very green and
pretty, notwithstanding the ravages of war. What a beautiful world
God, in His loving kindness to His creatures, has given us! What a
shame that men endowed with reason and knowledge of right should mar
His gifts...."

The next day, June 9th, a large force of the enemy's cavalry, supported
by infantry, crossed the Rappahannock and attacked General Stuart.
The conflict lasted until dark, when

"The enemy was compelled to recross the river, with heavy loss, leaving
about five hundred prisoners, three pieces of artillery, and several