J. E. B. Stuart to T. L. Rosser, June 25, 1862

COLONEL: You will immediately supply your command from Major Ball, commissary of subsistence, with three days’ rations [of] hard bread and bacon. Should an engagement take place, you will move your main body toward the front, so as to support and watch our right flank and take advantage of any movement the enemy may make toward James River to harass and delay him by demonstrations in his front and vigorous attacks in his flanks. Keep yourcommand well together and well in hand, and be sure to keep a perfect communication and thorough co-operation with Major-General Huger and any other commander near you, bearing in mind that it is our first duty to whip the enemy, and to effect that no necessary sacrifice is too great, no hardship too severe.

I have entire confidence in your skill, ability, and energy. Colonel Goode, Third Virginia Cavalry, will be on the Charles City road.

Most

respectfully, your obedient servant,