1862 October 13 Winchester, Va.

                   Winchester Va
                           O ct 13th 1862
My dear Madam:

                          Having heard of
an opportunity of sending you a
letter, I avail myself of it to ex-
press to you my sincere sympa-
thy for the misfortune which has
befallen your son I trust he
may soon be able to go home,
where he will enjoy the advantages of
a mother's care.
   He  joined my staff
last December and has been with me
except at short intervals, until he
received his wound at Sharpsburg
During our association, his many
generous and noble qualities have
greatly endeared him to me--I
feel under the deepest obligation to
him for his personal devotion to me

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as well as for his intelligence and efficiency
as an officer, in aiding me in the discharge
of my duties--In the several battles of
Kearnstown, Boonsboro' and Sharps=
burg, he was conspicuous for his gallan=
try and fearless bearing I am ac=
quainted with no one who enjoys a
higher, or more enviable reputation
than himself, for courage and daring,
among all those with whom he has
served.
  Elliot also served as volun=
teer aid to Genl. Ewell (I not having
a command at the time) in the several
engagements which took place last
August about Manassas-The General
spoke to me of him in the warmest
terms.  On one occasion he said
"Johnston was worth to him his weight
in gold."  Such a compliment from
General Ewell is truly valuable, for he

[page 3]
proverbially a man little given to
making professions, and only bestows
praise where it very hardly earned.
   In conclusion I hope your son
may soon be restored to health,
and that every success may attend him.
Please also accept my Kindest wishes
for yourself and family-
               Very sincerely
                  Your most obt. servant
                          R. B. Garrett
                            Brig'r Gen'l

MSS 5185