Among my co-workers are descendants of two prominent Confederate generals. The first is descended from Stephen D. Ramseur and the other from Robert E. Rodes. General Rodes was arguably one of the best division commanders in the Army of Northern Virginia. Unfortunately we know little about his outlook on the war owing to the fact that his wife burned his letters following his death.
His private correspondence save a (precious) few letter, I burned…and also his correspondence with [his] brother of which I kept a few mementoes only.
Well today I received a phone call indicating that a few of his letters were found by a family member. Copies are on their way to me as I type this. Are these the "precious few" letters that are referenced above? We will soon find out. Stay tuned.