Not sure I saw it mentioned in previous posts regarding your question, but the authoritative source on the 8th VA Cav is Jack L. Dickinson's 8th Virginia Cavalry (1986: H.E. Howard, Inc., Lynchburg, VA). The book contains unit rosters and an account of the unit's actions. I hope you will post the letter you mentioned in your first post. I'm sure others interested in the 8th would value the opportunity to read it. If you don't want to post it on line, would you consider emailing a copy?