Before the Ball by Mort Kunstler ~ In June of 1863, General Robert E. Lee began moving his Army of Northern Virginia from Fredericksburg, Virginia on the campaign that would end at Gettysburg. His cavalry division, commanded by General J.E.B. Stuart, encamped briefly near Culpeper, Virginia, and Stuart ordered his staff to arrange a ball for officers and guests. The Culpeper Town Hall was commandeered, and on the evening of June 4, 1863, Stuarts's officers and guests began arriving. Accompanying General Stuart was his wife, Flora, who was visiting her husband's headquarters. Ahead lay Gettysburg and defeat, but at the moment - a fleeting distraction from war awaited them.