| | 61 | Author: | Brand, William F. | Add | | | Title: | William F. Brand to Amanda C. Armentrout, February 22, 1864  | | | | Published: | 2002 | | | | Subjects: | University of Virginia Civil War Collection | UVA-LIB-BrandLetterscivilwar | | | | Description: | You have no idea how glad I was when your dear letter was handed me. I thought I
was entirely banished from your memory but your kind letter gave me understand
that there is still place a place in your noble heart that
sometimes promts you to think of me. Well in the
first place I will tell you how it is looking in camp this
day it looks and feels very much like snow it has been raining for several days
hope it will cleare off soon for I get so tired in
doors all the time I am so glad spring is so nigh most ever person are
but one deep has been scarce, I took one good sleigh ride You
wanted to know what kind of xmas I spent. I had a very happy time went to an
xmas tree it was a very grand one but there wasent a
present for me wasnt that too bad, but one consolation
it was out of the neighborhood & wasent
disapointed You bet I would like to see your
little boy but would rather see my darling Friend I so often think of him I can
hardly wait untill you send me there
Photoes I will have some taken next Fall if I live
& will send you one I guess I will get a letter from you about that time
is Rose B staying with you now? wish I could step in and have a long chat I
could tell you so much more than I can write but as we are deprived of that | | | Similar Items: | Find |
| 62 | Author: | Spillman, Robert B. | Add | | | Title: | Robert B. Spillman to Amanda C. Armentrout, March 17, 1864 | | | | Published: | 2002 | | | | Subjects: | University of Virginia Civil War Collection | UVA-LIB-ValleyOfTheShadow | | | | Description: | You kind and welcome letter of the 8th inst reached me safe today which found me
well & very glad to hear from you for I was anxiously awaiting your
reply. I felt so lonely lying in camp with no excitement but at last your dear
letter came which was indeed a healing talisman in writing & anxious
hearts if ever I prize a letter it is when such circumstance I
am satisfied there is no one who is more fond of communicating with dear friends than I am. Letter writing is a
pleasant mode of binding a vivid remembrance of friends & I think I
enjoy it as much as any one but some
times it does not suit my purposes. I pine for a more general & extended
chat, I wish very much that I could have the pleasures of meeting with you again
& again that we might become better acquainted my short stay with you I
have discovered many qualities in you which has made
undescribable impressions on me ours is a very singular case it is not often the
case where such a friendship springs up two between two
relative strangers Ever thankful I hope our friendship may be a lasting one
&c Sister you say that you have lately hurd
that I met with one of your neighbors & made enquiry in regards to your
self. I am indeed surpised to hear that
it is indeed a mistake let me assure you that I have never met with any one from
your county since I saw you it is not my
interest that I should have done as you heard I did but I assure you I did not
have the opportunity I dont claim to
be all Sister but I dont hesitate to say that your pleasant
appearance gave me entire satisfaction as regards your definitive worth Many
thanks, Miss Kate, for your favorable oppinion of me
I am very sorry that it is not a matter you asked if I was in
the fight near Richmond, I was not. I had not been relieved from duty in
Westemoreland, I returned to camp on the 9th of this
month. have not been very quiet since I
got here as the enemy kept us moving untill two days ago at which time we settled affairs all
is quiet now. Our losses were very slight. Well Miss Kate fearing I may bore you
with my uninteresting letter I guess I
had better close. My kindest regards to your fair family, please let me hear
from you ever sooner. your letters are most welcome messengers, with my warmest
wishes for your wellfare & happiness | | | Similar Items: | Find |
| 63 | Author: | Brand, William F. | Add | | | Title: | William F. Brand to Amanda C. Armentrout, March 24, 1864 | | | | Published: | 2002 | | | | Subjects: | University of Virginia Civil War Collection | UVA-LIB-ValleyOfTheShadow | | | | Description: | I recieved your letter on the 21st was truly glad to
hear from you I had almost given up all hope of ever hearing from you again, but
it seemed that I was blest at the eleventh hour by
receiving a long & affectionate letter, Peace seemed a stranger to my
mind I went to preaching regular & often found my mind wandering on
things that didnt interest my soul. Salvation tonight
I am on gard and as I can not sleep I have concluded to
spend my lonly hours in writing to my best of friends.
My health is very good, I have no reason to complain of any thing. I am only in all things to say Lord thy will be
done not mine. Thare is no news astir in camp that would interrest. Evry thing is quiet along the
Rapidan. Our Brigade has to go on Picket Monday morning I hope we may have a
plesant time We had quite a heavy snow storm
hear last tuesday
& tueasday night It was from ten to twelve
inches deep the boys had a gay time snow balling; our Brigade bantered Roades
devision
thay come out and drove us back to our quarters we had
no General to command us in the first Battle they had two. Walker seeing us
drove back came out & rallied the old brigade and drove our opponants to thare quarters
capturing one of thare Gen I suppose thare was two thousand engaged on either side. Thare was none killed on either side but a great many bloodly nooses. Dear Kate wish I was by your side to
night I am sure I could talk much easier than write I do not feel my self
capable of answering your letter but look over my many short comings & I
will try Dear Kate you spoke of kneeling at my feet to implore mercy I pray thee
never kneel to no man, but rather to thy creator in hoom
is our only help, he can change the hearts of those that hate us; to love
& repect us; Dear Kate can you imagine my
hapiness when I came to the words "Willie I
love thee; & my love has been tryed; ah
methinks I can hear those words comming up from thy
noble but storm tossed heart; and they make me feel like a strong man. Then
again Oh God is it not sinfull, you entreat me to
forget, who, my first, my only, and I hope my last lover. Dear Kate is this not
crual; one that loves me one that I love, to advise
me to forsake her, what have I done to bring this judgement upon me have I committed some foul deed that will leave a stain up on my character or am I not
good enoughf for thee I can not bring my self for a
moment to think that you would advise me thus on account of my need of worldly
goods; oh I know you know to well on this last, that God is the giver of all
such gifts you said you cared not for your own hapiness but that you would be hapy in seeing
your friends hapy Dear Kate let me pray the never speake thus again I for
one of thy loving hands will never seace striving untill it may please the almighty to plase me in a condition to make you hapy
Then & not till then shall I be berfectly
hapy, then if you refuse me I can live my days as I am;
when I learn to quit using tobacco I will do it for your sake you asked me
whether I went to see your cous, Lizzie I did not I wanted to see her but could
not I was in trouble I had left a face that I loved with out seeing it &
no other face seemed familiar. Dear Kate let us forget the past & try
& live as two loving friends for awhile; then if it may please our
master may I hope we may be drawn closer friends | | | Similar Items: | Find |
| 64 | Author: | Spillman, Robert B. | Add | | | Title: | Robert B. Spillman to Amanda C. Armentrout, June 10, 1864 | | | | Published: | 2002 | | | | Subjects: | University of Virginia Civil War Collection | UVA-LIB-BrandLetterscivilwar | | | | Description: | I again attempt to drop you few lines which I hope will reach you safe &
find you in the full enjoyment of health
& friends. I wrote to you about the 21 or
22 of May in answer to yours of the 1st which I recieved on the fourth I reckon you think I was long
time answering your letter but it was impossible for me to do so sooner. I have
waited a long time for you to answer, my love, but up to this time have heard
nothing from you so I write again to inform you where am & to let you know my condition. On the 1st day of
this month I was very badly wounded in the mouth & neck. So much so that
I could not talk any for many days I am geting so I
can talk a little now but make a very poor fist of it at best
since I have been wounded I am more
anxious to hear from friends though I reckon it is more for
the fact that I have not heard from you for so long if you have written to me
before you receive this of course your letter will go to my company but my
brothers will receive it then forward on to me I am improving very much my Doc
thinks my case not dayersome. I cant eat any thing I live on muck and mush mixed very thin so that I
sip it with spoon. I am quite strong thank God I have a fine constitution I can
stand most anything well My own friend you must write to me as soon as you recieve this I close so anxious to hear from you you
must excuse a short letter this time as my wound pains me. I have the pen in Richmond dear Kate write soon to your
unworthy but fond friend | | | Similar Items: | Find |
| 65 | Author: | Brand, William F. | Add | | | Title: | William F. Brand to Amanda C. Armentrout, 1865 | | | | Published: | 2002 | | | | Subjects: | University of Virginia Civil War Collection | UVA-LIB-BrandLetterscivilwar | | | | Description: | As I have a chance of sending you a few lines I hasten to improve it. My health
is very good hope this may find you enjoying the best of health I have nothing
to write worth detaining your attension. So you may
expect this epistle to be short. I imagine you wount
care if I would make it spicy. It is now ten oclock, time for (to use an old
saying) &c all honest people to be in bed, But as a
Miller never gets that credit I suppose it dont matter
about me, when I was down in old Aug I recieved a loving disapointment. Hope you had an agreeable & pleasant viist. The girls told me the next time I came
down to have things better arranged, about that time I thought it excilent
advise & I think I will make use of it, I
expect to come down next Sadurday three weeks
providence permitting I am doing a very good business. Dear Kate forgive me for
not being so neglectfull in my corispondence you are always near me in my
thoughts evry plan I form or evry hope I entertain you are with me I oftimes think you are mixed up
in the wib of my fate let it be good or bad. If God
spares me & my health I wil try in some future day make what is now real
a riality I will now close remaining | | | Similar Items: | Find |
| 66 | Author: | Brand, William F. | Add | | | Title: | William F. Brand to Amanda C. Armentrout, January 9, 1866 | | | | Published: | 2002 | | | | Subjects: | University of Virginia Civil War Collection | UVA-LIB-ValleyOfTheShadow | | | | Description: | I recieved your letter yesterday. after reading
& rereading it my feelings ware tinged with a
degree of sadness now I have taken your letter before me, for the purpose of
trying to answer its details something I never tried before & believe it
imposible now. While I gaze on you epistle my
mind wanders & I cannot senter it on no one
subject. Now believe me I am going to try to write what my heart shall dictate.
You are well aware I once loved you devotedly yes passionately up to the time of
our first enstrangement
Since then I have never have seaced to love you. But I cannot confine it to the
burning love I once enjoyed. Can I help it that I changed, I withdrew my
affections at a time when I thought all was lost that was dear to me. Oftimes
since then I have tried to be the same loving Willie I once was, but it seems
that I have failed Now dont
belive that you are forgotten for no other woman has
ever tuched a tender cord within my breast. You are
in my mind from morning till eve, yes my only desire to live is to perpetuate
your hapiness, give your hand to annother & I will leave this country wich will be a proof of
my feelings for you I am so carless my bright visions of the future may soon fade
your mind must have been pushed to an unusual degree of temperment when you wrote I dont
belive I could commit to memory all the charges you
prefered, I will not attempt to excuse my self
of any for very probaly I am gilty of all I spent a Mery Christmas
& a plesent New Year, Evry girl that fell to my lot to entertain was flatered to a limited extent So you may term me a cold carless
flaterer & of the world worldly my early
landmarks have all nearly been erased, what do I live for. My heart says thee
while my actions do not prove it you may doubt this writing put it is the truth
What more shall I say shall I fill this
page with loving ephithets or with the sad realities of my changed nature. You
once knew me as a devout flolower of our meek
& generous Savoir. But alas for a long time I had only a name to live
while dead. This may be the sadest letter you ever
recieved from me I never intend to hide any of
my faults from you. I know not what kind of a reply this may bring be what it
may I hope it may have its desired effect. Alas you will say Willie will soon be
a ruined youth it may be so, but I hope to the contrary I am certain the
intoxicating cup shall never drag me down in its ruinous path of misery. Since I left Augusta The grate I am has called for some of her fairest duels. It
seems that the fairest flowers are always smitten first. I recieved a letter some time ago from my darling sister oh how I long
for her emprace. Brother C was up to see me last
night got here late yesterday eavning &
started early this morn. He is looking quite well, dont
seem to take it very hard about loosing Bette, mans hard heart is hard to brake Dear Kate I pick up your letter and look at it.
Then say I cannot answer it, do not know how to commence so I will wait hoping I
may soon see you, when I can answer it more satisfactorily than by writing I expect to
make my apperance in old Aug
Sadurday week will call on you unless sooner
prohibited Do not let this uninteligible
letter give you any truble. If your hand is given to
another before I get down I hope you will let me have the plasure of thaking it once more Bro C told
me that J.V. & J.H. was at a party at your house some time ago very good
joke on them | | | Similar Items: | Find |
| 67 | Author: | Brand, William F. | Add | | | Title: | William F. Brand to Amanda C. Armentrout, April 5, 1866 | | | | Published: | 2002 | | | | Subjects: | University of Virginia Civil War Collection | UVA-LIB-BrandLetterscivilwar | | | | Description: | I recieved your letter of the 29th It found me in the saddle & after
reading its contents my feelings were deeply affected. Its clarion nots rang louder than the shock of the midnight assault,
Indeed it made my heart, as it ware
blead in simpathy for you,
I havent the least doubt but you hurd the rumer, you ought to have seen my
mortified & anger lit continance I didnt think thare was one living
in G. so disspsibly pose as
to circulate a malicious lie. I deny emphatically of taking a drop, or asking or
desiring one. I have evry reason to believe that your
relitive was the starter of the lie what else
shall I term it & for the simple reason I have been more fortunate than
his son in trying to be something in this world I will not deny your charge of
swearing occasionly & God knows I am
sorry to make this confession, but I never shall try to decieve you in the
least. I have always used candor & hope I never may very from its treshhold I
was down to Staunton on business & was detained longer than I expected I
would like to have called on you but had not time. excuse my haste while in
Aug. I am doing very well & have no
fears of the dangerous red cup no I will never bring Fathers head in sorrow in
the grave unless it be in regard to my soul & I sincearly
hop I may claim a right in the first reserrection ere long only by busy boddies who ought to learn our lords prayer. your letter
was like a white winged angel I admired it, it was tuching & pathetic thare is nothing in
it to hurt my feelings, I can well imagine your feelings while pening it, that dear brother bust
that you have lately intered knows me better than
some of my well meaning friends. I hafter hurry on
home as soon as I am done this very propaly I may
hafto go to Lex,
yet today. I have stayed all night with friend John I am heare you will send me I am very neglectful it might be best if you
could forget & I will write again in a short time wich may be more sudisfactory, friend L
was well the last time I hurd from her write whenever
it suits you your letters are always welcome | | | Similar Items: | Find |
| 72 | Author: | Brand, William F. | Add | | | Title: | William Brand to Kate Armentrout, March 28, 1861 | | | | Published: | 2002 | | | | Subjects: | University of Virginia Civil War Collection | UVA-LIB-BrandLetterscivilwar | | | | Description: | Tis said that absence conquers loveBut oh believe it not.I've tried
alas its powers to prove,But thou art not forgot.Lady though fate has
bid us partYet still thou art as dear-As fixed to this devoted
heartAs when I clasped you here.I plunged into the busy crowd,And
smiled to hear thy name,And yet as if I thought aloudThey know me
still the same.And when the wine-cup passes round,I toast some other
fair;But when I ask my heart the soundThy name is echoed thare.And
when some other name I learnAnd try to whisper love,Still will my
heart to the returnLike the returning dove;In
vain I never can forgetAnd would not be forgot,For I must bear the
same regretWhatever may be my lot.Even as the wounded bird would
seek,His favorite bower to dieSo lady I would with you speakAnd
give the parting sigh.If other guests should come I'd deck my hairAnd
choose my newest garments from the shelfWhen though art bidden I would
clothe my heartWith holist purpose as for god him self.For them I wile
the hours with tale or songOr web of fancy, fringed with careless
rhyme,But how to find a fitting lay for thee,Who hast the harmonies of
evry time.God bless you darling when the mornShames far away the mist of
nightAnd trails above the waving cornHer gorgeous glory robes of
light.God bless you when the sunset tintsWarm the high battlements of
heaven,As day a fond warm kiss imprintsUpon the gentle brown of
even.God bless you may your sleep be sweetAnd fraught with bright
& peaceful dreams.And waking may your youthful feetTread mid
lovers flowers by Crystal streams.Oh friend beloved, I sit apart and
dumbSometimes in sorrow, oft in joy divine,My lips will falter, but my
prison'd heartSprings forth to measure its faint pulse with thine. | | | Similar Items: | Find |
| 76 | Author: | Lightner, John P. | Add | | | Title: | John P. Lightner to Kate Armentrout, October 31, 1861 | | | | Published: | 2002 | | | | Subjects: | University of Virginia Civil War Collection | UVA-LIB-BrandLetterscivilwar | | | | Description: | It is with pleasure do I take my pen to answer your elaborate epistle, which I
received through the hands of our soldier & hero Mr J. Hayse. It need
not be told you that it was received & perused with great pleasure as I
consider it a pleasure to read letters from all my friends, who manifest such a
deep interest in the welfare & safe return of our soldiers as you do. I
am tolerable well at present, but not as well as I have been. I never had better
health than I had two or three weeks ago. Have fattened so much you would hardly
recognize me, if I were to meet anywhere away from home. I think you might come
down & see us all, while we are living in peace & quietude. The
indications for a battle are very faint; according to my way of judging. We will
soon be strongly fortified here, and I hardly think the Yankees will attack us
so strongly fortified, since they are afraid to "show us fight" in an open
field. We had a grand display of the Va
Vols yesterday evening. Gov.
Lecher was present & presented to each Va Regiment, the Virginia
Colors, with a short speech exorting them to never
let her be dishonored, while in their charge. All the Generals with in reach,
were present on the memorable occasion. | | | Similar Items: | Find |
| 78 | Author: | Angus | Add | | | Title: | Angus to Kate Armentrout, January 12, 1861 | | | | Published: | 2002 | | | | Subjects: | University of Virginia Civil War Collection | UVA-LIB-BrandLetterscivilwar | | | | Description: | In congratulation of your epistle, & the interrogatives therein, which
was so very striking indeed; & from such, is a natural impulse on my
part to respond, in my feeble way to your missive on the 21st
ult. Happy to hear of general health, & the
improving of Nic's mind, & very sorry to hear of the casualty of Miss
Sue, (on her way to visit) you which no
doubt marred her enjoyment to some extent. | | | Similar Items: | Find |
| 79 | Author: | Trenton, Annie | Add | | | Title: | Annie Armentrout to Kate Armentrout, February 8, 1862 | | | | Published: | 2002 | | | | Subjects: | University of Virginia Civil War Collection | UVA-LIB-BrandLetterscivilwar | | | | Description: | If you think it is so lonely since the "V. Rts." left I will try & have
you forget them a few moments, by reading a letter from Home for fear if you
think of them so much you will become troublesome on aunt's hands. And I now
don't wonder at you feeling lonely, since I have heard that that certain Mister is out of reach of
his "Plug of tobacco," & so far away from "his Cousin Janey." Now Kate dont go to grieving about
him, for I will have him a plug by the time you get home, not worth
while though to get it before as you have forbid him coming
until you return "for fear he would fall in love with me." | | | Similar Items: | Find |
| 80 | Author: | Trout, Annie | Add | | | Title: | Annie Armentrout to Kate Armentrout, February 20, 1862 | | | | Published: | 2002 | | | | Subjects: | University of Virginia Civil War Collection | UVA-LIB-BrandLetterscivilwar | | | | Description: | I will commence my letter with the sad description of John's funeral. He died
Thursday night at twelve oclock, his corps reached
home or rather his Uncle Toms Saturday evening, & his funeral was
preached there, to a large congregation of dearly loved school mates &
friends on Monday. Oh Kate I never saw any one look so life like in my life not one change from the dear face we parted with last
summer not one did I say, not one in outward
appearance, but oh that one great change that had sealed those dear lips, dimed those eyes & stilled that tender loving heart. Kate I
felt as though I must say something to him to wake him up for I could but think
he was sleeping, no mortal hand could have smoothed that countenance to such
perfect tranquility. John now sleeps to wake no more but his pure spirit
unconfined is exploring the regions of the unknown world. After remembering
& sending messages to all his schoolmates & friends he told his
Pa to tell one & all to meet him in Heaven
& his last moments were prayer haveing become
perfectly concious. Kate Just two days before his
death his Father in mooving his sachel let your likeness fall. John said "Pa
take that home with you & take good care of it." I donot know whether he said any more about it or not. I
wanted to have a talk with Mr Lightner the day of the funeral but so many were
around him asking about John that I had no chance. Doctor McFarland preached an
exelent sermon from
Psams
the CXIX 119 chapter
75:76:&77th verses. The first hymn: It is the Lord, enthroned in Light;
The second: Lord we share thy best
designs; The last: submissive to thy will, My God. He is buried in Mr Pilson's
graveyard by the side of his uncle John Tompson & now farewell dear Jno until the resurrection morn where we hope to
meet you in realms of light & blessedness: Farewell, Farewell. | | | Similar Items: | Find |
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