| | 41 | Author: | Armentrout, Amanda C. | Requires cookie* | | | Title: | Amanda C. Armentrout to William F. Brand, September 1, 1867  | | | | Published: | 2002 | | | | Subjects: | University of Virginia Civil War Collection | UVA-LIB-BrandLetterscivilwar | | | | Description: | I have just returned from my friend Rachel's & thought I would write you
a short note my health is very good better than usual I think & I am
trying to be very cheerful though I get the blues very bad some times. Pa has at
last consented for to have some waters & get
married at home so I have chosen six girls though I expected to have 7 but I
want the privlege of inviting one gent as water & will give you the same privlege you can invite a lady to wait as I have but
(on) six chosen but wish to know immediately what lady you wish. I have my two
sises R.C.E. Shuey, Kate Shields & cousin
Josie of course I will expect you to have Mr. Linzy as a water to make the 6th I do not know how to spell the name; Oh how I
wish you were here that we could make the arangement you are so slow a bout writing I
think you are so careless a bout writing Willie dear
will you always be so it has a bad tendency now you can not imagin my feelings when I
think a bout it but then I think it will not be long
that I will be from you & that you will strive to make me happy. Alas how long long did I await to hear
these words the other night Kate I am
striving to live a better life to become a good Christian my dear one are you
trying to do this Oh I do hope you are you cannot imagine the joy those few
words would create within in my bosom I think the tryals that I have dayly would be nothing if I
but knew that all that you can do is being done; if I allow myself to think for
one moment that you are not doing that I almost shrink from the situation or
position I have taken but I feel that you are trying for I know you will not
have me brake that no I know you want
to make me happy & that will make us both happy dearest remember me in
your dayly
prayrs but enough. | | | Similar Items: | Find |
| 42 | Author: | Brand, Amanda C. | Requires cookie* | | | Title: | Amanda C. Brand to William F. Brand, November 17, 1867 | | | | Published: | 2002 | | | | Subjects: | University of Virginia Civil War Collection | UVA-LIB-BrandLetterscivilwar | | | | Description: | I have not Read any letter from you yet but if you are
like me you are anxious to hear from me yes dear one I am very anxious to hear
from you but more anxious to see you I am very well was very sick one day last
week my general health is very good Pa's family are all well with the exception
of sis F. she is complaining very much of her limbs Sis Lizzie & her
little ones were up today Ida stayed with us I went with sis L this evening in
the careage to prayr
meeting none of our family were at church today Oh dear Willie you know not how
much I wished for you today I looked for you last evening untill late hopeing you would come I tell
you I am home sick or sick to see you any how this has been a long day to me or
my thoughts have been mostly about you wondering where my dear Willie was I am
striveing
to become more thoughtful than I have
been I have had many serious thoughts about my inconsideratness but I hope that it all be forgotten by thee
& when I do ere again that you will draw me close
to thy bosom & reprove me kindly for it dear one you know not how much
it greaves me to think that I am so thoughtless but I
always was a wayward child & I do hope that you will pitty & forgive Oh dear Willie how I wish you were here
tonight I will certainly expect you next Saturday evening. | | | Similar Items: | Find |
| 43 | Author: | Brand, William F. | Requires cookie* | | | Title: | William F. Brand to Amanda C. Armentrout, June 6, 1863 | | | | Published: | 2002 | | | | Subjects: | University of Virginia Civil War Collection | UVA-LIB-BrandLetterscivilwar | | | | Description: | As I am not able to come down I thought I would write afiew lines. My toe is getting something better. Also my health is
improving I hope in the course of another week I may be able to go about if so I
will not fail to come down for I never wanted to see my Kate as bad in my life
dear Kate you must not think hard of me for not comming
to day for when ever I moove
about my toe is very painfull I know it is not your
desire that I suffer more than I can avoid by remaining quiet your cousin John
is going to calvry
to morrow & would take me if I were able to
go. I am sorry to loose
such a good opportunity I was very sorry
to hear that your Brother was in Staunton sick with the fever. I hope he may get
home whare he will have kind parrents & sisters to wait on him I have been looking for
you nearly all week but I believe you are afraid to come to Greenville when I am
hear. Your Bro Geo. was at the Mill this morning if
I had have seen him I would have sent you a
not by him. If the gent you spoke of takes you away
next week you must write to me I hope he will lave you
whare you are for I do want to see you the wirst in the world But you must go if you can enjoy your
self for when ever I think you are happy then I am happy. Well I must colse write to me by the first opportunity Good bye
dearest Kate good bye | | | Similar Items: | Find |
| 44 | Author: | Brand, William F. | Requires cookie* | | | Title: | William F. Brand to Amanda C. Armentrout, September 16, 1863 | | | | Published: | 2002 | | | | Subjects: | University of Virginia Civil War Collection | UVA-LIB-BrandLetterscivilwar | | | | Description: | Once more I have the privilege of dropping you a fiew
lines. My health is very good & I hope theese
fiew lines may find you enjoying the same blessing. For
the last two or three days we have been exspecting
a fight. The enamy advanced on our cavelry last Sunday at Culpeper C.H. & drove them back after
a sleght engagement to the Rapidan River. We recieved orders Sunday night at one OClock to cook one
days rations & be ready to march at day light early Monday morning we
ware marched down below O.C.H. for to await further orders. The
enamy crossed the Rapidan at Raccoon ford. Gen
Early with his devision drove them back I suppose it
was nothing more than a Yankee raid trying to reconoiter our strengthe & position.
Thare is many rumers
afloat I know we are not settled yet I would not be serprised if we dont go to Fredericksburg
evry thing seems to indicate a change of base. The
grater portion of Longstreets corps; if not all;
has left us for some point not known to me now Capt G. arrived yesterday evning with eight men; a heavy reinforcment for our com. We have the largest company in the Regt some fifty odd reported for
duty. The boys all seem cherfull; & willing to
meet the enamies of our country on any field to
dispute our rights with them I hope we may go back to our old camp &
remain thare
untill the weather gets colder & I fear to if
we go on a long march that I could not stand it on account of my toe We had
preaching evry night while we ware in camp The Rev. Mr Taylor of Staunton preached to us Monday
evening I believe thare
ware more than five thousand soldiers gathered under the
sound of his voice eagerly listening to the words of light & life that
seamed to flow from his lips at the same time we
could hear the booming of the distant canon while he
preached I prayed that the holy spirit
might fall on us, as it did on the children of iseral
on the day of pentecost & that thousands might thare make thare peace with God. Dear Kate when
you recieve this no doubt you will say cold; so cold;
but I would not have you think thus for thare is not a
beat of my pulce but beats true to thee. O how often I
think of the past when you ware by my side; my arms
encircling you waist & you sweet lips gently
prest to mine than I was
happy; yes happy; as the gay warbler whilst they are singing thare notes of praise to thare maker I must
soon close your Br is well I had a notion to close him up in his box &
send him home awhile to his fond & loving sisters my love to all good by
my best & dearest Kate | | | Similar Items: | Find |
| 45 | Author: | Brand, William F. | Requires cookie* | | | Title: | William F. Brand to Amanda C. Armentrout, October 11, 1863 | | | | Published: | 2002 | | | | Subjects: | University of Virginia Civil War Collection | UVA-LIB-BrandLetterscivilwar | | | | Description: | I recieved your kind & interesting letter
this morning and being on a resurved post I hasten
to reply My health is very good & hope this may find you enjoying the
same. Evry thing is quiet along the lines our foes are
quietly watching us from the north side of the Rapidan evry thing would betoken a friendly appearance if our Officers would
allow us to trafick with the Yankees, a great many of
our boys bought topacco for the purpose of trading
for coffee; with all the yankee notions that might be brought forward for the
exchange of the great southern weed your
cousin Jimmie V has been complaining for some time he looks badly I came across
him the other day in the woods lying down when I first came upon him I felt like
kneeling down beside him & raising him in my arms I stoped for about a minute & looked at him & then
called him by name I asked him how he felt. he said about
as usual was just suning him self a little you need
not be in the least uneasy abut Jake no doubt he will
write to say as he is left in camp well Kate Jake made me blush the other day by
asking whare I was he was looking at me at the same
time. Abe answering told him I was writing to his sis. Jake then said he
suspicioned that then all the boys commenced laughing you may well now it was very hard to keep from blushing all the boys
tease me a grate deal more since I come back than thay ever did before but I never mind them. I often tell
them you said you had a grate deal of company since my return I am glad for I
know you can always enjoy your self when in gay company I suppose you have been
wandering
whare I got my red ink. Our post is near a patch of
Poakroads perries of which Brother John made the ink
that I am now using I hope it may last longer than the marks of a lead pencil. I
told John that Hettie sent her love to him he blushed and replied that he would
hafto return the compliment Thare is none but & myself in this post.
we have a gay time John says he will not believe that
H sent her respects to him unless I will let him read the letter he says he
nows that Hettie is to
backward to send her love to any one and says the blame must rest on you I
obliged him a great deal about the blush on his cheek telling him that it was a
hidden disease. I was in hopes that
Charles was at home by this time I hope while he is an exile that he may be
tamed I have never heard from sister since I returned to camp I am very ancious to hear from her I will write again to be sure
that she may hear from me. oh Kate I have no news & how am I to interrest you you said you had paid Kate a visit
& that you ware rather fearfull that Tom will
not come; I hope he will for if he disapoints her
She wil take it very hard if she should be so fortunate
as to get married I hope you may be thare &
enjoy yourselves to the gratest advantage I think Mr
Lee wil hardly let me of this
time as I had such a long stay this summer. My toe is getting so that I can
stand the truss very well The boys are mostly in fine spirits
Jake is not very wil this morning but I think its
nothing more than a slight bilious attack & will be well in a day or
two
they just remind me of my duty to write
to your cous; John B to get that ring finished & return it to you Miss
Kate Shields wil probably think that her ring is gone We
have prayer meeting one night and preaching the next I believe the boy generally like our new chaplain the Rev. Mr. See. I
think he is a good man & a noble Preacher hope his efforts may be
crowned with success your cous, He sends
his respects to you oh yes Jim Campbell told me to tell you that he was going to
strut in that confederate
unaform that he is going to get of him I must bring
this to a close by asking an interest in your prayers write soon as I am always
ancious to hear from you I remain yours truly as
ever. | | | Similar Items: | Find |
| 46 | Author: | Brand, William F. | Requires cookie* | | | Title: | William F. Brand to Amanda C. Armentrout, October 21, 1863 | | | | Published: | 2002 | | | | Subjects: | University of Virginia Civil War Collection | UVA-LIB-BrandLetterscivilwar | | | | Description: | After so long an absence I again seat myself for the purpose of droping you a fiew lines My
health is very good and I hope this may find you enjoying the same Thare is no news of importance transpiering at presant along the lines I hope our fall campaign is over
& that we may soon go in to winter quarters We have had a rite severe campaign for the last two weeks I think we
will moove to some camp today we had orders last night
to moove
this morning at nine oclock you must parden me for not
writing soon while on the march thare was little or no
chance to send letters back and I was always so tired after the days march that
I felt more like lying down than writing I recieved
yours of the 6 on the 8th was truly glad to hear from you oh how I wished that I
could come home for a fiew days to see your Cousin and my
friend united in holy wedlock but alas I had to serve my country first; then
wait on my friends; since writing the above we have mooved our camp near five miles. The boys are generally busy now
policing & putting up bunks we are campt two
miles south of Brandy Station I think we will stay hear
for some time we have a very nice camp;
but the water is not very good. You asked me questions in you first letter I
neglected answering, hope it is not to late now. I mess
with my old messmates Trotter, Abny, Grever, Hatten Britton & two
Ruebushes, they all say it will not do to brake up our
mess while the war lasts hope that may not be long. Tom is well he was unwell
for a week or two. This march has improved is health
greatly John has been unwell for a day or two but is getting something better
Hunter is very unwell I think he is theatend with
the fever. Capt is right unwell I think he was sent to some private house today
Jake is getting quite well again he got along better through the campaign better than I expected he would The boys will all recruit up
now I hope. I suppose your cous Kate is
married before this Oh how much I would like to have been thare I know I could have had my own fun I wish them much hapiness
through this changing wourld of ours. I recieved a letter from John B dated the 8th he did not
now what day it would come off I hurd that John was to
be a waiter. I was surprised to hear of your cous Fannie getting married. Mr
Baker is from Winchester is he not; I had thought that Capt Burke was waiting on
her if so I suppose she gave him the slide. I will not have room or time to give
you any of the perticulars of the campaign as I
have to do my part in policing our quarters; oh I wish I could be with you for a
while to tell you of the many pleasant dreams I have had about you last nights
in perticular Oh I hope the time may soon come
when I may have the pleasure of steeling a sweet
kiss from your pure lips oh dear Kate I can never forget you & would
wish to never be forgotten by the ones that I think as much of as my life I
received your note enclosed in Jakes letter was truly glad to hear from you. if
I have omited any thing in this please forgive write
soon. I will write again as soon as we get fixed up in our new camp | | | Similar Items: | Find |
| 48 | Author: | Brand, William F. | Requires cookie* | | | Title: | William F. Brand to Amanda C. Armentrout, November 24, 1863 | | | | Published: | 2002 | | | | Subjects: | University of Virginia Civil War Collection | UVA-LIB-BrandLetterscivilwar | | | | Description: | I recieved your letter a few days past. Was truly
glad to hear from you. This is a cold wet dreary morning. We mooved our camp yesterday eavning about
three hundred yards we just got our bunks up in time for the chance of weather.
The President was going to review will be put off
on account of the inclemency of the weather. I had intended writing soon but
squire Newton came down a few days ago & I concluded to send a letter or
two by him. He starts for home tomorrow. We have been mooving about almost continually
since I last wrote to you. We mooved to within six or
seven miles of Orange C.H. & erected our selves rough cabins thinking we
would stay in them for the winter but only had the pleasure of staying in them
two or three nights then mooved to the front &
commenced throwing up breastworks which we have nearly completed now. It is
reported hear that Gen. Ewell our corps commander is
dead. If it be so I am sorry for he was a good Gen also a pious man. I was very
sorry to hear of the death of Uncle James. Oh I cannot but reflect about him,
for two well I know if he died as he lived he could have
no hope in eternity. I hope he changed his ways & found peace in our
Saviours love; before the brickle thread of live was
broken. You may well imagine how sadly
we miss our beloved capt. When I look and see, we have none capable of filling
his blace in the camp. I can hardly help from
complaining. And say Lord why hast thou taken our leader from us; "but the Lords
will be done" we will let our dear brothers ashes reast in peace; hoping he is
now joining the choir of saints and angels around the throne in heaven. You
tried in your last to shame me for a thing I was not gilty of. I can prove I gave my letter to you, to your Pa, in the presance of a crowd around a fire whether he recolects it or not I do for several remarked it
would go home free of charge. I have hurd that you have
a large meeting going on in Greenville & that your sister Mollie Rachel
Crobarger & John Rubushs wife have professed religion. I hope they only
proove true & virtuous Christians This is the last page well Kate I have
no news to write George Brite is in the bunk with me writing to his sister and I
am trying to write to my more than sister. George & I had a big laughf just now about your Cous, K widding cake Lina wrote to him that she was saving it & it
was all molding. A young gent wrote that she was making pickles suffer I hope
she is well supplied if they will help to kill trouble I have learned all about
the troubles in the precinct of Greenville Is she not to be pitied; &
the one that has left to be shuned You spoke of my
coldness. dear Kate it is not my desire to be cold, it must be my nature I hope
the day may soon come when I may prove a warm hearted companion live in hopes
thare is still a sunny day for us. I hope you must
write soon. | | | Similar Items: | Find |
| 49 | Author: | Brand, William F. | Requires cookie* | | | 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 |
| 50 | Author: | Spillman, Robert B. | Requires cookie* | | | 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 |
| 51 | Author: | Brand, William F. | Requires cookie* | | | 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 |
| 52 | Author: | Spillman, Robert B. | Requires cookie* | | | 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 |
| 53 | Author: | Brand, William F. | Requires cookie* | | | 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 |
| 54 | Author: | Brand, William F. | Requires cookie* | | | 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 |
| 55 | Author: | Brand, William F. | Requires cookie* | | | 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 |
| 60 | Author: | Brand, William F. | Requires cookie* | | | 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 |
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