| | 81 | Author: | Brand Civil War Collection: Brand, William Francis | Add | | | Title: | Brand Civil War Collection: Letter from William Francis Brand to
Amanda Catherine Armentrout, 1864 September 22  | | | | Published: | 2000 | | | | Subjects: | University of Virginia Civil War Collection | UVA-LIB-BrandLetterscivilwar | | | | Description: | I recieved your highly appreciated letter of
the 13th; by Abe the 20th. You can not imagine
with what
angsity I berused ove
its contents to find out how that absent one was getting along. I hope
this may still find your health improving & enjoying many blessings My health is very good & hope
it may contin so. On the 19th we had one of the hardest
Battles that was ever fought around Win-
chester or in the Valley of Va. And the wosrst of all I hov to acknowlegdge we
ware badly whiped. Many
brave Southerners
bit the
dust,
thare in our noble cause. By the mercies of a
great & good God I am still spared I
cannot be to thankfull for the many
speccial providences that has
protected me thus far. His loving kindneſs has been very
grate towards me & my prayer is that I
may so walk as becometh one of his true followers. Our Comp came out very well I think. only one wounded. Wm Plunkett
recieved a flesh wound in the thigh. & was loſt in Winchester He was wounded just as we ware fal
ling back into Winchester. Our defeat was I think
caused by our Army being scattered. Our Devision the day before went to Martingsburg. drving the Yankee
cavelry from that plase. We
fell back the same day to Bunkers Hill.
twelve miles below Winchester &
Roads{1}
Division was camped some ten miles below
Winchest.& before we could get to
Winchester the other portion of the Army was nearly whipt & at the same time thay
ware trying to cut us of from Winchester. But we arrived thare in time to meet the heaveist onset of the Battle,
& succeeded in driving the enemy near a
mile when evry thing lay quiet except
skirmishing untill the middle of the eavning. When the
enimies cavelry drove our Cav. back
then making three or four desperate
charges on the left flank of our lines driving them back in confusion which soon demorolised the hole army We
have to morn the loſs of many brave men
and officers. Maj. Gen. Roads was
killed early in the engagment
one among the best officers in our army Colonel Funk{2}
was mortally woundedthro
ugh the bowels & left at his home in
Winchester I hope he may recover but it is
doubtfull. Maj. Newton{3} was wounded in the ankle bone broken is on his
way home. He acted very bravely in trying to rally the men. All say he
convered him self with glory. Capt J Bumgarner{4}
was killed also{5}
Lieut J. B. McGuffin My Cous, R. Brand was badly wounded one thigh broken the other a
flesh wound
had to leave him on the field his comp told me he beged them
to take him of the field, but the enimy was so close that they could not. all that tried to get off ware wounded
& killed but one poor fellow I pittie him & hope he may
be kindly cared for, Cous & Koiner
came out safe. We are now lying in line of Battle at Fishers Hill. Both canon and musketry are loudly booming
on our front The enimy
are trying to drive in our skirmishers. We may be closely
engaged before two hours. We are strongly fortified & have a
commanding position I think by the blessing of
God, we may be able to give them a sound thrashing I am fear
ful they may advance up the Page Valley &
cause us to fall back as we have only a small cavelry force commanding it I hope you will
not take the capture of Jake to much to heart I cant help but
think he is not in as much danger as if he was
hear. I hear the roar of canon now in the Page
Valley. I was sorry that your cous, had a relaps
of the fever hope she may soon recover her
former health uxcuse me if I failed to
answer anything in your
letter I have not taken time to look over
it May the blessing of a great & good God be with
you
the news from yours as ever | | | Similar Items: | Find |
| 82 | Author: | Brand Civil War Collection: Brand, William Francis | Add | | | Title: | Brand Civil War Collection: Letter from William Francis Brand to
Amanda Catherine Armentrout, 1864 September 25 | | | | Published: | 2000 | | | | Subjects: | University of Virginia Civil War Collection | UVA-LIB-BrandLetterscivilwar | | | | Description: | As I had no chance to send my letter since I wrote it I thought I
would brake it oben & write a few
more lines. The Enimy attacked us soon after
I had finished it & I have had no chance to send it since My health is still good. but I am very tired The enemy maſsed thare
troops in front of the left wing of one army & succeeded in
diving it back & in very bad order some of the enimies
cav. had got in our rear. nothing but night saved our army. We lost ten or twelve
peaces of artilery
& a good many
prisaners J.H. Hight
Tho, Smith &
Wm Holbert have not come up yet.
Im
fearfull they are taken
thay may have made thare escape to the Mt.
Wm Hieger is still out but
think will come in yet as he was on the mountain garding the signal corps
Yesterday we had to retreat twelve
miles in line of battle. Then when night came on we marched some
twelve miles towards the Mountain on the Keezletown road starting early the
morning fell back to Browns Gap. The alley
seems alm
ost to be at the mercy of the eni
my I hope we may soon be reiforced &
drive them down the Valley double quick. I hope this
may reach you before the mail route gets blockaded I will soon have to quite
writing soon as it is getting so darck I
can not see & have three days rations to cook before I can lay
down & rest | | | Similar Items: | Find |
| 83 | Author: | Brand Civil War Collection: Brand, William Francis | Add | | | Title: | Brand Civil War Collection: Letter from William Francis Brand to
Amanda Catherine Armentrout, 1864 October 2 | | | | Published: | 2000 | | | | Subjects: | University of Virginia Civil War Collection | UVA-LIB-BrandLetterscivilwar | | | | Description: | In all probability my last letter never reached you. I will drop a few
lines by some of the boys that are trying to get a pass for forty eight
hours I wrote to you while we ware at Browns
Gap. We stayed thare a few
days had a skirmish with the Yankee Cavly & drove them back acroſs
north river. next day marched to Waynsborow
rm's">whare
Begrams Div. of Inft. & u's Cavalry">Fitz H.
Leus Cavely
drove the Yanks from. I
visited Uncle H. Koin
ers while we camped at Wansboro. I was very much pleased with my new aunt. She is very
kind & sociable. Cous, Martha thought I had
entirly forgotten them, as I had never been thare since the
War. I promised to do better in the future.
but you know how frail my. promises are, often made to be broken. Yesterday we
had a very severe
march marched from Wansboro to with one mile of the
willow pump We are camped 13 miles before Staunton
on the right hand side of the Pike
It is reported hear this morning that the enimy
are fortifiing fortifying at Mt
Crofford I thought yes terday evening we would be engaged with thare advance before this time the boys passes have
My health is not very good Yesterday I was unwell all day
feel much better this morning hope I
maybe entirly well in a day ortwo, Abe & Brit. went to Sirus
last night. The boys are all well, I think we will
stay hear today I must close my love to all | | | Similar Items: | Find |
| 84 | Author: | Brand Civil War Collection: Brand, William Francis | Add | | | Title: | Brand Civil War Collection: Letter from William Francis Brand to
Amanda Catherine Armentrout, 1864 October 2 | | | | Published: | 2000 | | | | Subjects: | University of Virginia Civil War Collection | UVA-LIB-BrandLetterscivilwar | | | | Description: | I recieved you long looked for letter
yesterday. I eager- ly broke its seal, & berused ove its contents; you
cannot imagine with what angsiety I had waited I had begun to think that prob
ably you ware sick; It seemed an age
since I had hurd from the one I respect above all
others, you can well imagine my uneasineſs
Sometime I thought I had been forgotten; then
again some gay lad might have changed the current of thy affections
& you feared to brake the news to me, I supposed you had not recieved my letter of the 21sst &
26th I
wrote 4 pages the 21st then
wrote two on the 26th but
the mails ware very
unragular about that time,
know doubt it has come to hand over
this
I would like very much to have got
home while we ware camped in the lower edge of the
county. I could have gone when bart of the
boys went, but I was not very well & the time so short I did
not feel able to make the trip, While at
Wanesburro, I visited my Uncles Was very much pleased with his young wife, She is a very nice lady & seems very
kind to the motherleſs
children, Cous Mat give me a regu- lar scholding for visiting them so often
& hoped that I would not be so distant in future, She said it took all my time to visit the Trouts
while at home I tried to make her
behive better but she would not listen to me, While camped at Bucks Mills I visited Mr, Browns was kindly
treated She said that if I went back that he
would write to you that I was carried away with the Misſs
Trotters. Thay are very nice girls & I think would please most any
man of moderate taste; We have orders to
moove & it is late so I will have to close
for the eavning, 16
th
We are laying quiet this beautifull
Sabbath morning I wish that I ware some plase that I might go to the
house of God & try & spend the day in his servise The 13th we had a
little brush with the enimy before Strausburg We drove them back in double
quick capturing several hundred prisners
I think thay ware surprised in meet our Infantry, the
prisners said
thay expected to find nothing but
Inbotons Cavelry. The 14 we had a slight skirmish with some Cavelry I don't think thare was any loſs on eather
side, We are camped now in rearfour
old fortification at fishers hill I
believe our army would make a very hard fight now. All want to wipe
out the old stain of Fishers hill
& Winchester I think the people are to hard on Early The army has not entirely lost confi dence in our old ,leader I
fear he uses to much of the poisened water but do,nt think he is
ever past tending to his duty. as he is our leader we ought to all
have confidence in him, or he cannot gain no
import tant victories, Cousin R Brand was badly wounded
at Winchester & left on the field of Battle, John Wright got to camp last eavning, & Robert & Luke Taylor the eavning before, We have thirteen now for
duty. I will keep up with the rest of the comp. in the regt, My health is very good at presant, and hope this may find you the same, We have orders to clean our guns for
inspection. Invariably we have to violate the sabbath by having
inspections on the holy day I must soon close My kindest regards to all enquiring friends; recieve my love as the best
token of our frenship, | | | Similar Items: | Find |
| 85 | Author: | Brand Civil War Collection: Brand, William Francis | Add | | | Title: | Brand Civil War Collection: Letter from William Francis Brand to
Amanda Catherine Armentrout, 1864 October 28 | | | | Published: | 2000 | | | | Subjects: | University of Virginia Civil War Collection | UVA-LIB-BrandLetterscivilwar | | | | Description: | I recieved your truly
wellcomed letter last Monday eav- My friend J brought it out to me I have not had a chance to talk with him yet.
He is look ing quite well,
he is fearfull the Provost gard will be troub ling him before long. I hope they will let him remain
at home untill I get able to
ride around with him, I wish Ano would get
that provoking card about Staunton to let him alone, for I suppose
She knows as well as I know that he is not
able for duty yet. I saw Miſs Lottie the other day She looked as nice as the first roses of
Spring. But alas I stand a poor chance since
brother J. came home, He seems to be the beau
idle of all the
ladies, well my D— I suppose such
as the above will not in
terrest you as you will be
ancious to hear how I am getting
along, My health is ery good & my wound is
doing very well. I hav'nt suffered by very
little yet. It only hurst me when I attempt to hopp about. Know dou
bt you will think me very unfor tunate or lucky in getting home so often with flesh
wounds, The
Battle of the ninteenth
was hard & bloody. Up to the time that I was wounded victory
was entirly in our favor. We had captured
almost evry thing the enimy had,
but I have understood late in the eavning thay ware reinforced by the 6
corps & our army suffered another stampe-
de Our poor unfortunate Comp suffered heavily, went into the fight with twelve men,
had two killed & four wounded
one of the latter since died. I suppose you have hurd all the casualties
Mr Heizer died at MtJackson before his Father got thare. You Uncle Burks would have me to come down &
stay a few days with them so that I could be near the
Docter if I should need any medical treatment
with my
wound, It is a worse wound than my other an disables me more in getting about, but I hope
by nice treatment that I will be able for duty in forty or fifty days.
I went to see your cousin
L while I was in
Stanton. She introduced me to
Cenmer. He">Mr Cenmer he is a
very nice young man. L tried to rig me about him but I think she failed in her attempt, de'st Kate I would like very
much to see you I know I could talk much better
than I can write I expect to go home tomorrow
eavning if brother J comes after me.I have been watching the road for you &
An but I suppose you ware
just talking. I think I will be able to get about in a couple of weeks
if I have luck. Then I am sure I will not delay in coming to see my little bird. I am so glad you are
enjoying good health. hope the roses may continue
to gather on your cheeks. br
evry
person said I looked like haI had been sick when I
came home. hard marching had pulled me down a
greateal. but I think know I will soon way a hundred
& sixty. I am glad you have hurd from your
brother Hope he may be kindly treated
& soon return home. I must soon close
write soon as I will be glad to hear from you. | | | Similar Items: | Find |
| 86 | Author: | Brand Civil War Collection: Brand, William Francis | Add | | | Title: | Brand Civil War Collection: Letter from William Francis Brand to
Amanda Catherine Armentrout, 1865 February 14 | | | | Published: | 2000 | | | | Subjects: | University of Virginia Civil War Collection | UVA-LIB-BrandLetterscivilwar | | | | Description: | I avail myself of the present opportunity to drop you a few lines I arived safly in camp the
night of the 9th, Had some very roughſ
weather to come down
in, I thought that when I was in Staunton that if I
was at home I would stay
thare untill the weather would mod
erate, But I had gone tofar to turn
back, While in Staunton I visited your Cous,L.— She gave me a comple
te scolding. I pretended at first that I had'nt been down to see you since she was out,
& told her that the last time, I was
down I was treated in a manner that lead me to
believe that the next time that I went, that I
would be dis
carded. & that such feelings would keep my lover from the idle of thare
heart, She told me that she did not believe me, Butthat I was getting
geleous, wich you may know I
desired I then told her all,
The weath
er has been very cold down since
I came down We have no snow hear I am very cirtain that it is not leſs than fifteen inches deep
in the
valley I suppose you have hurd the glad tidings t,hat all our prisners are going to be exchanged, But
our hopes for pease are all crushed thare is noghtin left us now but
fight.
untill our broud foes shall nuckle
& acknowledge our independence If
we should surrender now to our
enimies we would I believe be one of the most
downtrodden Nations in the world, So we had better con tinue our
strugle untill we have all found a
home in our mother earth
The boys are all well & in muc
betterspirits than I expected to find them
Thay had a fight last monday
week
none of our Co, ware
hurd, I expect a god many of the boys will go to Cavelry if we are consolidated &
Capt Willson takes command of
us I intend to go rather than surre
nnder sutch a
tyrant, I wish we could get men enoughf hear to save our old 8 for it has been
a faithfull
Co. & I hate to see its name die out.
John Sane. is getting a transfur to
Gen.
Lees
body gard. Grieer &
Volentrare are getting transfurs to the 18th
Cavelry & Tom Campbell to mounted
artilery The boys are all ancious to have thare names of the rolls of Co 8 for
fear of consolidation
Thare was a letter in camp from Sister waiting for
me I answered her letter several day ago she was quite well
Dear K you
must not scold me for not writing sooner for we are kept so busy hear building our breas
work that one hardly has time to write our fortifications are about a mile
ourfrom camp Thay are
twelve feet thick & seven feet high with three rows of abbetters in frunt look like will
be imposible for Mr Yank
ever to get near us, I have no news worth your
attention evry thing is quiet along
our lines, How did you enjoy yourself the eavning that I left I
suppose you thought it a very cold
parting indeed it was to me, but we have
always to be governed by sircumstan
ces, Dear Kate believe me to be holy thine for I am sure evry
pulsation of my heart beats love to thee & I hope it shall
never nv nv
change
others have loved you & may love you
again, but never as devotedly as I have
no other I dou'nt think could
ever have the influence over me you have I
want to make it my future busineſs to live and act for your
hapineſ I must close soon My health is very good
hope this may find you enjoying the
same write soon give me all the
new & believe me to be your true &
confiding lover, | | | Similar Items: | Find |
| 87 | Author: | Brand Civil War Collection: Brand, William Francis | Add | | | Title: | Brand Civil War Collection: Letter from William Francis Brand to
Amanda Catherine Armentrout, 1865 March 22 | | | | Published: | 2000 | | | | Subjects: | University of Virginia Civil War Collection | UVA-LIB-BrandLetterscivilwar | | | | Description: | As I have a good opportunity to send a few linesI hasten to make use
of it. My health is very good indeed & hope this may find you the
same, I have no news worth
communicating, Thare are a thou sand diferent
rumers afloat.
Gen, Johnson{1} attacked the eni
my at
Bentonville North
Carolina{2}
& drove them back one mile captur
ing three peices of Artilery
& some few prisners
when night came on & the conflict
ceased, The enimy
during the night was reinforced with fresh troops & fortified.
thair position, I hope this is only the
begining of favora- ble news from Johnsons
Army It is reported hear that the
enimy attacked Longstreets Corp in thair
entrenchments on the north side of the James, the 20th charging him three succeſsive
times & was each time hansome ly repulsed. I pray almighty God to give our men brave hearts & strong
arms to withstand the shock of arms this spring so that we may be able
to teach our foes that we can never be subjugated while we can
raise an army,We are camped Near Pete
rsburg. Our Corps relieved Ander
sons We are camped in line of Battle. The Enimy are camped
l in line of battle half mile in our frunt. Thair Pickets are about two
Hundred yards in our frunt, & our pickets fifty yards in frunt of our
breastworks I am on picket
on third of my time, The duty is not very hard in daylight, but after dark you have to be
very wachfull we are not allowed to sleep
during the nights we are on picket The
Yanks seem to be very sociable I believe
if it ware not for our officers the men would all
be laughf ing & talking together. in fac the Georgians on our right are constantly
trading papers & topa
cco for coffee They call us all
Johnnies Thair is no firing in our frunt, But is kept up con stantly after dark in frunt of
Roads{3} Div. I declair it looks like foolishneſs to see
men thus opposed to each other to be fight ing. I am certain if this war was left
in the hands of the
privats peace would soon be
adjusted. Thare was right smart
mortor shelling hear the
th.
It is a magnificent sight to witneſs mortor shelling after
dark, But is not very plesant to be exposed to the dangerous
misles, Many are under the impres sion that thare will be no
regular engagment fought hear I hope it may be so. This is any
thing but a beautifull camp. Most of the men
llike groundhogs live under the ground I do'nt think it will be very healthy hear in the summer season, Our foes
have again been desecrating our once lovly valley. Thare raid
was a very suc
seſsfull one. They done a
great deal of damage to our railroads & canal, But I will hope on & hope ever
that thare is a better day
comming, If you see brother John try &use you in finance in{4} getting him to return to his old comp.
both brothers have a notion of joining some cavelry
command I would rather stay would not do so at presant. I have written a long letter to J. advising him to
return hear our cavalry papers came back
disapproving Dear Kate believe me to bear thee
the same strong & pure devotedneſs that I have hear always expressed I must close soon write as
soon as convenient give me all the
news generally Now may a great
& good God be with thee & thine | | | Similar Items: | Find |
| 88 | Author: | Brand Civil War Collection: Brand, William Francis | Add | | | Title: | Brand Civil War Collection: Letter from William Francis Brand to
Amanda Catherine Armentrout, 1865 August 11 | | | | Published: | 2000 | | | | Subjects: | University of Virginia Civil War Collection | UVA-LIB-BrandLetterscivilwar | | | | Description: | It is with pleasure I once more grasp my pen,
to write a few hours away in converse with thee, I recieved our highly appreciated
& unexpected letter a few days past,
Believe me it was more than wellcome. I
can not help saying this is at
presant an out of the way
plase for me, as I can not hold a regular as I would wish to do;
with my fading
lilley; Thare is no mail runing out hear yet, & in all
prob
ability will not for sometime to come, I am once more writing by candle light. But hapily not
listnig to the lone tread of the Sentinal on
his nightly watch. But to my Bus that seems
to be hurrying wheat into a State of readineſ for the cook; Grain is coming in dayly,
& I am kept busy the largest portion of my
time, I am willing to be kept busy night &
day for the long four years you spoke of in your letter I look forward & sigh
but if it may be Gods will
thare is pleasure in store for me I hope,- I am like Abraham of (old) not
only willing to searve four,- but
fourteen to accomplish my desire; Alas I ought
not to write so childleſs no
one knows the deferent changes
that may occur in the next four, or or
seemingly, with us,
a century; At presant
health is a blooming & future antise pations are Spread out before
us as a beautifull picture But alas in the next four years
one of us, may be called to give an account of our
Stuardship
hear on earth,-if so let it be
S earth has no charmes that heav
en cannot surpaſs, The night
is growing old, I imagine you are now lying
upon you coutch your spirits wandering
in some fuiry dreamland— profbably with Willie by your side smoothing your pathway, This is a beautifull
night all nature seem clothed in brid
al-Splender, The majestick queen
is midway in the heavens, & seems looking down upon this troubled world of ours, with a smiling face, & the thickly doted
little twinklers seem to say to one,
admire, & reverance, the
omnipotent creator of all things, ah the
weekneſs of man is so easily seen when we take a view of creation we are continually working &
striving for some great end, but Sudden ly
fall,& are soon forgotten in this world & others follow our
landmarks. I have had quite a plesant time
since I came up
home, “Did I say home”
“Yes“ for
whar was I ever better treated
unleſs by the side of “Midie”
thare was a bicknick given to the Soldiers of this neighborhood We had a magnificent dinner evry thing good that could be scraped up
theese hard times, I acted the
cavalier with Miſs Lindsay a very
interresting lady. After dinner all
came down to the
Mill, I had several interresting
te,detetes with the
fair ladies The Ladies & Gent—men of
Cars Creeſk
honered us with a Stor
m
several nights bast I made my self as agreeable as I could among Strangers I do not know when I will come
down in a month or so at fartherest believe me to be your ever
devoted lover Excuse me if I have failed to
answer anything in your letter I will
answer them in full when we meet When you write
Direct your letter,
to Alone Rockbridge Co
Va | | | Similar Items: | Find |
| 89 | Author: | Brand Civil War Collection: Brand, William Francis | Add | | | Title: | Brand Civil War Collection: Letter from William Francis Brand to
Amanda Catherine Armentrout, 1865 December 12 | | | | Published: | 2000 | | | | Subjects: | University of Virginia Civil War Collection | UVA-LIB-BrandLetterscivilwar | | | | Description: | It has been so long since I have tried to put up a letter that I am at
a loſs to know how to commence. When I cast my eye up at the
top of the page & see the heading
Alone,
It calls forth a short sigh, & I imagine
shall it always be so, I am alone at heart, while company are around me inviting
me to be cheerfull I noticed in the last Specta tor the Marrige
of Mr Peck & your Cous, Lizzie, Does this not create a sigh in my breast If I had been a child of for tune I might have been blest with a smiling bride, and alas I wait on the
uncertain future, when thy noble heart may change towards me, & eaven
score
eaven the omble path I pursue why is it
that fears torment me, on thy account Well I know you have never
giv
en me of late room to doubt
you consistency, Sometimes I imagine I
see you looking at
me; and saying; I once
loved you, but now I pity you. Weell I know thare is know tender cord in thy posom
but wich I can cause to vibrate with feelings
of pity, The last time I was in your presance you desired to be united in the holy
bans of marriage in Nov. The month is past & you have never hurd from Mr. Dear Lady
can I account for my inconsistancy
It must be my carleſsneſs & fate, If I could have willed it to my sadisfaction you would now be with me,
But well do I recolect that I have
hurd you say time and again that you never would
be willing to marry me, untill I had some
little home of my own to take you too. at that
time I coinsided with you
But know I fear many moons will grow old before I can claim
a home of my own.own or such as I would have a
little lot I would not have if I it was made a presant to me I believe I could keep a mate at my presant acupation with ease. & would be willing to risk it next fall. & at presant but we have
not house room. as
Mr C, has
a
young couple living with him this winter. His wifes
bro, Why am I writing thus,
what makes my heart throp & say
oh Kate what must I do to make thee happy. While I am writing I
am sad. I know not what recep tion this may meet
with. “Maybe” cold &
formal, Once I believed the sight of my scribling created a
pleasent sensation. But that
time has propably past. & may be
left to morn because I was the dupe of time. Time
waits for no one & I have been wait
ing for time. I may wait on & in a few short years I may sleep
with my mother earth. Dear Kate I intended comming down in four weeks from the time I was
down, But my ocupation is so
confining that I cannot always go when I desire.
& I have neglect
ed writing untill I am ashamed to write, Busineſs & love are two
conflicting eliments, Belive me I remain yours
with unchan
ed devotion. & if you will wait
untill another Summers
Sun shall paſs I will give the
my hand with my heart. if not your will shall be
my desire I do not know when I will get
down during hollodeys I hope I will bring this
to a close hoping you will excuse all my past errors & love me as
your Willie boy | | | Similar Items: | Find |
| 90 | Author: | Brand Civil War Collection: Brand, William Francis | Add | | | Title: | Brand Civil War Collection: Letter from William Francis Brand to
Amanda Catherine Armentrout, 1866 May 24 | | | | Published: | 2000 | | | | Subjects: | University of Virginia Civil War Collection | UVA-LIB-BrandLetterscivilwar | | | | Description: | Your letter of the 30th of Apr. came to hand last week & I have been reflecting
in whatmaner to answer ever
since I will use candor;
& be brief. I cannot do you;
& my
self,- justice unleſs I write in the same
style my last was composed. I have been laughſed at & ridiculed on my sad & indifference to pleasure of late, &
what caused it; yes the cause was your hapineſs, but how I am ever to accomplish
that, is beyond my scope of comprehension. I fear
theconse
quenses of marrying when my af fections are not satisfied
would probably endanger both your
futurehapineſ & mine.
From the tone of your letter you seemed to be under the impres
sion that I had formed an attachment to some
lady of wealth. I canpositivly affirm
that I never have addresſsed
no lady, with your exception, Your letters & andring,
you requested to be brought back. I am sorry it is not in my power
to bring the letters into existance I have
had no private place to deposit them, tharefore in yoursummonys they ware all committed to theflames
Your ring I will bring or send to you the first oppor tunity. My letters I hope you will burn or destroy in some
way. most convenient with your
feelings. I thank you for your
kind & holsome advice I sin cerely wish this day; that I was at peace with God; I know I am a sinner, & will be lost
unleſs I change & seek forgiveneſs of him who
gave us our being.
how I pray thee not to let mallice eradicate evry feeling
ofrespect in your person for me, God knows thare may be a change
& I may race the day of my
blindneſs,-But do not
wait on me; I will not attempt to allure you with any rash
promises. The long long past was all brightneſs & sunshine but alas now all is dark yes
dreary in fact I have
not a charm to bind me to earth I will not
commit to you the many evil thoughts that has
filled my mind
Probaly our corispondance had best seace I will leave
it to your
discretion, My health is just tolerable. I
hope this may find you in the best of heath & your
cheek blooming with the freshneſs of
spring- Please do not let any one read this
letter as I do not wish to have anyweeknesſs
exposed; I will close hoping you will still
remember me in your prayers | | | Similar Items: | Find |
| 91 | Author: | Brand Civil War Collection: Jane Brand | Add | | | Title: | Brand Civil War Collection: Letter from Jane Brand to William
Francis Brand, August 13, 1866 | | | | Published: | 2000 | | | | Subjects: | University of Virginia Civil War Collection | UVA-LIB-BrandLetterscivilwar | | | | Description: | Your welcome letter reached me not long since and not to delay any I
will answer it immediately Excuses being always plentiful I will not
let any definite one arise
Be negligence no one for not writing sooner. Pray do
not think I have forgotten you. If there is any such feeling lurking
in heart, banish every such feeling
for I know you cannot have such an evil spirit against one who has
ever loved you. Truly I have not been at home much in three months I spent two monthin Marion I was pefectly
enamored with that place I must
acknowledg that I enjoyed my visit there splen-
didly After the excitement of examinations
subsided the town became comparatively dull for a season but all were
willing to abide that monotony to enjoy a little rest. No doubt all
appreciated repose. Some of the exibitions were very entertaining
Griffin young Ladies bade adieu to the halls of
learning to begin their careers in the worlds
broad field of battle The thoughts of that place
have recently had two tournaments and contemplate having still
another. They are becoming so common I have lost all interest in them I wish you could have
seen one of the nights representing Don Quixote
accompanied by his page Pancho Panza and encased in complete armor Really he was one of the most hideous being ever was ever was
seen During my visit I attended a large Sunday school Picnic. The place designated for the picnic
was Poplar's spring about five miles from Marion. The roads being good
we arrived at the springs about 8 oclock Four or five hours passed gayly by and about 1 or 2
oclock dinner was announced and such a display of
luxuries were spread out before us as might satisfy the palate of the
most fastidious epicure We paid our
respects to these dainties pretty generally and after two or three
hours of unallayed pleasure we took up our line of march for
home. We expect to have a picnic in our neighborhood this week.DoNo doubt we will have a gay time
I being necessitated to teach,
at present is devoting my leisure hour hours
exclusively to study, prepar- ing to enteringupon
what avocation when I think proper.I am compelled to get married or teach
andand between the two evils I prefer teaching yet a
while. The man that I marry will have be something superior to
the common herd of mankind. He will have to be such if he can
ever win my affections for my heart is now dead to every emotion of
love. I hope you will pay me visit this fall. I would be so glad to
see you. The crops are very good in the lane brake, but not
elsewhere I send you my photograph and hope
you will send yours in return. Don't get frightened
at it Excuse my paper and
pencil | | | Similar Items: | Find |
| 92 | Author: | Brand Civil War Collection: Charles David Brand | Add | | | Title: | Brand Civil War Collection: Letter to William Francis Brand from
Charles David Brand, 1866 November 25 | | | | Published: | 2002 | | | | Subjects: | University of Virginia Civil War Collection | UVA-LIB-BrandLetterscivilwar | | | | Description: | I received your kind letter some months ago I
answered it immediately but I suppose it never reached you as I have
never gotten a reply up to this time. I have concluded to write
you another hoping you may get
Brother it I have enjoyed very good health
since I saw you
inyour letter you said some thing about being left
an old bachelor I think if you are it
will be your own
falt you said you had played your last trump on the river If that be
so I think you have treated Kate badleyI think
in your remarks you were only
jesting.you said you could not marry her with out
love I think you do love her & I know she
loves you more than any one else, but if you
dont love her I would not advise you to marry
her for to marry without
love it would be wrong
you said something about there being a little more
flush in old R I think times are getting
better on this side of the Ridge
wee have finished gathering corn
we made 150 Barrelsof corn
this year. wee made a fine crop of tobacco about 10000lbs & a
fine crop of oats, but wee failed in wheat this I
beleaveit was a general thing with the farmers.
I received a letter from John the 9th of this
month They were all well
John received a letter from
Sisterhesaid she was well
she sent her likeneſs to him I would like to see it very much. Brother you must write me word where you are courting I will give you a short
scetch of my courtship I
was at a Tabblau on the first
saturday
friday in september
there was a younglady came home with
us I never knew her before that time I fell in love with her & addreſsed
he I am getting along very well up to this
time.today week will tell the tale I will not tell you her name
untill I see you. she is
about 18 years old. she is one of BuckinghamBuckingham fair daughters Brother you must come over
to uncles before Christmas & spend
a few weeks with us & I will go back with you I know you can enjoy your self very
muchyoumust be shure&
come
when you get my letter you must write to me
weather you are comeing or not. I shal look for you I went to a big Railroad
meetting at Buckingham CH a few days ago I went from there to
uncle Coleman they
were all well
cousin Mollie is at home now
she is coming down the first of next month
Brother I will bring my short & badley written letter to a close as there is nothing to
interest you
all the famely join me in
sending there love to you
you must write soon I am
glad to hear from you at any time | | | Similar Items: | Find |
| 93 | Author: | Brand Civil War Collection: Charles David Brand | Add | | | Title: | Brand Civil War Collection: Letter from Jane Brand to William
Francis Brand, 1866 August 12 | | | | Published: | 2002 | | | | Subjects: | University of Virginia Civil War Collection | UVA-LIB-BrandLetterscivilwar | | | | Description: | Your welcome letter reached me not long since and not to delay any I
will answer it immediately Excuses being always plentiful I will not
let any definite one arise
Be negligence no one for not writing sooner. Pray do
not think I have forgotten you. If there is any such feeling lurking
in heart, banish every such feeling
for I know you cannot have such an evil spirit against one who has
ever loved you. Truly I have not been at home much in three months I spent two monthin Marion I was pefectly enamored
with that place I must acknowledg that I enjoyed my visit there splen-
didly After the excitement of examinations
subsided the town became comparatively dull for a season but all were
willing to abide that monotony to enjoy a little rest. No doubt all
appreciated repose. Some of the exibitions were very entertaining
Griffin young Ladies bade adieu to the halls of
learning to begin their careers in the worlds
broad field of battle The thoughts of that place
have recently had two tournaments and contemplate having still
another. They are becoming so common I have lost all interest in them I wish you could have
seen one of the nights representing Don Quixote
accompanied by his page Pancho Panza and encased in
complete armor Really he was one of the most hideous
beingever
was ever was
seen During my visit I attended a large Sunday school Picnic. The place designated for the picnic
was Poplar's spring about five miles from Marion. The roads being good
we arrived at the springs about 8 oclock Four or five hours passed gayly by and about 1 or 2
oclock dinner was announced and such a display of
luxuries were spred out before us as might
satisfy the palate of the most fastidious epicure We paid our respects to these dainties pretty
generally and after two or three hours of unallayed pleasure we took
up our line of march for home. We expect to have a picnic in our
neighborhood this week.DoNo doubt
we will have a gay time
I being necessitated to teach, at
present is devoting my leisure hour hours exclusively
to study, prepar- ing to enteringupon what
avocation when I think proper.I am compelled to get married or teach
andand between the two evils I prefer teaching yet a
while. The man that I marry will have be something superior to
the common herd of mankind. He will have to be such if he can
ever win my affections for my heart is now dead to every emotion of
love. I hope you will pay me visit this fall. I would be so glad to
see you. The crops are very good in the lane brake, but not
elsewhere I send you my photograph and hope
you will send yours in return. Don't get frightened
at it Excuse my paper and
pencil | | | Similar Items: | Find |
| 94 | Author: | Brand Civil War Collection: Charles David Brand and C.F. Moseley | Add | | | Title: | Brand Civil War Collection: Letter from Charles David Brand with
addendum from C.F. Moseley, 1866 August 12 | | | | Published: | 2002 | | | | Subjects: | University of Virginia Civil War Collection | UVA-LIB-BrandLetterscivilwar | | | | Description: | Your letter came tohand some two months ago. I was truly glad to hear
from
you
you must forggive me for not
answering it sooner as I was very busy at that time. I am now pretty
much through my
busy. I will give you a sketch of our
crop We have a fine crop of tobacco &
corn but I think if Providence dont smile on us & give us a little rain, the corn
crop will be cut short in this neighborhood. we have
not had but one rain in the last two months but I still have some
hopes yet Will, we made a fine crop of oats I think we will make about 1500 hundred bushels. Will you said something about being an old
grayheaded bachelor
if you will come over on this side of the Ridge
where love & beauty reigns I
think you could find some old widow that
would sympathise with you in your
troubles,—for I cannot after hearing how badly you treated
Kate one that you loved so dearly but alaſs
that love is forgotten. will if you cannot love her
again I would not advise you to marry her for it would be unwise to
marry any lady without true love—Will said something about the times being better in
RockBridge & your substitute for
greenbacks I would like to have about 10
gal. of your substitute for it is a very scarce thing in this
neighborhood. you say that the wheat was very good
in RockBridge I am glad to hear that there
is a good crop made somewhare for we have
failed in this county. Will you ought to have
been with us on the first sadurdayy in Aug we had a grand memorial at the Buckingham female institute
there there was about
500,hundred
persons there & about two thirds of that number lovely fairsex
there wore some of
them
butiful I could hadley
keep from falling in love with some of them. we
had some fine speaches
uncle made one 12 pages long I
enjoyed myself very much. I
was over at Scottsville a few days ago I was at
uncle
Joes I found all well there
They told me cousin sweety
& Jocy Jane was sick
Over the mountain they said that
girls you had called on them. When I saw the old Blue Ridge it made me think
of home & the happy hours that I have spent
there. I would like to come to see you all do not
know when I can get an opportunity to do so but
I will come as soon asp I can. I
think you might come & see us. It is not so
far that you should dread the ride
trip
we could give you some watermellon to eat now. | | | Similar Items: | Find |
| 95 | Author: | Brand Civil War Collection: Brand, William Francis | Add | | | Title: | Brand Civil War Collection: Letter from William Francis Brand to
Amanda Catherine Armentrout, 1867 September 6 | | | | Published: | 2002 | | | | Subjects: | University of Virginia Civil War Collection | UVA-LIB-BrandLetterscivilwar | | | | Description: | I recieved yours of the first on the 5was glad to hear from you. I wrote
to you one day last week but it seems you had'nt recieved it when you wrote to me. I am glad your Pa
has consented to let us have a few
waters, I had almostcame to
the conclu sion of writing to you, that we would go to Saunton & have
our hands joined before some of our dedicated alters. Oh Kate you
sencure me of being carleſs in my
duty to you. have I not had trials to contend with.
No one can imagine the
feelings, when a parent treats with
contumely the one that would always deisred to have
loved., But let me change before I make you
sad. Dear Kate you know my heart. I believe it to be tender. yes even to idolitry towards you. & I
do not believe it has been my foolish infatuation for it has been tested by years of trials-&
know I
havnt but one regret in joining our
hands in partnership for life. & that is
that I have no home that I can call my own to take you two. This ought not to discurlb> age any
one with health-for thousands have star
ed in this world on the same footing & have
raised up to the highest pinical fame. I
intend to do my & trust in the God of our
Fathers and I know he is no respecter
of persons
Dear Kate as you desire me to make
a selection of one of the Lady attendants,I will nominate
Miſs Mary Lizzie Wallace, & would
forther desire that she should wait with Mr.
Lindsay. Now for our bridal tour I propose going to
Wearers Cave, with our attendants
& then croſs the Mtn to
Buckingham. and take some of our attend
ants if they will go. J. Vines is very
ancious to go with us if he can get company
& a horse & buggie. I have
written that I entended going over to uncles and am certain they would think hard of me if I did not
come I am very ancious to go.And I am Sure you will be highly pleased.
& I know o fno time that will suit us as well as the presant. It is not far to the Natural Bridge
from hear & I can take you thare almost any thr
time I am ancious to
see it. & more to plese you in every thing.
But hope you will think it our best policy at presant to visit my relationseast of the
Ridge. Dear Kate I am trying to do that wich is
write in the sight of my Maker.
& I pray that he may give me grace from time to time so I may
be a useful member in society. & in the
world to come reap life everlasting I must
close as MerChaplin has got out
hishouse & is waiting on me. | | | Similar Items: | Find |
| 96 | Author: | Brand Civil War Collection: Brand, William Francis | Add | | | Title: | Brand Civil War Collection: Letter from William Francis Brand to
Amanda Catherine Armentrout, 1867 December 01 | | | | Published: | 2002 | | | | Subjects: | University of Virginia Civil War Collection | UVA-LIB-BrandLetterscivilwar | | | | Description: | As I expect to go to Lexington tomorrow morning if noting occures to detain me. I have been
very well since I parted with you, & very busy grinding up
to late last night. I hope that I may have more leasure this week as I have a good eal
to do. I intend to try & sell Dixie
tomorrow I wroad her to Preac
hing this eavning &
she came very near running away with me. I pricked up &
old bridle that had no curb. I am writing at the house & Rash
& Marion are making so much fuſs that I can not keep
my mind on any subject more than a second.
thare was a letter here to Mrs Willie B wich I took the privalige of opening. it
was from CousJoe I will
sende it with this note I hope that it may find you enjoying good health. I
have often though about your pains. I hope you do not suffer any
more with them. I have so much to do this week that I think it will be
imposible for me to get down before
Saturday week. The time will appear very long to me I am sure. But it will soon run round as I have
a good eal to attend to. I hope my darling will try & be hapy cheerfull &
sadisfied.
oh how often I think of a sigh that escaped you while
I was down last. I hope & pray that some day I may be able to
command any thing you desire. I will close by asking God to protect us
from all
harm I will write again & a longer letter
before I come down. I received a letter from
Bro C he is well
& senthis love to you I will look for a letter in a day or two | | | Similar Items: | Find |
| 97 | Author: | Brand Civil War Collection: Brand, William Francis | Add | | | Title: | Brand Civil War Collection: Letter from William Francis Brand to
Amanda Catherine Armentrout, 1867 December 08 | | | | Published: | 2002 | | | | Subjects: | University of Virginia Civil War Collection | UVA-LIB-BrandLetterscivilwar | | | | Description: | Irecieved your letter yesterday eavning; was truly glad to hear from my
better half. Indeed I had beagan to be very
ancious to hear from Rose
Dale. espescially one of its ocupan
ts. If it had not been so far & I was
busy I would have made my apperance
aroung the family circle at Rosedale. Indeed it would have
given me a great deal of pleasure to embrace my dear wife. My health is very good with
the ex
ception of the headache today. I have been
suffering with it all morning
But hope it may be well by morning I have been enjoying very good health since I was down. Hope this may find
you still improving & happy
Recieved a letter yesterday eavning from cousin Mollie Colman directed to my Kate wich I as before took the
privalige of opening. I will enclose it in
this to you., Hope you will not
centure me for the privileges I have
taken the letter is very hard to read There may be sense in it but is
hard to get out, I think our Photographs are very good. Yours I am very
much pleased with. the attraction was so
grate that my lips ware
naturally drawn toward it. I bought very little at the sale. evry thing was old & roughſ. I got a dining table but as Ma intends to
give us one I can trade the one I got for a good safe. wich we will need. I got a good coffee
mill & one or two other articles. The chairs ware so indifferent that I would not bid for any. I have laid
in over three hundred lbs of Pork
Made some sosage & rendered out the lard ready for use. So you
need not be scared I will give you plenty of
meat & bread to eat if nothing more & I am sure we
will never starve. In regard to mooving
up. I would rather your Pa would moove us up for it would cost me eight or ten dollars to
get a team to
moove us up. Very likely I could get Bro. J. to
moove us up. I do not know whether he is
busy with his machine or note. I am glad that Sis Ann has not
given up coming up with us. I will find tranportation for you &
her If I do have to drive the cows, I hope the
weather may remain as beautifull as it is
today so that we may not be de layed by bad roads
& inclement weather. Will hope for the best. Nearly dark; my head has quit
aching. I took a short nap this eave
something new withme
Evry time I go to the land of dreams I meet with my absent
Kate It will not be long untill I may realize my night dreams. I will be down
Saturday if thare be no pres
venting providence. Either
Carriage Buggie or horse back. I will
close as it is getting so dark I cannot see how to moove straight acroſs the page. Give my love to one
& all, & reserve a double portion for
your self If you are
writing today I will recieve it before I
come down. Now may bright angels protect the from
all harm is the prayer of your loving husband. | | | Similar Items: | Find |
| 98 | Author: | Brand Civil War Collection: Brand, William Francis | Add | | | Title: | Brand Civil War Collection: Letter to William Francis Brand from
Jane, 1867 November 02 | | | | Published: | 2002 | | | | Subjects: | University of Virginia Civil War Collection | UVA-LIB-BrandLetterscivilwar | | | | Description: | Although this day is sad and dreary, yet my feelings are not in
accordance with it and I am attempting a reply to your last letter. I
have neglected willing longer than I intended. But since I have been so
actively employ-
ed in the exhilarating pleasure of having chills
and other circumstances connected these with, over which I had no
control I know you will heartily forgive the long long delay. I just
tell you I have had a rare time with them. We are all pretty well now, except uncle's health. He is
quite feeble. And I suppose you have found one with whom to share the
simple joys of life. I know she
is May happiness attend thee and thy companion through life
is my kindest wish. I wish I could have been with you all so as to
witness the occasion I know you had quite
a jubilee.I am not married yet. I prefer a single life yet. I
think there is a good many in the war now that would like to get out of it. A married life is not a desirable
one to me. There is no real happiness in it. Time finds me at
home visiting and receiving company occasionally
I expect to teach next session if
I can find a suitablesituation. Money is scarce here. The freedmen
have done very well this year. Cotton is quite low and we have to
give an exorbi- tant price for everything we get. We recieved a letter
from Uncle C last week. He was complimenting you
very highly and also brother J. I often wish I could be with you all. it is a consummation
devoutly to be wished. In referance to me
returning to Va. I can not abhor
the idea of going there with a stranger, yet I don't think there
would be any unpropriety in so doing. I would rather brother
would come after me
if all thinks it best for me to return. I know Uncle Tom is
getting old and feeble, and will be with us but a little while, at the
far his rest . We all will haveto rely on our own resourceHe has even been like afather to
me in everyrespect. I shall ever lovehim although in a
distantland. It will be a sore trialfor me to part with him
anddear old Aunt. They say Ifeel as dear to them as oneof their
children. Theysay they hope I will dowell through life, but
itseems as if the fates areagainst me. | | | Similar Items: | Find |
| 99 | Author: | Brand Civil War Collection: Brand, William Francis | Add | | | Title: | Brand Civil War Collection: Letter to Amanda Catherine Armentrout
from Jane Brand, 1867 November 02 | | | | Published: | 2002 | | | | Subjects: | University of Virginia Civil War Collection | UVA-LIB-BrandLetterscivilwar | | | | Description: | Your welcome let note was received
and I was heartily rejoiced to hear from one whom I can call
sister. I now take you on the list for a new correspondent.I hope
you will continue to write Nothing gives me
more real pleasure than to sit by our cheerful fireside and read
an affecctionate letter from those I so dearly love. I wish I could
make my appearance and be with my earliest and affectionate
friends in old Virginia. I have spent many most pleasant
hours with them and memory shall ever
hold them as clear and sacred I hope you
are agreeably domesticated at home and you now have my warmest
wishes. May Brother make an indulgent husband, and ever speak
kindly. May no cloud ever rise to darken your pathway. I feel very
grate- ful to you for offering me a home with you and brother. No
doubt it would be a pleasant home. I shall
except of it if I be so fortunate as ever go back. Remember me kindly to all my
relations | | | Similar Items: | Find |
|
