University of Virginia Library

Letter from William Francis Brand to Amanda Catherine Armentrout, May 24, 1866

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 mal
lice eradicate evry feeling of
respect 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