Dunnsville Va
Mar 22d 64
Miss Kate Armentrout
Greenville Miss Kate Armentrout
Mar 17th 1864
Camp of the 9th Va Cav.
Essex Co. Va
My Dear Friend
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 9
th 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
believe me to be fondly your friend
Robt. B. Spillman
Where authors are may
Shall linger on that spot My every shall be for you Though
I may be forgot
Robert
