University of Virginia Library

March 4, 1862 from William Francis Brand to Amanda Catherine Armentrout

I received your
much welcomed letter
a few days ago and now
seat myself to drop
you a few lines my
health is very good &
hope this may find you
enjoying the same blessing
The health of the Com. is
very good atpresent
we have evauated Camp
Zollicoffer &campt in
a half mile of Winchester
I believe that we are going

to evacuate Winchester as
they are moving all the
Government property
back to Strausburg
& all the sick are hurryed
back It is reported that
the Yankees have posession
of MartinsburgCharles
town & Berryville but
I do not believe it
and still hope that we
may be ordered back
to our Cabbins before
long, The question was
asked our Com. yesterday
whether we would enlist
for the war or not
Thirty five elisted for
the war the remainder
say they will stand the
draft I am no longer
a volinteer but a regular
for the war be it long
or & my prayer is
that the God of notions
may help me as the apple
of his eye I will look to
him at all times for
he is ablt to save in
the darkest hours of per
il, It is an assurance most
dear to know that he will
not forsake those that
put thare trust in him
I was very sorry that your
Brother did not reenlist
as I would like to have
his company as a gide
through this tempestuis
world of war I suppose
thare is a grate deal of
excitement in old
Augusta at this time
on account of the draft
that is to be made this month I hope that it
may hit some of the
speculators I hope I
may have the pleasure
of getting home on
furlough before long
I would like very much
to see you Remember me
in your prayers that I
may hold out faithfull
to the end Write soon.