University of Virginia Library

Letter from William Francis Brand to Amanda Catherine Armentrout, April 10, 1864

I recieved yours of
the 21st on the sixth; I failed in reciev
ing your letter in time to write to you
before you would leave home, Thought
it best to wait a day or two then direct
to Lexington; Thare never was a letter
recieved with more pleasure, or perused
with more interest; When Abe returned
to camp we ware on picket & did'nt
get to camp untill the 4th; I believe my letter
was enclosed in one of packes he gave it
to me on the 6th I hope you will not
be low spirited when this reaches
you for I do not feel as if I could
interest you this eavening. I spent
part of the four noon of this blessed
day at our little chaple; Thare was
a large congregation all seemed

to pa strict attention to the word of
life; oh how I do wish all our soldiers
would become pious men I am sure
then our armies would be invincible
I sometimes think your brother
is trying to be a better boy. I pray
I may be right for I hope to see him
a true christian I nead not ask
you to make him a special object
in your secreet communings for I
am sure you do,; Thare is no news
in camp worth your attention.
Evrything is quiet as far as I know
The wether has been very inclemment
for the last two weeks;) first snow then
rain my darling Kate you said your face
could not ware a joyous smile, untill you could
behold my face, Cheer up my ever faithfull one
I hope the time will soon hasten round when we
may meet, But I pray the not to put off smiling
untill I come, but rather try & be cheerfull
& hapy. darling I am sorry that my last
letter brought with it sorrow to thy noble heart; God knows I would not purpos
ly give the trouble. Would that I ware so situ
ated that I could say to the idle of my
heart lean upon my heartarm an I will
support the through life with a willingneſs
that would now no end.” That dream of yours
oh that it was a reality I   my hapineſs
would be compleat, Often in my nightly slumber
you are by my side & I wake finding my arms
around my friend Trot—oh i Dear Kate I fear you
have some clue that will be injurious to your
kind sisters hapineſs in the future I wou
ld be sorry if anything should accur to
cause her to be sorry for her change in life
I have heard rumers but I hope thay are al
false My wish is that she may be hapy throughout
her days, You need not look for me this summer
without sickneſs or the Yanks give me a fur lough. The detail I was at home on counted
as a furlough
I would be sadisfied if I was
sure you ware hapy, Abe told me you desired
me to direct your letter in the care of your
friend Rachel I think we had better continue to direct as we have in the past for if your
parents shuld ever find out you were
corissponding with me in a secreet way
thare anger would be increased against both
of uns; while they do not positivly object we
had best write openly dear Kate what can I do
to alleviate your troubles, I love you yes
passionately & if you think you have ever
treated me rong I forgive thee, & will if you
will permit love and cherish the more then I ever
did, I believe my own coldneſs brought on our
troubles about but I believe they will be a blesing
to us both I am sure it has drawn thee nearer
to me, I can only say speed on sweet day when
I may meet thee. I must soon close My health
is very good & I hope this may find you
enjoying the same with ceerfull spirits.
Give my love to you sister & writesoon
It is getting so dark that I can hardly see
how to write I have not hurd from Bro.
Charles only by your letter Sister is well
She desires to know your name I will give
it to her in my next letter, Now may the
blessing of a great & good God be with
you