Augusta: William Brand to Kate Armentrout, July 25,
1862
Summary:
William sends Kate news of family and friends and mentions that his regiment
finally has a chaplain. He also describes his unsuccessful trip to Augusta
County to capture deserters, and clearly states his desire to marry Kate.
9th letter
Miss Amanda C. Armentrout
Greenville
Augusta County
Virginia
July 25th 1862
Camped Near Liberty Mills
Dear Kate
I seat my self once more for the purpose of penning you
a few lines. I arrived safely in camp on the 21 and have
been improving in health ever since. We have a
very nice camp and the water is very good. Our Company
numbers sixty odd at present; more than we have had
present for some time past. I hope providence may
smile on our armies and bless us with health. I found Brother John looking badly again. I was fearful he was taking the fever but
think he is somewhat better today. Charles has returned to the camp at last he
was
[page 2]
to see grand ma. he says he had a great
deal of pleasure. I tried to shame him for treat[added: ing] us all so badly by not writing. he
wrote home to day for the first time for the last six months I believe; We have
to drill twice a day. Mr. Robert Taylor received his discharge to day
being over thirty five years of age. he has been a good soldier and I am glad to
see him get off
honorably.
Our Regiment has a Chaplain at last he is a Baptist there was prayer meeting last night & night before. I hope & pray that his teachings may be a benefit to the Regiment & that many may give them selves over unto the true & living God. Our Chaplains name is Wa[deleted: r]ters he is a very good preach[added: er].
Well Kate I had a wonderful time Saturday night of the [unclear: 19] hunting for deserters we all enjoyed our selves finely surrounding the houses & charging [added: the] dogs. We arrested Frank Taylor & brought him as far as Peter Hights; and left him in the charge of Isaac Vines & George Hight until I could go home & return. About sun up he asked permission to go down to Mr Faubers, a half miles distant. Hight granted his request & Vines went with him. He had not been there long before he told Ike he wanted to go in another room to see Mr Fauber who was sick Ike thought all was right & let him go alone & then he made his escape. Ike after looking around for him returned alone. I had been waiting nearly an hour. We all laughed at Ike and told him he was a bad sentinel.
Well Kate I came away & forgot my presents but I hope and pray the day may not be very far distant when I may return & receive from thee a richer & nobler blessing thy hand & heart. Oh dear Kate with out thee every thing would be dark & dreary. I would rise up in the morning & lie down at [added: night] with out having any one to whisper the breathings of a pure and humble heart. I must bring my letter to a close. Write soon. My prayer is that you may be blessed with all the mercies of our [illeg.] God.
I remain your true and affectionate admirer
W.F.B.
