Augusta: Angus to Amanda C. Armentrout, April 8,
1866
Summary:
Angus writes to Kate about his sadness when he thinks of those who died in the
war. He then inquires as to how her Billie (William Brand) has changed, poking
fun at her anxiousness regarding a beau.
Miss A. C. Armentrout
Greenville
Augusta County, Va.
April 8th 1866
Arbor Hill
Augusta County
Virginia
Dear Midie
Your very welcome missive by the hand of Annie, could not have been otherwise
perused than with some mental effect. I always feel sad, when I think of those
who once were our brother
associates; but they are gone, & their graves, we can not but think, are
the monuments of living spirits, whose bodies have assumed originality. There is
a time for sadness & a time for pleasure; & of the former, we
ought to be
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submissive as possible, knowing that it proceeds from
afflictions, bereavements, &c. inflicted for our benefit.
I have often wished, Midie, that I was a good Christian, not that I could only be better contented here on earth, but that I might be triumphant of Life in death; but why yearn, when there is a way of inheritance?
Your advice is wholesome; & is the the path of duty; but how many, like myself, know, & do not (no [added: re]ference to you.)
I suppose the inclemency of the weather, prevented, or made it unpleasant for
your singing; my fears of such on Friday changed my intentions: as I have been
partially an invalid. Was inde[added: e]d very sorry
to hear of the misforutnte of Miss McC. - learned she was badly hurt. I indeed
sympathize with her, although knowing that she is in good hands, & will
be kindly wa[added: i]ted upon.
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So Billie
is a changed boy - in what respect? fallen from the standard of moral rectitude
& integrity, or withdrawn from the precedents to conjugal relations?
Excuse inquisitiveness; ha! 'tis all in fun with me. I imagine misplaced
affection, with marriage, would be more than miserable; how many half loved
marriages take place, in that one or the other commit themselves by word or
writ. You say you have much to tell me; as I do not now know when I shall see
you, you must write me. As this day adds another year of my life & about
the Anniversary of the surrender, so I feel in a bad mood for writing, have no
news, more than peace is declared, War at an end, poverty reigns, & new
spring goods in abudnance at A. H. Come over & see the latest agonies.
My true &c. E.A.S. sends love to you, (my highly appreciated) she is recovering from a very bad
cold; she knows not to whom [added: I'm writing] but
suspects, & said give the above: - truly private, all this, Midie, I
wish.
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As there is a meeting of the Overseers tomorrow, may send up
this to Mr. Fauber, to give ot your Pa.
Let me know if you can when is the last of your singing, as I want to go over, if possible. Jno. Wright & Sisters were well, when last heard from. Well did you get any April fools? I was fortunate this year; received no chips for dinner.
Do you send any Valentines these times? Saw a very nice one not long since, that had been sent to a fellow; in hand-write, resembling yours so much, that it in my mind, was your identical. I however did not tell the fellow that I knew; as telling him, would be telling on self. ha! ha!!
He appeared very anxious to find out even if he was playing ignorance. I think you & J.S.S. got the thing up. Tried at first to lay the blame on me; but he made nothing.
Love to all & much for yourself.
Your true Friend
Angus
