Augusta: Robert B. Spillman to Amanda C. Armentrout,
May 18, 1866
Summary:
Robert writes to Kate of his worsening eyesight and how he now has to wear
eyeglasses. Expressing his continued brotherly affection for her, Spillman says
he hopes to see her soon and recounts local events.
May 18th 1866
Seeds farm Westmoreland Co Va
My Dear Sister Kate
You very kind and ever dear letter of the 5th of April was
duly received which found [added: me] quite well & truly glad to hear from you. I
reckon you think very strange of me for not replying sooner but when I tell you
the reason I know you will forgive me. About 5 or 6 weeks ago my eyes became so
very weak that I could not possibly see to read of wrote consequently I could
not answer your letter, & even now, it is with the greatest difficulty
imaginable that I can barely make out to write I am reduced to the painful necessity of wearing glasses. It is truly a sad misfortune for ones
eyesight [added: to be] so seriously impaired as is
the case with me at this time, but I hope by the constant use of green glasses
to have my sight restored. My Brother once
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suffered with the same
misfortune but regained his sight by wearing
glasses. I hope I may be equally fortunate.
Well Sweet Sister (Oh! how I love to call you Sister) you must not expect a long
or interesting letter this time for it is very painful to my eyes while I am writing & besides I can't see the lines on the paper consequently my writing
will be very crooked & imperfect [added: all]
of which I hope you will excuse. I am really sorry that I cant write so as to
interest you for your dear sweet letters are always so
truly interesting to me, I wish my mind was more expansive, or that I was
capable of producing language that when transmitted to paper would fully unbosom my self to you. That I could tell you in
impressive language how dear you are to me & how [deleted: much] I appreciate your friendship. Had I the
intellect of a Byron & could [added: wield]
the pen of a Novelist then might I give you some idea of my profound admiration
[page 3]
of your inestimable worth as a lady a Christian a true noble
& constant friend one whose love I regard as a
boon too sacred to be bestowed upon one so insignificant as my worthless self. I cannot use figurative
language therefore Dear Kate, can only say I believe you are good & in
simple language say, I love you & am devoted to you more than any friend
under the same circumstances. It is truly greivious to [deleted: my]
me Dear Sister that I am so situated that I can't visit
you. I know of nothing that would afford me so much pleasure as to be convenient
so I could enjoy your society often, but if ever I am blessed with means
& opportunity, rest assured I will certainly visit you.
Well Sister Kate, I have no news to communicate that would
be interesting to you times are exceedingly dull & money scarcer than I
ever knew it before. Farming is the principal order
of the day, though crops are looking
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very badly in consequence of the
cold wet season, fears are entertained that crops will be very short this year
as the weather keeps so unnaturally cool. The health of the people is generally good in this community. I am in better health
than I have been for six months. My brother enjoys fine health. My father's
family is well himself excepted. He is quite old very
infirm & constantly complaining.
You must remember me kindly to your father & family, with much love for your self
I remain as ever your fond friend
Robt. B. Spillman
Write Soon
