Augusta: William F. Brand to Amanda C. Armentrout,
November 24, 1863
Summary:
William writes to Kate of the troops erecting winter quarters near Orange
Courthouse, of how President Jefferson Davis was supposed to review his brigade,
and of other camp details.
Miss Amanda C. Armentrout
Greenville
Augusta
County
Virginia
Politness of Mr Newston Esq
Miss Amanda C. Armentrout
Nov 24th 1863
Camp Stonewall Brigade
My Dear Friend
I received your letter a few days past. Was truly
glad to hear from you. This is a cold wet dreary morning. We moved our camp yesterday evening about
three hundred yards we just got our bunks up in time for the chance of weather.
The President was going to review [illeg.] will be put off on account of
the inclemency of the weather. I had intended writing soon but squire Newton
came down a few days ago & I concluded to send a letter or two by him.
He starts for home tomorrow. We have been moving
about
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almost continually since I last wrote to you. We moved to within six or seven miles of Orange C.H.
& erected our selves rough cabins thinking we would stay in them for the
winter but only had the pleasure of staying in them two or three nights then
moved to the front & commenced throwing up
breastworks which we have nearly completed now. It is reported here that Gen. Ewell our corps commander is dead. If it be so I am
sorry for he was a good Gen also a pious man. I was very sorry to hear of the
death of Uncle James. Oh I cannot but reflect about him, for too well I know if he died as he lived he could have no hope in
eternity. I hope he changed his ways & found peace in our Saviours love;
before the brittle thread of live was broken. You may
well imagine
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how sadly we miss our beloved capt. When I look and see,
we have none capable of filling his place in the camp.
I can hardly help from complaining. And say Lord why hast thou taken our leader
from us; "but the Lords will be done" we will let our dear brothers ashes reast
in peace; hoping he is now joining the choir of saints and angels around the
throne in heaven. You tried in your last to shame me for a thing I was not guilty of. I can prove I gave my letter to you, to your
Pa, in the presence of a crowd around a fire whether
he recollects it or not I do for several remarked
it would go home free of charge. I have heard that you
have a large meeting going on in Greenville & that your sister Mollie
Rachel Crobarger & John Rubushs wife have professed religion. I hope
they only prove true & virtuous Christians
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This is the last page well Kate I have no news to write George Brite
is in the bunk with me writing to his sister and I am trying to write to my more
than sister. George & I had a big laugh just
now about your Cous, K wedding cake Lina wrote to him
that she was saving it & it was all molding. A young gent wrote that she
was making pickles suffer I hope she is well supplied if they will help to kill
trouble I have learned all about the troubles in the precinct of Greenville Is
she not to be pitied; & the one that has left to be shunned You spoke of my coldness. dear Kate it is not my desire to be
cold, it must be my nature I hope the day may soon come when I may prove a warm
hearted companion live in hopes there is still a sunny
day for us. I hope you must write soon.
From Yours truly Good bye
W.
