Augusta: Robert B. Spillman to Amanda C. Armentrout,
March 17, 1864
Summary:
Robert writes to Kate of his good health, camp life, and his recent march.
Dunnsville Va
Mar 22d 64
Miss Kate Armentrout
Greenville
Miss Kate Armentrout
Mar 17th 1864
Camp of the 9th Va Cav.
Essex Co. Va
My Dear Friend
You kind and welcome letter of the 8th inst reached me safe today which found me
well & very glad to hear from you for I was anxiously awaiting your
reply. I felt so lonely lying in camp with no excitement but at last your dear
letter came which was indeed a healing talisman in writing & anxious
hearts if ever I prize a letter it is when [illeg.] such circumstance I
am satisfied there is no one who is more fond [added: of] communicating with dear friends than I am. Letter writing is a
pleasant mode of binding a vivid remembrance of friends & I think I
enjoy it as much
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as any one but some times it does not suit my
purposes. I pine for a more general & extended chat, I wish very much
that I could have the pleasures of meeting with you again & again that
we might become better acquainted my short stay with you I have discovered many
[illeg.] qualities in you which has made undescribable impressions
on me ours is a very singular case it is not often the case where such a
friendship springs up [deleted: two] between two relative strangers
Ever thankful I hope our friendship may be a lasting one &c Sister you
say that you have lately heard that I met with one of
your neighbors & made enquiry in regards to your self. I am indeed
surpised to hear
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that it is indeed a mistake let me assure you that I
have never met with any one from your county since I saw you it [added: is] not my interest that I should have done as you heard
I did but I assure you I did not have the opportunity [illeg.] I don't claim to be all [illeg.] Sister but I dont
hesitate to say that your pleasant appearance gave me entire satisfaction as
regards your definitive worth Many thanks, Miss Kate, for your favorable opinion of me I am very sorry that it is not a [deleted: ] matter you asked if I was in the fight near Richmond, I was not.
I had not been relieved from duty in Westemoreland, I returned to camp on the
9th of this month. have not been very
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quiet
since I got here as the enemy kept [added: us] moving
until two days ago at which time we settled
affairs all is quiet now. Our losses were very slight. Well Miss Kate fearing I
may bore you [added: with] my uninteresting letter I
guess I had better close. My kindest regards to your fair family, please let me
hear from you ever sooner. your letters are most welcome messengers, with my
warmest wishes for your welfare & happiness
believe me to be fondly your friend
Robt. B. Spillman
Where authors are may [illeg.]
Shall linger on that spot My [illeg.] every shall be for you Though
I may be forgot
Robert
