Augusta: William F. Brand to Amanda C. Armentrout,
April 30, 1863
Summary:
William writes to Kate regarding who he has learned is engaged, when he plans to
see her next, and his good health. He concludes with a short poem to her.
Steeles Tavern
Va
April 29
Miss Kate
Armentrout
Greenville
Augusta County
Virginia
Steeles Tavern
April 30th 1863
At Home
Dear Friend
I have dipped my pen in fluid for the purpose of
dropping you a few lines. My health is remarkably good. I think work agrees with me for I
am getting fatter every day. Well I declare I do not know what to write to interest you. I was out to see George Britten last
Sabbath. He is looking very badly. He says he will not
be able to return to camp before May cherries get ripe Miss Lizzie Brown was
there. It was the first time I have been in her
company for the last four year; She is a very nice lady. George & her
are engaged I think I told George that I would be
ashamed to come home & let the ladies see me looking as badly as he does
All the girls told me to give you their respects I told
them I would in a day or two. Miss Kate B. came just as I was getting on my
horse to leave. If I had known she was coming I would have
[page 2]
stayed a
few minutes longer I stopped at Burkes Kate as usual had the blues. I will be down friday
evening or early Saturday morning to take you to
Staunton, if the weather will permit & providence agreeing, you must be
sure to go for I think it will be a pleasant trip to
me at any event It is now noon & Tom is telling me it is time for to go to the corn field I am scoring out corn ground I hope this may find you
enjoying good health I will give you a verse or two of
poetry & close.
Thou shalt not, O my love.
Ever hear my voice in
rage
I will bear all thy anguish wild,
Thy grief -- thy pain;
My
arms shall be around thee day by day,
My smiles shall cheer [added: thee] on thy homeward
way.
Watching beside thy bed,
In sorrow thou shalt lean on me,
Thy
aching head;
In every struggle thou shalt conquer prove
For death itself shall only us ever
part
from your true friend
Willie
