Augusta: William F. Brand to Amanda C. Armentrout,
April 10, 1864
Summary:
William writes to Kate of camp religious life, his belief that he won't have a
furlough unless he becomes sick or the Yankees get him, and his continued love
for her.
Miss Kate Armentrout
Greenville
Augusta County
Virginia
Miss Kate Armentrout
April 10th
Camp Randolph
My Dear Friend
I received yours of the 21st on the sixth; I failed
in receiving your letter in time to write to you
before you would leave home, Thought it best to wait a day or two then direct to
Lexington; There never was a letter received with more pleasure, or perused with more
interest; When Abe returned to camp we were on picket
& didn't get to camp until the 4th; I believe my letter was enclosed in one of packs he gave it to me on the 6th I hope you will not be
low spirited when this reaches you for I do not feel as if I could interest you
this evening. I spent part of the forenoon of this blessed day at our little chapel; there was a large
congregation all seemed
[page 2]
to pay strict attention
to the word of life; oh how I do wish all our soldiers would become pious men I
am sure then our armies would be invincible I sometimes think your brother is
trying to be a better boy. I pray I may be right for I hope to see him a true
christian I need not ask you to make him a special
object in your secret communings for I am sure you
do; There is no news in camp worth your attention.
Everything is quiet as far as I know The weather has been very inclement for the last two weeks; first snow then rain my darling Kate
you said your face could not wear a joyous smile, until you could behold my face, Cheer up my ever faithful one I hope the time will soon hasten round
when we may meet, But I pray thee not to put off smiling
until I come, but rather try & be cheerful & happy
darling I am sorry that my last letter brought with it sorrow to thy
[page 3]
noble heart; God knows I would not purposely give
thee trouble. Would that I were so situated that I could say to the idol of
my heart lean upon my [deleted: heart] arm and I
will support thee through life with a willingness that
would know no end. That dream of yours oh that it was a
reality I'm my happiness would be complete, Often in my nightly slumber you are by my side & I
wake finding my arms around my friend Trot -- oh! Dear Kate I fear you have some
clue that will be injurious to your kind sisters happiness in the future I would be sorry if anything should occur to cause her to be sorry for her change in life. I
have heard rumors but I hope thay are all false My wish is that she may be happy
throughout her days, You need not look for me this summer without sickness or
the Yanks give me a furlough. The detail I was at home on counted as a furlough
I would be satisfied if I was sure you were
happy, Abe told me you desired me to direct your letter
in the care of your friend Rachel I think we had better continue
[page 4]
to
direct as we have in the past for if your parents should ever find out you were corresponding with me in a secret way their anger would be increased against both of us while
they do not positively object we had best write
openly dear Kate what can I do to alleviate your troubles, I love you yes
passionately & if you think you have ever treated me wrong I forgive thee, & will if you will permit love and
cherish thee more than I ever did, I believe my own coldness brought on our troubles
about but I believe they will [added: be] a blessing to us both I am sure it has drawn thee nearer
to me, I can only say speed on sweet day when I may meet thee. I must soon close
My health is very good & I hope this may find you enjoying the same with
cheerful spirits. Give my love to you sister
& write soon It is getting so dark that I can hardly see how to write I
have not heard from Bro. Charles only by your letter
Sister is well She desires to know your name I will give it to her in my next
letter, Now may the blessing of a great & good God be with you
from your true friend
Willie
