Augusta: William Brand to Kate Armentrout, December
29, 1861
Summary:
William apologizes to Kate for playing cards in camp. He describes Christmas in
camp and sends news about their friends and relatives.
Decmeber 29th 1861
Camped Near Winchester
Ever Dear Kate,
I received your letter on the 20th & it was a
most welcome letter for our Regiment was on picket
where the banks of the Potomac & occasion the enemy would
throw a bombshell as if feeling for our situation but [illeg.]
wasted
ammunition in vain but you may know that your
letter being received in such a [illeg.]
would make a lasting impression on my mind & there I vowed before Almighty God that I would never play another card it was very seldom that I every played;
when I played it was for mere amusement but well I know
there was a better way to spend my time. This is
quite a lonesome day here, though a beautiful Sabbath morning every thing looks quiet but dull it is quite a
picture to look around on my [unclear: mess] some are Cooking some
eating some writing & some sleeping. We had [illeg.]
[page 2]
[illeg.] for breakfast you would laugh if
[unclear: you] could see us cooking every
one [unclear: must] have something to say how such & such a
thing ought to be done. [illeg.] H. Brownlee is here to day tis the [unclear: first] time I have seen him since
[unclear: he] went to Washington County he
looks very well. Tom is General Garnetts orderly.
What sort of a Christmas did you have mine was very dry it seemed to me like a Sabbath it was [illeg.] beautiful day. I would like [unclear: very] much to have been at home [illeg.] I know that I could have had some pleasure. I will long remember the pleasant holidays we had a turkey Christmas day for dinner & have had one since. There was an inspection this morning a 9 o'clock A.M. we had a tolerable hard trip to the Potomac a few weeks a go on it is hard to me as I was not very well I had the yellow jaundice. I was very near broke down it was useless to [unclear: write] every thing that happened [illeg.] it has been published in the news papers.
I hope John is getting well so [unclear: he] can enjoy him self. Through the [illeg.] low days I assure you that I shall never think less of him for telling on me for he is a man I greatly esteem. I only wish that he would correct me of every fault that [illeg.] have give my love to him if he is at home when this reaches [unclear: you]. You can keep the socks until I return my health is very good, at present & hope when these few uninteresting lines come to [unclear: hand] you may be enjoying the same blessing. My Brothers are both [unclear: well]. Your Cousin Abe was down here yesterday the most of the boys [unclear: treat] him coldly because he had him self detailed to wait on the sick he spent to most of his time with me. I heard that he started home yesterday I hope that he may have a pleasant time. I must bring this short letter to a [unclear: close]. I ask an interest all your [unclear: prayers] give my love to all & reserve [illeg.] respective portion for your [illeg.].
Write soon as I am always glad [illeg.] hear from nothing more.
write soon
W.F. Brand
P.S. [illeg.] New years' gift
