Augusta: William Brand to Kate Armentrout, January 10, 1862
Summary:
William describes the recent movements of the 5th Virginia Regiment throughout the Shenandoah
Valley, saying that he encountered many Unionists in the town of Bath. He also tells Kate that
many of the men in the regiment are sick due to the cold and wet weather.
Eleventh letter
Miss Amanda C Armentrout
Lacy Springs
Rockingham County
Virginia
January 10th 1862
Camp Sleepy Creek
Dear Kate
It is with pleasure that I seat my self to drop you a few lines to
let you hear from me. I received your note by Mr Vines. It was
too late as I had written the day before no doubt you have received it before this time. My health is very good & hope
these
few lines may find you enjoying the same. We have been
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on a
very hard march ever since New years' day we first marched on Bath in Morgan County took 8 or
10 Prisoners two pieces of cannon it is the
hardest trip we ever were on. The snow was from 4 to 6 inches deep
& very cold. The roads became a perfect cake of ice the horses were continually falling down & the same with the men. The Militia done some beautiful
running. Bath is a beautiful little town the
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citizens are mostly Unionists. Bath is better known as the Berkeley springs it is situated between two mountains. We are now in 25
miles of Winchester & are camped on the
[unclear: Runney] road. I do not know what the General's
intentions are if we are kept in this mountainous Country long one fourth of the army will be
in the hospital for there are loads going every day five of our Company has gone
to the hospital
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& as many sick in Camp. I received the cheese you sent me (many thanks to the [unclear: dona].) I told
James Vines
where to direct his letters to you & will inform Mr Lightner when I see him. Lieutenant Wilson
leaves for home in the morning excuse this short letter as I am on guard to night also bad writing & mistakes. Write
soon as I am always glad to hear from you.
Yours truly,
W.F.B.
