Augusta: William Brand to Kate Armentrout, September
4, 1862
Summary:
William sends Kate news of cavalry movements in the Valley, his time in camp, and
their friends and family.
Miss Kate Armentrout
Greenville
Augusta County
Virginia
September 4th /62
Camp Stonewall
My dear friend,
I received your letter yesterday, & as we are laying still this morning I will try and write a few lines in answer. I know not when this will reach you as it is reported that a large Cavalry force has gone up the Valley in our rear. The Enemy have a large Cavalry force in the Valley & our Cavalry being afraid of them [unclear: puts ] us to a great deal of trouble. We had to march last night until twelve o'clock through mud & rain to meet an anticipated raid on Winchester. We are camped this morning near Winchester & every thing seems perfectly quiet. It will hardly remain so until night.
I suppose you are aware before this of the fate of your Cousin R. [deleted: ] our company is called to mourn the loss of one of our bravest youths who like a young flower was cut down in early manhood. We greatly [unclear: miss ] him. All his comrades sympathize with his grief stricken parent & relatives. I have been under the fire of the enemy twice since I wrote at Sheperdstown & Smithfiel[added: d]. But by the mercies of a great & good God I have been spared yet a while there has been no regular engagement since I come down, only heavy skirmishing. We are ready for a fight almost every day, as both armies are getting near each other. But I will pray & live in hopes there will be no more hard fighting in the Valley.
I am glad to hear that your Cousin L. is getting well but sorry to hear that your
health is still declining hope ere this reaches you
[page 3]
you may be enjoying the best of health. There has been a great many deaths in old Augusta since I left. I
believe a disease cuts off as
many as the sword. I received a letter from sister
some time ago she said the Yanks were in thirty miles of
Uncles & was fearful
they
were going to make a raid through their neighborhood. She wanted to know whether she ought to go a refugeeing or gird on the armor & go forth to meet the foe. I give her the advice I would to all women stay at home. I got a letter
yesterday from my friend John Sam he says if I were at
home now I [added: could] not but help having the
blues as every thing is so dull. I think differently I
am sure there is one whose company I could always enjoy
let times be as they please. Dear Kate you must have
[illeg.] me to have been musing or my mind wandering on some
imagina[added: ry]
[page 4]
reflections. I was writing with two of three by my side &
intended [unclear: sending] other finishing, but never thought of it
until I had sealed it, but never thought you would
be so strict as to follow my example. This is a beautiful day but our camp is
not pleasant we have no shades to keep the rays of
the burning sun off our heads.
Did not know that it was Sunday until I was informed this morning. We have been moving nearly every day last week & the days slipped by unnumber[added: ed] by me. I hope before the cold blasts of winter sets in we may all be where we can enjoy these blessed of all days at home. My health is very good. I have no reasonable right at present to complain of any thing. My kindest regards to all inquiring friends excuse this spoiled paper it got wet in my knapsack & there is none to be got here. Your brother is enjoying fine health also the Company. I have not heard from either of Bro[added: s] since I came down. Remember me as one that loves you dearly & wishes you nothing but pure happiness.
Write soon to your
W.
