Augusta: William F. Brand to Kate Armentrout, May 4,
1861
Summary:
William tells Kate about friends and family he has seen in camp at Harpers Ferry,
and that he and his friends have enlisted "for as long as Virginia has need for
us." He estimates that the war will last three or four years.
May 4th '61
Harpers Ferry
Dear Kate
In confusion not as you exspect for time is so very
presscious that I have to hurry about evry thing. Yesterday we ware all
on Maryland hights & had nothing to eat
& raining an no shelter put when we came home those that we left had dinner ready for us.
Brother arrived safely yesterday with Thomas Supple put
James Supple never will get hear for he
[page 2]
took
sick at Winchester & I exspect he will go
home, very likely it is good policy in him for I know that he would be scorned
almost to death. I would not be in his plase for a
fortune or any thing that seems dearer. We all enlisted our servises to day as long as Virginia had need for us. I dont think that we will be released before Three or Four
years & if that may be the case we all never can come home. John is
well, I think he wrote to you all. I am not surtain.
Abraham sends you his love to you.
I will hafter bring this uninteresting letter to a close, my health is very good & hope that these fiew lines come to hand you may be enjoying the same blessing. I ask an Interest in your prayers give my love to all the family.
yours in love burity & fidelity
William F. Brand
PS Please excuse all bad writing speling & composition. Yours &c W.F.B.
[page 4]
Mr George W Fitch requested me to send you his love & at the same time not noing who I was writing to & sayes he will write before long. Good by.
