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
Va.
September 4th /62
Camp Stonewall
My dear friend,
I recieved 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 Enimy have a large Cavalry force in the Valley & our Cavalry being afraid of them [unclear: buts ] us to a grate deal of trouble. We had to march last night untill twelve oclock through mud & rain to meet an antisapated raid on Winchester. We are camped this morning near Winchester & evry thing seems perfectly quiet. It will hardly remain so untill night.
I suppose you are aware before this of the fate of your Cousin R. [deleted: ] our comp. 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: mis ] him. All his comrads sympathise with his grief stricken parent & relatives. I have been under the fire of the enimy twist since I wrote at Sheperdstown & Smithfiel[added: d]. But by the mercies of a great & good God I have been spared yet a while thare has been no regular engagement since I come down, only heavy skirmishing. We are ready for a fight almost evry day, as both armies are getting near each other. But I will pray & live in hopes thare 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 ear this reaches you
[page 3]
you may be enjoying the best of health. Thare has been a great many deaths in old Augusta since I left. I
believe a desease cuts of as
many as the sword. I recieved a letter from sister
some time ago she said the Yanks ware in thirty miles of
Uncles & was fearfull
thay
ware going to make a raid through thare neighborhood. She wanted to know wether she ought to go a refugeeing or gird on the armer & go forth to meet the foe. I give her the advise I would to all women stay at home. I got a letter
yesterday from my friend John Sam he says if I ware at
home now I [added: could] not but help having the
blues as evry thing is so dull. I think differently I
am sure thare is one whose company I could always enjoy
let times be as thay 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
untill 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 plesant we have no shades to keep the rays of
the burning sun off our heads.
Did not know that it was Sunday untill I was informed this morning. We have been mooving nearly evry day last week & the days slipt by unnumber[added: ed] by me. I hope before the cold blasts of winter sets in we may all be whare we can enjoy these blest of all days at home. My health is very good. I have no reasonable right at presant to complain of any thing. My kindest regards to all enquiring friends excuse this spoiled paper it got wet in my knapsack & thare is none to be got hear. Your brother is enjoying fine health also the Company. I have not hurd from eather 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.
