After some difficult times, Kate writes to William pleading with him to correct his ways and fearful of his salvation.
Robert writes to Kate of his devoted friendship to her, his desire to maintain regular correspondence and his plans never to marry until he can properly support a wife.
Robert writes to Kate about his plans to move to Maryland for the work and wishes her a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
George writes to Kate about her recent visit to his school. He mentions the hated Freedmen's Bureau and asks about the local fashions of the day.
Angus writes to Kate about his sadness when he thinks of those who died in the war. He then inquires as to how her Billie (William Brand) has changed, poking fun at her anxiousness regarding a beau.
Robert writes to Kate of his worsening eyesight and how he now has to wear eyeglasses. Expressing his continued brotherly affection for her, Spillman says he hopes to see her soon and recounts local events.
Kate pleads with Willie to forgive her while recounting the story of the Biblical serpent who led good Christians astray and away from the Lord. She says that she was wrong to accuse Willie of acting wrongly by operating a distillery and drinking.
Kate apologizes to Willie and pleads with him to forgive her for what she has said in the past. She references Job when discussing the travails she has withstood in the face of community scrutiny regarding how she has treated Willie.
Kate apologizes to Willie, expressing her regret at all she has done to make him sad. She then pleads with him to come visit her and discusses local news.
Kate, blaming herself for their estrangement, apologizes to Willie and pleads with him to forgive her and find his way back to God.
Kate writes to Willie that while she knows he still loves her, she fears that he is not as religious as he once was.
After not receiving a letter from Kate for many months, Robert fears that something bad has befallen her. He writes that he hopes all is well and implores her to write to him soon.
Kate writes to Willie anxious that she has not heard from him. After discussing neighborhood events, she signs the letter as "your ever true & loving wife" although they do not get married until the following year.
Robert writes to Kate assuring her of his interest in another girl and his absolute devotion to Kate as a friend only. He also mentions his religious thoughts.
Angus, a teacher, writes to his friend Kate about her prospects at marriage and his musings on life.
With their marriage pending, Amanda writes to Willie about her plans for their wedding.
Now married to Willie, Amanda writes to her husband of neighborhood occurrences and family members.
William writes to Kate that he does not feel for her as he once did because he thought that she had changed her feelings for him but that he still loves her. He also describes how he spent Christmas and New Years while discussing family members.
William refutes Kate's accusations that he has been drinking while blaming one of her relatives for telling lies about him because he succeeding at business. He then concludes by saying that he loves her and her letters are always welcome.
Return to the War Years Personal Papers
Franklin County Personal Papers: Eve of War | War Years | Aftermath
Augusta County Personal Papers: Eve of War | War Years | Aftermath