Augusta: William Brand to Kate Armentrout, December
29, 1861
Summary:
William apologizes to Kate for playing cards in camp. He describes Christmas in
camp and sends news about their friends and relatives.
Decmeber 29th 1861
Campt Near Winchester
Ever Dear Kate,
I recieved your letter on the 20th & it was a
most welcome letter for our Reg. was on piket
ware the banks of the Potomac & occation the enimy would
throw a bombshell as if feeling for our situation but [illeg.]
warsted
aminition in vain but you may know that your
letter being recieved in such a [illeg.]
would make a lasting impression on my mind & thare I vowed before Almighty God that I would never play annother card it was very seldom that I every played;
when I played it was for mear amusement but well I know
thare was a better way to spend my time. This is
quite a lonesome day hear, though a beautifull Sabbath morning evry thing looks quiate but dull it is quite a
picture to look around on my [unclear: mess] some are Cooking some
eating some writing & some sleeping. We had [illeg.]
[page 2]
[illeg.] for breakfast you would laughf if
[unclear: you] could see us cooking evry
one [unclear: must] have something to say how such & such a
thing ought to be done. [illeg.] H. Brownlee is hear to day tis the [unclear: first] time I have seen him since
[unclear: he] went to Washington Co. he
looks very well. Tom is Gen. Garnetts orderly.
What sort of a Christmas did you have mine was very dry it seemed to me like a Sabbath it was [illeg.] beautiful day. I would like [unclear: very] much to have been at home [illeg.] I know that I could have had some pleasure. I will long remember the plesant hollow days we had a turkey Christmas day for dinner & have had one since. Thare was an inspection this morning a 9 O clock A.M. we had a tolerable hard trip to the Potomac a fiew weeks a go on it is hard to me as I was not very well I had the yellow jaunders. I was very near broke down it was useless to [unclear: write] evry think that happened [illeg.] it has been bublished in the news papers.
I hope John is getting well so [unclear: he] can enjoy him self. Through the [illeg.] low days I assure you that I shall never think less of him for telling on me for he is a man I grately esteem. I only wish that he would correct me of evry fault that [illeg.] have give my love to him if he is at home when this reaches [unclear: you]. You can keep the socks untill I return my health is very good, at presant & hope when theese fiew uninterresting lines come to [unclear: hand] you may be enjoying the same blessing. My Brothers are both [unclear: well]. Your Cousin Abe was down hear yesterday the most of the boys [unclear: treat] him coldly because he had him self detailed to wait on the sick he spent to most of his time with me. I hurd that he started home yesterday I hope that he may have a pleasent time. I must bring this short letter to a [unclear: close]. I ask an interrest all your [unclear: prayers] give my love to all & reserve [illeg.] respective portion for your [illeg.].
Write soon as I am always glad [illeg.] hear from nothing more.
write soon
W.F. Brand
P.S. [illeg.] New years' gift
