Augusta: William Brand to Kate Armentrout, March 4,
1862
Summary:
William tells Kate that he believes the Confederates will evacuate Winchester in
the near future. He also says that he, along with 35 members of his company, has
re-enlisted for the duration of the war, and expresses disappointment that
Kate's brother did not do so. He suggests that there will be "excitement in old
Augusta" with the approaching Confederate draft.
Miss Amanda C. Armentrout
Lacy Springs
Rockingham
Co.Va.
March 4th 1862
Campt Near Winchester
Dear Kate
I recieved your much welcomed letter a fiew days ago and now seat my self to drop you a fiew lines. My health is very good & hope this may
find you enjoying the same blessing. The health of the Com. is very good at presant. We have
evacuated Camp [unclear: Zollicoffer] & Campt in a half mile of Winchester. I believe that we are going
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to evacuate Winchester, as thay are mooving all the Guvernment
property pack to Strausburg
& all the sick are hurryed back. It is
reported that the Yankees have posession of Martinsburg, Charles town &
Berryville but I do not believe it and still hope that we may be ordered back to
our Cabbins before long. The question was asked our
Com yesterday, whether we would enlist for the
war or not. Thirty five enlisted for the war the remainder
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say thay will stand the draft. I am no longer a volintier but a regular for the War be it long or
short & my prayer is that the God of Nations may keep me as the apple of
his eye. I will look to him at all times for he is able to save in the darkest
hours of peril. It is an assurance most dear to know that he will not forsake
those that put thare trust in him. I was very sorry
that your Brother did not reinlist as I would like
to have his Combany as a gide
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through this tempestuous world of war. I suppose thare is a grate deal of excitement in old
Augusta at this time on account of the draft that is to be made this month. I
hope that it may hit some of the speculators & hope I may have the
pleasure of getting home on furlough before long. I would like very much to see
you. Remember me in your prayers, that I may hold out faithfull to the end. Write soon.
I remain your devoted freind
W.F.B.
