1. When there is no punctuation in the document, it is added in brackets if needed for clarity.

2. The notation [sic] is used to indicate a misspelled word if needed for clarity.

3. A blank space, i.e. ________ indicates a word in the document that is not dicipherable.

4. The capitalization style in the original document is copied.

5. Square brackets, i.e. [ ] are used to indicate an addition by the transcriber to clarify meaning in the original document.

6. Underlining in the original document is repeated in the transcript.

7. An attempt is made to keep editing to a minimum to preserve the often unique character of the original.

-Mary D. Edwards Summer 2000

[At the beginning of this folder are two envelopes, both addressed to Miss Kate Armentrout, Greenville, Augusta County, Virginia. ]

Moffett’s Creek, Va.

March 4th, 1859.

Dear Miss Midie;

Rejoicing at the reception of your very welcome epistle not long since, conclude to respond without any procrastination, as I was delighted to hear from you a school-mate & a friend.

Oh! it affords inexpressible joy to me, when I get such informative news, from such a kind one, about persons and the vicinity, so much appreciated & admired by one whose memory still points to Christian’s Creek and its noble fascinating commodity (sic), with whom I have long roamed.

I have not much of interest to write only I have been on the sick list for some few days & desire your sympathy.

Give my respects to Miss Mat, & Sister. Sorry to hear that so many ladies are going to get married in that neighborhood, & in fact in all vicinities there is nothing but marrying going on: pity the poor wretches that are left single.

Have you any singings in your respective places, like you formerly have had, this winter? I have been in some charming meetings of the kind.

I have had a splendid time attending singings this winter in New Port & other places.

There is nothing like having big times on Pisgah’s big hills.

You asked me to come down on valentine night to have a drawing. I suppose you had a splendid time of drawing. We had a drawing here, (at Mrs. Hull’s) some few strangers came in & we passed off the time very merrily. But I neither sent nor received any valentines.

Why are you not going to School this winter? or have you got your diploma.[?]

Just come up & see me & my family; I tell you I’m just training the young ideas how to shoot.

The Turkeyhoes must be prancing about like wild Turkeys. They have no business coming over here & taking all the South River gals away. Glad to hear that Miss Rachel is rising in the world & in the estimation of the young gents.

Does Lucian still go to see you yet.[?]

Did Mr. Minrol get any Valentines this year to grieve about?

I get very few letters.

I wish the girls would all send me a box full.

You must excuse this short letter of not much note. I wrote in a hurry; so I conclude with many wishes for your health & happiness. Good evening

Your Friend Angus

Oak Hill Va[.]