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

April 25th 1861

Harpers ferry

Dear Cate

It is with pleasure that I can this morning seat my self to drop you a few lines[.] My health is very good, & spriits are joviel [sic]. I hope that these fiew [sic] lines come to hand you may be enjoying the sommes [summers] unaccountible [sic] blessing[.]

We all arrived safely hear [sic] last Monday[.] I know not how long we will remain in harpers ferry nor I do not care for it is a very dull plase [sic] [.] The ladies look so sour that I never speak to any of them[.] there are no beauties in the burg[.]

On our way to the burg the Ladies of evry [sic] villige [sic] cheered us onward by thare [sic] smiles & waves[.] Miss Fannie Lincoln presented our company with a secession Flag[.] I seen her but did not no [know] her as we pushed on so fast in our press waggons[sic][.] we had to travel all day last Sunday wich [sic] seemed very hard[.] in Mt Jackson I almost fell in love with a girl[.] the way I happened to get acquainted with her was I had broke one of my straps that held my scabbard & I just went & asked her to sow [sew] it for me if she pleased, she very kindly said she would & before the lady had finished it a dozen of my fellow solders [sic] had joined around me[.] the Ladies all along the road seemed so pleasant that it it [sic] cheered us onward[.] there hankerchiefs ware [sic] continually waveing & we generally gave them three loud cheers[.] Thare [sic] are so many women afloat that I can not say what we may hafter do[.] John is very well, I hope that if it is Gods will that we may all arrive safely at home ere long,

Dear Cate. I should like to exspress [sic] my self freely to you[.] It was my intention to show you the hidden love that I always felt for you[.] The sadurday [sic] that you left Mr. Burkholders; but I was disapointed [sic] in my plans[.] And it may be well for the love I have for you might have been blasted & treated with disregard, but oh Cate I shall ask one thing of the [thee] that is your prayers that I may with stand [sic] the wilds and temptations of the devil[,] that I may bear upward & onward & may at last reach the heavenly city with all the blood washed thong [throng?] that crowned the ____ of the sun [son] Jesus alone[.] I must bring this uninteresting letter to a close[.] I remain your affectionate

Wm. F. Brand

P.S. please write soon[.] direct your letter to Harpers ferry, Va. W.F.B.

[Attach to this letter is an envelope addressed to: Miss A. C. Armentrout, Greenville, Augusta County, Virginia. Written by another hand at the top of the envelope are the words, "first letter".]