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

Burkley [sic]Co. Va.

Campt [sic] in the Woods 3 miles below Martonsburg [sic]

June 23 th 1861

Dear Kate

I recieved [sic] your kind and much welcomed letter a fiew [sic] days since and was glad to hear from you[.] I should have answered it sooner but we have been mooving [sic] from plase [sic] to plase for the last two weeks & hardly ever neer [sic] a Postoffice & to day I am Twenty five miles from one but I have concluded to write at any rate hoping that I might have a chance of sending it before long[.] My health is very good and I hope theese [sic] uninteresting lines may find you enjoying the same blessing[.] Cous Jas V. is well and harty [sic][.] Your friend J. T. Lightner was hear [sic] yesterday eavning [sic][.] he belongs to the Rockbridge Collige [sic] boys[.] it is a fine company[.] he said when he got to Strawsburg [sic] it was reported that we ware [sic] fighting in Winchester & when he got thare [sic] he hurd [sic] that we ware [sic] fightting [sic] in Martonsburg [sic] & he pushed on and when he got thare he was told we ware fighting at our encampment[.] it seems that it does some persons good to lie just to keep up the excitement but it will not be long I hope untill [sic] we shall soundly whip the deamons [sic] of the North for the bloodthirsty villions [sic] has invaded our soil at differrent [sic] points & taken property & surched [sic] the houses for money[.] I cannot write any thing today that will interrest [sic] you it being Sunday & to see no change in the soldiers if one did not keep the account of the days he would not know when Sunday came[.] Some of the men are playing cards, oh that men would fear the lord more & searve [sic] him better [.] Sam, Firet [?] has to go on duty this morning for an our [hour] or two & he looks mad[.] I reckon he thinks he is violating the sabbath but it is not his fault[.] I have had good luck[.] I have not had to go on duty on Sunday yet[.]

I had to stop writing for alittle [sic] while as one of my men wanted in his box[.] he took out his Bible and I opened it & commenced reading at the sixty third psalmn [sic] and read three or four chapters[.] they seemed to revive my low spirits[.] I shall ever put my trust in the lord who is able to do what so ever he will.

you asked me to send you my likeness to you[.] I will the first opportunity though it will not be a good one for I am burnt almost black with the sun[.] I do not know when I may have the opportunity of having it taken[.] I must bring this uninteresting letter to a close hoping that it may not be long untill [sic] I may get back to old Augusta[.] give my love to all inquireing [sic] friends[.] remember me in the hours of your devotion if no whare else[.] I remain yours & C as ever W. F. Brand

P.S. Please write soon for I am most happy to hear from at any time[.] yours &C W.F.B.

[Attached to the above letter is an envelope addressed to Mrs Kate Brand, Greenville, Augusta Co., Virginia.]