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-Mary D. Edwards Summer 2000

 1859-1866, 1867 & 1871-1874 37 items Correspondence of Amanda C. Armantrout Brand 11332

Rose Dale Va.

20th Feb. 1862.

My Dear Sister Kate;

I will commence my letter with the sad description of John’s: funeral. he died Thursday night at twelve oclock. his corps[corpse] reached home or rather his Uncle Toms, Saturday evening , & his funeral was preached there, to a large congregation of dearly loved schoolmates & friends on Monday. Oh Kate[,] I never saw any one look so life like in my life[,] not one change from the dear Jno we parted with last summer; not one did I say & not one in outward appearance but oh that one great change that had sealed those dear lips; dimed [dimmed] those eyes; & stilled that tender loving heart: Kate[,] I felt as though I must say something, to him, to wake him up for I could but think he was sleeping. no mortal hand could have smoothed that countenance to such perfect tranquility[sic]: John now sleeps to wake no more but his pure spirit unconfined is exploring the regions of the unknown world. After remembering & sending messages to all his schoolmates & friends, he told his Pa to tell one and all to meet him in Heaven & his last moments were prayer haveing become perfectly concious [conscious] Kate just two days before his death[.] his Father in moving his sachel [sic] let your likeness fall. John sais "Pa take that home, with you & take good care of it." I donot[sic] know whether he said any more about it or not. I wanted to have a talk with Mr. Lightner the day of the funeral but so many were around him asking about John that I had no chance[.] Doctor McFarland preached an exclent[sic] sermon from Psalms the CXIX 119 chapter 75:76:& 77th verses; The first hymn, "It is the Lord enthroned in light: The second: Lord we adore thy vast designs: The last: Submissive to thy will, My God:: He is buried in Mr. Tilson’s graveyard, by the side of his uncle John Tompson, & now Farewell Dear Jno until the resurrection morn. Where we hope to meet you in reallms[sic] of light & blessedness; Farewell; Farewell; ----

Kate[,] I now feel so sad that I can scarcely reply to your funny little ditty which I just rec’d this evening. Much obliged to you my dear girl for warning me not to fall in love with that dazzling little Jno. H. & adding "He is already sold" : but Kate he told me upwards of a goodeal [sic]: but think not Kate that these eyes did not very readily perceive that he was far from being sincere; And from the honesty of my own heart feel that I have an honorable pride which will not endure to be trifled with; Nevertheless I am of the opinions that he & the certain Jno you spoke of as being the boy are one & the same, now why warn me not to set my cap ("He is sold") & you miss in a far more dangerous position than I:: But perhaps you have found out the error of your way as the rich man who saw Lazarus in Abrahams bosom, & like him when you find by sad experience that there is no hope for you: come to testify unto me lest I too fall into the same error; This is the only construction I can put on it: & I would say to you in return "beware did I not think it eventually & irrecoverbly [sic] too late:

And Kate[,] Moses will not get a chance to see me or rather will not desire a chance until you get home: for he knows I cannot have the compassion on him that Phario’s [sic] daughter , had to take his ark from among the flags. So I fear that he would never get "out of the Wilderness". himself: let alone bring the children of Israel out.

"Moreover I have no tobaco [sic] yet so he must not come until you get home; but when are you coming you dont say anything about that "but I heard you must come the last of March". I dont expect you can leave until the Rangers go away; Well they will be gone by that time - Well Kate you asked me how Charley was[.] I have not seen him for three weeks: he was entirely out here then: & he told us a considerable love story that will do for some time to come[.] I think he is fixing to doge [dodge] the Melitia [militia] again; but I think he will have to suffer with them this time; Ask Frank for a discription [sic] of him;- I believe Hetty wrote about he & Lizzie making up!

Kate[,] Father Sold Nelly today to a _____ soldier who has reinlisted [sic]; for Cavalry nag; or he first traded with him & got 75 dollars to boot cash then before he got home sold the one he traded for for $75; getting $150; for Nelly[.] I think her well sold. Cous Abe talks of buying Lucy[.] you had better come home & lay claim to a pony or you will have to walk this summer:

Mary told me to get you to tell Cous Frank to take good care of her interests in the Sellars down ther[sic] And I have one question to ask Jno H (that sold lad) whether he is still an unbeliever ?; And one to ask you who has bought the precious gem; - Mag S. sais she will write to you soon[.] Lizzie & Mary were up last week, sends her love; to you; I have never got a chance to tell Sam yet.

Lizzie said tell Jany that she expects the Malitia[militia] will be called & dont think she will get down, give my love to her & tell her to come up soon. Lizzie wants you to ask Aunt Lee if she aint getting tired of one Kate Armentrout by name; I have cut Lizzie’s hair off you ought to see her: She was at the store today & got you a Hat[.] I dont know how you will get it though; Lizzie sais you must try & get those little buttons she told you about, & send them with Pa..

I did not know until this morning that he was coming: but Mother cant come along: it is too cold & Father cant stay more than four or five days[.] I would like to see you, Cate but if you are happy tis enough, for what matters my earthly happyness [sic] now [.]

Well[,] Kate[,] Father & Cous Abe will tell you more than I can write, & it is getting late, but ere[sic] I close I will tell you not to have Moses forty years bringing you out of the wilderness but let it come to pass soon: Kate I have almost read through the bible this year, no doubt you have already thought so while reading this[.] Give my love to kinfolks & all acquaintances & a large portion for thy self[.] dont let anyone see this[.] I am in a hurry be sure - write by Father to me.

Do kiss Janie for me & tell her how we would like to see her, & kiss Kate Carrier & Mary & Etta, Mag & Cate & C. & Fannie L, oh one & all, Good bye

Annie Trout

[Written in pencil in the margin on page two & three: ]

I forgot to tell you Charley Parker was upwards of a goodeal [sic] sorry that Miss Kate was not at home (how do I know) he told me so, Annie

____ Kate I got a letter from miss Naone last night. She told me Elizza Ann McComb & one of Billies daughters had been to see them -