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

[The following letter is written in pencil and faded beyond deciphering in parts.]

[1862 April 22]

Dear Sister,

[Several lines obliterated] we were on picket about two ______ in the morning[.] we suppose the object of the picket was to stop stragglers for the Tenth Reg.[Regiment] came across upon the same road consequently the enemy could not have been [?] expected. We left Rudes Hill[.]

17th I camped near the spring[.] Abe, Gcunter, John & I stope [sic] allnight at Auts [Aunts][.] She was very much distressed at the thought of the advance of the enemy[.] the people in general were riding about in the utmost confusion[,] not knowing their personal fate if they stayed nor the fate of their property if they left, Unlcle[sic] Ceiry sold some cattle in town & on his return he & his three sons met the Brigade[.] they had their horses & equipments expecting to join their company at Richmond[.] they certainly had but little time to escape for the enemy calvery[sic] were at the spring the next morning. Ashby killed several in Mr. Lincon’s wheat field[.] it is sayed [sic] Cousin John & Albert took dinner at home the next day[.] they say the enemy did not distub any citizen but took several horses.

The Brigade was strongly aversed to leaving the Valley[.] out of the fift-[Fifth] Reg. about 170 men deserted[,] Three or Four of our company.

It is the general belief that we will return to the valley as we are being reinforced some here & reported that troops are being transported to Staunton. Last night Co.[Colonel] Harman bid adieu to the Reg. & departed for home[.] Co Beylor takes command being elected yesterday evening[.] Cap. Funk of Winchester was elected Lieu Col. & Cap Williams Major.

Lieu Rosse’s [could be Bosse’s] time having expired he expects to return home in a few days[.] he says he will take letters for the company. I went to tell cousin Geo. of the opportunity of sending a letter home but found he was on gard[guard][.] John Fowler touled[told] me to tell Sue, he is well & would like to write home. It was rumored in camp that the enemy was in Staunton a few days ago but that was false for General Jackson from Alegany[sic] was at head quarters and reported that he was holding his position.

Mr Gleem[?] & Mr Shelly are well this morning & appeared to be very well satisfied. I do not wish any thing at present & not untill [sic] we are located for I have just as much as I can attend to, Uncle Cyrus buried another son lately his name I have forgotten. Mary is poorly yet & doubtful whether she will recover.

Give my love to all[.] I am very well contented & think as little of home as possible. I have a viol [vial] of powder I will try to send to Pa, by Liew. I remain your affectionate brother J. C. Armentrout

Camp in Swiftrun Gap April 22

Dear Sister

I am well & hav [sic] been so for some time [.] as Jacob has given you a discription [sic]of our ____ I will not attempt it[.] Our friends & relations in the army are all well[.] I stayed all night with Aunt Jane[?] on last Thursday night[.] they are all well[.] Uncle Cyrus Rhodes buried his son Dalas week before last[.] Mary & Joce are very porly[[sic][.] they had the diptheria[sic][.] the rest of the relations are all well.

I thought when we stared [started] toward the Blue Ridge that we were going to give up the Valley & that would send from home this made me feel very sorry but I am glad that we can hear from home yet. I hope that God is on our side & will do all for the best[.] My love to you all[.] I hope it will not be long until we see home again. May God bless you all[.] youre[sic] brother John Armentrout