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

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-Mary D. Edwards Summer 2000

1861-1862 20 items William F. Brand to Amanda C. Armentrout [Folder 1 of 4] Brand #11332 

Campt Near Liberty Mills

July 25th 1862

Dear Kate

I seat my self once more for the purpose of pening [sic] you a fiew [sic] lines. I arrived safely in camp on the 21 and have been improveing [sic] in health ever since. We have a very nice camp and the water is very good. Our Camp numbers Sixty odd at presant [sic], more than we have had presant [sic] for some time past[.] I hope providence may smile on our armies and bless us with health. I found Brother John looking badley [sic] again & was fearfull [sic] he was taking the fever but think he is somewhat better today[.] Charles has returned to the Camp at last he was

[page two] to see Grand Ma. he says he had a grate [sic] deal of pleasure. I tried to shame him for treating us all so badley [sic] by not writing. he wrote home to day for the first time for the last six months I beleive [sic]; we have to drill twist [twice] a day. Mr. Robt Taylor recieved [sic] his discharge to day being over thirty five years of age. he has been a good soldier and I am glad to see him get of [off] honerably[sic]. our Regt. has a Chaplain at last[.] he is a Baptist[.] thare [sic] was prayer meeting last night & night before; I hope & pray that his teachings may be a benefit to the Regt; & that many may give them selves over unto the true living God, our Chaplains name is Waters[.] he is a very good preacher[.]

[page three] well Kate[,] I had a wonderfull [sic] time Sadurday [sic] night of the [13 [?] hunting for deserters[.] we all enjoyed our selves finely serrounding [sic] the houses & charging the dogs. We arrested Frank Taylor & brought him as far as Peten Hights; and left him in the charge of Isaac Vines & George Hight untill [sic] I could go home & return. About sun up he asked permission to go down to Mr. Gaubers a half miles distant. Hight granted his request & Vines went with him. he had not been thare [sic] long before he told Ike he wanted to go in annother [sic] room to see Mr Fauber who was sick[.] Ike thought all was right & let him go alone & then he made his escape. Ike after looking around for him returned aloan [sic]. I had been waiting nearly an hour. We all laughed at Ike and told him he was a bad sentinel,

[page four] well Kate[,] I came away & forgot my preasents [sic], but I hope and pray the day may not be very far distant when I may return & recieve [sic] from thee a richer & nobler blessing. Thy hand & heart, oh dear kate with out thee evry [sic] thing would be dark & dreary. I would give up in the morning & lie down at night with out having any one to whisper the breathings of a pure and noble heart. I must bring my letter to a close. Write soon my prayer is that you may be blest with all the mercies of an alseeing [sic] God. I remain your true and affectionate admirir [sic] W. F. B.

[Attached is an envelope addressed to " Miss Amanda C. Armentrout, Greenville, Augusta County, Virginia". Also on the envelope appears the notation "9th letter".]