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.

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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 [sic] Near Winchester

March 4th 1862

Dear Kate

I recieved [sic] your much welcomed letter a fiew [sic] days ago and now seat my self to drop you a fiew [sic] lines[.] my health is very good & hope this may find you enjoying the same blessing[.] The health of the Com. [Company] is very good at presant [sic][.] we have evacuated Camp _ollicoffer & Campt [sic] in a half mile of Winchester[.] I believe that we are going

[page two] to evacuate Winchester as thay [sic] are mooving [sic] all the Guvernment [sic] property back to Strausburg & all the sick are hurryed [sic] back[.] It is reported that the Yankees have posession [sic] of Martinsburg Charlestown & Berryville but I do not believe it and still hope that we may be ordered back to our Cabbins [sic], before long, The question was asked our Com [sic] yesterday whether we would enlist for the war or not[.] Thirty five enlisted for the war[,] the remainder

[page three] say they will stand the draft, I am no longer a volintier [sic] but a regular for the War be it long or short & my prayer is that the God of Nations may keep me as the apple of his eye[.] I will look to him at all times for he is able to save in the darkest hours of peril. It is an assurance most dear to know that he will not forsake those that put thare [sic] trust in him[.] I was very sorry that your Brother did not rienlist [sic] as I would like to have his Company as a gide [sic]

[page four] through this umpestuois [sic] world of war[.] I suppose thare [sic] is a grate [sic] deal of excitement in old Augusta at this time on account of the draft that is to be made this month[.] I hope that it may hit some of the speculators[.] I hope I may have the pleasure of getting home on furlough before long[.] I would like very much to see you[.] Remember me in your prayers that I may hold out faithfull [sic] to the end. Write soon. I remain your devoted friend W.F.B.

[Attached to this letter is an envelope addressed to Miss Amanda C. Armentrout, Lacy Springs, Rochingham Co., Va. Written in pencil is "13 letter".]