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

Hanover Co, Va. May 26th 1864

My Dear Friend,

With pleasure I avail my self of the first opportunity to respond you ever dear letter of the 1st inst[instant] which was recd[received] the 4th[.] I have been very anxious to reply sooner but could not possibly as so my Dear friend I can not fine words to express the delight with which your letter was received and read. just at the time of its reception The two grand Armies in Virginia began to move. that day we had been under ____ & in The Saddles alday[all day]. ____was Excitement looking forward to the result of the Coming great battle. of course - it was a time for Excitement - Cerious[sic] thought & sadness - late on the Evening above mentioned . When I felt that our thoughts prayers * vigil should be directed to the great task before us to be performed, I, for my part felt quite

[page two] but certainly not pleasing to the Eyes but I would only give it as the token on a momento of of [sic] friendship. for were you free to mis[sic] be sure[?] I am not Endowed with any of the qualities that are likely to be admired. Well My friend I reckon you expect some news but I think it easily to undertake to give you all the particulars as I suppose you [got] the substance through papers - as for our brigade we for the first time in any campaign since the war begun have had comparatively an[?] Easy time[.] it is true we have had hard marching & very hard duty but little fighting, up to day we have been constantly with our horses saddled & on duty - (22 days) & have only lost about 25 or 30 men from the Brigade 8 or 10 from my Regiment - none from my Company[.] one man was struck but uninjured. I am thankful to God that we been so blessed but the work is not over yet[.] we are now confronting the Enemy on the North Anna river in Hanover County. looking for a fight at any time our troops are in fine spirits & always ready for action. I hope that freedom will soon be ours, though I may not live to see it. I trust the Lord may hasten the happy times. I have told my brother of our correspondence. he will according to your wish destroy any letter coming to me & inform you of the fact should any thing happen. I close for want of paper with my imperfect prayers & many wishes for your welfare & happiness. I ask you in like manner to remember & write soon to your unworthy but constant friend[.] Robert

[Attached to the above letter is an envelope addressed to: Miss Kate Armentrout, Lexington, Virginia]