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

Walnut Hill Westmoreland Co., Va.

August 13th, 1864

My Dear friend .

I avail myself of the pleasant opportunity of droping [sic] you a few lines which I hope will reach you safe & fine you in the full Enjoy ment of health & prosperity. I have not heard from you since through your letter, of the 2nd of July, which I received while at the Hospital. I answered it immediately, telling you that I should leave for home in a short time. Which I did. I left Richmond the 13th of July. When I last wrote I instructed you to direct your letter to Sorretto. Essex Co. but on my way home I learned that the mail was not Going to that office, owing to the Enemy having broken up the Mail route, While on his line of March to Richmond [.] but Since I have been home the line has been reestablished[.] Consequently letters sent by the directions given you will reach me safe.

I will now tell you of some of my suffering after geting[sic] home [.] Another abscess formed on the out side of my face, which gave me much pain. so soon as that got better, the Erysipelos[sic] took hold in my face & my throat & tongue became seriously affected, so that I could not talk & I assure you my suffering, I cannot describe. I surely must have died but for the mercy of God & the attention of two good physicians[.] Thank God I have recovered from my Extreme illness & am now able to sit up & walk about a little but am very weak, I hope in a few weeks to gain considerable strength if I am not taken worse which I hope will not be the Case.

I often think of the Charactor[sic] of your last letter & the feeling it produced when received. a letter from my sister surely could not have been received with more delight. & while I constantly think of you I have become more & more anxious to see you[.] Why should we have friends and never meet with them? it is pleasant indeed to speak with our friends through Silent Medium of the pen, but how much more pleasant to meet them & grasp the hand with the gentle press of friendship, & can meet the friendly & impressive gaze - oh! how much I would appreciate the realization of such an Ideal - with you My Ever Dear friend Kate [.] I have come to the conclusion that I will if possible visit Resole[,] Augusta Co. if I can make my arrangements to suit. My idea is to go up some time in September[,] that is if I should get well enough to travel, & my jaws are not strong enough to return to the Army[.] that would give me an oppertunity[sic] to do what would be to me perfectly delightful. Well my friend you must write soon[.] I am so anxious to hear from you. When you write let me know which is the neared Rail Road station to where you live. Waynesboro & Staunton are the only stations that I know any of & dont know the distances they are from your place. well I must close[,] please excuse bad writing & mistakes as I am quite feeble & nervous - My kindest regards to your Pa & family. With much love for your self[,] believe me to be your true friend - Robt. B. Spilman

[Attached to this letter is an insert which reads, " Direct to Sorretto P. O. Essex County[,]Va. Care of J. T. Dishman[,] Leedston". Also attached is an envelope addressed to: ‘Miss Kate Armentrout, Greenville, Augusta County, Va.]