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

Office. Chimbo" Hosp

Richmond Jany 12th 1865

My dear Sis Kate

Again I have the pleasure of responding to your ever dear & affectionate letter that reached me to day[,] The perusal of which - was done with no little degree of pleasure. I can not find words to express my self on the present occasion[.] Could I but wield the pen of a Novelist, I might possibly be able to give some faint view of my high appreciation of your dear letters - and the pure unselfish friendship you have so long & so repeatedly expressed for me [.] how often in my silent musings does my mind wander back to the days when I had no knowledge of you,, before I was honoured with your acquaintance & your friendship. how different were the lonely hours spent then,, no fond anticipation lay before me of a day that would bring with its Natural Charms a messenger from a dear dear friend in the distance,, a letter from you dear Kate,, How sad & still [.] how pleasing are the many Changes since first we met - both Combined and truly almost incomprehensible,, think, for a moment, but a little more than a year ago, we were as those who had never lived - to Each Other. But time with its many Changes - find us now, as it were bonded, bossom [sic] friends,, how pleasing it is to one to think that I have the Esteem & Confidence of a friend so pure, so noble, as your self, Tis truly an honour not merited, by one. I can scarcely realize that one so insignificant as my self should enjoy such pleasures, as are realized from such a pleasing correspondence - Well dear Kate. you need not expect a long or interesting letter this time, as my mind is restive. it seems that I cant possibly be concentrated or centered upon any one particular subject. Not withstanding the present moment is a time when I should feel or rather be able to produce some sentimental language for now it is about Eleven o Clock at night - no sound breaks the stillness of the night - save the constant roar of the rapid waters of the James River as it rushes madly over the rocky falls, wending its way along the winding current towards its Mother Ocean - other than that, all is quiet. The blazing Stars shine brilliantly,, high up in their orbit while the gentle moon sheds its silvery light over all nature - still I cant feel sentimental since I cant find words to Express my self to night. I hope you will excuse my brevity - & I’ll promise to do better nex [sic] time - but that is a promise that I ought not to make, as I’ll be most sure to brake [sic] it for I am not endowed with the mental faculties which enables one to write a communicative or interesting letter - still I am fond of writing - if I cant interest - or give information,, I dont exactly agree with my dear little friend Lou [?]. She seems to think that letters should not be written unless it bears important news,, or something Cheering or animating - but it is not so with me. I like to speak at a distance with you dear friend thought the silent medium of the pen tis truly a pleasure that I would not be deprived for the _____. I could not dispence [sic] with such a pleasure while I am blessed with the power of writing[.] I must profit by it,,_____ dear Kate the old ____ clock has just told by its lonesome ring the approach of midnight hour. So I must close,, my love to all. with a full portion for your self, Write soon to your fond & affectionately Robert

[Attached to the above letter is an envelope addressed to: "Miss Kate Armentrout, Green Ville, Augusta Co., Va.]