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.

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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

Chimboraszo Hosp No. 3

Richmond, Va. June 29th 1865

My dear Sister

Your very kind & ever dear letter of the 21st inst reached me safely three days ago. Which found me quite well & truly glad to hear from you & to hear that you with your Father’s family were well. but I am very sorry to hear of your unpleasant feelings - from the tone of your letter you appear to be in a measure greatly troubled [.] Your language was such as would lead one to believe that you felt like one forsaken, like one enshrouded with the dark shaddows [sic] of gloom wending their way as it were in house - isolated region amid trials & troubles unspeakable with no one to cheer you, no sound of a merry, or, well known voice to brake [sic] the stillness of the midnight hour. no strong arm to shield thy fragile form in the hour of appearant [sic] danger. no fond eye to meet the steady gaze - as you look to the dark & untried future.. dearest Kate - would that I was capable to day, of speaking to you with language that would cheer your drooping - spirits, to remove the dark cloud from over you way & brighten your path with the brilliant sunshine of joy & consolation, but as it is - using one of your expressions - "you must take the will for the deed." I am exceedingly anxious to have the full causes of your troubles. Not that I feel that I could be able to soothe you in the least but I could be very glad to know all that in any way gives trouble or displeasure to my dear & ever faithfull friend Kate.

If the Secret of your discomfort is not too profound I will be much gratified to know all about it - with a promise never to divulge it to any one - were for a change of the subject. I will give you a little of the news of the day - it is generally believed that our Government is about to send Commissioners to confer with the Federal authorities - preparatory to comeing to some terms of peace - may the blessed Lord grant that they may be able to come to some honorable terms of peace,,

The weather is extremely cold, we have perfect ice harvest just at this time,, well dear Kate you will have to excuse my short letter, please dont think I am getting careless about writing - for I assure you that nothing gives me more pleasure than to write & receive a letter from you - for you are the only constant & faithfull [sic] correspondent I have. I hope when I hear from you again that your letter may be teaming with good news, & that you my dear darling sister Kate - may be your self again with my tender regards to the loved ones at your home with much love for you dear Kate believe me to be your affectionate & ever loving Brother Robert

[Attached to this letter is an envelope addressed to: Miss Kate Armentrount, Green Ville, Augusta Co.,Va.]