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

1859-1866, 1867 & 1871-1874 37 items Correspondence of Amanda C. Armantrout Brand    

Seedtown [or Leedtown] Va.

Jany 16 1871

My Dr [dear] Sister

You will, I have no doubt be some what surprised at the receipt of this, from your absent & long silent friend - It has been many months & indeed I believe years have past since I have attempted to write to you - not because you are forgotten have I been so long silent, but because of my affliction[.] for more than two years I have not been able to write & even now I can write but little, but trust "God" for the privilege of writing even as well as I can now -

It has been so long since I attempted any thing like a correspondence. I assure you dear Kate. it is no little task for me to find words to transmit to paper & that will give expression to my feelings on the present occasion past letters that you have received from me told you of my high appreciation of you as a dear friend. That regard has not ceased[.] I still remember my dear Sis Kate your dear picture haveing been framed by the hand of my wife hangs upon the wall of our little parlor & at this moment is looking down upon me as am trying to pen a few imperfect lines to the far off original - my much loved sister. Just here dear Sister tis I glance at your picture - the thought arises suppose I write to the dead - "God" only knows - I trust not when will I know - if you still live[.] please write once more - your unworthy friend will breathe a prayer for you tonight. I pray that "God’ in his infinite goodness may enable us meet once more but if never to meet in the flesh may we strike hands in that Spirit land beyond the grave where "sin a sorrow pain raineth [?] one ____ & feared no more"

I am alone to night dear sister - Seluda [?] is in her chamber confined to her bed - our little babe is only a few days old - a sweet little girl - the only one we have - our first - ( a boy) died at its birth two years a go

Well my sister I must bid you good night - may "God" help & protect you & yours -

Write soon to your true friend

Robt. B. Spilman

[Written in the margin:] Remember me kindly to your husband - also to your Father mother sisters & brothers all that may be ______ your Bro Robt