1862 September 4 Camp Stonewall

                          Camp Stonewall
                     September 4th / 62

My dear friend
                               I received your
letter yesterday, & as we are laying
still this morning I will try and
write a few lines in answer I know
not when this will reach you as
it is reported that a large Cav
alry force has gone up the Val
ley in our rear. The enemy have
a large Cavalry force in the Valley
& our cavalry being afraid of them
buts[sic] us to a good deal of trouble
We had to march last night un
till twelve O clock through mud
& rain on  to meet an antisapated
raid on Wihchester.  We are camped
this morning near Winchester & every
thing seems perfectly quiet
but will hardly remain so untill night

[page 2]
I suppose you are aware before
this of the fate of your Cousin M.R.
again our camp is called to mourn
the loss of one of our bravest youths
He like a young flower was cut
down in early manhood. We greatly
mis him. all his comrads sympathise
with his grief stricken parents &
relatives.  I have been under the
fire of the enemy twist since I
wrote: at Sheperdstown & Smithfield.
But by the mercies of a great & good
God I have been spared yet awhile
There has been no regular engagement
since I came down, only heavy skirmi
shing there may be a fight most
any day as both armies are get
ting near each other. But I will
try & live in hopes there will be no
more hard fighting in the Valley
I am glad to hear that your Cousin L is getting
well, but sorry to hear that your health is
still declining hope ear this reaches you

[page 3]
you may be en;joying the best of health.
There has been a great many deaths
in old Augusta since I left I belie
ve disease cuts of as many as the
sword. I received a letter from sister
some time ago.  she said the Yanks
ware in thirty miles of Uncles & was
fearfull thay ware going to make a raid
through thare neighborhood.  she wanted
to know wether she ought to go a
refugeaing or gird on the armor
& go forth to meet the foe.  I give
her the advise I would to all women
stay at home, I got a letter yesterday
from my friend John [?] he says if I
ware at home now I would not but help
having the blues as evry thing is
so dull.  I think differently I am sure
there is one whose company I could
always enjoy let times be as they
please.  Dear Kate you must have im
agined me to have been musing or
my mind wandering on some imaginary

[page 4]
reflections. I was writing with two
of three by my side & entended  [?] head
ing after finishing- but never thought
of it until I had sealed it . but
never thought you wold be so strict
as to follow my example.  This is a beau
tifull day but our camp is not pleasant
we have no shelter to keep the rays of
the burning sun from our heads. I
did not know that it was sunday until
I was informed this morning.  we have
been moving nearly  every day last
week & the days slipt by unnumbered
by me.  I hope before the cold blasts of
winter sets in we may all be where
we can enjoy the blest of all days
at home.  My health is very good.  I have
no reasonable right at present to com
plain of anything.  My kindest regar
ds to all enquiring friends excuse this
spoild paper it got wet in my knap
sack & there is none to be got hear-
Your brother is enjoyng fine health also the
company I have not hurd from eather of [?]
since I came down. Remember me as one
that loves you dearly & wishes you nothing but
your happiness write soon to your   W.

William Francis Brand, 1840-1932, Co. E, 5th Virginia (Augusta Grays) to his future wife Amanda Catherine Armentrout.

MSS 11332