Augusta: William F. Brand to Amanda C. Armentrout,
April 5, 1866
Summary:
William refutes Kate's accusations that he has been drinking while blaming one of
her relatives for telling lies about him because he succeeding at business. He
then concludes by saying that he loves her and her letters are always
welcome.
April 5th 1866
Poor Creek
Dear Kate
I recieved your letter of the 29th It found me in the saddle & after
reading its contents my feelings were deeply affected. Its clarion notes rang louder than the shock of the midnight assault,
Indeed it made my heart, as it were
bleed in sympathy for you,
I haven't the least doubt but you heard the rumor, you ought to have seen my
mortified & anger lit countenance I didnt think there was one living
in Greenville so [unclear: disspsibly pose] as
to circulate a malicious lie. I deny emphatically of taking a drop, or asking or
desiring one. I have every reason to believe that your
relative was the starter of the lie what else
shall I term it & for the simple reason I have been more fortunate than
his son in trying to be something in this world I will not deny your charge of
swearing occasionally & God knows I am
sorry to make this confession, but I never shall try to decieve you in the
least. I have always used candor & hope I never may vary from its treshhold
[page 2]
I was down to Staunton on
business & was detained longer than I expected I would like to have
called on you but had not time. excuse my haste while in Augusta. I am doing very well & have no fears of the dangerous
red cup no I will never bring Fathers head in sorrow in the grave unless it be
in regard to my soul & I sincerely
hope I may claim a right in the first resurrection ere long only by busy bodies who ought to learn our lords prayer. your letter
was like a white winged angel I admired it, it was touching & pathetic there is nothing in
it to hurt my feelings, I can well imagine your feelings while penning it, that dear brother [unclear: bust]
that you have lately interred knows me better than
some of my well meaning friends. I have to hurry on
home as soon as I am done this very probably I may
have to go to Lexington,
yet today. I have stayed all night with friend John I am here you will send me I am very neglectful it might be best if you
could forget & I will write again in a short time which may be more satisfactory, friend L
was well the last time I heard from her write whenever
it suits you your letters are always welcome
Good bye accept my love from your
WFB
