refersto::William Goheen Hammond refersto::Wesley Hammond refersto::Mayberry Hammond

Notes

Who is the author of this letter, William A. Jones, Druggist?

Hammond Letter 2

Date: May 2Oth, 1861

From: Wm. A. Jones, Druggist

To: Wm. G. Hammond [41]

____________________

Liberty, Bedford, Va

 May 20, 1861

My dear Friend

Your letter came to hand in due time, & I must confess I have been rather slew answering it, but you must think ef the bad example set me by yourself. Every thing is in a perfect stew in regard to the prospect ef WAR. Old Bedford has four companys in service & several tethers that will start in a few Days. I saw your Brother May Berry  [42] the day he started for camp he seems to be in fine spirits at the prospect of giving the Yankees a leaden Till mixed with gunpowder, he said he intended writing to you as soon as he arrived in camp, doubtless you have heard from him before this, when you write to him, say to him that I was truly sorry that business prevented my seeing more of him the morning he left (which was last Wednesday) he reminded me much of you in appearance & especially in conversation, I think he is full Brother of my old Friend W. Goheen Hammond, I have left the Farm & come to Liberty to take charge of a Drug Store for an old & valued friend of mind (Sandir Cobb) and let him go and fight for the right, honor, and                of old Virginia, I wanted to go with them but owing to my health they would not take me, so I have to stay here and help to take care ef the Women and children whilst the brave sons of Bedford are gone to get their rights, I believe if we would act more and (sic) talk less, and lay our cause before our blessed Maker with that faith that should characterize the true Christian, there would be no Civil War of Bloodshed. All of your friends are generally well and wish to see you, please excuse this short letter (as the mail is about to close) and write soon to your friend.

Wm. A. Jones

Direct to Liberty

Bedford, Va.