Upperville, May 7^th 1910

 

M^r Luther W. Hopkins.

 

            My Dear Comrade

                        Your letters are always welcomed and am glad that you are in the land of the living.

 

It has always distressed me to read or hear of Gen Doubledays statement in regard to my Brother, Gen Lewis A. Armistead. It is all a mistake on his part. Gen. Armistead never fought on the Union side in the first Battle of Bull Run. he was then on his way from California to Va. As to his dying remarks that he regreted taking sides with the South we do not believe a word of it. I think of all the mean things a man / that a man can be guilty of is to make false statements against the dead. I enclose you a history of Gen Armistead Life and servises which you can send to M^r Lewis which will give him the information he asks for. Please return it to me as I value it very highly

 

Gen Armistead was wounded on the 4^th and died on the 5^th.

 

I am the only one of the family living. My sisters and Bros have been dead for years.

 

You asked me my age. I am seventy two don't you think I have a right to call myself an old man.

 

Write to me—Your Old Comrade

 

with much affection

            Bowles E Armistead

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