The letter which Lorena wrote was written in 1863 as the war was going on. Dorothea transcribed a copy, but the copy was of the original letter than was given to WV archives. I hope they still have it or would offer it back to the family before they disposed of it. I am sure they probably have lots of letters like that. So I take what she says as a primary source as it was written at the time it was occurring. She kept a running letter to her aunt who received the letter in Cincinnatti later in 1863. I am convinced Joshua was a soldier in the War as she describes. I know there is probably no conceivable way to PROVE JW was our Joshua even with the census reports (places him in Paint Creek Kanawha in 1860 and children's names coincied. Ada was born in 1860. Another was born in Monroe County in 1864.) I think the fact that two of the cards indicate different ages of the men also indicates there are at least two men represented in the cards under Joseph W Brown. I think there is a third as there is a card there for a JN Brown.)

Again, thank you so much for your time and advice. It is much appreciated!
Sue