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to James Kelly

He hopes that with all the hard work in his regiment, that Jim will receive a promotion. The present condition of the roads prevents movement near Louisville, with no active operations for at least two more months. He mentions a congressional...

GLC04195.01

to Mary Moore Kelly

Troops are passing through on their way to important work in Paducah and "there is a rumor here that 20 or 30 thousand may be sent from the Army of the Potomac into Ky. We are being victorious everywhere, and everyone looks for victories as a matter...

GLC04195.02

to unknown

Written immediately following the battle of Antietam (17-18 September 1862), after Lee's troops had withdrawn across the Potomac. They rested after the previous battle before pursuing the rebels, overtaking their rear as they were crossing the water...

GLC04195.04

to Mary Moore Kelly

The Army of the Potomac has been crossing Harper's Ferry. He describes an engagement with Rebels, as well as the surrounding land and supplies, including local horses. He has suffered from jaundice. "There was a gap in the Blue Ridge here which was...

GLC04195.05

to Mary Moore Kelly

As he prepares to treat the wounded from the Battle of Fredericksburg, an attack launched by 50,000 Union troops at dawn on Dec. 13, he discusses the possibility of being hit and makes arrangements for his belongings. He believes heavy losses are...

GLC04195.06

to Mary Moore Kelly

The battle of Fredericksburg is over, with little accomplished. He describes the endurance required of the soldiers. The attack was made against the orders of Gen. Hooker. He describes hospital work during and following the battle.

Excerpt: "Our...

GLC04195.07

to Mary Moore Kelly

He expresses dismay that reports have not been prepared during his leave. He mentions several impending court martials for delinquents. He includes comments on the Confederacy and "butternuts" in the West. Written from the headquarters of the 5th...

GLC04195.08

to Mary Moore Kelly

Lincoln and his wife arrived and presided over a grand review of the troops. He comments on the case of Gen. McClellan. They believe the rebels are significantly fortified across the river and hope to cross soon. Written at the headquarters of the...

GLC04195.09

to Mary Moore Kelly

They took possession of Vicksburg the previous day. All 27,000 prisoners will be paraded then released to spare expense. States that they took possession of "228 pieces of artillery between 30 and 40000 small arms and 27000 prisoners, including 16...

GLC04195.14

to Mary Moore Kelly

He describes working with 30,000 prisoners to process their paroles. He praises General Meade particularly for the defeat of Lee, stating "I consider Meade one of the best soldiers in the Army of the Potomac." Also observes that despite "That...

GLC04195.15

to Mary Moore Kelly

He has been unwell and deems Vicksburg an unhealthy country: "It never was designed for Christians to live in." He praises Gen. Meade, and refers to some dear friends who fell at Gettysburg, including Gen. Stephen Hinsdale Weed and the injured Brig...

GLC04195.16

to Mary Moore Kelly

Mentions John Hunt Morgan's raids and Gen. Lewis Wallace's attempt to capture Morgan. (Morgan and his men surrendered in Ohio on this same day.)He praises Meade: "his army is an honor to the country, to do such terrible fighting after so many...

GLC04195.17

to Mary Moore Kelly

About 20,000 troops are to be sent to Natchez to build a fortification for a march in the fall. He encourages her to invest in U.S. five-twenty bonds. He asks her to send his bankbook to Alvern P. Hyde in Tolland, Connecticut.

GLC04195.18

to Mary Moore Kelly

Many men are sick due to the poor climate, and he has sent many of the ill to northern hospitals. Local women have come into camp to ask for food. A Black man tells him about the marriage of their brother Robert, who had been there in Vicksburg two...

GLC04195.19

to Mary Moore Kelly

He has received a letter from Hyde about his investment with the Tolland County Bank in Connecticut. They have passed through the season without a yellow fever epidemic. The dismissal of the Surgeon General may affect his own orders. Dr. William A...

GLC04195.20

to Mary Moore Kelly

New orders assign him to the Department of the Tennessee under Grant, who will command from Chattanooga. Grant's bold plan to break the Confederate siege of Chattanooga had gone into operation on the previous day. Moore looks forward to his new...

GLC04195.21

to Mary Moore Kelly

They marched to Huntsville in the extreme cold, arriving on New Year's Day and taking over Sherman's comfortable headquarters. He describes the home of a wealthy rebel in town with paintings removed, now turned into a hospital.

GLC04195.22

to Mary Moore Kelly

He arrived with only 2 or 3 hours delay due to derailed freight trains, a common occurrence. He sends stockings, handkerchiefs, and shoes.

GLC04195.24

to Mary Moore Kelly

After three days of intense fighting in a rough area from Dalton to Resaca, they have subdued the rebels. Both Union and rebel wounded will remain there in field hospitals. He hopes the rebel forces will stand and fight. In the days preceding this...

GLC04195.25

to Mary Moore Kelly

He has just witnessed his bloodiest battle to date (the Battle of Atlanta, July 22), with 3,000 Union casualties and between 12-15,000 wounded. Local blackberries and peaches have been a great source of food. Most capable local people have left...

GLC04195.26

to Mary Moore Kelly

Sherman prepares for a large raid (the March to the Sea began Nov. 15). Moore left Atlanta to supervise the transfer of the sick to hospitals further south. He is currently at a garrison 60 miles from Atlanta, near Rome. Written on letterhead from...

GLC04195.27

to Mary Moore Kelly

They arrived in Savannah ready for an assault but found the rebels had run away, leaving their artillery of a large number of guns. "The number of guns left is larger than we have ever found in any one place before; - it has not yet been ascertained...

GLC04195.28

to Mary Moore Kelly

After 2 days' march the army is now 35 miles from Pocotaligo, South Carolina. He describes the field where he writes, with two or three recently killed rebels, and that he has captured geese, turkey, and chickens to eat. Written on letterhead for...

GLC04195.29

to Mary Moore Kelly

He describes their march through South Carolina, wading through swamps, repairing roads, and taking Columbia. Although they were welcomed by the townspeople, drunk Union soldiers set buildings on fire, and the wind carried flames throughout town...

GLC04195.30

to Mary Moore Kelly

He is busy finishing reports from the field which could not be completed while they marched. The local people remain rebellious, and he has enjoyed the flirtatious company of two married women from New York.

GLC04195.36