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Displaying results for Topic "Union Soldier's Letter"

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1862/01/11

Kelly, Mary, fl. 1862

Autograph letter signed

Title: to James R. Kelly

She does not like the idea of him boarding with "secesh" women and warms him that Southern women are the sort who would "put a stricknin[e] in something for seasoning." She heard General Joseph J. Reynolds resigned and may be replaced with Rosecrans. Outbreaks of smallpox still occur in town.

GLC04197.11

1862/01/18

Kelly, James R., fl. 1861-1862

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mary Kelly

He describes the bridge as a "double high bridge that extends across the Canal, and the North Branch of the Potomac River . . . ." Discusses the change in field commanders that will occur if General Reynold's resignation is accepted. General Jackson is camped 28 miles away in Winchester. He hopes to be promoted to major so he can afford to bring his wife and daughter to stay in Cumberland.

GLC04197.12

1862/01/30

Kelly, James R., fl. 1861-1862

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mary Kelly

She was surprised to receive a visit from George. Lonnie [Cole, see # 14] traded his gun for a Mississippi Riffle and his father feels this will look bad. He wants Lonnie to say he paid for the gun and asks Kelly to make up papers confirming his son's story. Mary advises him not to make the papers.

GLC04197.15

1862/02/12

Kelly, James R., fl. 1861-1862

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mary Kelly

The weather has been bad. The regiment moved 16 miles east of their former position at Branch Bridge. The journey, made by rail, proved disastrous as the train let them off in a field with no tents. Two days later another train picked them up and brought them to their current camp where they spent another two days without tents. He has a cold. He mentions rumors of the success of Burnsides' expedition on Roanoke Island. [section dated 2/14/1862] The company moved out last night and took no tents with them. He did not go with them.

GLC04197.17

1862/02/18

Kelly, James R., fl. 1861-1862

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mary Kelly

He describes his division commander. "I Must Say that I dont think much of the Celebrated Gen. Lander, in the first place, he is a desperatily profane wicked man, and I am inclined to think he cares nothing for the lives of his men, . . . ." He heard a rumor that the regiment may be transferred to Kentucky. He believes Union victories at other places may prevent a battle along the Potomac from being necessary and "I am now inclined to the opinion that that is just What Mclelland [sic] Expects in the end."

GLC04197.18

1862/02/19

Kelly, James R., fl. 1861-1862

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mary Kelly

Mentions the capture of Forts Henry and Donnelson. He heard a rumor that Jefferson Davis was evacuating Manassas Junction. The regiment returned from its outing to attack a Confederate Camp without having fought. Instead the Union cavalry found the Rebels and successfully engaged them. However, General Lander's report makes the victory out to be his. Lonnie Cole cannot find his regiment but at least he will still be paid. The same is not true for Lonnie's servant.

GLC04197.19

1862/03/01

Kelly, James R., fl. 1861-1862

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mary Kelly

The regiment received marching orders. He believes they are going to Winchester. The weather is still cold.

GLC04197.21

1862/03/04

Kelly, James R., fl. 1861-1862

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mary Kelly

He has not received any mail from home in a long time. The weather is still cold. He requests postage stamps and reports that they will go to Martinsburg by rail.

GLC04197.23