Kelly, James R. (fl. 1861-1862) to Mary Kelly

Bloomington Jan 30th /62
My Dear James
You cant imagine how much surprised we were last night about 7 o'clock when somebody knocked and who should it he but George. When he knocked Sis spoke out very large 'come in' when he opened the door I thought same good streak of luck had happen to you again, that it was you sis thought it was someone going to shute [sic] she saw the gun and all the [illegible] trappings; but in an instant we all found out who it was but his arrival was very respectful to me I assure you, he looks very well indeed I was glad to hear he had left all the rest of you well I received the letters from you this week I hope you may he the luckey [sic] one if there is any and to he promoted.
George came he [illegible] ---- but did not se John as he don't room at the Burnett house nor but a short distance from it, he eats there yet I got one letter from him since I came back he seems very [illegible], still We are all well still sis had the sore throat same this week but is well you, we gad quiet a I have yesterday but its pleasant though today - [illegible]
We [illegible] seem to have any amounts of trouble to get some fixed off to his notion when you were here it would seem the greatess obstacle than was getting a servant for the young Lieut - now he has more serious trouble than that.
[Illegible] [Struck] gun non is the difficult, The Professor thinks having the papers [illegible] and showing some [illegible] with his gun and [illegible] will read and sound badly if not rather disgracefully to stange [sic] [illegible] such as he will have to do with, when he enters the regular service - So therefore the professor thinks of trying to make same arrangement with you for him to pay for the gun and get other papers made but saying nothing about that the old chap is [illegible] cunning isnt [sic] he I hope you will not do any such thing
The truth is [illegible] traded his gun off to dame one far a [illegible] I understand he left this evening for his past, how will sustain himself remains to be seen the folks out at your fathers are better than they were a week or two ago, your father is able to go about now he had a sore foot far a while your mother was the worst off of any of them but she is some better now and as for [illegible] being sick I never heard of that, for he been in town every week atleast I guess he wasnt [sic] bad off any how far he was there a few days since and he said they were all night. I heard yes Beauraguard was coming [illegible] as Zollicoffer [illegible] not bullet proof perhaps they think he is
Think what George said you have quite a large around Cumberland, but it seems Jackson has too, I tremble for the result, for it [struck] appears altogether trouble you may have a battle We had a prayer meeting sunday the subject - the soldiers in the tended field it was very interesting or Mr. L Hughes remarks made it so he brought all your poor soldiers before his audience living in your tents the [illegible] ground for you bed and searching your were out if the snow to make your breakfast and what kind of a one you had when worked and built too on your want of comforts in sickness, and asked then why we were all exempt from all those hardships being at home engaging comforts and peace security, it was because we had such an army of loyal patriotic young men ready and within to go making the invincible bulwarks of our nation against which treason [illegible] may lash in vain He said every person that could give a garment or money or influence [struck] prayers didnt [sic] a traitor to his country And told the ladies that we are taught that faith and good works must go together therefore if we wished our bread and butter ducks, chickens use to have a blessed effect we must waft then to the poor sick soldier with our prayers.
The ladies still send a great many nice things to the sick at Louisville at which place there are hundred of poor fellans [sic] I will send you the ladies report our can is about dry, we have out meat hung up smoking it, I did it myself [illegible] still hands us same [illegible] we get along very well in that way
Sis is sitting down another stool this warning very interest on knitting her doll a pair of mittens, she already [illegible] it a pair of stockings, she says your [illegible] her this time and she will write you a letter next time, but says tell your Kate [illegible] has a baby.
[Illegible] is married to [illegible] last Sunday,
With often yours most affectionate
Mary