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

Campt [sic] at
North B. B. Febr. 2nd 1862
My Dear Mary
This is Sunday morning and for the Second time in the last three weeks the Sun this morning rose clear, bright and Cheerful. This is the Seccond [sic[ Clear day we have had since we left Romney. We have had Rain and Snow nearly every day and night. The Creeks and all the small streams have been high and roads terable [sic] muddy. So it has been impossible for the army to move any distance. Since we came to the Camp, these delays, although vexatious to officers and men, may have been the best thing that could have happened for all of us. I can't help but think that providence in her kindness may have checked and held us here to save us from being defeated and slaughtered. If it had not been for the constant rains and high waters we would have not remained at this camp more than three or four days. The program was to attack Jackson at once. It has now been so long delayed that it is of course all changed. The last letter I have received from home was yours of the 11th January. I have been expecting letters from by every mail for the last two weeks, but have received none. What is the matter? I am getting uneasy. I fear some of you must be Sick. I answered yours of the 11th Jan at once and have written you twice since. I hope you have heard from George before this time. He is now some where in Indiana. I went to Cumberland yesterday with Major Narrow. The first time since I came to camp I got a Capital dinner. Bought some pinpoints and returned to camp in the evening. We have not been doing anything since we came to our new camp, but get wood, cook and eat Uncle Sam's grub, probably that is the reason the Old gentleman has not paid us before this time - we are not doing anything. Therefore we are not deserving of pay, but then it is no fault of ours that we are laying here in the cold, wet and deep mud doing in a manner nothing.
I am beginning to think that the government on Some account don't want to bring this war to a Speedy close. I am forced to this conclusion by the slow movements at Washington and on the lower Potomac. The fact is the powers at Washington will not move themselves or permit a movement anywhere else. When we were ordered to fall back to the Potomac from Romney it was then said that a general movement along the whole line from Washington to Cumberland was at hand. I then doubted it and am now confident that those who spoke so confidently and knowingly of the plans and intentions of the war department knew nothing atoll about it. The newspapermen all over the Country have been making grand forward movements every week for the last three months. Don't let yourself be deceived or alarmed by newspaper Battles - they don't know anything about it. They can only create a sensation in the land that is the object and all they expect to accomplish, I think, that game is now nearly played out and the sooner it is the better for the army and the country. I have nothing new to tell you. If the weather clears up and continues fair and settled, then there will possibly be a move on the Boards, but not till then. Gen. Lander's division is now 16 thousand strong, tho, that force is divided into four camps and extended along the A. B. R. R. from New Creek 21 miles West of Cumberland to Handcock 41 miles west of Harper's Ferry. That 41 miles is in the hands of the Secesh another Pennsylvania passed down the Road last night going to Handcock. The weather has not been very cold here so far, in fact, not cold enough. The ground has not been frozen an inch deep, but rain, sleet, snow, and mud has abounded. What kind of weather have you had in Indiana? I have not heard one word about it. When I left Cincinnati it was raining and has continued to rain ever since I have received but one letter from John Since I returned to Camp and one from Richard. All was well then, tho he complains of hard times and low prices for everything he had to sell Capt. W. C. Jarkington has not been with this division of the army since my return. I understand he is at Grafton awaiting orders and the return of Gen. Reynolds to the army. It seems after all that the Gen's resignation has not and will not be accepted at the war department. It is rumored here that he has lately been ordered to report at Grafton for duty, this is a Camp rumor and my not be true, tho. I inclined to think there is something in it. Gen. Lander is very impatient and anxious to move as soon as possible. I think he wants a fight before Reynolds comes here for if Reynolds is ordered here, he will rank Lander and that is not atall pleasant to him. I am again enjoying my usual good health. I am as Strong and active I ever was. I hope and trust this letter will find you Siss, and Grandma in as good health as it leaves me. My Co. is in tolerable good health, considering the Cold, wet, disagreeable weather they hve had to pass through. There is not much sickness in the Regiment. Col. Kimball has not yet been promoted. Neither has Lieut. Col. Mahans place been filled yet. His resignation may not be accepted either, although he has gone home several days ago.