Kelly, James R. (fl. 1861-1862) to Mary Kelly
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC04197.21 Author/Creator: Kelly, James R. (fl. 1861-1862) Place Written: Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 1862/03/01 Pagination: 2 p. Order a Copy
The regiment received marching orders. He believes they are going to Winchester. The weather is still cold.
Camp Chase Paw Paw Tunnel VA March 1st 1862
My dear Mary
This is the first day of spring, and a cold winter day it is here we have just had a long cold march storm, it has been cold, and blowing a hugue [sic] gate the last hours, this morning the cold, is a little more calm, there is another movement just at hand, I cant of course tell where on even in what direction, tho [sic] I am inclined to think, it will be in the direction of Winchester, it currently reported in camp that banks [struck] has crossed the Potomac with his [illegible] and is marching in the direction of Winchester, if that is a fact, it indicates a general movement on the line of the Potomac, and you may expect important and [illegible] news before long, we are all now under marching orders with three days provision on hand, it has been quite cold the last three days, the ground is now hard frozen, tho [sic], it is a little now weld, [illegible] is sick, I have just made out his papers to send him to the post hospital at Cumberland md. I am that he is not well, I am quite well again [illegible], think I am able to stand the march, this may he the last time I will have an oppertunity [sic] of writing for sometime, if so, you will know the reason, I have not had a letter from you for a long time, I hope to get our today from your or some one at home, why cant you write often and regularly, after today, God only knows when I will see you a letter from you again, or any one else at home, of course I cant tell you now where to direct your letters, it maybe to Winchester, and may not, I cant tell now but will inform you as soon as possible, don't be the least uneasy, you will hear from me again the first chance I have, this is written in haste, & I must now close, love to all at home to you and sis especially
Most affectionate as ever Jas R. Kelly
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