114. Kelley, D.O.
Civil War Letter: Disintegrating Camp Life

Charles Town, West Virginia: December 29, 1864
Sergeant Kelley thanks his sister for another one of her "welcome and cherished letters" and hopes that the family had a happy Christmas. He continues that the camp was "rather quiet" except for "Some of the boys that was drunk some of them had quite a Spree. Rather a Sad occurrence happened in Camp & two of the boys in that camp, under the influence of liquor, got into a quarel, come to Strokes, when one of them drew a revolver + shot the other through the head. He lived about 3 hours. Montgomery Shot Bowen. Montgomery's sisterinlaw was staying at Charlestown under his charge, her husband is Capt of a camp in the 20th Pa cav. They are now at Winchester; Capt Montgomery was at one time Orderly Sargeant of Camp F 12th Pa cav his wife went down with me to the Ferry, on the cars, and yesterday She told me that She never undertook any thing in her Life but what She accomplished + that She flattered herself that there was nothing but She could accomplish, + that She was going to intercede for her brother in law, + have him cleared on the plea that he was drunk when he committed the rash act- I fear She has undertook Something that She will not get through with this time = I think he will hang. Bowen was a nice young man the day that he was killed was to have been his wedding day if he could have got home." To conclude this sad tale, Kelley adds a droll postscript: " So much for whiskey." Kelley still serves as postmaster of the regiment; soldiers' pay is six months behind because there is no money. He is thinking about the end of his service (seven more months), of poetry, and of girlsfriends. Kelley begs his sister to forgive his messy handwriting as "it is night + the tent is full laughing + talking."

100/200     SOLD: $46.00

Condition: Very Good