116. Kelley, D.O.
Civil War Letter: In Appreciation of Gifts

Charlestown, West Virginia: January 27, 1865
Kelley's sister sent him a care package, and this letter is a long (8 page) acknowledgement of his gratitude. "My box," he writes, "came to hand this evening about ten minutes after I had eaten my Supper notwithstanding I opened my box + did justice to the pie + Sponge cakes there is two boys tents with me, both good boys we sat + eat pie + cake + imagined our Selves at home the turkey caused a great many remarks… they say that it is the nicest box that ever they seen." He relates a battlefield incident where Kelley, in essence, demonstrated uncommon bravery and attracted the attention of his captain. Kelley had wanted to go on furlough, but the replacement assigned to Kelley's postmaster duties failed. They wanted him to resume those responsibilities. The captain, however, told Kelley "that he wanted me for a different purpose do not know what he is going to do with me. Suppose Send me to the rifrafs do not think that even he will make a General out of me."

100/200     SOLD: $34.50

Condition: Very Good