123. Kelley, D.O.
Civil War Letter: Raid On Railroad

Cherry Run, West Virginia: May 9, 1864
Kelley had a short furlough during which he visited his sister and her family in Buena Vista, Pennsylvania (just south of Pittsburgh) and on the way back to camp stopped off in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania and in Williamsport, Maryland. He has made many close friends in Williamsport. When he returns to camp, he has light duty but tells of a recent Confederate raid:" We have very encouraging news for the army of the Potomac at the present time do not know how long it may hold out but hope the conflict may soon be over think we have every reason to think so. the rebbles mad a raid on the Balt. + Ohio R.R. They distroyed considerable of property they captured two trains ...… they made an attempt to burn the trains but failed. Their was about eighty thousand dollars in the express car but they failed to get it…" A great deal of effort was expended by Union troops guarding and rebuilding this rail road line for the duration of the war. By all accounts, it was very boring duty.

50/100     SOLD: $172.50

Condition: Very Good