91. Kelley, D.O.
Civil War Letter: Exciting Battle

Harpers Ferry, West Virginia: ? 30th, 1864
Kelley has been serving as Sergeant Major although he does not seem to enjoy the promotion. When he is finally demoted, he writes: " I prefer being with the company as I have not as much to do and no responsibility resting on me." He tells his sister that he has done "some hard fighting" of late and that he will give her an account of it "so you can have some idea how it goes." Kelley's regiment was involved in a battle near Point of Rocks, Maryland involving General Sheridan, General Duffie, and Brigadier General Tibits. Kelley writes: "When we got back Col. Bell of our regiment and Capt. Jenkins was ordered to take the same squadron and charge the rebel battle line in the woods. The boys all knew that they would have something to do. General Duffie of the first cav division opposed the charge. He said that there could not a man get back. Brigadier Gen. Tibits said that the 12th would charge them out of the woods and Duffie gave his consent to try it. We was ordered to drum and saber which we did with a determination to do something with Col. Bell and Capt. Jenkins at our head. We started in on the run with a yell; we went through their line but they were behind fences, trees, rocks and we could not dislodge them; we charged in along a line; the horses lay in one place two deep in the line; there was between 60 and 70 men went in and about 30 came out. Col. Bell was wounded through the left breast. Capt. Jenkins had his horse shot dead when he was clear past their line although he got out we had 18 horses killed; 10 of the men that got out was wounded. I came out without a scratch. The two generals that was present said that it was the most determined and brave charge they ever saw made. I thought so myself. I had a good horse or they would have got me I suppose." Very exciting letter written in pencil and folded in haste. One quarter of page missing, but text is not affected.

100/200     SOLD: $149.50

Condition: Very Good