First Anglo-Afghan War--James Kelly | Letter to his brother on the retreat from Kabul, 1842

First Afghan War--Bombardier James Kelly

Autograph letter signed, to his brother John

updating him on his and his regiments' activities and health, mentioning the massacre on the road from Kabul to Gandamak in January of that year and stating that an army of 30,000 is on its way to Kabul, reflecting that "the army is a curious place", remarking on the vast numbers of widows left at Kabul, and how they had mostly since remarried, remarking that Cawnpore is a very unhealthy station with "an attack of Collara" every hot season ("...it is not an unusual thing to see five or six Funerals at the grave yard on one evening..."), stating that he and his men barely leave the army barracks, expressing pleasure that his brother is married and asking after his other family members and friends, 3 pages, folio, Cawnpore, 14 September 1842, tear at fold, soiled, ink somewhat faint

A rare soldier's account during the first Anglo-Afghan War, describing the brutal and unhealthy conditions in which the soldiers lived, but also providing touching expressions of fraternal love.

PROVENANCE:

Roy Davids; his sale, part 2, Bonhams, London, 29 March 2011, lot 374