Franklin County: Lafayette J. Carneal to his Father,
October 15, 1862
Summary:
Carneal's letter speaks enthusiastically of the success of General Stuart's raid
into Pennsylvania in October 1862.
Oct 15th 1862
Camp Near Martinsburg
Dear Papa
I write you a few lines to let you hear from me. I am quite well at this time and hope this may find you all the same. I have just returned from an scout with General Stuart we went through Pennsylvania and Maryland we had a very good time and a hard time we were gone six days the people in Pennsylvania were frightened almost to death thay thought we were going to kill all of them some nights we would travel all night. it was one of the greatest scouts General Stuart ever took. We got plenty to eat in Pennsylvania I enjoyed myself very well. in Crossing back over the Potomac yankees were there to prevent our crossing but we drove them off and came across and did not lose a man we got 40 prisoners and 140 (?) horses There was 3 shells fell in 15 feet of me but I did not get hurt at all it seems that the lord was on our side I must now close my love to all write soon and send me [unclear: m] shoes the first chance
from your affectionate son
L.J. Carneal
Pennsylvania --
