Valley of the Shadow

Summary

Carneal's letter speaks enthusiastically of the success of General Stuart's raid into Pennsylvania in October 1862.

Camp Near Martinsburg

Dear Papa

I write you a few lines to let you hear from me. I am qite well at this time and hope this may find you all the same. I have just returned from an scout with Gen Stuart we went through Pennsylvania and Maryland we had a verry 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 Gen Stuart ever took. We got plenty to eat in Pennsylvania I enjoyed my self verry well. in Crossing back over the Potomacthe yankees were there to prevent our crossing but we drove them off and came across and did not loose 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 --