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 THE WAYS OF THE WORLD." 
 
 Bein^ a History oX 
 
 OF 
 
 '^ Wi 
 
 St>^J 
 
 THE HERO 
 
 OF 
 
 §ili 
 
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 Written by Himself. 
 
 ADRIAN, MICU. 
 
 •RINTED rOR THE AUTIK 
 lSf)7. 
 
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 firz 
 
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 Entered according to Act of Congress, in the Clerk's office of the Dfstrict Court ior the 
 State of Michigan, in the year 1867, by David KoiLi. 
 
 e; 
 
LIFE OF DAVID KELLS 
 
 In commencing a small narrative of this kind, it requires the reader 
 to pay particular attention to all its various points systematically, and 
 in detail. I was born in the town of Savannah, N. Y., and in the early 
 part of my life was subject to live with those that were willing to take 
 boys to live w^ith them. My parents were poor in worldly goods, 
 but in character and mind there were no better to be found. My father 
 was an honest hard working man, it is said, but giving way to drinking, 
 brought poverty and distress to the family, and affected and destroyed 
 my mother in spirit so, it eventually brought us, as a family, down to 
 ruin in this world's goods. 
 
 The first recollection I have of living among strangers, was with a 
 Daniel Failing, a farmer of Dutch origin. I lived with him about one 
 year. At the close of my living with him, I was about eight years old. 
 I was then transferred to a man by the name of Sisson, sometimes called 
 Judge Sisson, of Wayne Co. My stay there was short, four weeks. I 
 was then talked to and petted by Mr. and Mrs. Woodruff, living on 
 Judge Sisson's farm, six miles north of Lyons, three-fourths of a mile 
 south of South Sodus, Wayne Co., N. Y, And finally they so managed 
 as to get me to come and live with them. I was Mrs. Woodruff's pet 
 as a boy, as it seemed to me, for a long time. The family treated me 
 with great kindness, and in short they wanted me bound to live until 
 I was 21 years old, with writings to hold me as theirs. So I was bound 
 to live until I was 21 years old, with the well known William Woodruff. 
 I was well treated by this Mrs. Woodruff, as far as I know, for cxuite a 
 number of years. Of course she was what they called cross a little, but 
 
i LIFE OF DAVID KELLS. 
 
 no material fault to iind for the first two or three years. But when 
 I became older, along up to 12 or 14y«ars,this Dave began to grow old 
 and of use to them. 
 
 Things seemed to change a little different with them. This lady be- 
 gan to grow more tyrrannical. But we run a saw mill, and had consider- 
 able hired help, and the machinery of the mill broke quite often, and it 
 had a tendency to discourage us all. Finally I began to dislike this 
 family, and as I grew older, it grew with me and I began to think about 
 running away or getting away Some way. So on or about the first of 
 April 1852, I believe, I one morning early bundled up my clothes and 
 threw them out of the window, and went down, and as I passed' through 
 the room where the family slept, to go out doors, Mrs. Woodruff, then 
 up at 3 o'clock taking care of a sick boy says, "What is the matter 
 David ?" I said nothing, and left for parts unknown to them, for myself 
 either. 
 
 I traveled all day afoot, and when night came I was about twenty 
 miles from my old home. I stayed all night with a George Bliss, and I 
 told him how I stood in life. I finally hired out to him for a month. 
 This man was the first man I ever worked for for wages. 
 When I left his house I went a few miles further and hired out 
 again for a month, for $6 dollars a month. When my time was out 
 here I then went to the canal at Madison, Wayne Co., N. Y., and took 
 passage for Port Byron. This was the first time I ever rode on a canal 
 boat, and in a couple of days I found myself to the house of an old 
 uncle, my mother's brother. This I believe was the first good friend I 
 ever found. I finally lived with this uncle 2 or 8 months. His name 
 is Joseph Shotwell. His wife-I did not think was altogether as true to me 
 or my uncle's friends, as some other women are to their husband's 
 friends. Sometimes a man marries when he is extn>mely fond of his 
 wife, and when in fact she has not had the same change pf heart, so there- 
 fore this woman does not have the same power of affection for his 
 friends as he has got. Then he can be influenced by his wife. Such rule 
 applies to all. 
 
 I finally left this uncle at the commencement of harvest to work for 
 Samuel Thomas, for three months, for |8 or $9 per month. I worked 
 a month or so and the neighbors said he paid no one for work. I final- 
 ly after working a month or two got him to go to the store, and he 
 finally by telling them he would pay them as soon as he sold his wheat, 
 they therefore trusted him for about the amount that he owed me. He 
 on the strength of this trade bought a jug of whiskey, and on his way 
 home treated and laughed and talked over what a good l)oy he had got 
 to ;work, and I suppose he thought he would keep me the rest of the 
 fall for nothing. But the next morning I began to grow sick. I did 
 
IJFE OF DAVID KBLLH, b 
 
 not go to work. I wanted to go home and sec my uncle. I iinaWy Ijun- 
 dled up my little all and started, 
 
 I never went back to work. This was my course in getting my pay. 
 I finally in the Fall went back to see Mr. and Mrs. Woodmfl*'3 folks, my 
 old home. They seemed to be very glad to see me and I stayed some one 
 or two months. I then got a place to live and do chores for my board, 
 and go to school. This place was to Mr. Benjamin Craft's house, he 
 lived ill the town of Hose, Wayne Co., N. Y., about three miles from 
 Woodruffs. 
 
 In the Spring I started from Craft's house and went south 12 miles in 
 the town of Phelps, and hired out to Chauncy Vandemark, to work on 
 a farm for $9 00 a month. There was a great accident happened to me 
 that summer. I got kicked by one of his horses in the forehead which 
 gave me a mark that I carry to this day, and can be plainly seen yet on 
 my forehead, and it will always remain there through life. 
 
 I after getting through work to Mr. Vaiidemark's in the fall, went 
 back to see my uncle, and one trip on the Erie canal, then went back 
 to Sodus, I then stopped and lived with William Miles and did chores 
 and went to school that winter. And when Spring came I hired out to a 
 man by the name ot David June. He lived 3 miles south of South Sodus. 
 My wages were ten dollars per month. My stay w^as but short there for 
 I was taken with sore eyes, and it lasted most of the summer. While 
 my eyes was sore I went down to Port Byron and three miles south. I 
 went and lived with an uncle, Abraham Kells, until my eyes got better. 
 In the Fall I came back and hired out to Mr. John Butler : he lives 
 three-fourths of a mile south of South Sodus. I worked one or two 
 months, and worked about until winter. 
 
 I then worked through the winter for another man. And in the 
 spring I was about 18 years old. I went to New York and shipped on 
 board a vessel for the i)ort of New Orleans. My voyage on the sea was 
 about 30 days. Our skipper's name was Hadley and we got in the port 
 of New Orleans in the latter part of May. 
 
 I lett the ship that brought me to New Orleans, and went up the Mis- 
 sissippi on board the big steamship Connecticut, to St. Louis. I was 
 taken very sick while on this passage up the river. I finally got able to 
 go to a boarding house. I remained ten days and took passage up the 
 Illinois river, to Lasalle. I stayed about this country two months, and 
 then went up to Chicago and shipped on board a vessel for the port of 
 Grand Haven. I arrived in this last place some time in August, '52 or 8, 
 I remained here with uncle Henry Pennoyers all the Fall and Winter 
 until Spring, and then I went back to New York State, to Sodus, And 
 the same season I weni dowa tO 9l<l Connecticut nnd Went oo boafd ftn 
 
6 LIFE OF DAVID KELLS. 
 
 oyster sloop. My voyage was but one day at that business. I then 
 took the morning train for New York, an(^then the steamboat for Al- 
 bany, and the cars for Ft. Edward. I then stayed around all the Fall 
 arid Winter, and in the Spring I went rafting on the North river, or 
 cooking on a raft through the summer months, and when winter came I 
 went to Ft. Edward Institute to school. 
 
 Spring came, I went again on the river to work, and the next I went 
 to school, and the next summer I went to rafting and in September I 
 canie to Michigan. This was in 1856. I stopped this time near Jackson, 
 Michigan. 
 
 Again I now call on the reader to trace this writing along in detail to 
 the fullest extent of its meaning. I first commenced work for a Ran- 
 dolph Jackson, and Sundays I would go over to see what I could of un- 
 cle French's folks. This family of French's lives 8 miles northwest of 
 Jackson, Michigan. His first wife was my father's sister, and she died 
 years before I came to Michigan. 
 
 French married for his second wife the late widow Boyden. She had 
 two daughters, while French is the father to three boys and one girl . 
 When French married this widow Boyden, her girls were small, and so 
 was French's boys. But as they growed old into womanhood, 
 and the boys into manhood, there soon rose a fam- 
 ily feeling. In point of view it seemed that there was a lin- 
 gering thought hanging upon the mind of French's boys, and may be 
 the old gentleman's, concerning who should marry those girls, as soon as 
 they got grown up into womanhood, &c. 
 
 When I first made my appearance in '56 about Jackson, all the people 
 were strangers to me. I knew no one nor no one knew me as I knew of. 
 Yea, the man with a true spirit, and with humanity in his breast, was 
 not known to the outside world yet. But in regard to human nature, 
 in one section of the country it is al^out the same as in another. The 
 haman family will die and decay in like manner in all parts of the 
 world alike, and in the name of God and humanity, I am about to pen 
 down one of the most striking circumstances that ever occurred in the 
 annals of history. 
 
 I believe the Bible in part mentioned no such circumstances in like 
 manner in which in this writing will be X3enned down. If I expose hu- 
 man nature, or enlighten people upon that great point, I do it for the 
 personal benefit of all ; not merely for this generation, but for all time 
 to come. To fellow citizens, read, and you will know. To a striking 
 appeal to all now living and to all time to come, to read what I am to 
 write, carefully and with attention. 
 
 To the ministers of the gospel, yea, the leading men of all societies, 
 
LIPE^OP DAVID KELLS. 7 
 
 this pamphlet is not common, this writing is power, and the ways of 
 the worhl should be written, and it seems to be my duty to write. But 
 it will be too bad to think the young woman is to be mingled in with 
 this letter or pamphlet. 
 
 Many people now living in Central Michigan, in the counties of Jack- 
 son, Washtenaw and Lenawee, besides other parts of the State, have 
 heard a great deal said about D. Kells. Ever since about the year of 
 '56, David Kell's name has begun to spread in a very queer point of 
 view. 
 
 Now I propose to let the world hear about David Kells. 
 
 There was nothing very particular for the people of Jacksen to harp 
 about concerning me, against my character, as I know of, but there is a 
 very great and queer thing to explain how this powerful feeling came 
 to exist first. If like circumstances should exist in other parts of the 
 country, in like manner, the same human nature is found wherever you 
 find the same intelligence among the people. I am thinking that the 
 people have become so corrupt and become so degenerated in humanity's 
 ways, that they may consider this beyond their reach. It seems to be 
 natural for mankind to envy their fellow man, if they notice their fel- 
 low man is a gentleman, or if a man has no near relative or 
 friend to occasionally speak for him. It does not take long for influ- 
 ence to spread. If a man is of no note, there will be nothing said about 
 him. 
 
 It is not pleasant to speak of one's self, but it is too bad to think that 
 a young man that is not married, that there would be such a power of 
 feelings arise against him. But David is alone in the w^orld comj)arative- 
 ly. I was told by a friend living a few miles from Jackson, that 
 the people run me as hard as they could- I was slandered the worst 
 of all men, yea, all that could be raked and scraped against me, it was 
 done. 
 
 Now the reader will find out that this must mean something, to have 
 such powerful feelings arise against one. This generation of Jackson 
 cannot forget me, and in this city of Jackson, Michigan, is where the 
 power of prejudice first began to exist against David Kells. And I 
 believe I have got as much humanity and sympathy as . any one that 
 ever lived. As I review the cause of this prejudice in detail, the reader 
 will take close examination how this originated, and they can judge for 
 themselves a little as concerns my own natural ways, while I remained in 
 and about Jackson. I believe I supported myself on my own resources 
 and depended upon no onje but myself, and strange to say, I never was 
 known to be without money and good clothes. I was always very fortunate 
 m business, and my occupation generally was of an honorable calling, and 
 
8 LIFE OP DAVID KELLS. 
 
 tne. busWess of peddling is respected by^ all classes and nations. 
 Such was my business for the last eight or ten years, excepting when 
 absent to war. It is a trying task, Ijut here comes to explain in detail 
 the various causes of this prejudice against David Kells. 
 
 It'may l^ecome necessary from time to time, to speak of some names. 
 In doing so I <3b it with a clear conscience, and it is rather a point of ne- 
 cessity." I have no hatred toward any one, for in mankind is the way of 
 nature, and it is a point of necessity to hand down to the rising genera- 
 tions the ways of the world. Therefore the title of this pamphlet 
 should be "The Ways of the World.'' . 
 
 ^ Again as J said, when I first made my appearance in Jackson city, all 
 were strangers to nie. This was in 1^56. In a city of a busy crowd of a 
 bustling world, I walked up one side of Main street and down the other, 
 and all looked strange to me and new. But few can tell exactly what 
 will hapi3en in the future to one. 
 
 Kow my friends, I must commenct; as best I can in detail upon the 
 great subject of matrimony. That seems to be the foundation of which 
 all originated for or against David Kells. First, I called on the well 
 known Ellen Boyd en. French was her step-father. He had two sons, 
 Columbus and another grown-up young man. It seemed to me that 
 French was opposed to anyone calling to see these girls Julia and Ellen, 
 for some reason or another. Ellen was about 16, just growing up into 
 womanhood. Julia 18, and had refused the oldest boy, as I thought, and 
 it seemed that French would like to connect Ellen and Columbus to- 
 gether, therefore if such was the case, it would be natural for French to 
 oppose any one calling to see Ellen. • 
 
 The actions wlien I called were of this nature : French would go 
 up stairs and the boys would go away, and these boys was cousins to me 
 too, and when French came down stairs he would say nothing to me, 
 only pass the time of day. 
 
 There seemed to be two families together. It seemed that at that 
 time Mrs. French had worked up French's mind, stating that she would 
 leave when the girls got married, while on his hands was three or four 
 small children. For again, what reasons would French have for object- 
 ing to youi'jg men calling to see those girls, if it was not for to connect 
 those girls to his boys. This point I leave for people to judge a little 
 for themselves. I see no reasons for outsiders, if it was not for that pur- 
 pose. No outsider had any reasbn to interfere, if they was not persua- 
 ded by Mr. French\s folks, or from some sudh' source. 
 
 June Bennett of Jackson was these girls' guardian, and had eight huri-'' 
 dred dollars apiece of their money, as it was said or thereabouts, and 
 it might bo oonaidored by good judges that June Bennett was the first 
 
LIFE OP DAVID KELLB, P 
 
 iuatigator of this power of prejudice agtiinst David Kells. Tliis bcgau 
 to work along in tlie year 1857, for like sweet cider it soon began to 
 grow liard. The tirst six months of my living in Michigan, that is from 
 Fall of '56 to Spring of '57, it was visiting occasionally to French's and 
 working through the winter to Daniel Smith's a mile from Jackson. I 
 gathered a great deal of good feelings, the first six months of my living 
 in and about Jackson, for these orphan girls Julia and Ellen Boyden. 
 But the time must come soon to have a change. I noticed that none 
 were in favor of my calling to see Miss Ellen, and she herself ill-treated 
 me along towards the last. The peo^ale began to make her believe that 
 she was better than myself. This girl must be considered the first girll^ 
 ever liked, therefore this is the starting point of my life. 
 
 This circumstance worked heavy on my mind for a long time, until I 
 got my eyes open, and could see that this girl Ellen was more weak than 
 wise, and soon began to think her a poor tool to love because the more 
 respect I -showed towards her, the more meaner she acted towards me. , 
 Therefore I began to grow with hatred towards her, and before a year or 
 so, I considered her not worthy the notice of any respectable young 
 man. I discarded her altogether. 
 
 But during the first year, it might be said that David Kells worked 
 out for diflerent men, and the most of them troubled me about paying 
 me. Some would pay well, and some w^ould not. Such as Sidney Smith 
 was poor pay. One or two others, Vanhorn was good. All in a few 
 miles of French's where I lived,all began to grow prejudice'd against me, 
 and June Bennett of Jackson began to grow the same way. Now then, 
 on or about this time, in 1857, a great power of prejudice began to grow 
 up against David Kells, and I not having any friends, yea I could 
 only look toward heaven and say " God is my friend — when all for- 
 sake me he does not. " There while the people began to grow troubled 
 God prepared a way that I should rest with ease, while the people grew 
 troubled about me. This was a great consolation to me, to know that!' 
 was safe, through all fiery dangers that would happen. During the 
 time of peace and war the Bible tells us that God does not protect the 
 wicked and the vagabonds of the earth, but the just and the righteous 
 shall inherit eternal life. Now it must be according to the history of 
 myself that God sees no wrong in David Kells, while the people 
 would slander me with power and vengeance. In close of this pamph- 
 let, I will explain what this power means, in which I am benefited from 
 a higher source than ordinary. This must be considered the close of 
 '57, all that is necessary to write during what happened that year. 
 
 1858 followed with my commencing thia business of peddling. The 
 first eiEp€rien«e I ibad was driving a horse and wagon, ped^Uing tin and 
 
10 LIFE OP DAVID KELLS. 
 
 glass ware for Joseph Tibbetts, of Jackson city. Before comuiencing 
 for Joe, I was tendin^r bar at Onondaga, Ingham county, Midi. I had 
 been iaquiring of all those that I saw about the profit of such business 
 and it seemed to be an occupation got up expressly for me, yea it seem- 
 ed to come second nature to me, and it wasliicky too that I should have 
 something of the kind to do, because the people was so horribly ' affected 
 about me, that an outside business of that kind was a great and earthly 
 good, and I have lived and prospered by it. ' ' " '"' " '" ' ' . ' ,^ 
 
 I must hasten along to more definite points,' relating to' how 'business 
 went with me, and the commenciag of my living in Jackson city, Mich. 
 When I first commenced peddling in, and living up at Jackson, it was 
 at Philip Thurber's glass-ware store. His partner was Burhead Clark 
 Blackmar. ' - , '\. " ' ' " ' \. 
 
 I do not propose to ex a^getatejttie matter by using any familiar names, 
 nor' to harass- the feelings of none, .but' to take a straight forward course, 
 in explaining as best I can how things went with me from time to time^ 
 Philip Thurber was a very clever old gentleman, and a fleshy hand- ' 
 some man of his age, as was in Jackson. Bur., his partner, was a small 
 lean spare man. The two was on agreeable terms at these times. I believe 
 the firm was having a large retail trade. I made one or two tripsin 
 and out of Jackson. Then I observed that Tl^iirber was ready to shake 
 hands with me when coming from a trip. I believe at this time that there 
 was but one that personally knew me and that was June Bennett. But I 
 peddled away and I noticed that Thurber began to notice and love me 
 while it did not exactly suit his partner Bur., for some reasons or anoth- 
 er, at least it looked so to me.' Now then to break up this good feeling 
 that uncle Thurber had toward me if they could. I knew about these 
 days that Bennet was an enemy to me by actions, that I' had observed 
 coming forth from him. But still, Bennett must meant well for me. 
 Well Tibbetts began to groTV- jealous of Thurber being so friendly toWT 
 ards me, and he was persuaded to ctiscliarge' me or he did it any how on 
 or about the first of March, it seemed to trouble hiin considerable to see 
 Thurber treating me with such great kindness. There was a good 
 meaning on the part of Thurber. I saw Elizabeth and talked, that was 
 aih The next thing fox me was to try to get in something else. 
 
 So on one fine Monday morning in the montli of April, I believe, I 
 called at Livermore's office, for to work and do chores a little, and pay. 
 part for my board, and study his law books. His reply to such was 
 that he had no work nor chores, and did not need me, ^nd cliscouraged 
 me of entering ir\to such busijiess,' as lie said it needed the oest kind of 
 lawyers to go back into new settlements, and so on and so forth. And 
 from that time I considered Mr. Livermore an enemy to me of course. 
 
LIFE OP DAVID KELLS. 11 
 
 But perhaps the man had no better judgment than to try to discourage 
 me from a right and true course. For no Avise and good man will try 
 to discourage a boy from taking up an honorable business for a liveli- 
 hood or to seek an honorable business for a livelihood. 
 
 The reader will observe as I pass along from time to time who I dwell 
 upon as enemies or friends. I do not wish to speak personally of any one 
 but it becomes necessary just to speak ot this lawyer and this merchant 
 Bennett, for it seemed to me that they became irritated about me cong(id- 
 erable. I noticed that Rice the hardware man first door from Thurber's 
 was a good deal troubled about Thurber's being so familiar with me. 
 And he had a man working for him in his tin shop, who became my 
 captain in the army, in which I will speak of. By and by a gopd many , 
 citizens became opposed to Thurber's familiarity towards me. I was 
 not scared to see it, but this is the ways of the world. 
 
 For a man is something like a tub, he stands on his own bottom, a 
 hint is suflScient for the wise to understand. But I must hasten along. 
 Finally in the summer of 1859 or '60 I observed that it was high time 
 for me to get through this petty courting with the Thurber family. And 
 finally the old man invited me home to his house. And I could see al- 
 so that Hibbard was respecting me on the part of Mary. Thus this 
 should end. I finally told Mr. Thurber's friends that the matter jnu^t 
 be settled between us that Fall, for after that date I would have a clear 
 conscience. Now the reader will see that I am a going according to 
 my own conscience, with truth and humanity. It seemed before I came 
 to this conclusion that Thurber should not take just such a course with 
 me publicly that is if he meant me not to act off as if he did not mean 
 me for it was not right, and right was my course to take. So on or 
 about the first of October, 1859, 1 finally concluded to let the Thurber 
 family go, for I thought they felt themselves above me and I could not 
 fasten my affections on people that acted and felt above me. They are 
 now at an end. Amen. 
 
 During this summer of 59 1 peddled Yankee notions and jewelry, &c., 
 and I got quite familiar with goods in general. And, long in October I 
 commenced stopping in Jackson city, selling goods in the streets. A 
 little later in the Fall I commenced auction business in general. And 
 selling gift envelopes with a prize, &c., or in a novelty point of view 
 I let them draw for 10 cents and if they did not like they could lay 
 down the notion and draw the second time for 5 cents. Such selling for 
 the Fall and "Winter of '59 and '60 was my business. 
 
 I kept up this peddling and selling business until the war of '51. But 
 in the Fall of '50 I think, I began to grow quite familiar with D. B. 
 
la LIFE OF DAVID KELLS. 
 
 Hibbard's family, a hint is sufficient without saying muck oue way or"^ 
 
 *^e«^^^^^- .'. , ' ./n.:w);,rlM,r 
 
 I must say that the wisp observer of this writing, and of th'd cpursp is 
 
 singular to the world. All very nigh that knew me, that was not fo r 
 
 me'of course was against me,and of course a gr6at prejudice must now be 
 
 existing. For no one said unto me David I am your fnend, but a few 
 
 there was. This is what seemed to be the great trouble. The people 
 
 thoroughly reported that it was nothing but a rich girl that I would 
 
 marry, and thus reported that to break me down before the respectable 
 
 societies of the country. My only object was merely to clear up my 
 
 conscience from having any guilt of giving aH a chance to get me if 
 
 they should seek for me. And I did not seek for any on my own hook 
 
 I merely gave those a chance to get me that was seeking for me, and 
 
 if they got in love, not forsake them until I gave them a fair chance to 
 
 get me. Such was my true motto, the goldenri^le, to do unto others as 
 
 I would like to have others do unto you. tv/ y.M 
 
 Now the time is coming around up to 1861. In the Spring, the first 
 sound of war between the North and the South affected my mind and 
 caused me to awake from my slumbers with a feeling that never before 
 came over me, that some great wrong had taken place, and it waked up 
 my natural feelings to a respect of gratitude that the land of my birth 
 should be defended at all hazards, and that I should respond to the call 
 of my country. 
 
 The first call for troops was 75,000, our State quota was 1,000. My 
 conscience would not allow me to enlist just .^et, for this reason, I had 
 not sought the time to let the family go that had been seeking for me 
 yet. Hibbard's hint the time had not come yet. I occasionally 
 up to June went up towards Hibbard's farm. Until a race was to take 
 place some time in June, I believe on the day of that race I called up 
 there and little Dan pitched in right and left, and a quarrel took place. 
 I was insulted, and I got a warrant out for Dan and had him arrest- 
 ed — atrial took place and Hibbard persuaded the court to decide against 
 me and then Hibbard sued me. I did not attend the tria', and a judg- 
 ment was given against me of $25, if I went to Hibbard's to pay the 
 same, if not I need not pay, so I have not paid the debt yet. 
 
 It is now six years very near, in no instance in regard to tjjose families 
 be I in the wrong, My course was a straight forward course, not to be 
 persuaded by none, and when it was time for ^ne to marry, something 
 always turned up quite singular. I believe in no instance was I to blame 
 because no Johnson or Livermore or Wood or Blair was wise enough to 
 make me believe the moon was made of green cheese. I did not con- 
 iiidtr these lawyers smarter than myself. I kneiV Y6^7 ^^i^ ^^ much, and 
 
LIFE OF DAVID KELLS. 13 
 
 >rA fi.v ' •'! ■CI :i'i:i, J 1 
 
 I always attended to my own business. But I think this set of men was 
 a little envious towards me^ but' time Ml tell Wore I finish, a little more 
 about it. -. - ■ ".,.(. ..• < 
 
 Now the public -^iirsee thait David Kells of Jfi<ikS<iTi city must kn6w 
 some folks and some folks must know me, and by this time there must 
 be a great deal of jDrejudicc existing against me. Men that I did not 
 know yet but afterwards found them out, such as Tunicliff, Cap Grif- 
 fens, these men like many probably stood ready to use their tjTannical pow- 
 er as soon as an opportunity afforded, but I was not aware of them yet. 
 I noticed before I enlisted in the army that Blair would shun me and 
 be very careful not to pass by near enough to speak to me. Blair's ob- 
 ject was not to show me any encouragements for the war, if he dids he 
 did not care, I do not suppose. Whether I was the ablest man' that 
 went from Michigan or not to war, time \^'ili tell this. But I did hear 
 that he and Mr. Hibbard were enemies in politics and in person. There- 
 fore, to fulfill his mind on this sul)ject, Blair thought as I had been quite 
 familiar with Hibbard's family and he thought also that to gratify his 
 feelings as he was not Hibbard's friend and also he felt a little as so he 
 could not bear to hear of David or Mary getting married. 
 . I guess if" I can so manage as to keep you a private soldier three years, 
 no matter David if you are smart, we have men enough without you, 
 so help me God. ' (Signed) ;'''^-' ^^'-^^^'j'-i^'J " --i^'-q A.Blair. 
 
 This I sui^posed was his senti'me'n4,''yea iMifk tl^^ xeader will ob- 
 serve that it is about right. Because Blair being Governor of Michi- 
 gan it was in his power to grant a commission or not just as he was a 
 mind to. ' " 
 
 I believe it was some time in Sept. 1861 before I got around to enlist 
 in the anny. It was miy object as soon as I was benefitted with a clear con- 
 science to join the army in defence of the Union. I believe the Govern- 
 ment ought to stand for the benefit of all nations and a Republican 
 
 form, yea secure the land of freedom and you will secure a home for the 
 , .ill..! hiiii oiiu :l>[-ii iwAa 1- >;;/.. i. ilijci 
 
 brave. * > r , 
 
 I enlisted in the 1st Mchigah infantry, to serVe tliree''y^ars't3r' soofaer 
 discharged. I was unacquainted with military, I knew nothing of war 
 yet. I was a member of Captain Grifien's company, and Lieutenant 
 Kennedy and Whittlesey was our commanding officers of old Company 
 ' ]^;''' Lieut. iS^enne'dy was a gentleman just neWl^ made, while Whittlesy 
 seemed to be a gentleman and schola'r. Griffen was directly from the tin 
 shop of Rice & Co's. Hardware store. These* Were my first officers in 
 the army. 
 
 I, now will commence a powerful campaign of David Kells. I do 
 not lino^ as r will be able to^g^T® ^* i'^ ^^^^ '^^^ of its various 
 
14 LIFE OP DAVID KELLS. 
 
 p.t ' ■ . " ■ . ■ ■ ' ■ 
 
 points directly or indirectly but to the best of my ability on' this sub- 
 ject. And in no instance do I wish to exaggerate it one way or the 
 other. I was in his company and he was my tyrant and I soon found 
 it out too. It would have been smooth work for me if there had not 
 been no tyrannical feelings towards me in the regiment, if I had been a 
 stranger to all. But no, I fell into the hands of enemies and it proved 
 so to me. Griflfen might have early got his prejudice while he was em- 
 ployed in Rice's hardware store, at the time Rice showed that he was 
 not m favor of Thurber's good feelings towards me. At this point is 
 where Capt. Grriflfth got his first prejudicial feelings towards me, and it 
 J was carried with him to war. And Tunicliff the same way, and others 
 ' I suppose. I am not a going to single out individuals in point of view 
 and speak personally of them. 
 
 But an inquiry might be made in regard to know if I remained a pri- 
 vate through the war which at first I would have been proud of. But 
 my life was differently ordained. I had no fault to find if all had been 
 peace and quiet about me. .,,„ ,..., 
 
 Now what started the matter with me was I observed my Capt. was 
 anxious to keep me on duty at all times and scant our company with 
 their rations, this was when we laid at Bladensburg, Md., I believe this 
 is the starting point. I reported this Capt. to the Colonel John C. Rob- 
 , [inson, and things was a little better fgr a spell. Finally the eyes of all 
 got open and soon commenced one of the most powerful feelings of 
 prejudice that, ever existed against man. These feelings were handed 
 down from Michigan. So as the Governor was my enemy so 
 would be the regiment or its officers, and to make it still more disagree- 
 able to me there was a good deal of putting up against me my company 
 soldiers, this was to mortify and tantalize David Kells. I was always 
 willing to do my duty as a soldier and was proud of the position. 
 
 In conclusion I lived in Jackson and so did Governor Blair. I must 
 still hasten along with this document and bring things to light as best I 
 can, that the world may know of a true heart and a true man that ever 
 lived. Give me this day this youthful care and I will which the true 
 army fear. 
 
 But as singular as it is connected to my good luck to be so fortunate 
 in battle. God was my protector through all the past and he was to 
 guide me safe through the tolerable conflict of battle, and no man was 
 any more fortunate than I was in battle. I must tell a little about that 
 as I pass along. 
 
 In conclusion I will not dwell very seriously upon any instance of 
 my life while I was a soldier. I will speak of various points and then 
 pass on. I was with the regiment at Bladensburg Annapolis Junction 
 
LIFE OF DAVID KELLS. 16 
 
 • ''i>l<>« X^*'' ' '' ■ '■ '^'' ■ ■ ■ ■ ::; .;firv. : ;; -iMOd 
 
 and witb it to Fortress Monroe and then to Newport News across to Nor- 
 folk and then the next move in front of Richmond Va., under McClel- 
 lau. 
 
 I have not deemed it necessary to speak about all the peculiar ac- 
 tions and sayings up to this time of service^ but the regiment had seen 
 its sunny day's it was soon to meet the enemy upon the field of battle 
 there to show its yalor and its bravery, as a regiment, and truer men nev- 
 er stood by a flag, then some of the 1st Michigan, and for my own part 
 my country first and the Government forever. 
 
 But previous to our, regiment leaving Md., for the seat of war I had 
 a long talk with the Chaplain of our regiment about the great, suc- 
 cess I thought I would have in battle, with true heart for the land of niy 
 birth. It was an astonishing thing to tell of, for a man in the 19th cen- 
 tury to be protected so greatly in battle, as I had reasons to think I 
 would be. This explanation will be given in the last lines or this 
 pamphlet. 
 
 The first battle was with our regiment at Gaine's Mills in front of R,ich- 
 mond or in summing up the sum and table of the commencement of 
 the campaign of my regiment, it is called the seven days, fight in front 
 of Richmond^ yea with all its horrors and terrible conflict I pass through 
 without a scratch, and my mind steady and firm upon the great knowl- 
 edge of knowing ohe's safetyness in battle. My friends it will be strange 
 to tell you but it is simply this, while I was doing my duty in the first 
 battle I noticed my commanding officers were watching me closely to 
 see me fall' or afterhe dodge the bullets. My thanks with sincerity should 
 be given to Our Great Ruler of the Universe, for giving me such kind 
 protection and such confidence of being safe through the greatest of 
 fiery ordeals of battles. In passing along again from one scene to another it 
 does not elevate my mind above the common level of man. Notwith- 
 standing how well I stood in safety, I am nothing jnore nor Jess than to 
 die and return to dust in due time like all others. ' , 
 
 After McClellan withdrawing his army from the front of Richmond, I 
 have nothing to say aljout nothing only what happened with my own 
 self, the management of the anny does not belong to the., title,. p£j this 
 pamphlet, and it does not belong ito me to Writer p.i-n, fnom\ii'.n y/alo , 
 
 Our great retreat from Richmond to Harrison's landing: It was con- 
 sidered a masterly eftbrt and a great undertaking. But it was accom- 
 plished handsomely without any great material loss to our army. I ex- 
 perienced a terrible rain storm with very muddy roads and considerable 
 privations for the first day or two. I recollect of crawling intoja hen coop 
 to get out of the great storm. The first day of my introduction at 
 Harrison's landing all of the houses and barns and straw stacks and 
 
16 LIFE OF DAVID KELLS. 
 
 nooks and corners that was dry, was occupied jpy oiu* weary soldiers. 
 While myself and another soldier found comfortable quarters in the 
 above mentioned place during the terrible storm. 
 
 But the second day the clouds cleared away, and the regiments form- 
 ed into order and went into camp into the shades of the woods. Soon 
 again the grand army of the Union was organized with all of its rule 
 of discipline, with all its beauty and granduer. And time for the weary 
 soldier to write to their sweet-hearts, for the son to write to his parents. 
 And the outside world soon learned the history of the great campaign 
 in front of Richmond. The loss of our regiment I believe was not far 
 from 200 killed, wounded and missing, and so forth. 
 
 Now the regimental officers had learned a little what I had told them 
 that the bullet was not moulded to kill David Kells in battle yet, and 
 with my great knowledge of being safe in battle I concluded I would 
 be of more use than to remain a private soldier, and as I knew that my 
 officers of my regiment from John C. Robinson down, was envious to- 
 wards me, I could not receive any compliments from my regiment, no 
 matter how useful I was, and how true I was to the country I belong to, 
 they was of no use to me, not at all. 
 
 So on one line morning I wrote a few lines and got permission to go 
 over to see General McClellan. I thought it my duty for so to do, but 
 it did not do any good to call on him, he said he received 50 letters a day 
 of the same kind. So said the postmaster. 
 
 I returned to my regiment and renounced George B. McClellan as a 
 traitor to his country for such seemed to be my opinion at that time. 
 So I concluded I would test another man's fidelity to the Union and I 
 called on General Morrell, yea he is a patriot. He commanded our Di- 
 vision. 
 
 This last call 1 made to see Gen. Morrell gave my Captain a good deal 
 of uneasiness. He said, Kells I do not want you to call on Morrell again. 
 The reason was I had found a patriot and he was looking after me and 
 it was shocking and disgusting to see my officers so much opposed to 
 my calling on Gen. Morrell. Of course I obeyed my Captain's order. I 
 did not call again. But in a few weeks we changed our camping 
 ground out into the open field, each command by itself. On one side 
 of my regiment was the 18th New York, and on the other side was the 
 22d Massachusetts, and the 25th New York and 118th Pennsylvania, 
 constituted our Brigade and at this time it was commanded by Colonel 
 James Burner of 18 th Massachusetts. On or about these days I concluded 
 to see what kind of timber there was in Gen. Porter who then was 
 in command of our Corps. I wrote a letter and started over to his 
 Head Quarters. I sent the dispatch on by his orderly. I do not recol- 
 
LIFE OF DAVID KELLS, 17 
 
 Icct of there being any reply from Gen. Porter, but the result was this: 
 When I got back to my regiment the same day or the next cla,y after, I 
 was ordered in the guard house, I remained about four days prisoner 
 under guard. I in(iuired of the officer of the guard what it was for, 
 an order of the Colonel. Finally I concluded I was in there for no par- 
 ticular reason and asked to see the Colonel the reasons of my being in 
 the guard house. He said the reason he had me arrested was because 
 I wrote such peculiar letters to the Comman ding Officers, he had no 
 olijection to writing to the Commanding Officers if it did not have a 
 tendency to annoy the officers of the regiment. And so he said I could 
 consider myself released, if I would not write any more letters to Com- 
 manding Officers. I gave him a promise and started to my tent. 
 
 I was at these times kept on duty a good deal every day, either guard 
 or police. Lieut. Bums showed no mercy towards me. He was consid- 
 ered a small comparison of a man. He command my company 
 the most of the time in these days. If I had had respectable treatment 
 all through, I should not had such good reasons to write to my com- 
 manding officers. I was a little afraid of Doc. Tunicliff in case 
 I should come to want with this powerful influence against me. And 
 yet as I still had it in view to write to some other officer to befriend me 
 I kept inquiring of this one and that one, and finally I concluded to trust 
 a letter in the hands of Colonel Barnes, Commanding Brigade. I went 
 under the shade of a tree and penned down all that was for or against 
 me, I concluded to sink or perish one way or the other. I finally hand- 
 ed in the letter, and l^ehold I found a patriot and a true man to his coun- 
 try, I was at last saved and protected, I did not do any more duty than 
 belonged to me and I received my regular rations. Soon all became 
 well. Now from that date on until the close of myself as a soldier Col- 
 onel James Barnes was a friend to me. 
 
 Soon however we must prepare to march. Orders I believe came 
 some time in the latter part of August for the army of the Potomac to 
 move. I do not recollect exactly the day and date for this move, but 
 soon all was under way. After a few weeks of tedious marching and 
 under the hot sun of Virginia at this season of the year it was a great 
 task to perform. And in regard to myself, I sufiered very great, for I 
 was barefooted two weeks, and could not draw or buy a pair of boots or 
 shoes from any source. My luck was simply this, I had new shoes when 
 we started but some reckless fellow stole one, so it was very extremely 
 bad for me. Then I thought by the actions of some of my officers they 
 were glad of it. All the particular transactions of this march I will 
 not try to pen down, it is rather unnecessary. Nor do I think it alto- 
 gether proper to dwell on this point of my history. 
 
18 LIFE OF DAVID KELLS. 
 
 But I must hasten along on ®r about the time we got around up to 
 Manassas Junction or I might say on this whole march I was on the sick 
 list. But to keep along up to a day or two before we engaged the rebels 
 at Bull Run, my Captain says Kells fall out if you are not well and Ken- 
 nedy too, to take care of the cooking utensils. But before going any 
 further I will state that I was excused by my Captain two or three days 
 previous to this battle, to pick my way along as best I could, and the 
 day I supposed the battle to go off, I on my own hook hastened along 
 up to join my regiment and company and just as I arrived up near the 
 regiment, Tunicliff says, Kells what are doing out of your place, you 
 are just as able to fight as any man in the regiment. He was so eager to 
 get me in, he thought I might get killed he supposed, or I supposed he 
 thought so. I looked to the doctor and said I came forward on my own 
 hook, after being excused by my Captain, and doctor if I go into this 
 battle I am sure to come out. The doctor looked astonished at this 
 remark, and looked at many of the officers, for he and all the rest knew 
 that I had proclaimed my safety in battle. And finally a halt took place, 
 and the regiment ordered to load, and I was on hand to load my gun 
 too. 
 
 Finally I noticed my regimental officers talking together for the last 
 time and then my Captain comes back to my company and says,Kells fall 
 out and take charge of the cooking utensils. Therefore I did not par- 
 ticipate in the second battle of Bull Run. This is as nigh as I can get 
 to the thing as I know of. The loss in this battle killed and wounded 
 were 14 commission officers, including my Captain, Colonel Roberts, as 
 I had forgot to say in the proceeding chapter, that Colonel John C. Rob- 
 inson had got to be Brigadier General. And in this engagement we lost 
 most of our enlisted men. This was terrible to behold, for the loss of 
 so many men in one single engagement. After the storm cleared away 
 I went and joined my company. But few was left, of old company B. 
 Our Captain was gone, our Colonel was shot on his horse, while gallant- 
 ly leading his regiment up. "We as a regiment was but ashade compara- 
 tively, to what it was. Inshort our whole army was defeated at the 
 second Bull Run fight. 
 
 Our next move was up in front of Washington. Our stop was but short 
 there, for the rebels were making for Md., Onward and forward was 
 the command. Finally our regiment did not participate in any ot the 
 battles in Md., but was on hand and supported a battery at Antietam. 
 
 But the next day after the great battle at Antietam our regiment cross- 
 sed the stone bridge, the bridge that Burnside so nobly held and carried 
 it victoriously over with his command and took position on its heiglits. 
 And in case of 1)attle we would have 'bipen next in action. But notliing 
 
LIFE OF DAVID KELLS. 19 
 
 coukl be seen, only oecasionally a scattered picket. We only knew they 
 were by their .shooting occasionally from behind their hiding places. 
 Finally about mid day a flag of truce was sent to see a little about the 
 Rebs. The Johnnys had most of them crossed the Potomac river leav- 
 ing only a straggler behind. This move of the Rebs. was unknown to 
 our army. 
 
 We were forwarded again to march. We finally halted on the north 
 bank of the Potomac river near a place called Sheppardstown. Our 
 army remained in camp there about six weeks. But after the first few 
 days our Brigade was ordered to cross over and tackle the, or I mean 
 engage the enemy. 
 
 The loss of one regiment was very great, that was the 118th Pennsyl- 
 vanian. Our regiment lost a tew killed and wounded. But we was 
 soon ordered back t® our old camping ground. And thus this amounted 
 to but little towards defeating the rebel army. Besides we lost a great 
 many brave and noble men frem the State of Pennsylvania. As I said 
 before, we remained here six weeks in camp. Our regiment repau-ed our- 
 selves comparatively into quarters, and in regard to my own self while I 
 remained here I enj oyed good health. 
 
 Now then I will say my name as a soldier began to spread. Officers 
 in all ranks began to hear that I was safe in battle, and my friend Colo- 
 nel Barnes had an e/e on the welfare of myself. I noticed that he was 
 becoming a friend to me. 
 
 Friends and fellow citizens of the commonwealth of Michigan, it is 
 with due respect that any soldier belonging to one of the Michigan reg- 
 ments, that he should at all times i^romote and elevate and show regard 
 to the State that he was a citizen of. And in like respect for the State 
 to show in like manner towards the citizen of her State. Because a few 
 weak miuded unprincipled men became in small commands, the citizens 
 of the State at large are not condemned for those few weak minded un- 
 principled men. For I do think that the State of Michigan affords as 
 good men and good principled men as is to be found in any State in the 
 Union. 
 
 I believe I had not yet called on Colonel Barnes but once previous to 
 our marching toward Fredericksburg, I had but little to say but I found 
 him a friend. Though at least it looked so after we had taken up our 
 line of march. We passed down through by Harper's Ferry and so 
 through by Warrenton Junction, I believe. And it was at this place 
 I believe that Burnside took command and little McClellan to go home 
 and go to bed or somewhere else, for I believe the Government thought 
 he needed rest. In short we as an army soon found ourselves in front of 
 Fredericksburg, and the rebel army in full possession of the city. 
 
30 LIFE OF DAVID KELLS. 
 
 Well what next. Wc remained here a spell at Falmouth opposite the 
 city until Burnsides got ready to mrflve the attack, which proved ftital 
 to our army, for our army was defeated. Our regiment was warmly en- 
 gaged, our loss was quite small, and I believe our company lost but few. 
 It was in this engagement that Colonel Barnes led the charge under a 
 powerful Are of the enemy ,',lead the 1st Michigan and 23d Massachusetts 
 to the very brink of the hill in which the enemy occupied. And the 
 Colonel was very fortunate himself, but lost two horses belore he reach- 
 ed the front. 
 
 It was on this occasion that I stood the shock of battle with powder 
 
 and also it was here that David Kells stood the fire which for- 
 ever gave confidence to my regimental officers and also to Col. Barnes. 
 And the Colonel of the 22d Massachusetts saw me stand above all the 
 line at the very top of the hill shooting away, when all behind me was . 
 quiet comparatively. There I stood, and the world to witness one of 
 the ablest men in battle without a quiver or any fear, while beneath me 
 lay the most of the men that had ceased firing. And these officers see- 
 ing me proving to them the power I possessed, or the protection from 
 God himself as it seemed, and in front of me as the rebel sharpshoot- 
 ers cutting down all that showed themselves on the level of the hill. 
 This showed to them that I was fire proof, and what I had told to them 
 proved true. 
 
 Well now, the next thing was after this battle to get back to our re- 
 spectve camping grounds in and about Falmouth, Va., it was not but a 
 few miles from Fredericksburg, that each regiment went into ' camp 
 for Winter. The history of this Winter quarters, for the army of the 
 Potomac is very familiar to all. I only can give a little outline sketch 
 of it. 
 
 Now as far as my duty was concerned in this camp it was not so mucn 
 as usual, and I very frequently called down to see Colonel* Barnes. I 
 believe they made him Brigadier General about this time. However 
 he welcomed me into his tent and talked to me quite considerable, and 
 we grew into warm friends. Now with our talk along at these times it 
 seemed just as he was going through Washington, that I ought to have 
 said to him, he was then on his way to Massachusetts, to 
 apply to Abraham to [send me a commission. For all of this talk 
 meant something of the kind, but I was too bashful to ask the question. 
 So it happened I never got a commission. 
 
 However the winter passed very agreeably with me considering. And 
 we had no very heavy marching to do that winter excepting one small 
 campaign, when Burnside got stuck in the mud. Finally the regiment 
 and Brigade built winter quarters, and wc remained in this camp about 
 five months, attending to camp and picket duty, that was about all. 
 
LIFE OF DAVID KELLS. 31 
 
 The Spring opened bright and beautiful, and the army had been fed 
 well and clothed, and had seen some happy days, for we had had the 
 noble Joseph Hooker to command us during the latter part of camping 
 here, and he was the favorite of the Grand army of the Potomac. The 
 Spring as I said oi^ened beautiful with new life and energy to the grand 
 army of the Potomac. Officers had become to know one another, pri- 
 vates have learned one another, the friends at home had heard from one 
 another, therefore before the Spring campaign opens all is beautiful. 
 
 Now my friends, concerning myself at this spring time of year, I was 
 transferred from my regiment to this arrangement. Gen. Barnes had a 
 large 4iew tent put up with ornaments of various kinds, and they came 
 on from Massachusetts, beautilul daughters from that State, and just at 
 that time I was ordered to pack and go on to the battery. A hint is 
 enough. 
 
 I have arrived up to the time of my going on duty to the 4th Rhode 
 Island Battery. The reason of this change is because they lacking of men 
 and needed more men in that arm of seryice, so I thought a change 
 would be beneficial in this arm of service. As it is said of old a change 
 of pastures makes fat calves. So I concluded it don't make but little 
 difference to where one is if they can make themselves contented. In 
 branching out irom this into various other circumstances to meet the 
 battle of life, a will of nerves and ambition and perseverence to keep 
 from sinking iDcneath the hand of slander which sometimes comes forth 
 from enemies or any other source. My stop here in this Battery was but 
 short, I believe we went through one battle, the great battle of Chan- 
 cellorville, this battle was command by Joseph Hooker. I w^ent through 
 this without a scratch, like all others I was to be saved. I was saved and 
 so it is with my good luck to be saved in battle. 
 
 Our army was obliged to retreat from the line of Chancellorville back 
 across the Rappahannock to quietly go into camp. We held' our posi- 
 tion very well but the season of the year and the clouds thickening over 
 our heads showed a powerful indication of a heavy storm, and would 
 cause the rise of the river and it would make it impossible to recross or 
 to supply our army. So thanks to Gen. Hooker for doing so well and 
 our Government had reason to be proud of this noble commander and 
 a true star to our country. 
 
 Shortly after this battle I changed oft'from the 4th Rhode Island Battery 
 to the 3d Massachusetts. This 3d Massachusetts I remained in during 
 my time as a soldier. I must say I was quite well treated in this Bat- 
 tery as well as could be expected now in following along in detail from 
 week to week in tliis battle and so on, it only requires for me to speak 
 of myself. I believe my duty while in this was to act as one of the can- 
 
23 LIFE OP DAVID KELLS. 
 
 uoueers, and when we was drawn into line my duty was to help pass 
 the ammunition and so on. 
 
 Now my name as a soldier began to spread broad and wide, no one 
 doubted of my superiority in battle. The battery men, the infant- 
 ry men, those that was in my regiment and in other soon began to hail 
 me as an Iron clad, a sale bulwark for the rebels to JQre at, and when 
 called into line expecting a skirmish my old regimental boys would 
 come up and shake hands, and all around me would look upon me and 
 give a sigh and wish they was as safe in battle as myself. Many and 
 many learned that I was protected by a higher power, and many did 
 begin to hail me with kindness and friendship, while many command- 
 ing officers just before going into battle would ride up where they could 
 see me and give a sigh and a wish. Poor fellows, they wanted to pass 
 through the battle without a scratch. None but God could protect 
 them, and if they had been true in spirit and in truth they undoubtedly 
 would have had the same protection. The matter looks very singular to 
 the stranger that one man out of so many million that ever lived is gui- 
 ded by a light. 
 
 Time passed on and the Spring was fast fading away into the great 
 history of the war. The next thing that constituted my duty was to 
 do as I had done in the line of duty, and also it was quite a task again 
 to get acquainted and familiar with this new set of men. These were 
 mostly Massachusetts men of the Yankee stripe, and they might be con- 
 sidered a very good class of men. 
 
 I passed my time here quite agreeable for a long time. I do not think 
 it will be necessary to relate from day to day about how things went, for 
 it was about one thing right along, excepting marches and fatigue. 
 
 Our next move from our old camp, was I believe some time in 
 May. When finally the whole army began to get ready to move yea the 
 enemy began to think about stirring. Our arm ot the service did not move 
 but .a little ways before we went into camp. This was at United States 
 ford. We remained here some two or three weeks. Finally we com- 
 menced moving along gradually, slowly, and indicated battle quite fre- 
 quently. 
 
 Finally it began to be sounded that we was going out of old Virginia 
 into Md. I believe some felt happy, for some reasons, when a change 
 of any kind takes place in the army it generally brings cheer- 
 fulness, from the pleasant camping ground to a weary march, yea 
 from a midnight slumber and a double quickstep brings cheerfulness 
 with an army. An enlisted man wants something new generally afloat 
 to keep life and energy. 
 
 When we arrived in Md., we the most of us found refreshments, 
 
LIFE OP DAVID KELLS. 23 
 
 such as soft bread, new milk, ripe cherries and potatoes, everything; 
 to make life a little better. The enemy was at this time shoving tor 
 Pennsylvania, and Hooker was now superseded by Gen. Meade, and 
 soon the decisive battle must take place betwixt the north and the south. 
 And it was on the jDlains of Gettysburg that the decisive victory was 
 won and this was the last battle that I participated in. The great bat- 
 tle of Gettysburg will always be remembered by me. This I believe con- 
 stituted as hard battles as it is well known in history the Union army came 
 out victorious. 
 
 Now the jjrincipal part ot my history should be given in a few words. 
 The reader will watch closely. Before I left Michigan for war I was 
 somewhat involved with D. B. Hibbard's folks, it was simply this. 
 Hibbard had went to show the public that there was attrac- 
 tions and friendly feelings existing in me, which very much dis- 
 pleased the leading men and the Governor ot Jackson, as 
 Blair and Hibbard were both citizens of Jackson. For these reasons 
 Blair could not commission me in the army, no matter how useful I was, 
 his mind was indifferent toward me, because if I was a useful soldier and 
 was powerful on the occasion of a battle, and was well known in Jackson 
 by all the leading men. It was a sure reason that Blau* envied me, for I 
 want the reader to understand that I was a citizen of Jackson many 
 years previous to the war and was well acquainted with Blair, Johnson 
 Livermore and all of the leading lawyers of the city. 
 
 The great secrecy of my history is this : I was a young and single 
 man always previous before the war, and am yet up to this date, and 
 my home is in and around Jackson city. Now then a great many men 
 fancied me suitable to marry some sociable girl. First in rotation w^as 
 Philip Thurber. As soon as he began to be my particular favorite all of 
 the leading citizens showed signs of not being in my favor. 
 
 I was in no fast money making business at that time, and I was clearly 
 a subject of talk. On the other hand, Thurber was rich and proud, and 
 had but one single girl, and for him to invite me to his house it was 
 natural for the rich leading men to feel a little envious toward their fel- 
 low man. Well, from this point, spread out the great power of prejudice. 
 If an intelligent man could only be placed on a steeple in Jackson all 
 through this campaign, after the leading men getting involved about 
 what sociable girl I should marry, or after many began to know David 
 Kells. and knew he was not married to no girl, and was a young good 
 looking man, he would lift his voice to God and say : " This man, Da- 
 vid Kells, is the worst slandered man that ever lived." Let this man 
 still remain there a few years, and having that power given him to know 
 what is going on, and he would respond again to God and sound the 
 
24 LIFE OF DAVID KELLS. 
 
 trumpet, so the angels of Heaven would hear him, and say that Kells 
 was a single man yet, and the citizens of Jackson was opposed to his 
 getting married to any respectable girl. This same prejudiced feeling 
 would come from any other city, town or county, where the same kind 
 of peo2)le lives. Human nature is the same in all parts of the world 
 alike, so God will let these people of Jackson eat, sleep and drink and 
 let them prosper in worldly goods, as well as in all other parts of the 
 country, until their time comes, one by one, to die. For what lives 
 there now and knows me, never can forget those that should be envious 
 toward me, should be pitied. God himself, I hope, will have mercy 
 upon that poor dying j-ace. 
 

 
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