Kelly’s Ford on the Rappahannock River
1864
Edwin Forbes wasn't just an artist; he was a visual journalist riding alongside the Union Army during the American Civil War to document the conflict as it happened. This sketch captures a surprisingly peaceful moment at Kelly's Ford on the Rappahannock River, where soldiers on horseback casually wade through the water rather than charging into battle. The handwritten note at the bottom dates the scene to February 1864, offering a rare, realistic glimpse into the mundane travel and quiet observation that filled the days between major skirmishes.
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