Letter

Fort Marcy was an integral part of the Civil War defenses of Washington. This strategic location, along with nearby Fort Ethan Allen and other batteries on the northern bank of the Potomac River, were built to protect Leesburg Pike and Chain Bridge. Soldiers, such as Private Keller Bobb of the 130th Pennsylvania Regiment stationed at Fort Marcy, wrote letters such as this one to family members and loved ones detailing day-to-day activities and military excursions.

"On last Sunday Co's A & B were detailed for picket duty about a mile from camp. Co. A (Capt. Porter's) captured a rebel spy endeavoring to creep through to the lines. He had a rebel uniform on under his other clothes. He was sent to a fort down below our camp."

-Private Keller Bobb, Co F, 130th Penn. Vols., September 2, 1862.