Col. Stephen Clark's Civil War Letters
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Location: [unknown]
Surnames/tags: Clark Civil War 13th Ohio O.V.C.
The following is a transcript of the letters between Stephen Clark and his wife Ellen Jack . For decades family members wondered what had happened to them. They were told the original letters were loaned to Allegheny College in order to be studied, only to have a transcription returned to them and feared they were misplaced or stolen. As of 25 May 2017 the mystery of what happened to the original letters has ended, as they can be found in the Special Collections at Allegheny College. Needless to say the family is relieved and pleased that it is being cared for at the college. The following is a transcription of the transcribed letters by Skye Driggs, which can also be found in the Library of Congress and in the possession of a few family members.
The best possible way we can honor a piece of United States history and the life of Col. Stephen Russell Clark is by sharing. So many of us are linked to these letters: whether by location, by relation or by understanding the lives of soldiers from both the Union and the Confederacy. We are able to watch history unfold through the eyes of one. (Bolded names are those I have not been able to identify.)
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Stephen R. Clark was born on September 13, 1836 to Methodist Minister and President of Allegheny College Dr. Homer Clark and his wife Agnes. He attended this same college and was a student at Mt. Union College when the Civil War broke out. He enlisted June 16, 1862 for three months in a college company which was assigned to the 86th O.V.I. (Ohio Volunteer Infantry), being elected Second Lieutenant.
He re-enlisted that same year (1862), as First Lieutenant in the 5th Independent Battalion O.V.C. (Calvary). He married Ellen Adele Jack in 1863 and then re-enlisted August 28, 1863 in the 13th O.V.C. as Captain and was promoted as Major Lieutenant Colonel. He was assigned to the 3rd Brigade, 2nd Division, Calvary Crops, Army of the Potomac, and participated in that command in all the engagements from the Wilderness to Appomattox Court House until he mustered out with his regiment July 10, 1865. http://www.civilwarindex.com/armyoh/rosters/13th_oh_cavalry_roster.pdf
He was admitted to the Northern Ohio M.E. Conference in 1872, filling various pulpits for eighteen years. He was appointed Chaplain of the state Girl's Industrial Home (this was a juvenile detention facility for girls ages 7-16 years old, mostly housed for disobedience.), near Delaware, Ohio from 1889 until 1892. In 1892 he became the Superintendent of the Ohio Institution for the Education of the Deaf and Dumb.
Ellen died Sept 12, 1908 and Stephen died December 16, 1922 in Pittsburgh, PA.
Ohio
"Home" August 18, 1863
Dear Del,
I received your kind letter night before last. You cannot imagine how much good it done me. You done just right in not waiting for me to commence the correspondence and I hope you will forgive my negligence as I promise there shall be no cause for complaint in the future. I go to Columbus tomorrow with some of the boys who wish to enter the Cavalry service. I cannot say as yet whether I will remain with them or not. We failed to get our men accepted as Infantry and if I go at all it will be in the Cavalry.
I have had offer of a Sec. Lieut. which I will probably take if I can do no better and will inform you of my course as soon as it is decided. I was sorry to learn that you had the head ache and trust that you will follow your Ma's advice and resign, as I assure you that you will have no difficulty in obtaining a position in the country at any time you may wish it. And though the school may not be very large I will do all I can to make it agreeable. Won't you? I am very anxious to know my fate and trust you will not keep in in suspense any longer than you can help. I shall expect to hear from you by tomorrow's mail and if I should not shall feel disappointed though I would have no right to. I have no time to write much now as I am going to Cadiz (Ohio) this afternoon, but will write to you again from Columbus Sunday unless I should return Saturday, nor I do not wish you to suppose that I consider this an answer to your good(?) for it is not worthy of that distinction. Yet I know you will think better of me than if I had written more and delayed longer. I received a note from Annie (Annie Woods Clark) which I will answer soon. Give her my love, and kiss for me. All the rest of the love I have I send to your own dear self with any amount of kisses.
Yours, S.R. Clark
Fleming County, Kentucky
Fleming County, KY September 27, 1863
Dear Del,
I take this the first opportunity I have of letting you know of my whereabouts. I arrived here last evening in good health and spirits. Found the boys all well and very glad to see me. Some of them are like yourself. They think the time passes a great deal faster when I am with them then when I am away. I had a good chase before I caught up. I was five days on the road. We are encamped out here in the woods hunting bushwhackers who have been murdering, burning and stealing all over this section of KY for some time past. I do not expect we will find them as all they want is plunder and are not disposed to run to great risks even to get that. We will have plenty of hard riding to do, but little fighting and run but little risk except of getting bushwhacked. We will probably remain in this section of KY till our time is out.
I commenced this several days ago, but just as I was fairly started, I received an order to report for special duty at Mayer’s (?) Head Quarters. I threw the paper in my truck and rode down expecting to be back in the evening if not before but did not till last night. I was sorry as I knew you would be very anxious to hear from me. I was sent foraging for the Battery and succeeded very well capturing all the corn and (?) the teams could draw. The old Rebs did not like it very much but could not help it as I had a guard of 50 men to enforce my orders. I expect to go again this evening about 50 miles from here to arrest some men who murdered four Union men near here a few weeks ago. I shall be gone four or five days, and may see some fighting as they will not be taken if they can avoid it in any way.
I feel quite lonesome without you indeed. I scarcely know how I will stand it for six months, but will have to I suppose. I am as pleasantly stunted as it is possible to trust you are enjoying yourself as well as possible. And you must not allow my being in the army trouble you as it will not be long till I shall be free when you will see me often enough. When you write direct to Camp Garret. Fleming Co. KY* via Maysville and it will reach here same time. I find it pleasant to think of you Pet, which I do when ever alone and often in company. I know that I have someone to love me which is all I want. I am promising myself all the pleasure it is possible for me to enjoy in the future. I shall expect to hear from you often and will write as often as I can. I am writing this in the woods on the ground with a log for a desk which is the best KY affords. I will try and send you another letter by next mail. Give my love to all at home, tell them I should like to hear from them very much. Now mind Pet write me a dear good letter.
Your Loving Husband, Steve R. Clark
P.S. When the roads get bad they may move us back to the river an if they should probably I may get to come and see you or you can come and see me. But I will keep you posted as to our movements.
- "When you write direct to Camp Garret. Fleming Co. KY* via Maysville and it will reach here same time.” I believe the person who transcribed the original letters misspelled Camp Garret: I believe it should read Camp Garnet. After studying Union encampments in Kentucky, there is only one “Garnett” located just north of Cynthiana in Harrison County (along the railroad.) http://www.oocities.org/kentuckycivilwar/civilwarfortsandcamps.htm
- The Official Military Atlas of the Civil War; Maj. George B. Davis, Mr. Leslie Perry, Mr. Joseph Kirkley; Government Printing Office; pg. 328 This coincides with his statement “go again this evening about 50 miles from here to arrest some men who murdered four Union men”. In the following letters he arrested some of these men, who were a part of Morgan’s Raiders.
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Cynthiana
- There is a Fort Garret located east of Lexington, and south of Versailles. http://www.kyatlas.com/ky-fort-garrett.html
Fort Garret
Fort Garret October 10, 1863
Dear Del,
I arrived here this afternoon after a hard ride of three days over the mountains. We had a large force with us and therefore had no fighting to do as they never bushwhack a large force. We captured several prisoners among them one Lieut. Colonel and two of John Morgan's (Gen. John Morgan) men the others were genuine bushwhackers.
I found your very welcome letter of the 6th ready and waiting for me. It did me more good than anything has for a long time. I had heard nothing from you or any of my friends since I left for KY I knew you would write as soon as you heard from me, and an answer came in good time for such an out of the way place as this is. I was glad to hear that you were well and doing as well as could be expected in my absence. You need not fear that I will not come and see you as soon as I can, for you are not any more anxious to see me than I am to see you. But when I can come (if at all) I cannot say. We expect to be moved from here before long where I cannot say certainly but probably to Hillsborough on the pike (National Road) about eight miles from here. If I can get away for a few days then I will come and visit you but if I should not succeed in getting away I will write often two letters a week when I am in camp or anywhere I have an opportunity. They may not be very long or very interesting but I think if you knew the circumstances under which they were written you would excuse me. If you knew how glad I am to hear from you I think you would write very often (and I think you will).
I was sorry I could not be with you at your Uncles but could not avoid it. When I return we will have a good time visiting all our friends on both sides of the house. It will be getting married again all but the ceremony, which is not the interesting part anyhow. I have not the slightest objection to you having our friend May or anyone else you may see fit to take for an escort as I have the utmost confidence in your integrity. It would not be fair to deprive you of all company merely because you were so unfortunate as to be married to one of Uncle Sam's nephews. So you have my permission to go where, when and with whoever you please. You are sound on the photograph subject for it is certainly the faces that make the frames look well. I will write in a day out again. Give my love to all at home. You have all my love and may give away as much as you can spare.
Your Loving Husband, Steve R. Clark
Camp Garrett
Camp Garrett October 15, 1863
Dear Wife,
Though I have nothing of importance to write I will write something as I have plenty of time now but may not have tomorrow or for a week to come so uncertain is war. I received your second letter yesterday for which I send a thousand kisses. I wish I could get one every day and cannot think of doing with less than two or three a week. The time seems as long to me as it does to you. Every night I say to myself well one more day is gone anyhow. But we must not allow ourselves to think of the length of time before we shall see each other. For if we do it will seem an age.
We will move from our present camp next week. If we move any distance it will be to Lexington. I have become so well known among the Bushwhackers that I have found it expedient to change my dress. I have worn a grey overcoat but now wear a blue one so that it will bother the best of them to pick me out. My men killed Capt. Swim(?) a few days ago and they would like to balance accounts with me if they can. Capt. John Williams (General John Stuart Williams) reported in west Liberty last week that he had killed me, but I can’t see how it was done. How they missed me I cannot tell except that a kind providence protected me. They say they fired 20 shots at me, and when I take into consideration that none of the men who fired at me were not more than thirty feet from me and most of them not half that far, I consider my escape almost a miracle. I don’t intend they shall get another such a chance at me so you need not feel uneasy about me.
My health is very good and I feel confident that I will come out all right at end of the six months. We held an election in the each of the two companies here. Vallandigham* (Clement Vallandigham) did not get one vote, every man voted the straight Union ticket. I am a little anxious to know whether Jack was elected though I have but little doubt that he was. I wish we had some of the copperheads* down here. I think we could soon make the strongest kind of Union men of them. But after a while they will be sorry for their misdeeds.
I find that this miserable little sheet is full and I have written scarcely anything so I will have to hunt up another piece or you will scold me. I intended to write another sheet this morning, but slept too long and if it goes today it must be finished in short order. So I will send it and write another soon. You must try and enjoy yourself and just think that it will not be long till I will return and if I can possibly return before my time is up I will. You are the only person I care about and if I have you I do not care what becomes of the rest of the world. Remember that I shall expect to hear from you often. I cannot help feeling disappointed whenever the mail comes without bringing a letter from you.
Your Loving Steve
- Vallandigham: nominated by Democrats as their candidate for Governor in Ohio. They hoped to capitalize on antipathy toward blacks and the centerpiece of their campaign was asking why white men were dying for the black race. Copperheads almost never acknowledged soldier service. Many Union soldiers threatened to come home and beat up or kill their neighbors who supported this “peace movement.” Ohioans worried about a civil war in their state if Vallandigham won. He lost, only receiving a fraction of the soldier vote. https://en.wikipedia.orgwiki/Clement_Vallandigham
- Copperheads: Vocal group of Democrats in the northern states who opposed the Civil War, most of whom were southerners who moved north, immigrants of Catholic, German and Irish heritage, Jacksonian Democrats. One huge reason for the opposition was b/c the Republican Party consisted of Temperance advocacy (prohibition of liquor.) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Copperhead_(politics)
Garret October 21, 1863
Dear Del,
I have just closed up my tent for the night and seated myself to write a short letter to my dear little wife. Firmly believing that she will be glad to hear from me. Don’t you think she will? I sometimes think I did wrong in coaxing you to marry me while I was in the army. Though I do not know, but you might have felt quite as uneasy about me if we had not been married. I enlisted under the firm conviction that my country needed my services and not only mine, but those of every American citizen who could go without too great a sacrifice. Nor have I altered my opinion on the subject since. After this rebellion is over and the Union firmly reestablished the honorable men will be those who have shown by their acts that they were willing to sacrifice everything even life itself for the good of the country. So that you must not consider all the time I spend in the army as lost even to you, Pet.
I wish we could get a chance to fight the Vallandingham copperheads. How I would like to lead a charge on a regiment of them. The boys would very soon settle with them for they dislike them more heartily than they do the Rebs (rebels). I was pleased to hear that Brough was elected though I never had much doubt as to the result.
I was very much surprised to learn that Shelly was going into the army. Do you know how or through whose influence he obtained a chaplaincy? I trust it will be all for the best though I have considerable doubt on the subject. I intend to be as careful of myself as possible. A few months since I felt as if it made but little difference what became of me. Now I feel that I have everything to make me happy and life desirable. For this I am indebted to you dear. And that I may live to prove myself worthy of your love will be sufficient to prevent my exposing myself unnecessarily.
Every time I have written I forget to ask you to send me your likeness on ambrotype if you have one. The boys all want to see what you look like. I have a very fine pair of Colt Navy Revolvers we captured on Lt. Col. Patton (Col. George Smith Patton) of the rebel army. I will keep them to look at in after years. I wish I was with you tonight seated by a good warm fire, but as this can’t be it is no use to wish for it, yet I will. My fingers are getting so cold that I cannot write anymore to night, but will write tomorrow unless I should have to leave camp. Give my love to all at home and keep lots for yourself.
Your Loving Husband, Steve
Camp Garret October 26, 1863
Dear Del,
This is Sunday evening and I do not know as I can spend it more profitably and certainly not more pleasantly than in writing to the one I think more of than I do of all the world besides. If all I have written in the past few days go straight Pet, you will certainly hear from me often enough. I received yours of the 19th last night. It was more than welcome. You seem to think I have been trying to keep you from knowing the danger I had been in a short time since, but in this you are mistaken, for though I would not wish to alarm you I would not omit any fight I may be in.
I wrote you a long letter telling you all about the fight which it appears you never got nor did you get the next I wrote for in that I also mentioned the number of shots that were fired at me and that the Rebs reported that they had killed me, but that “couldn’t see it.” I have written more letters than you have Pet, but for some reason or other yours come a good deal straighter than mine go. It is true that my horse, or the horse I rode (my horse is too good to wind on a scout) was wounded and that I have a hole about four inches long in the side of my overcoat, but did not receive a scratch on my precious person.
As soon as the roads get bad there will be but little scouting done nor will it be as dangerous as it has been for the leaves are now off of the bushes. They cannot fire on us without our seeing them and they never run any great risk of being shot. I wrote you that we would not move until this week, but yesterday proved to be so fine that we pulled up stakes, and today finds us in our new camp once more among white folks. We have a nice camp, one of the finest I ever saw. The only objection I have to it is it will be very cold in the winter as it is high and unprotected.
When I can come to see you I cannot tell, but not for two or three weeks yet as Capt. Chesny (?) (Capt. John N. Cherry) wants to go home this week and will be gone some time. As our friend Yates/Bates(?) prediction I hardly know what to say though I do not apprehend that there would be much danger. Anyhow it shall not prevent my coming. Indeed I am free to acknowledge that a warm embrace from you Pet would be inducement enough to carry me a great ways if my duty to my country did not forbid. You will give me several when I come, won’t you? I do not know what I would not give to see you tonight, but never mind I will come sometime and then we will have a good time, won’t we? I was sorry to hear of your uncle’s illness and trust that he may recover. I am afraid that the letters I wrote last week will get in a bunch somewhere and you will get them all at the same time. If they go as they should you will get one (and up) for several days, which will be more than a dozen of the kind. I feel a great deal better now that I know that there is one that will not forget me even for a day. But I must say good night Pet though it would be long after this time before I would say it if I were with you tonight.
Your Loving Husband, Steve
Camp Garret November 4, 1863
Dear Del,
Your kind and loving letter of the 20th is just received, and as I have a spare hour this evening I will try and answer it though I have but little of interest to communicate. I have just returned from Flemingsburg where I have been attending a court martial. So you think I do not appreciate your letters as much as you do mine, but in this you are very much mistaken. Could you but see how I look when I get one I know you would alter your opinion at once. I should think a great deal more of them, for they are so much better than the ones you get in return for the sweet ones you send. No no, Pet you can’t make me believe that though you can get me to believe anything else.
You wish me to write everything I do or the Rebs try to do. I am afraid you would not find it very interesting. I have not been on any large scouts for some time, but have done a good deal near here. I caught two Rebel soldiers last week who had made their boast that the Yankees were not sharp enough to catch them. And to give you some idea of difficulties we met with in catching the apes, I would say the country where they stay is nothing but a succession of hills covered with a dense growth of underbrush making it impossible in most places to see a man ten feet from you. They sleep in the bushes or in caves. There are men in these mountains who have not slept in a house since the war began, and have never been twenty miles from their home in that time. They go home some times in the day time but are always sure to leave before night. The only way we can get them is to lay in the bushes where we know they pass or trust riding on to them in the road.
The way I caught the two last week was this: I was at Hillsborough (Hillsboro, Fleming County, Kentucky) with 25 men after two men as evidence against some horse thieves we had caught and heard that they were seen at a house about five miles from there about two hours before. I took two farmers and made them change clothes and horses with two of my boys who when mounted looked very much like bushwhackers. I instructed them to say that they were Jeff Thompson’s (Brigadier General Meriwether Jeff Thompson) men and that they had been badly whipt by the Mt. Sterling* troops, obliged to scatter, and wanted to find their way back to West Liberty. They look no arms except their revolvers buckled under their coats. I was to follow them up and make desperate effort to catch them. After they had got about a mile start off, the rest of us went in pursuit as fast as our horses could carry us. I inquired of everybody I met if they had met two men. “No Captain, haven’t seen nobody” was always the answer much to the amusement of the boys who knew they were telling that which was not so. They came to the house where they were said to be went in, but did not find them. Told their story to the women who told them not to be afraid, they had two good soldiers here and would bring them in. They soon made their appearance to welcome their friends, but were very much surprised at the reception they received. The idea of friends sticking revolvers into their faces and telling them they were prisoners was entirely new to them. It would have done you good to see how foolish the people along the road looked as we went back. They had been sold cheap and saw it.
Now I want to know Pet if such stuff as the above is interesting, and were I to write everything that happens it would soon become tiresome to you. I think I will get to come home before long is not that good news. I will have to stop Pet for the wind is blowing so hard that the tent shakes till everything on the center pole is coming down on my devoted head. I have upset the ink twice since I commenced. Write often and I will do the same. Give my love to all at home and keep lots for yourself.
Your Loving Husband, Steve
- Battle of Mt. Sterling: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Mount_Sterling. After this battle, Union Troops set up a camp in this location. "Situated in Montgomery County, KY, on the state road leading from Pound Gap to central Kentucky, Mount Sterling was long considered the gateway between the Appalachian Mountains and the Bluegrass....The town served as a base for the Union Army operating in the Eastern Kentucky mountain counties, as well as a supply depot." http://eakycivilwar.blogspot.com/2011/07/mt-sterling-important-military-base.html
Camp Garret December 18, 1863
Dear Del,
Your very kind letter of the 14th is just received. I am very very sorry you are still so sick, and were it possible for me to do so I would come and see you at once, but must wait till I can. I do trust you will be very careful. You should quit teaching and sewing at once, for if you do not I fear you will only get worse. I am very well fixed now with a good stove and everything else to keep me warm. It will not be very long now till my time will be out when I can come home for good if I am not drafted, of which there is not much danger, and if I am drafted they cannot hold me if I claim exemption. How I wish I could see you this evening Pet, but cannot. I received a letter from Shelly written on his way to his regt. He was well and in good spirits. The papers you sent me did not come to hand. Someone took them out of the office and forgot to deliver them. It is very cold here now, so cold that I scarcely go out of my tent. I have not been very well for several days, but today feel unusually well with the exception of the head ache which is troubling me. I will send this to the office tonight so that it will reach you by the middle of the week. Hope you will soon be better if not entirely well. My love to all at home. Lots of kisses for my sweet little Pet.
Your Loving Husband, Steve
Camp Garret December 27, 1863
Dear Del,
Your dear good letter of the 22nd came yesterday, and as you sometimes say “it was more than welcome.” There is nothing that can do me as much good as one of your kind loving letters and especially such a long one as the last was. I wish I could see you that I might thank you for being such a sweet little Pet, for I know I shall not be able to write anything that can justly be called an answer. But must and will show my goodwill by trying. You say you cannot recommend the quality. This you need not do, but send the quantity and I will risk the quality. I do not know of anything you could write that would not be interesting to me. You mention it as one of the trials of Christian young man like myself must meet and overcome. Well I do hope it is, and that there are no worse ones, for then I shall surely get to heaven. I trust that the Lord will put it into your heart to send such trials very often. Hereafter I shall make this the burden of my prayers. As a Christmas gift your letter was very acceptable I assure you.
It came one day too late, but that did not injure it a bit. You say that if I don’t send you as long a one in return you will think your gift was not acceptable. You should have your ears pulled for writing that, and if I do not forget it I will pull them (just a little) when I come home. And that if I do send you such a one you will prize it more highly than anything else. This I cannot hope to do, but will do the best I can in the way of a letter, and when I come home bring you something better.
I wish I could be there on Christmas morning. I know I should enjoy it very much, but as that cannot be I can only wish you a Happy New Year. I spent my Christmas in camp. It was a beautiful day, one of the finest I ever saw at this time of the year. I had several invitations to dinner at different places, but did not feel like going and stayed at home. I should have liked very much to have been at Uncle Edward’s with you and the rest of our friends for I know I should have enjoyed it very much. Uncle was indeed not only very thoughtful, but very kind in thus affording you an opportunity of seeing your friends all together once more. As in all human probability it will be the last time you will have such an opportunity in this uncertain world. I trust you visit will not only be very pleasant, but that it will improve your health. I feel very uneasy about you, and firmly believe that you are injuring your health by not taking exercise enough in the open air. I do not think Allegheny a good place for you under any circumstances. You would, I think, be much better in the country where the air is pure and healthy. Although it is a fact (strange as it may appear) that people do die in the country the same as they do in the cities.
And so you do not want me to reenlist for three years. You say you do not know whether I will or not, but that if you meditating anything which you ascertained was as contrary to my wishes as my reenlisting is to yours, you would abandon it at once. Well that sounds just like you, sweet little pet that you are. Nor do I doubt what you say, but on the contrary believe every word of it. And when I think only of our present happiness and of ourselves alone, I think and reason as you do. But there are other considerations that sometimes lead me to think otherwise.
In the first place it was right that we should think only of ourselves? To the exclusion of every other interest? Do we not owe part of our time to our friends country and to the advancement of civil and religious liberty and if so should we not discharge these duties? But you say that I have done enough or done more than others have, but is this any reason why I should stop? Supposing all the officers in the army were to reason thus what would be the result? Would not the Rebs soon have it all their own way, and you and I be no better than slaves, would we be deserving of a better fate? It strikes me that the better qualified a person is to serve his country to more obligation is he under to do so. But that every man should or can with justice leave the service as soon as he has become qualified by experience to be useful I cannot believe. And the fact that many act thus makes the more necessary that others should not follow their example. The reasons that would induce me to reenlist are simply these. That I am in duty bound to do all that I can for my country. (letter incomplete)
Columbus, Ohio
Columbus, Ohio February 28, 1864
Dear Del,
I arrived here safe and sound last night. Find but few of the boys here and concluded not to go into camp till tomorrow. I had twenty men mustered at Alliance Friday which number with what we have will fill my Company. There is more fear of having too many than not enough. Just how soon I will be home I cannot tell, but will get there if possible this week. I would like to see you very much, but must be content to wait. Tell Lou that Shelly’s certificate is not worth anything, it should be endorsed by the mustering officer. I am getting tired of being knocked around from one place to another and were it not that I need money I would resign at once, but as it is I must stay longer yet.
I have lots of love and kisses for you. The love I send you. The kisses I will pay when I have the pleasure of seeing you. Give my love to all.
Your Loving Husband, Steve
Columbus, Ohio March 6, 1864
Dear Del,
I find that I cannot come home as soon as I expected on account of my numerous duties connected with my Company. And as I could not come to you I concluded to invite you and Annie (Annie Woods Clark) to visit me. I will make it as pleasant as possible for you both and will return with you in a few days. I send Sgt. Conway as a body guard, you will be perfectly safe in his hands. He will bring you through safe. Now don’t say no, but come both of you. I promise to take you somewhere every night so that you and Annie need not feel any dread of being cooped up. Impress upon her mind the fact that it’s every night.
I have lots to say to you but will defer it till I see you. My Company is full but will not be organized for a day or two. Now if you think you can consistently come, do so and oblige. Your Loving Husband, S.R. Clark
Camp Chase - Columbus, Ohio
Columbus, Ohio April 11, 1864
Dear Del,
I received a note from you Saturday evening giving me a lecture for not writing. Well Pet I have written. This is the third time since my return. I did not write for a week after I came back because I was in bed most of the time and when up did not feel like writing. I am now staying in Camp Chase or at the Four Mile House as I am not fit for active duty. I am in command of the regiment or what there is of it here, now 400 men. We will probably organize the last of this week or the first of next when I hope to get home. I have not heard from home for some time, but suppose they are moving by this time. I hope you received the shawl and that it was satisfactory. You must have had a house full without me while the folks from the other house were with you. You will hear from me again soon and may see me before long. I have written this in a recruiting office and cannot possibly keep my thoughts together any longer. I send you lots of love. Your Loving Husband, Steve
Bell Plains, Virginia
Bell Plains, Virginia May 20th, 1864
Dear Del,
As you will see by the date of letter we are fairly into the land of Rebs. I caught up with the Regt. between Harrisburg and Baltimore where a train was off the track. They have us no opportunity to write until we arrived here nor can I now tell if this will reach you, but hope it will for when we leave here there will be no possible chance for sixty days. We are now ten miles from Fredericksburg and 23 from the main army guarding supplies. How long we will be kept here, I cannot say but expect not long. There is no danger of our having much fighting to do as we are not mounted and though they can use us for Guards they will not probably attempt to make us fight as infantry. So far as I am concerned I would as soon fight as infantry as cavalry.
You must not feel uneasy if you do not hear from me till the fighting is over for I will certainly turn up alright. I dare not write anything in way of news though I am quite certain I know nothing but what the Rebs do for their Scouts are all around our camp. Have you heard from Annie (Annie Woods Clark) since I left? How is she suited with country life? If I do not return before July on your vacation, you must go and see them. And go prepared to stay if it suits you. It is but a little over a week since I saw you and yet it seems a month. If I get out this time I will stay at home the rest of my days. I think I will get the come home by fall anyhow if not sooner. Give my love to all at home. I send you my sweet little Pet lots of love and plenty of kisses. Direct to Bell Plains care U.S. Sanitary Commission and then possibly it will get through. A member of the USL will take this to Washington.
Your Loving Husband, Steve p.s. This was written on the ground not a very good desk.
White House
White House June 11, 1864
Dear Del,
Your kind loving letters (three of them) came last evening. You cannot imagine how much good they done me. I had heard nothing from you since I left home. I knew you had written and that the letters were somewhere on the road, but we moved so often that I did not know as they would ever reach me yet, finally they came and were none the less welcome. I often thought of you while riding along the road and wondered if you were thinking of a certain Capt. In the Army of the Potomac. I always felt certain I was not forgotten, that my sweet little pet would always remember me. If it was not for you I would feel quite contented, but as it is I do not nor cannot, while I am away from you pet. I console myself with the thought that it will not last always.
I am not afraid of being killed as it is not likely our Regt. will see much service in the way of fighting, as we are doing guard duty and are likely to through the whole of the campaign. I would like to be at Pittsburgh now very much to attend the fair which I trust will be a success, for I do not know what the soldiers would do were it not for the different commissions. The Christian Commission* is doing more than all the rest. When we came from the front where nothing to eat for two days they came at once and gave us all we wanted and took care of our sick. We are going to have preaching this evening by a member of the Christian Commission. I will send you some money as soon as I can get it which will not be long. Will write to you soon again about it. So you are still fright (?) are you? I hope you have reason to be as a little Clark would be the most acceptable present you could make me on my return. And I shall now feel quite disappointed if your fears should prove unfounded.
You wish to know if Conway is not getting serious. I have no means of knowing except that whatever he writes can be depended upon. The time for drill has come and I must quit. We expect to move to James River soon and abandon this post as we did Bell Plains and Port Royal. You see Grant (Ulysses Grant) moves. My love to all at home, lots for yourself and plenty of kisses.
Your Loving Husband, Steve
Direct to Capt. S.R. Clark 1st Brigade, 3 Div. 9th Army Corps. What regt. Is Ada’s husband is chaplain for what corps. They are likely somewhere within two miles of here and if I knew the number of the regt and corps I might call on him. Paper is a scarce article here and were it not for the Christian Com. Men who find their way into every corner I do not know what we would do.
Near Petersburg, Virginia
Near Petersburg July 4, 1864
Dear Del,
Your last kind loving letter came this evening. I was very glad to get it. I was not feeling very well and it done me more good than anything else could. I have been thinking of you and our home more than usual today, of how you are getting along, and how much happier we would be if we could enjoy each other’s society. And though I know it is useless to reflect in this way I cannot help it sometimes. And when I get to thinking of the loved ones at home I feel perfectly miserable and solemnly promise myself, if I get home again I will stay. This has been an unusually quiet day more like Sunday than any other day I have seen since I came to the Army of the Potomac. We expected a fight today but there has been less than on any previous day since we came. The fight may not commence for some time but when it does the Rebs will find they have something to contend with. Our guns are within easy range of the city. In one place the lines are not more than 10 rods apart. I was within less than half a mile of the city today full as near as I want to get till it is in our possession. I stayed until I found I had attracted the attention of the Reb sharp shooters in the houses and the balls began to cut the dirt around me when I found it convenient to leave. I received a letter from Pa yesterday he writes that everything was going on fairly at the farm. He says they are expecting you and Annie (Annie Woods Clark) soon. I wish I could be there too, but that cannot be at present. I am very sorry I could not send you the money you wished sooner than I shall be able to. I will sell my horse as soon as I find anyone who has the money to pay for him. I can find plenty of them who will pay payday, but that will not do. If you can get what you wish to get to the farm with I will write to Pa to furnish you whatever you want when you get there so you can pay what you borrow. Give my love to all at home and tell them I am coming home when Richmond is taken. I will write soon again.
Your loving husband, Steve
Near Petersburg July 9, 1964
Dear Del,
Your very kind letter of the 4th came last evening. It was as you letters always are very welcome. I was sorry to find you spent the 4th in so much seclusion. I am afraid you allow my absence to worry you too much. Not that I would for the world have you think less of me but you should take a more hopeful view of the case. I am truly sorry that my writing often has given you so much trouble and given your friends cause of complaint. This so far as can shall be remedied in the future. I think that if some of those who complain had went through as much as I have in the last four weeks they would not have had enough of soul and body left together to write when they got through. I know that I am careless about writing and always was but do not think that I am to blame in this particular case. On a march we can carry no baggage and consequently no paper. A Capt. on such marches as ours have been has all he can do without it. A company is in many respects just like a large family and the Capt. Should see that they are properly cared for, and where men are continually giving out the cares and attentions required are not a few. I am aware that Mag thinks I do not write as often as I should for she has written to Conaway (Lt. John B. Conaway) about it several times. The other night he brought me one of her letters, and said I must write to you. I took it as an insult which he soon saw. And gave me to understand that he inferred from what Mag said that it was but seldom if ever I wrote to you. I brought out your letters and very soon convinced the young Gent that the case was not so bad as it might be. I think it will be some time before he troubles himself about it again. Mag may think I should write oftener than he does. But I do not, for any Second Lt. has more time by half than a Capt. Even if he does his part. Lt. Jewett Connway (Lt. John B. Conaway) belongs to Co. F which is without a Capt. And I am afraid that if they do not manage better the promotion will be made from some other Co. This is all the paper I have dear, so I must make it do this time but will write again soon. I send you all the love I have for I care not what others say. I have none for any one before you, and trust you will believe me. I do nothing but what I think will make us more happy in the future. Write as often as you can or feel able.
Your Loving Husband, Steve
Near Petersburg, Virginia July 11, 1864
Dear Del,
I do not intend to allow any opportunity I may have of writing to you to escape me if you get two letters a week. You will not object, will you? They say this is Sunday. It is a beautiful day. The stillness is occasionally broken by the booming of cannon and the sharp crack of the sharp shooter’s rifles. There are some killed alone the line every day but usually not more than two or three. Yesterday the Rebs sent a solid shot down the road from the city to our lines (our lines cross it at right angles) some of the boys who had been relieved from duty in the rifle Pits had been to the sanitary Commission and got a good dinner which they were dividing in the road when the ball struck the squad instantly killing two and seriously wounding two more. It was a sudden change for the poor fellows, but such is war. There has been considerable moving of troops last night and today what is meant by it if anything particular I do not know. I have just received an order to be ready to move by seven o’clock this evening into the second line of works and must get ready by that time. I expect there will be but little opportunity for writing till we are relieved. How long that will be I cannot say. Our position will be nearly a mile to the left of our present one. There will be but little danger unless we have to change which is not likely at this stage of the siege. I will have plenty of time to meditate on the past, present and future or do whatever can be done in a ditch filled with men and guns but it won’t last always which is consoling.
I will write as often as our circumstances will admit which I hope will be quite often. If the Rebs should run off and leave us we will have no fighting here but this is not probable. As soon as I can I mean to come home if it is but for a short time. I would like to see you so much oh so much. But it is no use to reflect in this way for it will do not good. So I must bid you goodbye for this time. Much love and lots of kisses.
Your loving husband, Steve
Petersburg, Virginia
Petersburg July 12, 1864
Dear Del,
In the works before this city is not a very convenient place for writing, but it can be done after a fashion. I picked thin sheet of paper in my den where my predecessor had left it. He had commenced to write to his sister, but as often has been the case with your humble servant was obliged to quit in a hurry. It is just twenty four hours since we entered these works. It is the first day we have been under a continuous fire from small arms. Two have been wounded one in Co.E shot through both legs and one in D shot in the breast. They were both on the outside of the works when shot. There is but little if any danger if you keep inside but the moment you step outside you are in plain sight and if shoot happens to be the order of the day you will very soon hear from them.
The Rebs offered to quite sharp shooting today if our men would and trade with them, but our front line would not consent so the firing goes on. In front of the second Brigade of our Division there has not been any shooting for more than a week and we can see the men in both sides walking around where ever it suits their pleasure. If one wants to exchange papers or trade coffee for tobacco he gets up on the breastworks and swings his papers over his head it will be answered, then both parties will start at once and meet between the lines, sit down and each procures his stock. In no instance have I heard of bad faith on either side. My quarters are underground it is just like a little cellar. It is perfectly safe from either shot or shell. Lt. Cooper (Edward F. Cooper) is my roommate, he is a first rate fellow no discount on him in any way. I intend recommending him to some nice young lady as he has no lady correspondent and is a beautiful writer.
I thought I would get a letter form you yesterday but was disappointed as my orderly reported, “Nothing for you Cap.” I feel sure you have written, and that it will come soon. I have written to Pa, Mother and Annie (Annie Woods Clark) lately so if they get them all they will have enough for once. Hiram Brown (Lt. Hiram Griswold Brown) received a letter from home today. Lou and all our friends are well. I will write soon again Pet probably as soon as you will think it necessary. You must not complain two or three come at once for I cannot help it. I send you lots of love and of kisses.
Your loving husband, Steve
p.s. I have just sent for a cracker box for a writing desk, and some paper so you can look for a shower of letters.
Near Petersburg, Virginia
Near Petersburg July 26, 1864
Dear Del,
I should have written sooner, but could not well as I have been on the sick list for the past three days. I have not been very sick, but sick enough to unfit me for any kind of duty. I am a good deal better today and expect to be as well as usual in a day or two. I suppose by this time you are safely housed in your new home and I hope enjoying yourself as well as your health will permit which I think will improve by staying in the country a while. I received Annie’s (Annie Woods Clark) letter and will answer it at the rifle pits when I return. I am writing this at the cook shanty where I have been staying while sick.
We expect to have a big time here one of these days how soon we do not know but probably before long as everything appears to be about ready to commence. They have mined one of the longest of the Reb forts in our front. In mounts thirty two heavy guns and if successfully blown up at the time of attack will probably cost them their whole line of works. I see by the papers that the Rebs say that it cannot be mined and make all sorts of fun of Ground Hog Grant as they call General Grant (Ulysses Grant) for attempting it. It was finished yesterday and I saw the buses to hold the powder carried in this morning. They will put eight tons of powder under it and if it don’t upset some of them I miss my guess but time will show. I am getting in a hurry to have Petersburg taken.
I want to go to town. I have not seen but four ladies since we left Washington, and one here would attract more attention than General Grant would were they both to ride along the lines. I know of nothing of interest to write about now do not feel very much like writing today and will try and do better next time. Give my love to all at home and keep lots for yourself.
Your loving husband, Steve
Home (Ohio)
Home (Ohio) July 27, 1864 (Wednesday)
My Dear Husband,
I am getting very impatient for a letter from you, but it will take some time for them to get here, when they have to be remailed. I expect I will get them all together some day this week. I am enjoying farm life as much as ever. I love the country quiet, and if I could get a paper every day, so as to have some idea of what Grant is doing I would be as contented as it is possible for me to be while you are away. Everything looks beautiful now, but there has not been rain enough to make vegetation very forward. The farmers are complaining greatly of the dry weather, but there has been much more rain here than in Eastern Ohio and western Pennsylvania, in those portions the gardens are really scorched up. On Monday last it rained here from noon until nearly midnight, and part of the afternoon. It came down very hard, as Annie (Annie Woods Clark) and I have reason to remember, for we rode through the hardest of it. We were in the buggy and had the apron up, but it ran in at the sides and soaked through the oil cloth, but we didn’t get wet much, and you mustn’t scold about it, if we did, for we went to the office, expecting a letter from you. No one second disposed to take the trip such an unpleasant day, and I hadn’t patience to wait for the weather, so Annie and I went to the field for the horse, brought it in, had Pa hitch up for us, and started off for a “ride in the rain” to Sullivan. You may be sure we were no little disappointed when neither of us got a letter. We don’t expect to have many opportunities of going to the office this week, for they are using the horses. They are busy harvesting hay. Mr. Newton and Levi are at work every day but Pa is as busy as either of them, he is out in the field since seven o’clock this morning, and the day is very warm, but he said he must stay, for they don’t do so well without someone with them. They will be at the hay all this week, and perhaps longer. Mother and I went to the field where they were working yesterday evening to see the mowing machine in operation. Mrs. Newton was up to see me yesterday evening; they expect to move west next Monday week; she’s very much opposed to going, and seems to feel so badly about it that I really pity her: she is the only neighbor I have seen. I hear that my old rival,Lib Hart (I forget her new name) is very anxious to see me. I wish she would come over for I want to see her, but I suppose I may expect to be severely criticized by her and her friends as I ruined her prospects. I can’t blame them if they do feel a little spiteful about it, if they think I was preventing you from marrying her, for she certainly missed the best man in the world by not getting you. I think so, at any rate, and am very thankful that it has fallen to my lot to call him husband. I hope she is as well satisfied with her choice as I am with mine, and if she is, she will surely be happy. I wouldn’t exchange places with anyone in the world, unless it would be some of the members of Co.A 13th U.S.C., so as to be with you; that is the only wish I have, and I think you will have no doubts when you get home of my living contented in the country. You were always afraid I wouldn’t be satisfied away from the city, after spending my life in it, but you don’t realize as well as I do, how much I depend on you for every moment’s happiness, that without you, no place is home, and with you every place is pleasant. I thought I could imagine before I was married how very dear a husband would be, but experience has taught me differently; although we have been together very little since we were married, it has been long enough to learn me that we cannot be happy separated, and every day it gets harder to live without you, but it won’t be much longer, will it? You say you are coming home when Richmond is taken, and if that is ever going to happen, it will surely be before many weeks. I suppose you are waiting for its fall as anxiously as I am. You have been away longer now, than at any other time since we were married: it is very nearly three months. An old gentleman came in this morning and told us that Sherman (William Tecumseh Sherman) had taken Atlantic. I think Uncle Abe will have to drain that farm before it will be of much use to him. I have tried to ascertain what the quota of Sullivan will be, but can’t succeed: Pa says, Mr. Whitcombe told him it would take every third man. I am glad you are not liable to draft. I intended writing you that Col. Dan McCook (Col. Daniel McCook Jr.) died at his home in Steubenville, from the effects of a wound received in the battle of Kennesaw Mountain. Col. Luey(?) (Col. Jackson A. Lucy) of the 115th Ohio has been dismissed from the service for incompetency and lack of moral character. I may have written you both these items before, but if I did, pardon repetition, as I can’t remember from one time to another what I said to you. Pa, mother, and Uncle Bennie went to Sullivan to church last Sabbath. There was no preacher came, and Pa supplied the pulpit; his is to preach there again next Sabbath. Uncle Bennie and Hat. started home yesterday evening. I will enclose a dozen of stamps to you, and if you use them right fast, I will send you some more soon. Annie says she will write a note and enclose it, if she has time; she is at the piano practicing. I believe I have given you all the news. I have written a long letter, and do hope I will get a long answer. Write whenever you can get time: don’t be afraid of sending too many.
Much love from your ever loving Del
In the Field, Weldon Railroad, Virginia
Camp, 13th O.V.C. In the field August 28, 1864
Dear Del,
I am afraid you will think I am neglecting you as I have written you nothing for nearly two weeks but one poor miserable little note on the back of an order. I often thought of writing and sometimes had time if I could have used it but that was out of the question as all the paper we brought with us had been wet and thrown away and if it had been written how I would have sent it as the regular mail did not go.
The first days we were out we were wet to the skin all the time, and at night were so cold that we could not sleep and dare not build fires. Until yesterday the men were not allowed to take their things off for a minute and when not moving were not allowed to leave the line battle. When we stopped for any time the guns were stacked and the men allowed to lay down beside them but not to leave, as there was no telling what time the Johnies might light down upon us. We came just in time the day of the first fight. The Johnies had nearly surrounded the fifth corps and would have captured nearly the whole of it had it not been for the timely arrival of the 9th. They were right in the rear of the fifth and had captured one whole Brigade when we came up but most of them escaped as they were not anxious about prisoners when they found we were getting between them and Petersburg. At first they seemed disposed to fight us but I think they thought we were part of the fifth crops trying to get out. They stayed too long or their own good. At one time they had several thousand prisoners in their hands and might have kept them had they sent them immediately to the rear.
Some very amusing incidents occurred during the day. The battlefield most of it was a swampy wild mess. Nearly as bad as the swamp near Akron and some places full as bad if not worse. By the time we got there they were well mixed up. They took the whole of PA Regt. Put it under guard and started it for what they supposed to be the rear and what was the rear when they went through ad marched them through the swamp into a corn field where our 2nd Brigade lay in line of battle. They did not discover their mistake till the men got upright before them (they were lying down) then it was too late to escape. Some squads were captured and recaptured three and four times. I have had some pretty narrow escapes as all must have who goes into battle.
In the charge on Friday a Johnny stepped out from behind a large pine tree about four yards ahead of me and drew up his rifle to shoot me as deliberately as though he had been put there for that special purpose, but boys were too quick for him and before he could fire was shot through from both sides and instantly killed. In the fight on Sunday a six pound solid shot took my hat off my head but such escapes are very common in every army and not considered worth mentioning here. Though the manner in which an officer conducts himself under such circumstances is.
So far the Rebs have been whipped in every attempt they have made to drive us from the Weldon Road*. Their loss must have been very heavy as they were obliged to change our fortifications in the last two fights. Their last assault on the 2nd Corps was a desperate one. They made five charges with from four to seven lines of battle deep and we had twelve pieces of cannon throwing grape and canister at a fearful rate. We are not building a new line of works; our part of the line is about two miles from the railroad. Our fortifications will be finished tomorrow when we will be glad to see the Johnies try them. Col. Hixon (?) (Noah H. Hixon) has gone to Columbus and will not return till sometime next month. And till he does return I will be in command of the Regiment. The Major is still here as he has not heard from his resignation yet. He has no disposition to take command and could not if he wished to as the regt. would not be commanded by him and he is so well known at headquarters that their wishes would be respected.
I have nice quarters built of pine boughs with my tent in the rear for a dressing room and sleeping apartment. Our regiment is the largest in the brigade and has the reputation of fighting well, which is a very usual thing for dismounted cavalry. But I am writing too much of war and nothing else. If I could only see you I could tell you more in ten minutes than I can write in three hours. When I can come home is hard to tell but it may not be long. I will come as soon as I can after the Col. Returns, if there is no prospect of our leaving this army. He will make an effort to have us transferred to the western army and we hope he will succeed. I would like to see you all very much and if nothing unusual happens it will not be long till this campaign will be ended. I was sorry to hear that Asbury (Asbury Castle) was going to enlist as it will be hard for him to get a position now that will pay him. If I was in Columbus just now I think I could get him made Commissary of our regt. As there is one to be appointed and we have no man for the place. His rank and pay would be the same as other Cav. 1st Lt., $130 a month.
There will be a chaplain wanting as soon as the Regt. Is full though I believe the Col. has a man he intends to or has recommended; all I know about him is that he is a Methodist. If I can do anything for him I will. You must be careful of your health as I want you to be real fat when I come home. You must keep up your spirits and take plenty of outdoor exercise. I will send you lots of kisses, hoping it will not be long till I shall have the pleasure of giving instead of sending. I hope Hen will suit and be of some help to Pa. Tell him that old Dave has been nearly dead, and is so poor now that he would not know him. Boyd takes care of him but he does not like him and if he felt as he used to he would kill him. I hope he will get well for I think more of him than all the other horses I ever saw. Give my love to Pa, Mother and Annie (Annie Woods Clark) and keep lots for yourself. Write as often as you can.
Your loving husband, S.R. Clark
Headquarters 13th O.V.C. In the field Sept 1st 1864
Dear Del,
As I do not feel disposed to do anything in the way of business this evening I have concluded to spend it in trying to answer your kind loving letter of the 25th which I received yesterday. I am afraid I shall fail to write anything of interest as matters are very quiet here just now. You always charge me to write about my health as you say you fear I am or sometimes trying to deceive you in regard to it and that you intend to pull my ears for it when I return. I should like very much to have them pulled by you tonight, I would not say a word against the operation but bear it like a true soldier.
My health is very good now for this season of the year in the army. Better than it has been for some time past. There are but very few who are enjoying very good health or what would be called good health at home. Probably not more than ten out of every hundred men. More than half of our officers are in the hospital, and the most of those left are very poor, and dress coats that fitted at the commencement of the campaign are two or three sizes too large round. I am now wearing a little jacket I had in the six months service and it is just the fit. When we left Columbus it would not begin to button on me. The warmest of the season is now past and we will soon look better, and feel better than we have for three months past. Yesterday I mustered the Regt. For pay and I now have all the roll to examine which will take me all day tomorrow if I get through then I will think myself well off.
Well Dear I got this much written last evening and would have finished it had I not be stopped by visitors but will do the best I can this time and write soon again. Yours of the 27th came this morning. I was glad to receive it but sorry to hear Hen was turning out so badly. I would settle him in a hurry if I were at home. And if he shows no signs of doing better, tell Pa to ship him at once. Just tell him to “git.” I never had any trouble with him nor would not have now if I were at home. I have not time to write more now as I have a large days work before me. Give my love to all at home and keep lots for yourself.
Affectionately your husband, S.R.Clark
Near Petersburg, Virginia
Headquarters 13th O.V.C. Near Petersburg, Va. Sept. 10th 1864
Dear Del,
I have not written you for some days for want of time and opportunity. The Rebs have been threatening our rear for a week past and we have been very busy fortifying our rear. Our works are now done and we are ready for them should they come which I think is very doubtful as they are by no means fond of butting their heads against our fortifications. A good many are now deserting almost every morning, I have a squad to send to headquarters. They say these are a good deal discouraged since the fall of Atlanta and the capture of the forts round Mobile.
I scarcely know what to write that will be interesting as everything is very quiet just now. The Major left us today. “Not a tear was shed.” He went in peace in less than three hours after he received his papers from Gen. Wilcox. I heard this evening that Hen had enlisted I hope has as he will probably be of little use anywhere else, Mrs. Chesny (Cherry, by May of 1864 Capt. John N. Cherry was appointed Major) wrote it to the Major. I received a letter from Col. Hixon (Noah H. Hixon) today he is in Columbus, and will probably remain there for several days yet. Company “I” of our Regt. came yesterday. They are from Cincinnati under command of Capt. Wheeler. He is a fine looking man and I think will make a very good officer. I have turned my Co. over to Lt. Cooper (Edward F. Cooper) and do not expect to take command of it again. This army will winter here, or they are making preparations for it. In two days more we will have a railroad from City Point to our extreme left on the Weldon Railroad. They will issue rations to the whole army from this road and save all hauling. Each Brigade will have its own station and no army ever wintered better than this one will here this winter as they can have everything a soldier can ask for.
I received a letter from Eddy last week and will answer it as soon as I get time. It was a very good letter but contained no news of importance. Since I have come into command of the regiment I find but little time for writing. I did not expect to have all the responsibility of managing a Regt thrown on to me so soon and right in the middle of an active campaign but so it happened and I am not sorry now that it did, for it has given me an opportunity of showing that I was equal to any emergency. I am looking forward with a great deal of pleasure to the time when I can come home to see you. I shall enjoy all the more my visit for being away so long. When the Col. returns I shall try for a leave of absence, unless there is a prospect of more fighting to be done. We are looking for the pay master and should like to see him very much as there is six months’ pay due us in this Regt. I would like to be at home to get some of the melons but expect I shall be too late for anything of the kind. I cannot tell you how much I desire to see you nor would I if I could for I am afraid it would not tend to make my sweet little pet any happier or more contented. I trust your health is still improving and that you are getting real fat. I am real sorry Annie (Annie Woods Clark) thinks of cutting my acquaintance for not writing. Just tell her to use one pint of Christian forbearance before she takes that rash step. But I will make all these matter straight when I come home this fall. If Asbury (Asbury Castle) should enlist he had better come to this Regt if he was here now I would give him the first Lt. of Co. I but unfortunately he is not.
I do not know what more to write today and will close by saying that if you see the promotion of a certain Capt. About my size before this gets there you may know it is me and need not take to heart for it will not make any difference about my coming home. Write as often as you can for I am always very very glad to hear from you.
From your loving husband, Steve
Headquarters 13th O.V.C. Near Petersburg Sept 11th 1864
Dear Del,
I received a letter from you and one from Mother by two days mail for which I am very thankful as I always feel much better when I get good letters from the “loved ones at home.” This is Thanksgiving Day for which the soldiers of this army are thankful as it is the first days rest they have had for three weeks. You say that you have not heard from me for two weeks from which I infer that one of my letters must have gone astray as I certainly have not allowed two weeks to pass without writing to you though I know I have written to no one else in that time. I wrote you a kind of a letter yesterday which if put with this one will make one in size if not in matter.
We are anxious to hear what Col. Hixon (Noah H. Hixon) will accomplish towards getting us out of this flat foot infantry arrangement. We would like to be sent west if possible and if that cannot be accomplished, mounted here. I will probably know what the prospects are in a few days. I am afraid Pa is working too hard for his strength and will soon wear clean out. He must not allow the work to trouble him so much and what can’t be done without his doing it just let it go undone for his health is of more importance to all of us than the farming operations.
The mail bag is going round gathering the mail and will be here soon so that if this important document goes I must close. Much love to you and all the rest.
Your husband, Steve
p.s. I almost forgot your warning, I.E. to pull my ears. My health is very good and I am fully able for my rations.
Headquarters, 13th O.V.C. Sept 20th 1864
Dear Del,
I wrote you a few days ago but, believing that there is no danger of my writing too often or too much will try and write something in the shape of a letter tonight. I can write better and faster after night than I can in the day time as I am less liable to interruptions. I received a letter from you today dated or mailed at Wellington the 12th for which you will please accept my most sincere thanks. I feel under great obligation to you for writing to me so often. I wish you knew with what pleasure they are received. I think you would feel better paid than you do by the poor answers you receive. You wish to know what I was doing that I was so busy that I could not write. I cannot tell what I was doing at the time to which you refer unless it was before the muster rolls were finished, though I usually have enough to do to keep me out of mischief. In most cases commissioned officers have plenty of time in camp but it has not been the case with the officers of this corps for a month past, Wednesday Sept 21st.
I had to stop last night as the Col. came in on me very unexpectedly. He looks a good deal better than he did when he left. He reports everything all right in Ohio and the prospect for the union ticket very good, of which we are very glad. I have my commission as Major of the 13th O.V.C dated Sept 2nd 1864. We expect men enough to fill the Regiment which if accomplished will give me a Lt. Col. before long which will be getting along very well for one who has seen no more service than I have. My orderly Srgt. Is promoted to 2nd Lt. Charlie Young (Charles Young) and my first Lt. B.F. Kling (Benjamin F. Kling to Capt. Lt. Cooper (Edward F. Cooper) was overlooked somehow, but will be promoted soon. Lieut. Conaway (Lt. John B. Conaway) was made a First Lt. I shall make application for leave of absence as soon as I think it can be granted, and I trust it will not be long, or at least very long till I shall see you all once more. I am quite anxious to see you Pet and doubt not you are full as anxious to see me as I am to see you. The only thing I dislike about coming home is that I would hardly get there till I would have to return as it is hard to get a leave of absence for a longer time than fifteen days but I will try and do the best I can. I sometimes feel as if I must come home anyhow, but am sorry to say that feelings have nothing to do with Army operations and I must wait my time. I hope your health will remain good, and that I will find you looking very motherly when I come. I do not want to come till we are paid if that is soon as we expect it will be.
Give my love to Pa, Mother and Annie (Annie Woods Clark) and keep lots for yourself.
Your loving husband, Steve
Two Miles West of Weldon Railroad, Two Miles North of South Side Railroad, Virginia
Camp 13th O.V.C. Oct. 6th 1864
Dear Del,
I have had no opportunity of writing to you for some time as we have been continually on the move for some time past. We had a small fight Friday while flanking the Rebs towards the south side road. We lost a few killed and some wounded. None of our officers were killed. Captains Jarvis (Dwight Jarvis) and Kling (Benjamin F. Kling) were wounded. We are now two miles west of the Weldon Road. We are to be mounted soon probably this week. I intend to try for a leave of absence this week but cannot tell whether I can obtain it or not. If I should succeed I will be there soon after this arrives. You need not look for me till you see me and then you will not be disappointed. I would like to see you very much and intend to as soon as it is possible. I would like to be at home election day to vote though I can vote here; what will be done next here I cannot say but I think it will be to move around further to the left till we strike the south side RR which is not far from here, not more than two miles.
I owe you two or three good letters but cannot pay now as facilities for writing are very poor and I have nothing of interest to write as this wooden country affords but little of interest. I expect a real good time when I get home though I am afraid I will not have long to stay. I will try for 30 days but do not expect to get that long. If I do not get home soon I will write again. I will make application for leave this afternoon and will probably hear from it in two or three days.
I hope you will excuse this poor scribble and look for better in the future. Give my love to all at home and keep lots for yourself.
Your loving husband, Steve
Four Miles SW of Petersburg, Virginia; Two miles from Southside RailRoad
Camp 13th Ohio Vol. Cavalry Oct. 13th 1864
Dear Wife,
I had thought that before this I would be on my way home and for that reason delayed writing as I would have reached home before the letter. I made application for leave of absence for 30 days on what I thought good grounds but it was returned from division headquarters disapproved much to my sorrow. It is very difficult to obtain leave of absence on any plea if the person applying is fit for duty, and I suppose I will have to wait till we go into winter quarters unless I should get sick enough to get a furlough which is not at all likely. The Col. was quite anxious to have me go to Columbus and finish our organization as a regiment, we had not men enough to do it when he was at home. I will improve the first chance that occurs to go home though I can’t say if will be very soon and yet I hope it will not be long. It is quite a disappointment to me as I had made up my mind to go home and I know will be to you but we must wait as military law is no respecter of persons.
Our Col. is under arrest and I am in command of the regiment which may have had some influence on Gen. Wilcox’s decision. We are not doing much except drilling, every afternoon I have to drill the regiment which with Dress Parade takes up all the afternoon. In the forenoon we drill Company drill with which I have nothing to do except to see that it goes on.
We have plenty to eat, and are doing as well as soldiers can expect to. From a remark you made in one of your letters I supposed Pa had written to me – if he did it failed to reach me for which I am very sorry. I will write to him soon. I was glad to learn that Asbury (Asbury Castle) was likely to get out of the draft as I do not see how he could well go, nor do I think he would render very efficient service as a private in the ranks. It would be rather a huge joke if he should have to go. If he had volunteered he would have been almost sure to get an office, but could not as a drafted man, as they will be put in to fill up the ranks of the old regiments. The weather is very pleasant here now though the nights are quite cold. Night before last it froze ice an eighth of an inch thick. I have not been in a house for four months and have almost forgot how people act who live in houses.
We have nothing now but little shelter tents. Our wall tents are at the Quartermasters at the Yellow house on the Weldon Railroad and will have to remain as they allow no transportation this far to the front. We are now four miles southwest of Petersburg and two miles from the Southside Railroad. When our new line is fortified I suppose there will be a fight for the south side road, and if we gain possession of it the Rebs will have to evacuate Petersburg. They undertook to break through our lines on the Weldon Road night before last and were well whipped. There is not an inch of ground from here to the James River but what can be swept by grape and canister which makes charging very unpleasant, even where there is but little infantry on the line. But I am not writing anything that will be very interesting. I trust your healthy will continue to improve or at least keep as good as circumstances will admit. Is Mr. Parish going to live on the farm he bought from Uncle Lem or is he merely there on a visit? Tell Annie (Annie Woods Clark) I am going to write to her one of these days when the sign comes right.
I will write to some of you tomorrow if we do not move and must close for the present. And now Pet you must accept a bushel or more of Love to make up for the other deficiencies of this poor excuse for a letter. Give my love to all at home.
From your loving husband, S.R. Clark
p.s. We held election on the eleventh the vote stood Union 106, Democrat 29. We will do better than that when we vote for President.
Headquarters, 13th O.V.C., Calvary Depot near City Point, Virginia
Headquarters, 13th O.V.C. Cavalry Depot near City Point, Va. December 20th, 1864
Dear Father,
I am afraid you will think I am not keeping my promise very well of writing once a week. Since my return I am very busy tending to my duties connected with the regiment. My reception by both officers and men was very flattering. I found my new Major (Russell) had completely played out, and I think will have to leave the service. Last week I received an order from army headquarters transferring my regiment to the second division cavalry corps and an order from Gen. Gregg (David McMurtrie Gregg) ordering me here to be mounted. We have received all our equipment except arms. The arms drawn for us were issued to the first Div. the day before I came here and we will now have to wait till others come from Washington. I have five hundred men mounted. I had them out on drill this morning they made a fine appearance and I think I have a right to be proud of my regiment. We are to be armed with Sharps Carbines, Colts Army Pistols, and the light cavalry Saber which should make us a terror to our enemies.
Our Surgeon Major came a few days before I returned. I like him very much and think he will prove quite an advantage to the medical department of the regiment. Col. Hixon (Noah H. Hixon) is not yet reinstated nor do I know whether he will be. If he is his friends in the regiment will advise him to resign at once as they think he is not qualified for the position. The weather has been very fine since my return more like fall than winters. There is some indications of a move on the left of our line by our forces but they will not have us in for it this time. The news from all quarters is very good and we hope that by spring the most of the fighting will be over and we can all go home, but if it should not be we can stand it as long as the Rebs can, and want them to be perfectly satisfied before they stop. I hope you get along with the work without exposing yourself too much. I have more fears of your overdoing than anything else. You must try and get along as easy as possible till I can come home to work for you. My health is very good, better than it has been for several months. I have had three letters from Del since my return she is well as usual. I could not find a duplicate copy of my muster out roll in Washington, but can obtain it here and will get my pay as soon as I can find a paymaster who has money. As soon as I get paid I will send you money enough to pay all our debts and help live. I was sorry I could not get it while at home, but it will be good when it does come. I was glad to get your letter it done me a great deal of good and you must write as often as you can find time and feel able.
My love to all, your affectionate Son, S.R. Clark
Headquarters 13th O.V.C. December 23rd 1864
Dear Pet,
It is not daylight yet and I feel very lonesome and must write to you. I think you will not object to my writing every day will you? I would like very much to see you this morning and to get a sweet loving kiss from you and a sweet little hug. I expect you will feel like boxing my ears for writing such stuff to my sweet little wife. I spend a great deal of time thinking how happy we will be when allowed to enjoy each others company while we live. I trust your health will remain as good as it was when I left if not better. You must not get poor again, but get as fat as the Ohio fat girl. I am trying to quit using tobacco and a great time I am having of it. I am like some Christians I hope I will hold out faithful, but am not quite certain of being able to do so. I think I could if I had you to help me. I have used it so long that it seems almost necessary to my existence. If I am ever going to quit it is time I was at it. I received a good letter from Pa a few days ago, he was usually well when he wrote. They seem to be doing very well so far this winter and I hope will continue to do so till I can come home to help them. I hope Eddy will not marry any one that will not suit him, for I think as you do that it would be the most unfortunate thing that could occur. Nothing is better than to be happily married and I would rather be dead than to be married to a person I could not love or respect.
The surgeon desires me to finish up this epistle by giving you his best respects and further he says he is willing to certify that I have been a good boy. I will not write any more before tomorrow for fear your friends might think me crazy. I send you lots of love and plenty of kisses, and hope to hear from you soon.
Your loving husband, Steve
Headquarters 13th O.V.C. December 25th 1864
Dear Pet,
I know of nothing of interest I have to communicate as there is nothing of interest going on. I did not get a letter from you this morning as I expected to and though I could not help feeling disappointed I did not think it any fault of yours that it did not make its appearance. I shall look for it tomorrow without fail. I suppose you are at Uncle Edwards today enjoying a fine dinner. I would like very much to make one of the party, but it cannot be so that settles the question. Everything looks so favorable that I am almost inclined to think the war about over and the time not far distant when there will be no need of our remaining in the field. I suppose the new call for three hundred thousand more will make those who are liable to draft shake in their boots. Eddy will have to stand it again unless your quota is filled by volunteers. I think this is probably the last call that will be made unless we should meet with some disaster which is not at all probable.
This is the last winter I expect to be away from you. I am bound to spend my life more pleasantly than I have the last few months. With you I feel perfectly contented and away from you I cannot be. No one will know the value of home better than the soldiers after the war is over. The value of home and the society of friends cannot be fully realized by those who have never been deprived of them for any length of time and obliged to associate with those in who you have no interest. I often think how happy we will be when settled for life. And not have to look forward to separation in a few days as we have to when I come home on leave of absence. I sometimes think that I am foolish for thinking of you all the time, and yet I would not have it otherwise for the world. I have not heard anything from Col. Hixon (Noah H. Hixon) for some time, do not know whether he is reinstated or not, but suppose not as we would have heard of it had it been otherwise. I think my chances for Lt. Col. very good but do not care much about it. I I send you lots of kisses and bushels of love. Write often.
Your Loving Husband, Steve
Headquarters 13th O.V.C. Dec 26th 1864
Dear Pet,
It is raining this morning. I have concluded that it would be better to write you a short letter than to go out and get wet. The surgeon and I intended to visit army headquarters today on business, but think it doubtful is we will run the risk of getting a good wetting unless there is some necessity for it. I expect that two or three of my letters will reach you by the same mail. They all will not be more than an answer for one of your good long loving letters. I wish I could see you this morning. I could tell you a long letter in a short time a great deal shorter than I can write any kind of a one. I expect you had a fine time Christmas. I was not away from camp and I had no place to go but had plenty of fried mush and other good things to eat so that I done very well. Lt. Conaway (Lt. John B. Conaway) forwarded an application for a leave of absence this morning, if it is granted you may expect to see him in a few days after this reaches you as I suppose he will “stop off” as the boys say, to call on Mag. Joy to them is all I have to say. I expect to get a letter from you this morning and shall feel quite disappointed if it does not come. Give my love to all at home.
Your Loving Husband, Steve
Headquarters, 13th O.V. Calvary Near City Point, Va. December 27th, 1864
Dear Pet,
I do not know how long I shall continue to inflict a letter on your every day but expect not long as the opportunity for doing so will not always be as good as it is at present. I did not receive a letter from you yesterday – they must have gone astray for I feel sure you have not forgotten to write. Our changing from one corps to another has produced quite a confusion in our mail, but it will not last long. I intend to try and have my regiment filled up on this call if possible so that Mr. Somebody can get mustered as Colonel and wear a pair of eagles. The only trouble will be to get men home to recruit. I do not know but I had better get you a recruiting Commission as 2nd Lieut. And then detail you as my special aid de camp. I suppose you would have no objections to coming would you. I am always wishing I could see you and soldiering would be much more pleasant if you were with me, than it is without you. I had a long talk with you last night, I thought you were very glad to see me and was very sorry to wake up and find it all a dream. Possibly you would like to know when I am coming home again. If so allow me to say that it will be some time in 1865. It is time for drill and I must stop for today. Give my love to all and keep lots for yourself. Your Loving Husband, Steve
Headquarters 13th O.V.C. Dec 28th 1864
Dear Pet,
If your letters don’t come soon I shall write Gov. Dennison’s (William Dennison Jr.) P.M. Gen. a lecture on the subject giving him to understand that he will incur my wrath if his department is not better conducted in the future. This is a beautiful morning as warm as a spring morning in Ohio. I do not think we will have a good a chance to sleigh ride this winter as we had last in Kentucky. I have not seen a particle of snow here yet this winter.
The winter so far has been quite mild and if the latter part is no worse than what is past we will get along finely. I wish we were in Ohio this winter we would have some fine rides. The tent is full of officers and writing is an uphill business but it only one of the trials I have to contend with in carrying on my correspondence with you. But then when I write every day as I have for a few days past, I will certainly think of everything of interest. If Mag gets more letters than you do let me know and I will employ two clerks to write letters for me and I will mail them to you. I keep the Lieut. Pretty busy now so that he has not as much time to write as formerly. The only reason I have for writing every day that I feel better while writing to you than at any other time, it is the next thing to talking to you. I never was as homesick in my life, as I have been since my return. If I had stayed a few days longer you would have entirely ruined me for a soldier as it is I do not know as I shall recover entirely if I do not. I will have to resign giving as a reason that I have an affection of the heart which troubles me to such an extent as to unfit me for the service. I think you might cure me if you could have me under your special care for a short time. Don’t you think you could? Write me all the news especially about yourself. I am always anxious to know how you and pussy are. Wouldn’t you box my ears if you could get at them my sweet little pet. Give my love to all at home and keep lots for yourself. Give my love to all at home and keep lots for yourself.
Your loving Husband, Steve
Headquarters 13th O.V.C. January 7th 1865
Dear Del,
I have not written for nearly a week as we have been moving and the weather is very cold. We are now well fixed for cold weather and I expect to be able to write to you quite often. The men are very busy building quarters for the winter and our camp has already assumed the appearance of a western town. I received a real good letter from you today and will answer it tomorrow as I have not time to write anything worthy the name before the mail goes out which will be in a few minutes. The letter I received today was written on New Year’s Eve. We belong to the 3rd Brigade, 2nd Div. Cav.Corps H.P. The 6th Ohio Cav. Is in the same brigade which makes it very pleasant. The mail is ready and I must stop. Write tomorrow. I send you lots of love and plenty of kisses.
From your Loving Husband, Steve
“Initially, Lee (Robert E. Lee) did not intend to surrender, but planned to regroup at the village of Appomattox Court House, where supplies were to be waiting, and then continue the war. Grant chased Lee and got in front of him, so that when Lee's army reached Appomattox Court House, they were surrounded. After an initial battle, Lee decided that the fight was now hopeless, and surrendered his Army of Northern Virginia on April 9, 1865, at the McLean House.[170] In an untraditional gesture and as a sign of Grant's respect and anticipation of peacefully restoring Confederate states to the Union, Lee was permitted to keep his sword and his horse, Traveller. On April 14, 1865, President Lincoln was shot by John Wilkes Booth, a Southern sympathizer. Lincoln died early the next morning, and Andrew Johnson became the president. Meanwhile, Confederate forces across the South surrendered as news of Lee's surrender reached them.[171] On April 26, 1865, General Joseph E. Johnston surrendered nearly 90,000 men of the Army of Tennessee to Major General William T. Sherman at the Bennett Place near present-day Durham, North Carolina. It proved to be the largest surrender of Confederate forces, effectively bringing the war to an end. President Johnson officially declared a virtual end to the insurrection on May 9, 1865; President Jefferson Davis was captured the following day.[1] On June 2, Kirby Smith officially surrendered his troops in the Trans-Mississippi Department.[172] On June 23, Cherokee leader Stand Watie became the last Confederate General to surrender his forces”.[173] (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Civil_War)
Petersburg, Virginia
Headquarters 13th Ohio Cav. Petersburg, April 23rd 1865
Dear Pet,
Yours of the 19th came today and I need not tell you it welcome as you know I am always anxious to hear from my sweet little pet. I am sorry I have not time to write you a good long letter, but as we are to move at 6 in the morning I cannot spare much time from my other duties.
Where we are to go I cannot say, but should not be surprised if we were to turn up near Washington City. I cannot see where else we are to go that would require the number of rations we are ordered to take unless we join Sherman (William Tecumseh Sherman) which is not likely. As soon as we stop I will write you a letter by which time I hope to be able to give you some information as to time I will probably get home. You must remember that I am as anxious to get home as you are to have me. Give my love to all at home.
Your Loving Husband, Steve
Headquarters 13th O.V.C. May 5th 1865
Dear Pet,
After a hard ride of nearly two weeks we find ourselves just where we started from and are now resting preparatory to our journey homeward. We expect to leave soon for Washington as Uncle Sam has no use for us here any longer. Just how soon we will be discharged I cannot say but probably by the first of June if not before. We started after Johnston and were within fifteen miles of Danville when we were officially notified of his surrender and had to retrace our steps. I received two dear good letters from you yesterday for which I cannot thank you enough. When I come home I will try to do what and all I can to make you happy. I now feel that the time for which we are to be separated is nearly over and that I am perfectly safe so far as fighting is concerned. I would not have missed the camping which is just closed for anything in the world. I will tell you all about it when I come home. I am writing this with about a half a dozen all around me talking so that if it is not very connected you will not think me crazy, but it is no use for me to try to write here now. So I will try it after night or tomorrow. I do not expect to write you many more from VA. Give my love to all at home.
Your Loving Husband, Steve
Headquarters 13th Ohio Cav Petersburg, Va May 16th, 1865
Dear Pet,
I had thought that by this time I should have been on my way home. It appears that Uncle Sam is in no great hurry to get rid of us. All the Cavalry except our brigade left for Washington some time since we expected to follow, but it now looks as if they had left us here for good. I have no doubt myself now that we will remain here as long as it is thought necessary to keep any troops in these parts, which will probably be the most of the summer. A great many officers will get out in the consolidations which are to be made in accordance with Gen Order 87 from the War Department. Who will go and who remain it is hard to tell yet, but a few days will probably tell the story. I shall make no effort to remain though I do not think it would require much effort on my part if I chose to remain, as I am the ranking officer of the Ohio Regiments here. The 6th and my regiment will be consolidated if we can effect it. We have been together ever since we joined the Cavalry and agree very well. The two regiments consolidated would make a splendid regiment of over thirteen hundred men present for duty. And though I think lots of my dear little wife and other friends who are dear to me I cannot say that I have no ambition to command such a regiment. I fear all I have written will not be very interesting to you if you are looking for me home which I suppose you are. If there is no prospect of our getting discharged soon, I will have to try for a leave of absence or else tender my unconditional resignation which would be accepted as the fighting is over. This I do not like to do if I can avoid it a I am not patriotic enough to desire to give Uncle Sam the three months’ pay proper I would be entitled to if regularly mustered out by order of the War Department. The face is I cannot tell what I will or may be compelled to do, but as soon as I know I will write to you all about it. I will write to you as often as I can now till we move.
I have received no letter from you for some time, I am afraid you are sick and do not want me to know it. If I find this to be so I shall surely have to punish you severely for not making some of the rest write for you. I am looking forward to the future or our future with a great deal of pleasure. I have been deprived of the comforts of a good home for so long that I know I shall enjoy it very much. I long to see you very much and not only to see and talk with you, but stay forever with you. You must be patient for at furthest it cannot be long. I will write soon again. Give my love to all at home. With lots of love and plenty of kisses I am as ever
Your Loving Husband, Steve
Headquarters 13th Ohio Cav. Petersburg, Va., May 16th, 1865
Dear Father,
I should have written to you some time since had I not expected to be at home before this, but as the prospect of getting home soon is not as good as it was two weeks ago and getting worse every day, I concluded it was no use to wait on uncertainties any longer.
During active operations I had but little time for writing, and when we had time we were beyond the reach of mails. I want not give you a history of all I have seen and done in the past two months. When I come home I will tell you all about the part taken by the cavalry in the campaign which ended so gloriously in the capture of General Lee (Robert E. Lee) and his army. My regiment bore an honorable part in every engagement fought during the campaign and I have the pleasure of knowing that my regiment is as well and as favorably known as any in the division.
We captured Brig. Gen. Corse (Montgomery Dent Corse) and staff of Picket’s division, which two hundred of his men. The same day I captured and burned a train of forty wagons and succeeded in bringing off most of the teams and drivers. On the 6th of April I made my first saber charge on the 4th Va. Rebel cavalry. They had gained possession of the main road leading to Burkesville by driving the 2nd New York who were to hold it. I drove them back and captured their colors with a good many prisoners.
At Appomattox Court House I made the last mounted fight ever made against the army of Northern Va., and witnessed the surrender of what remained of that once famous army. Lt. Ed. Cooper (Edward F. Cooper) of my old company was killed about fifteen minutes before the surrender took place and is as far as we can learn the last officer ever killed by the rebel army of northern Va. He was the bravest and best officer I had and we all feel his loss very much.
I have lost seventy five men and officers wounded and killed and one hundred and twenty five horses killed and wounded so that we had to leave them. I started with 313 men. We took no horses that we thought would not stand the hardest kind of usage which with those already dismounted form the greater portion of nearly all the regiments. I have escaped unhurt. How I could escape so often is almost a miracle. There is but one other officer in the regiment who has been in every fight and escaped unhurt. At Dinwiddie Court House I had nine officers in the fight. Six of the nine were killed or wounded and not one escaped without some mark. I had three holes in my clothes and my horse shot twice.
This was the hardest fight I ever saw and hope never to see another such. The mail boy has come for the mail ad if this goes today I must stop where I am. I will send it and write the balance tomorrow. Give my love to all our friends and mother in particular.
Affectionately you son, S.R. Clark
Headquarters 13th O.V.C. Petersburg, Va. May 19th 1865
Dear Pet,
Your kind good letter of the 14th came last evening and I will not attempt to tell you how much good it done me. I had not heard from you for several days, and was afraid that they had gone to some of the Cavalry Corps near Washington.
I have not felt well for a week. The doctor says I am homesick and I believe he is more than half right. Now that the excitement of the campaign is over, I begin to feel as if I would rather be somewhere else. I am still in hopes they will discharge my regiment though I must confess the prospect is not very flattering. I think that in a few days we will know something more definite about the intention of the government in regards to us. I am very anxious to get settled down somewhere as I am heartily tired of being away from those I love. If I could be settled down where I could have you with me I should have no objection to soldiering awhile longer but as it is I am getting disgusted with it. The 6th Corps passed through Petersburg last night and this morning. I supposed Isaac was with them. If I had of known they were coming I would have looked for him but knew nothing of their arrival till they were most all well on their way towards Richmond. I have very good quarters and plenty to eat so that I have no reason to complain so far as my living is concerned.
I have a photograph of Lt. Cooper (Edward F. Cooper) I will send you as I am afraid I will spoil it if I keep it here and I cannot get another. I do not think we will get to see the grand Review at Washington nor do not care about it except that it would bring us nearer home. Anything that would bring me nearer you just now would be very welcome. I do not think anything will tempt me to leave you again. Though I think I done no more than my duty to my country required and know that in after years I shall look back upon this portion of my life with pleasure. I feel that I am more of a man than I would have been had I stayed at home. I think that even my sweet little wife will think more of me than she would if I had stayed at home as hundreds of others did because they thought more of their lives than for the credit or duration of the government which had protected them from infancy. But it is all over now and they will all be able to show that it was utterly impossible for them to leave home. This will do at home but will not do to tell soldiers. When I come home we can talk all these matters over to ourselves which will be more satisfactory than writing. Live in hope Pet; there is surely a better time a coming for all of Uncle Sam’s boys.
Give my love to all at home. As ever Your Loving Husband, Steve
Headquarters 13th Ohio Cav. Petersburg, Va. May 20th 1865
Dear Father,
I wrote you a letter a few days since. I had to close in a hurry or else miss the mail. I have but a few minutes to write now as I have to prepare to move in the morning to Chesterfield Court House. This state has been divided into districts and subdistricts. Gen. Smith’s subdistrict consists of eight counties which is two for each regiment in the command. Chesterfield and Powatan or Powhatan Counties have been assigned to me. I do not know how I will find the inhabitants situated, or feeling towards the government, but do not anticipate any trouble. I cannot tell when I will be at home but if I am not discharged or do not resign I will get a leave of absence some time during the summer and pay you a visit.
I have much I wish to write but will have to defer it till some other time. I now have over a thousand men in my regiment and expect to get my commission as Colonel in a few days. I have also been recommended by Gen. Smith to the president for promotion to Brevet Colonel for the manner in which the regiment fought, and the captures made by it during the campaign. The recommendation was approved by General Crook (George Crook) and Sheridan (Philip Sheridan), and will probably go through. I write you this so that you may know that the 13th was not idle while others fought.
When I get settled again I will write more. I was glad to hear that our debts were all paid. Give my love to all at home.
Affectionately Your Son, S.R. Clark
(LETTERS TO CLARK AND OFFICIAL LETTERS)
After March 31, 1865 (no date)
I hereby certify on honor that Capt. Benjamin F. Kling (Benjamin F. Kling Co. B 13th O.V.C. while in the line of his duty and service of the United States engaged in the battle of South Side RailRoad Va. March 31st 1865 received a gunshot wound in his left ankle joint by reason of which he was so much disabled that he never did any further duty and in consequence of which he was honorably discharged the service on acceptance of resignation. The above statements in regard to the wound of Capt. Kling are made from personal knowledge. I was present and took part in said engagement.
Hd. Qrs. Military Post Weldon, North Carolina May 12th 1865
Lt. Col. Clark, Mr Dear Sir – It is not my province to send you official dispatches, therefore you will pardon a familiar letter giving you some details of our late experience since leaving Petersburg as you may be interested to know particularly of our situation. After I saw you in Petersburg our detachment took the Hallifax Road, passing through the old camps near Yellow House Sta. We passed through Ream’s Sta. about 10 o’clock. Fourteen miles from P, we went into camp. Sun. 7th at 6 a.m. left camp. Forded Rowanty Creek soon after. Crossed Stony Creek at 8 a.m. just below the Sta. Nearly all the country around here has been laid waste by both armies. Stony Creek Sta. is about 41 miles to Weldon N.C. Forded the Nottaway River at 9:30 a.m.
The weather was very warm and we halted to rest and forage the horses at a deserted but fine old residence the property of Dr. George Field (Dr. George Spotswood Field). Passed Bellefield Sta. once famous as a rebel cavalry camp at 8:30. Crossed the Meherrin (River) and entered Hicksford at 9 o’clock p.m. It seems to be a neat thriving little place the prettiest I have seen south of Petersburg. We went into camp 3 miles beyond the place near the house of a wealthy planter named Davis where we obtained good forage and some nice ham. Mon. 8th we marched early. Entered the state of North Carolina 9 a.m. passed through Pleasant Hill and Garysburg and went into camp on the north bank of the Roanoke just across from Weldon. The great R.R. Bridge was burned about the time of Lees surrender by orders of the Rebel Genl. Baker (Laurence S. Baker) who, the people tell us, was drunk at the time.
We are obliged to cross the river in skiffs. The current is very rapid and the crossing dangerous. Weldon is but a small place important as the junction of several railroads, and of late as a depot of supplies for the C.S. Army. The buildings used for their storage are yet standing, but the stores have been taken away by the citizens. Our headquarters are in the same building with the telegraph operators. The citizens of both counties – Northampton and Hallifax – come to see us and profess the greatest friendship. We daily receive pressing invitations to visit them, dine with them, etc. None of which I have yet accepted. Capt. W. has dined out several times. Last Wed. the 10th I took a detachment of 20 men and proceeded to Hallifax which is some 8 miles down the river on its south bank. The river can be crossed only by a ferry. My party was the first Union force ever seen in Hallifax. Was met by the Mayor and principal citizens who were trembling with fear and anxiety at our presence. I gave him assurance that no private property should be troubled. This seemed to please them all. They showed me the C.S. warehouses but everything had been removed. I visited the late C.S. Nay Yard where the Rebel Ram Albemarle was launched. A vessel partly completed is on the stocks and a small rebel dispatch steamer way lying at the landing. We intend to take it up with river to perfect our communication with Weldon. Some property was found in the yard and I regret that I had not sufficient force to have left a guard there.
Col. will you please confer with the genl. comdg, or with any other authority competent to give the necessary instructions, in relation to the policy for the Capt. To pursue in relation to affairs here. You will recollect that the order for our detail were not very explicit.
Weldon and Hallifax are important points. They are the centers of considerable wealth. We find society very much disturbed and affairs generally in a very unsettled state. It is my opinion that a Pro. Mar. Office should be opened here. As it is, there is really no law, civil or military, except the restraints occasioned by our presence. Negroes are the greatest source of trouble to us just now. They flock in by scores to ask advice and protection. Our word with the simple creatures is law. In some cases their masters abuse them and drive them off. In other cases they run off not having any definite idea of freedom or of what they shall claim as reward for their labor. Any advice or instructions that you can send us will be thankfully received. Capt. W. is not well this a.m. Had chills yesterday. This is fever and plague country.
Respectfully and Truly Yours, N.W. Pulsifer, Lt. (N. Warren Pulsifer)
From: Headquarters Pro. Marshal Cumberland C.W. Va., May 26 1865 To: Lieut Col. S.R. Clark Provost Marshal Amelia Co, Va.
Col., Your favor of the 25th inst. Is at hand. The animals, which the exception of two came through all right. I send by the bearer duplicate receipts for the 18 with many thanks. The Srgt. reports two horses as having given out and was by him abandoned on the road.
I am Sir Respectfuly yours, John C. Terry Capt. (John C. Terry) 2nd N.Y.In.R. & Provost Marshal Cumberland Co.
June 1865 To Col. S.R. Clark, Sir as commander of 13th R. O.V.C. you are armed with a sword. It is endowed with three most excellent qualities, viz.: its hilt with justice, its blade with fortitude, and its point with mercy; it teaches you this important lesson. Having faith in the justice of your cause, you must press forward with undaunted fortitude, ever remembering to extend the point of mercy to a fallen foe. You will wield your sword in defense of your country, innocent maidens, destitute widows, helpless orphans, and the Christian religion. May the Almighty, who is strong tower and defense to all those who put their trust in him, be thy support and they salvation. Nothing more at present only have Faith, Hope, and Charity faith in God, hope in immortality and charity to all mankind.
Sir do you keep the pledge and chew tobacco, swear, smoke, and drink liquor. Downey chews, smokes, uses spirits of liquor for good health. He is to be here next week. I would be pleased to spend several months with you in your present location. Present indications are that the mounted cavalry will move west. Respectfully Yours, J.S. Totten (James S. Totten)
Lieut. Col. Robert Clark Provost Marshall Amelia Co
Colonel, I have the honor to request that the bearer of this be furnished with an Order for a horse belonging to this regiment now in the possession of the widow of Dr. Booker or her sons. The horse was left during our movement in April last in the place of one taken, and they (Bookers) immediately got an order and took back their horse. They have refused to give up this one or I would not trouble you.
Very Respectfully Your obedient servant, Joseph Nesbood Lt. Col 2nd NYMtd. Provost Marshal Buckingham Co. Va.
Lt. Col. Clarke U.S.A. Provost Marshal at Amelia Court House
Sir, I respectfully apply to you for relief from a position of much embarrassment, in which I am placed by the action of the Federal Government. In a few days I propose calling upon you at the Court House; but lest you should be found too much occupied to afford me more than a hurried interview, I now submit, for you leisurely consideration, the facts of the case to which your attention is solicited.
There are now left upon this estate a hundred and seventy five Negroes. They were born upon it; and with their masters and their masters’ distributors, have lived upon it for generations. Many of them, from age, infancy, constitutional disability, or other infirmity, are incapable of productive labor. Many others, from long habitude, are scarcely less so. By the proper organization of the effective portion of these Negroes, together with the use, as required, of other means heretofore at command, the whole population, in other days, was maintained in comfort and contentment.
The ability to do this no longer exists. Even with control over the laboring force, outside means were required for the purpose; but this control can no longer be exerted and those outside means are lost. Many, too, of the effective hands have gone off, leaving behind in any instance, the feeble who had claims upon them for support. We now find ourselves, with resources wholly inadequate to the occasion, burdened with the maintenance of more than a hundred helpless men, women and children. Whatever arrangements can elsewhere be made as to compensate labor, none are practicable here.
The proceeds of hired labor is all that is left to pay for it; and if these proceeds, taken from that purpose, are to be distributed among other free negroes, the result arrived at is no less apparent than inevitable. Nor could any temporary end be even thus attained, for the whole productive capacity of the farm, if exerted to its utmost, is incapable of furnishing food and clothing for its present occupants. And were the owners of this place disposed to enter into servitude to their former slaves, devoting to the exclusive interest of these people all their energy and all their remaining means, distribution would not be averted by the sacrifice.
I express myself, sir, no less strongly than the plain truth will warrant. My purpose is to impress upon your mind the absolute necessity for the removal and maintenance of a class of people for whom, apart from any disposition of mine in that connection, I am wholly incapable of providing. This representation equally applies – perhaps even more urgently – to another estate which had heretofore been under my control, that of Mrs. A.R. Barkdale (Augusta R. Peachy-Barksdale) . There are upon it about a hundred Negroes. As soon as the incubus now existing upon these farms is removed, I can hire the labor necessary for their cultivation. Meanwhile, having no power of requiring one class of free Negroes to labor for the support of another, I can make no adequate provision for such an end.
I beg leave to say, in evidence of the spirit with which I approach the matter in question, that in seeking to relieve myself of a burden not possible to be borne, I design to assume, among the old and helpless inhabitants of these two places, the support of a greater number of paupers than has heretofore been usually provided for at the Poor House of this county.
The number of Negroes of whom I desire to be relieved is nearly two hundred. I think it possible, however, that by adopting a course which I will suggest to you, the half of them, at least, will immediately make provision for themselves. For this purpose, and to afford any further information you may desire office on the Monday or Tuesday of the ensuing week. I am sir, Respectfully Yr Obt Servt Monro Banister (Monroe Banister)
Major Genl A. N. Terry, (Alfred Howe Terry) Comdg Dept of Virginia
General, Where destitute colored people in the country cannot be cared for by their former masters or procure support by their labor for others, commanding Officers of Districts in concert with officers of General Howard’s Bureau will provide for their care and support in the counties. They will neither be brought nor permitted to come to this city where they can obtain no labor and are liable to be contaminated by city vices.
It is estimated by the Governor that there is at present a colored population in Richmond of from thirty to thirty-five thousand, more by far than can obtain employment. All accessions to this population must necessarily be supported by the Government.
But in the country they can at least partly support themselves, either by labor for others or by cultivating patches of land and raising vegetables for their own use and for the market. This policy is concurred by General Howard and should be strictly enforced.
Very Respectfully, Your Ob’t. Serv’t, H.W. Halleck (Henry W. Halleck) Major General Commanding Ed.W. Smith A.A.G (Edward W. Smith)
Headquarters Department of Virginia Richmond Va. June 22, 1865
General, The Major General commanding is informed that during the passage of the United States through the various parts of this state, private horses were taken for the public service and broken down animals left in their places, and the animals so left are now being seized by the Military Authority as being the property of the United States.
I am instructed to direct that the inhabitants of the county be allowed to retain all animals so left in their hands by the United States forces until the crops are secured or until further orders from these head Quarters. I have the honor to be...
Very Respectfully Your Obdt Servt Ed.W. Smith A.A.G (Edward W. Smith)
Office A.A. Qr. Mr. S.D.A. Petersburg Va. July 25, 1965
Dear Colonel, I arrived safe tonight about dark. Capt Boyd asked me whether you had received orders to come down here. Says that ‘tis very strongly rumored that you will be in command. Don’t think 1st Me. Will get out before middle of next week. No other news. My compliments to Mrs. Clark and the rest of the family.
As ever Your Obt Servt, Fred Charles Dick, Lt.
Headquarters ACM Office Petersburg Va. July 27, 1865 Commanding Officer 13th Ohio Vol. Cav. Pursuant to instructions from the War Department dated July 21st 1865 the following named regiments will be immediately mustered out of service: 13th Ohio Cavalry.
By Command of Maj. Genl. A.N. Terry (Alfred Howe Terry) Fred Martin (Fred Martin) Bvt. Maj. USV & CCM Dept of Va
Headquarters Subdistrict of the Appomattox July 29, 1865 Special Order No. 16 5. Bvt. Col. S.R. Clark Comdg 13th Ohio Cavalry is hereby relieved of the duties of Provost Marshal for Amelia County, and, After turning over all records and property pertaining to that office to his successor, will proceed with his regiment to some point near City Point, select a suitable camp outside the outer line of works for his regiment while awaiting muster-out and report to the General Commanding. He will leave with his successor all his transportation except his two regimental wagons. By command of Bvt. Maj. Genl. C.H. Smith (Charles Henry Smith) A.H. Bibber (Andrew Harrington Bibber) A.A.G.
Amelia August 1st 1865
Dear Col.,
Enclosed you will find bonds as promised. Should I not be able to see you again before you leave be pleased to accept and thanks for your kindness to me and others during your stay in the County. Should circumstances ever bring you among us again, be assured I should at all times extend to you a hearty welcome at my home. In my humble way, if I can ever serve you I would be more than gratified for you to call upon me. My regards to Mrs. C. Very Truly and Respectfully,
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