Click here for this soldier’s biography:
https://micivilwar.com/authors/clark-gardner-b/
Regiment: 1st U.S. Volunteers Sharpshooters
Battles Mentioned:
Historical Figures:
Camp Return Harrisburg Pa
August 4th 1865
My Darling Wife
Dear Mary.
Yours of the 30th ult. I
received yesterday. The reason why I had
not written was on account of that telegram
at the Office in Harrisburg. I was told the
message had been received. and that they
could not find you. I remarked to them
that it was a
lie that they did not try
to find you.
I have of course no objection to your
Mothers going to Vermont at least would make
none to her. I never believed she would
be satisfied to live in Michigan. But now that
we had got many things we would not have got
and are in circumstances to give her a home
and have here take care of the things while
you are away. it leaves me in a bad way.
You may be with me for years in the Army
but still it might be convenient to have a
place to go to. If we had a place to keep
them I should be in favor not selling any thing.
But we have not. I would not wish any of
the relatives to have any thing to do with them.
If you could leave them with the house and
rent the whole thing to trusty folks perhaps it
would be advisable for a few months until
we could see whether we could be likely to
want them this winter. If the things would
sell for one fourth less than they cost it would
do but dont trust.
After having written a page
and a half I am exactly where I started
that is. if you will do as you think best
and arrange it so as to come and see Clark
you will have my hearty approval.
I would come home but we are so
short of officers. That unless I resign there
is not any chance just now.
Love and some kisses.
Your Gardie
P.S. Should you come you had better bring
with you some bed quilts, sheets, and pillow cases
and some pillows if they wont take up too much
room. and any thing else you may think
we will want to live
[ ? ] house
Love and kisses.
Gardie
a kiss
Of course you will not say any to mother as to
what I have said or intimate that you would
like to have her stay. Gardie kiss
[On Envelope:]
Mrs. Mary B. Clark
Grand Rapids
Box 215
Michigan
