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Regiment: 1st U.S. Volunteers Sharpshooters
Battles Mentioned:
Historical Figures: William T. Sherman, Winfield S. Hancock
St Johns. Mich.
Dec. 5” 1864.
Friend Clark.
Yours of Nov
27” was duly received and
perused with interest.
I glad to learn that you
have again located in
Mich. for now I shall
stand some chance of
seeing you some-time.
I did not look for you
quite so soon. Thought
perhaps you would busy
your-self in Vermont.
This winter. You speak of again
entering the services. I guess
You are to late to get into the
state Reg’t. for I see by this
yesterday’s “dailies” that a
sufficient number of officers
have been commissioned to
raise companies for the Regt.
but Clark, there is a chance
for you at Washington in
the new corps. about to be
raised by Gen. Hancock.
it is to be composed of men
who have served for a period
of not less than 2 years, is to
number 20000 men with
Hd. Qrs. at Washington, D.C.
here’s a fine chance for you.
I received a letter from Cobb
last evening. He is at home
& enjoying good health &
spirits. He is going to Chicago
next month to attend the com-
mercial collage. Southworth
keeps a Boots Store in Hudson
& is doing a good business Frank
says. Wilcox is about to be mar-
ried. Richardson is married.
Harvey Barker, is well. I hear
from Field every few days,
of course you must see him
there is but 2 companies of the
old Regt left & they expect to
be consolidated. with the 5
th
Mich. soon. I hear from many
of the old Officers & men often.
all enjoy civil life well.
I’m quite lonesome by spells
& sometimes think of going back
into the army. I’m coming
out to the Rapids some time
This winter, & can then tell
you more than I can write.
Where do you reside. What St,
I think some of going to Hudson
this meets the Boys want me
to meet them. accept kind
Regards & write me when
convenient. Should you come
through our
[ ? ] come & see
me. I live 5 miles south &
west of St Johns any one in
town will know me. Sherman
is to much for the “Johnnies”,
“Why dont the army move”
I’m for a vigorous prosecution
of this war. war to the knife
& that to the hilt is my motto.
Truly Your old
Friend & Comrad
to
E. R. Blakeslee
G.B. Clark St Johns,
Grand Rapids Mich
Michigan
