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Regiment: 1st U.S. Volunteers Sharpshooters
Battles Mentioned:
Historical Figures:
Washington D.C.
Feby 22d 1865
My Mary
My Own Darling Wife;
Last night
at sunset I made my entrance
into this grand Babel.
My affairs were
getting along so solw that there
is just as much to do as though
nothing had been done for nothing
has been done. Messrs. Puleston
and Cresswell have entrusted
the matter to a clerk whose
only ambition seems to be to
tell a story or promenade Penna
Avenue.
I have hired a room
for a week at five fifty. Hotels
charge four fifty per day. I shall
try my best to get settled by that
time and come home.
While I stay here
I shall try my best to get some
place that will keep me out of
the Army.
I am afraid I did wrong
in leaving you as I did you
will be very uncomfortable in
that kitchen, and ought to have
staid until things were fixed up
one cannot always do right
sis. no matter how hard they try.
I have the blues terribly to
day. everything bothered me
on the way down. trains did
not connect. and I had to
lay over half the time.
I can make no
calculations on the future if I
could I should say buy a good
carpet for the sitting room and
make the best arrangements you
know how. but I’ll not pretend
to give advice. Any thing you may
do however be sure I’ll sanction
I have been thinking
I did not get any thing
as I wanted I would be examined
for a Commission in the colored
troops, by going to school at
Philadelphia fifteen days I could
get a Majors Commission I believe.
that however will be a last
resort. Write me what you think
about it. The matter may
be decided before I hear from you
but no harm done. Lew Porter is
here and I shall try him for
something before I give up.
Expect to hear again soon.
Yours with much love and some kisses
Gardner B. Clark
[On Envelope:]
Mrs. Mary B. Clark
Grand Rapids
Box 215
Michigan
