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Regiment: 1st U.S. Volunteers Sharpshooters
Battles Mentioned:
Historical Figures: Jefferson Davis
Head Quarters 6th Regt. 1st A.C.
Camp Stoneman D. C.
Evening, May 14th 1865
My Darling Wife
My Mary
Ten o’clock and
I have found time to write my old “Girl”
Jeff Davis is in poor hands. Hemp will
be at a premium. I have been ordered
to detail a sour apple tree to hang him
on and shall do it he must hang. No
Pardon to murderer and traitors. The old
“Grand Army” is again in the vicinity
of Washington and for the last time.
Their history is complete. There is no more
to do. The country is satisfied with their work
Leonard will be mustered out soon, shall
try to see him before he goes home.
I am in hope to have my fate decided
before many days if influence will do
any thing Clarke is stuck for although
I in this case I would never want any
good word said, many has been.
The talk is now that the Corps is to
be filled to thirty thousand by enlistments
from Sherman’s Army for five years and
an officer who gets an appointment now
can be kept many years. But be that as
it may you and I will soon be together if
there is no chance for you to come to me I
shall come to you. I want you and will
have you any way (by your leave).
On the outside of an envelope I sent
you some time ago I wrote “send Photograph”
perhaps it got erased if so please send me
one of your life like portraits. I want to see
how you look. It seems as if I had
a good many things to say to you but I
cannot tell them by letter. David is
some better has paid me the twenty five
dollars which make a little over
two hundred I have by me. I ought
to send you a hundred but guess I will
wait to see what becomes of poor me.
I send you the Chronicle with the account
of Jeffs capture and the commencement of
the trial of the Assassins. Will try
and send one each day have not
had a letter in two days. Write me
as often as you can afford. I love to
hear from you. Get a Dutchman to fix
up your yard and get wood etc. and
mind you do not do any washing or
hard work. I think the “Machine” ought
to do every thing that is what they are made
for.
Ever Your Husband and Lover
a kisses Gardie
[On Envelope:]
Mrs. Mary B. Clark
Grand Rapids
Box 215
Michigan
