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Regiment: 5th Maine Infantry
Battles Mentioned:
Historical Figures: Joseph Hooker
Tuesday Morning Apr 14th /63
In camp near White Oak Church Va
My Dear Wife
I find myself once more seated
to write you. It is a lovely morning all the mud
has disappeared. The traveling is good and we
are getting ready to move. But you will ask
where but that I cannot tell you. I onely know
the orders is to be ready to move to night at
six o clock with eight days rations. I hope this
will not start you or give you trouble as it is now
time to begin to work when the
[ ? ] is good.
The Cavalry moved yesterday but I cannot
tell you where they went, onely know they went
to our right, perhaps they have gone to Culpeper
or Warranton. I received my orders to be in
readiness to leave to night, but prehaps we
shall not go for a week, but still I think
Hookers men move when he sayes so,
Perhaps we shall not see a fight for a long time
and prehaps we may get into one before this
reaches you. But let us not borrow trouble
as it come soon enough as a general thing.
I am in good spirits, as I think that right must
prevail. Chas is now at Washington but will
be back to day, I was in hopes he would
get to tradeing before this was a move.
My
[ ? ] has not been paid off yet but is
to be soon. I was to the Mich 24
th yesterday
I took dinner with the Col & Capt A M E. I
had a very pleasant time. I send you one of
the capt photograph which I think is quite good.
I sent Three of mine to Frank a sunday
I have also received four from you. which
I have given away my officer all claim one
so it will cost something to furnish them, I have
never spent much in that time you know, so
think I can afford to now.
[ ? ] will be here
this afternoon so I shall get the little package
from
[ ? ]. I shall send a horse to the
Depot after him at twelve as the Boat get
down near that time. Twelve o clock, all
is still quiet. Jimmy is going after Chas
with my Horses. Is not certain that we move
yet, but I presume we go as soon as tomorrow
night, and perhaps in the morning. Bryce is
here, but will not go with us as he is not able
to go on the marchs. Dave Sterns is now well and
will go with us, also John Nornell. I shall pack
my stuff ready to move to night, but still I
have some doubt about going at present
I may be at home soon, as there is an order
from the war department to muster out all
the Col Maj Astsey
[ ? ] and all surplus
line officers, after filling up the company
to there maximum numbers. Still my hopes
is a little large for that at present.
It was all the go here Sunday night that
our Regt was a going to be consolidated
but I did not see it in that light. I would
not care if it was so, as I could then get out
with honors, but I would not like to resign as
it is a litte hard for a man. I presume you will
see the orders in the papers about consolidating Regt.
I hope you will
[ ? ] about me as I am just
as safe here as at home. You know many has
died in Battle within the past years. So you
can see we are not safe in any place or
our lives is not warrented to us, the great
giver sees fit to call, we are oblidge to answer
his sommous and many are taken from
civil life in popotion as military.
I would like to be with you at home on this
beautiful morning here the litter wabbler are
singing as gayly as in June with you. it alway
reminds me of my home and little one. it
causes a sad feeling to come over me, but
then I hope such feelings will make me
better or at least it causes me to reflect on
the past, and hope for the future. I can truely
say that in what you wrote in regard to Frank
manliness, and the good traits of the other
little ones gave me much pleasure. It
causes a manly pride to riht in my breast.
I hope they will continue to improve as
[torn away] grow older, in all that pertains to making
[torn away] noble. I shall ever try to start them
[torn away] [ ? ] in life. I am glad to hear that Frank
[torn away] pregressing so in his studies.
half past two P.M. It is now all confusion
in and around camp. The boys are getting
ready to move as fast as possible. My commissery
is now issueing eight days rations. but still
I am not sure of a move yet. I am now
expecting Chas here every moment and shall
not close till he comes, so will have up
till then. Three O’clock. Chas has come
all right. He brought one Dor mere of my
beautiful pictures which I send you two
of them. I have nothing more to write at
this time. I will send you my Col Commis
perhaps tomorrow if we do not move as
I am to be mustered in to night.
I hope you will have them framed and
kept for the next generation. Has there
been anything done yet about the land
out west or the Taxes paid. Write me
all the news in your next. I cannot
write me now as it is all confusion
here. I have
just now all I need
for a summer campaign. Jimmy
send his love to you & children
Chas is now about commencing
to sell out his stuff, and if he could
have a few day he would do well I
know. The Paymaster has not been
here yet but is expected soon
Yours Clark
[On Envelope:]
April 14th 1863
Ms. CI. Edwards
Be thee
[ ? ]
