Clark, Gardner B. – April 20, 1862

Michigan Civil War Collection


Click here for this soldier’s biography: https://micivilwar.com/authors/clark-gardner-b/
Regiment: 1st U.S. Volunteers Sharpshooters Battles Mentioned: Yorktown, Virginia Historical Figures: George B. McClellan, William S. Smith Near Yorktown Va. April 20th 1862 My Mary. I hardly know where I am this morning. but from the firing last night and every few moments now conclude our Camp is not is still within range of a powerful and well entrenched enemy. Our Co. is for the pres- ent attached to Gen. Smiths Division. He is the man that last Sept. said he wanted no S.S. under his command. now he asks, as a favor of Gen. McClellan that he send him two Co’s. Smith commands the left wing of our army here and the heaviest fighting has thus far been in this Division.           It is rainy cold and disagreeable last nights it poured in torrents upon us soaking tent, blanket, and whatever one hap- pened to have on. and worse than all the Rebels opened fire upon some of of our troops about half a mile from us and nothing would do but we must be kept awake ready to get out any moment. when if they had taken the trouble to think (I believe they do not often) they might have known it was so dark nobody could see to half shoot one of us. A The seige of Yorktown promises to be as [  ?  ] and I hope as decisive as was that other siege eighy one years ago. we are nearly on the identical ground Washingtons band of Patriots were on then. Some times our men on picket use the same trenches they used. We will at least play “Hail Columbia” to them in commemoration of the heroism and devotion, of these brave spirits of the older time. May this example be emulated by all within beneath our glorious old banner. Every foot of Va. soil will be covered with the blood and bones of the fallen brave. and are we the of the Union army the only braves. No. ten thousand times, No!! I have been over to the VA. Third, last Wesdnesday they charged into the Rebel entrenchments. 190 men went out of Camp to the fight 85 only came back unhurt. the dead lay on the ground until yesterday when under a flag of truce, they went over to bury the dead 32. they recovered. Our boys fought nobly but against too heavy odds. Don Brigham was unhurt, but several old friends were killed, or wounded, Probably many days will go by before the Battle begins. To say I dream the contest would not tell the half nor do I fear the result, we will be vic- torious. the Sars as Stars and Stripes will float over the enemys works. To-morrow I go on Picket. I have one doubt I shall be obliged to fire upon a Secesh and as it is only 250 yards to shoot you can guess the result. I never shall tell I enlisted to kill the enemy and shall do my best, but I dont like it. It is too barbarous. Good Bye,       a kiss Please excuse me for sending my letters as “Soldiers Letters.” I can get no P.S. at present another kiss. Gardner [On Envelope:] Miss Mary J. Baxter Grand Rapids Kent Co. Mich.