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Regiment: 1st U.S. Volunteers Sharpshooters
Battles Mentioned:
Historical Figures:
Camp of Instruction
Berdans U.S.S.S.
Washington Dec 23rd 1861
A Aunt Harriet and Uncle Thephilus;
It is a wet rainy morning and
but two days to Christmas. What a
change from one year ago in
the affairs of the Nation and also
of probably of every man, woman,
and child in the Nation. more
than a million men in both
Sections under arms. That were then
pursuing a more peaceful calling
and thousands have offered up their
lives on the alter of this countrys
good and thousands more stand
ready if need be to full that one
of the best Governments that ever
existed within the memory
of man should not perish.
And for one I had rather risk
my life fighting every day than
risk it in camp next summer
I have been in hopes we would
go into active service this winter
but it is not to be I think the
measles are in camp and at least
one quarter of the men are on the
sick list and many more that
are bad enough off to be but
would
will not give up as long as they
can get around.
I will close with wishing you
and Celia Uncle Sen and Aunt
Emily a Marry Christmas and
a Happy New Year.
My best regards to all
Gardner B. Clark
