Clark, Gardner B. – September 5, 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: 2nd Bull Run, Virginia Historical Figures: Halls Hill Va. Sept 5th 1862 My Own Dear Mary. Once more in sight of and near the Capital of the Union. Aug 15th before day light we were on the move to evacuate Harrisons Landing. since then until yesterday we have seen no stopping place. no rest. have had no letters for three long weeks have marched hundreds of miles. fought one of the hardest Battles it has been my fortune to be caught in. and got whipped on almost the the identical Bull Run battle field of 1861. there we lost some of our best men. Brewer I fear is gone. he was severely wounded by my side and carried off the field. the enemy soon had possession of the place and whether he was got off and taken to Alexandria or Washington, or whether he fell into the hands of the Confederates I have no means of knowing if the latter his chances of life are small. if he is in our camp I believe he will live. A musket ball struck him in the small of the back on the left side about two inches from the back bone and came out be low the heart. in a slanting direction from where it went in. I have not been so lone some since being in the army Norton Fitch was wounded had his left hand shot of by a shell. three others wounded and one killed but he will never be missed and although he has a wife she will rather rejoice than mourn. Saturday the 30th we fought the battle and Mon- day order a flag of truce I went over the field hundreds of our wounded were yet uncared for. while the dead were lying in every imagin able positions by thousands. I will spare you a rather recitation of its horrors. I would not when I started have missed chance for a thousand and now a million would not have me to go again. While among the Rebels they treated me as well as our own men would and the fight is so nearly whipped out of me I almost re- gretted I was not a prisoner among them. They say it is impossible to conquer them that they will be in Washington in the month of Sept. and dictate time of peace to us in the halls of congress we have got to do better or they will do all the boast. They have a million men in the field and can and will get more. Hands in the mail cries the mail boy Good bye Love and a Kiss Gardner [On Envelope:] Miss Mary J. Baxter Grand Rapids (Box 450)Michigan