“Please Send Stamps”: The Civil War Letters of William Allen Clark Part IV*

Edited by Margaret Black Taturn**

From March to August, 1864, William Allen Clark’s letters build in descriptive intensity as Clark grows less fearful of censor- ship and more optimistic about the North’s chances of winning the war. He states his political views more forcefully: “I am a Douglas Democrat & will never vote for the mongrel, kinky headed aboli- tionists. I detest them” (June 5, 1864). He describes battles in greater detail. The letters of this period also contain the words of a man tired of fighting and of seeing war. Huntsville’s civility and the polite tea parties he attended early in 1864 are far behind him as he marches ahead toward the Battle of Kennesaw Mountain and the Seige of Atlanta. During this time, he makes his first admission to his parents of killing a Confederate soldier in an encounter he calls “the narrowest escape I have made” (May 30,1864). Clark is battle weary and longs to return home to . He writes often of securing a furlough, although he declines leave in April so another soldier with a medical emergency at home can go in his place. Writing remains important, but Clark is forced to use blackberry juice and gunpowder as ink and to scavenge for paper and stamps. Tired of the life of a soldier, the Clark wit is not as evi- dent as in earlier letters, but occasionally his humor surfaces with wonderful imagery: “Dont scold about this writing for it is done with wet gun powder, and it goes by flashes anyway you try it” (August 7, 1864). After days spent fighting around Atlanta, smelling death, and drinking contaminated water, Clark exclaims, “I sometimes think I will quit writing” (August 7, 1864).

*This is the fourth and final installment of William Allen Clark’s Civil War let- ters. The first part (August 17-December 21, 1862) is found in Margaret Black Tatum, “‘PleaseSend Stamps’: The Civil War Letters of William Allen Clark,” Part I, Indiana Magazine of History, XCI (March, 1995), 81-108. For background infor- mation on Clark and the letters themselves see ibid., 81-87. Subsequent install- ments of the letters are: Tatum, “‘Please Send Stamps,”’ Part 11, Indiana Magazine of History, XCI (June, 1995), 197-225 and Tatum, ‘“Please Send Stamps,”’ Part 111, Indiana Magazine ofHistory, XCI (September, 1995),288-320. All of Clark’s Civil War letters, along with his army discharge papers, are housed in the Lilly Library, Indiana University, Bloomington (collection title: “Clark, W. A.”). They are the recent gift of Mrs. August Frederick Voss, Jr. **Margaret Black Tatum is an English instructor at Kirtland Community Col- lege, Roscommon, Michigan. lNDlANA MAGAZINE OF HISTORY. XCI (December. 199S). 0 1995. Trusiees of Indinna Univcrslty 408 Indiana Magazine of History

In fact, there are no letters to Clark’s parents between late August and December, 1864. During part of this time, Clark was home on leave, having received a furlough coinciding with the autumn elections. That furlough may have been a result of Gover- nor Oliver Morton’s efforts to bring Hoosier soldiers home to vote. Morton believed that men fighting for the Union would support the Republican ticket. Considering Clark’s outspoken opposition to the governor, however, one can be assured Morton did not receive his vote. When Clark returns to his regiment in November of 1864, his letters are quite different. There are fewer detailed descriptions of his daily life as a soldier. Now Clark directs his comments to life at home, posing mathematics problems to younger brother George and speaking of his cousins Alma and Jennie in Kansas. He sees the war winding down, as captured Confederates walk past the 72nd Regiment on their way to prisons, and he knows his days as a sol- dier are ending. In these letters, he looks ahead to life after the army. The last letter in the collection is dated February 19, 1865, leaving undocumented the final months of Clark’s tour of duty. Clark may have maintained his habit of writing home, but no addi- tional letters have been found. Clark received his discharge in June, 1865, and returned to Clinton County. Six months later, he wed his cousin Jennie Jordan in Tecumseh, Kansas. In civilian life, Clark became a Baptist minister, settling with his family in Val- paraiso in 1878 and later moving to Bristol, Tennessee. Throughout the war, the feisty, outspoken Clark remained fixed in his beliefs. He grew from an Indiana farm boy into a Union soldier in his three years of service, but his political convictions never wavered. Clark was not a man who believed in racial equali- ty, but he was a citizen of a country he believed in strongly enough to fight for, even when he was criticized by family and friends. Describing to his parents a letter written to a friend, he says: “I would let them know that if I wasnt an Abolitionist, I was still laboring in defense of the Star Spangled Banner” (February 19, 1865). Clark concludes his last letter with words that show his desire to continue writing and that echo through all his letters: “please send me a Quarter’s worth of Stamps.” Civil War Letters of William Allen Clark 409

No. 10. Mooresville, Alabama March 20th 1864' Sunday Evening Affectionate Parents, This Beautiful Evening finds me pen in hand to write you a few lines to inform you that I am still in good health, except a severe cold. I was at meeting today in Mooresville at the Methodist Church and heard a good sermon proclaimed by Rev. C. L. McDonald. His text was in the 11th Chapter of John & and 35th verse. We have had a week of clear weather. But it has been quite cold. The Peach Bloom was out, and it is thought to be killed. I have been foraging every day in the past week. We are gathering corn and storing it at the R.R. Depot, so that if we move, it can be trans- ported to the front. I dont hear any war news anymore, as there is no papers sold here. I received youres of Feb. 25th last night, the first that I have heard from you for sometime. It looks hard for freedom's Shriekers that are running from the draft now to get a Township Bounty of $225 and a government Bounty of $406, while we uns that have done the fighting and stood the hardships of the Service to be yearning for our mizerable pittance of 13 dollars a month and no bounty, and charged three prices for our clothing and Equipage.' There is seven of our Recruits at the Hospital a ready. They are all sick of the Show. Now how will they feel in six months of active service? I believe I have wrote all the news. Please write oftener and more of it. My love to enquiring friends. I remain your Loving Son, W. A. Clark

1 William Allen Clark guided the following transcription of his correspondence by reminding his brother George, in a letter of January 9, 1865, to place periods at the end of sentences and to capitalize proper names. Probably in part because of the difficult circumstances under which he wrote, Clark himself did not use apostrophes in his letters; his periods, commas, and pen pauses all resembled one another; and his capitalization was haphazard. In recognition of Clark's obvious knowledge of grammar, correct punctuation has been placed at the ends of sentences, commas have been added throughout the letters to facilitate reading, and words that begin sentences have been capitalized. In other instances Clark's capitalization, whenever clear, remains unchanged; in case of doubt the rules of modern usage were followed. Some decisions regarding sentence divisions were necessarily arbitrary, and the let- ters have also been arbitrarily divided into paragraphs. The location and spacing of headings, salutations, and closings have been standardized. Clark's spelling, which was quite good, has been retained. 2 The federal, state, and local governments all resorted to bounties to "stimulate military enlistments. After the Enrollment Act of 3 March, 1863, $100 was given to conscripts and substitutes; $300 to 3-year volunteers; and $400 to five-year volun- teers.'' State and local bounties varied, which meant that soldiers from poorer dis- tricts often went to war in place of their richer neighbors. Mark Mayo Boatner 111, The Civil War Dictionary (rev. ed., New York, 1988). 74-75. For more on bounties, see Margaret Black Tatum, "'Please Send Stamps': The Civil War Letters of William Allen Clark," Part 111, Indiana Magazine of History, XCI (September, 1995), 311n. 410 Indiana Magazine of History

No. 11 (Eleven) Mooresville, Ala. March 27th ’64 Sunday Evening Ever Dear parents, This Beautiful P.M. finds me seated to pen you a few lines. All Nature seems to be enlivened by the balmy air of Spring. Buds are opening, and the Bloom of various kinds of trees and shrubs is fill- ing the air with its fragrance. The peaches have all been killed with the frost. But other fruits will be abundant if nothing happens. Since Col. Kirkpatrick come back, Politics has been the all engrossing Ideas in the minds of the 72nd. He has made several speeches and is strongly in favor of Unkle Abe. He says that we will be furloughed next fall during the Elections, if we will reinlist for three years, big price to pay in order to have the right of Fran~hise.~ I heard the Gospel proclaimed by Mr. McDonald today at the Brick Church in Mooresville. The house was crowded, and he made a good discourse. His text was the 3rd Chapter of Matthew, 2nd verse. Our Chaplain had meeting in camp at the same hour, but I couldent relish his Audience, as it was formed of the Colored popu- lation for many miles in this vicinity. His sermon was for the Blacks. War Items-Dodge’s forces have crossed the [Tennessee] River at Decatur and are preparing to move in to control Alabama as soon as pra~ticable.~The 15th and 4th Corps are ordered to Virginia, and there is some talk of our going there or to Missouri.sAll is quiet on the Tennessee River, so far. Our Pay day is postponed till June, so they say. There will then be six months pay due. It seems strange that we cant be paid every two or four months. We have 40 Recruits here now, and more coming. G. P. Reed, M. T. Livingston, T. I. Jackson, and Alf Bowen are all the ones that I knew at home. John Williams and Sandford Bowen havent come yet. Our Regiment is now as large as it was at first. Here is My Weekly Report: Sunday, March 20th in camp, wrote No. 10 home, was at church. Monday, in camp. Tuesday, foraging. Wednesday, in camp.

3 Samuel Kirkpatrick was lieutenant of Clark’s regiment. See ibid., 296n. For the issue of soldiers receiving leave at election-time in return for reenlist- ment, see ibid., 31111. 4 Union General Grenville Mellen Dodge commanded portions of the Army of the Tennessee. Mooresville, from whence Clark writes this letter, is just across the river from Decatur. 5 On March 26 the 72nd joined the Third Brigade, Second , and began its move to Columbia, Tennessee. From here, the newly appointed cavalry went on to participate in the . [William H. H. Terrelll, Report ofthe Adjutant General ofthe State of Indiana (8 vols., Indianapolis, 1866-1869), 11,673. Civil War Letters of William Allen Clark 411

Thursday, on picket, received a letter from S. S.fi Friday, in camp, received two letters, 1 from Coz. Alma Jordan and some Irish Literature from G. W. Irwin of Indianapolis fame. I wrote to S. S. and to Alma. Saturday, in camp, received a letter from-guess words-wrote to G. W. Irwin. Sunday, received No. 7 from home. It contained three stamps, and I was mighty glad to get them, as they are not to be had here, and my greatest pass time is writing. I am seated by a Monster Red Oak and so far from camp that I am free from the noise and Bustle there. I have a chance to get a furlough now, but it will prevent Mr. Crutchfield from going to see his family, and his wife is sick and in a manner dependent on the people for support. Consequently, I will give him my place. Col. Miller said I could get another chance this spring, and if you think it best, I will try for one in May. My old messmate W. Hendrickson has come to us again. He was left in the Hospital when we left Murfreesboro last Spring. Alex Simms is well and weighs 230 lbs. My back is all right again, and I feel as well as ever. I weigh 167 pounds. Jonas couldent throw me round like he used to. George, be a good Boy. Tell Mary to kiss the Baby for me. Your loving son, W. A. Clark

Mooresville, Ala. April 2nd [18641 Saturday Evening Dear Parents, I seat myself to pen you a few lines to let you know that I am well and hope this will find you the same. This is a pleasant day, more like summer than Spring. I have but little news to write. Health is good, and every thing is excitement. We march in the morning at 7% oclock with 10 days Rations. Where to I cant tell. All is mum on that questions. It is reported that the Butter Nuts are intrenching at Charleston, Coles County, Illinois. The paper says they are 1,500 strong. I dont believe it.7 Forest made an attempt to get into , but was refused at Paducah.8 There has been 9 trains run on the Decatur R.R. today, all loaded with Veterans.

6 S.S. Jordan was Clark‘s brother Stephen. A list of family members, who will not hereafter be identified, appears on page 437. 7 The term “butternuts”was applied to Confederate soldiers, who often wore uniforms dyed a yellow-brown color, and to southern sympathizers in the North. In this case, Clark is referring to southern sympathizers. On March 28, 1864, oppo- nents of the war attacked Federal troops in Charleston, Illinois. Five people died and twenty were injured in the worst outbreak of antiwar violence since the New York City draft riots of 1863. John S. Bowman, ed., The Civil War Almanac (New York, 1982), 190. 8 On March 24,1864, Confederate cavalry commanded by General Nathan Bed- ford Forrest captured Union City, Tennessee. The Confederates then crossed into Kentucky and on March 25 attacked Paducah. Forrest’s cavalry entered the city but 412 Indiana Magazine of History

There is some important move on hand. Weekly Report Sunday, in camp, wrote No 11 home. Monday, foraging, wrote to Grandmother, received a letter from S. S. Clark. Tuesday, in camp. Wednesday, in camp, received a letter from Jonas D. Clark. Friday, in camp. Saturday, in camp, So far, George W. Brown has not come up yet. Dont know when he will. It is late and we start early in the morning, so I must pack up. Excuse poor writing, as my pen is poor, and I am in haste. My respects to enquiring friends. I subscribe myself your affectionate Son, W. A. Clark

No. 13 Columbia, Tenn. [April 11, 18641 Court Room Up Stairs No. 2 Sunday Evening Dear Parents, I received yours of March 27th last Monday at Huntsville [Alabama]. But we were on the move, so I delayed answering till to day. At Huntsville we loaded our Camp Equipage on the Cars, and W. Grissmer & W. A. Clark was detailed to guard them. So we had a fine ride on the cars. We left Huntsville Tuesday morning and arrived here in the evening. We guarded the equipage till yester- day. Then the Regt. come in and relieved us, and this morning Billy Grissmer and I was detailed for Provost duty.9There is 56 from the Brigade. We have good quarters and plenty of Rations, and only on duty two Hours in 24. How long we will stay here I cant tell. We come here to reorganize the Division, and to guard the R. Road from Nashville to Decatur. The Div. will be put in Detachments along the Road. Gen. Garrard’s’O Hd. Qrs. will be here, and he will com- mand the line. But [Col. A. 0.1 Miller will command the Post here. This is a Beautiful City, and contains 4,000 Inhabitants. It is situated on the South Bank of Duck River. Rector Smith’s, Bald- win’s, and St. Marie Institutes are located here. Smith’s is Episco- palien Baldwin’s is Methodist, and St. Marie’s Catholic. The Small Pox is very bad here now, from two to five Deths per day.

failed to capture the Federal garrison stationed there. On March 26, Union cavalry arrived and forced the Confederates to withdraw back into Tennessee. Zbid. 9 William Griesmar, who originally was the drummer for the 72nd Regiment, was a friend of Clark from Clinton County and was Clark’s bunkmate. 10 Union General Kenner Garrard led the Second Cavalry Division during the Atlanta Campaign, for which Clark and his fellow troops were preparing in Columbia, Tennessee. Civil War Letters of William Allen Clark 413

I was at Methodist meeting last night and today, and heard Professor Baldwin. He is a smart man but is rather sarcastic. He says that the millenium will commence in 1867 or 9. He also thinks that Napoleon is the great Antichrist, and that the great Battle of Armagiddon will be fought in the Mississippi valley, and that France and U.S. will be on one side, and the rest of the World on the other. That the US. will be victorious and that we will then have Peace. War news is unimportant, and nothing doing in Congress, too much Nigger on the Brain. Business is good here. They scarcely know that war is going on. Prices is good and every thing is plenty. It looks like home to see every thing so prosperous. The weather is cool and wet. The farmers here are busy now planting corn and cotton. There is some talk of our going to Missouri. But I guess it is all Bash. We expect good news from Richmond soon. Grant will wake them up this Spring. I hope that McClelland will fix it all right. He will be the next President I think.” I read Col. Wolford’s speech that he made at Lexington [Kentucky] on the war, and I think he is just right. I havent received any mail since we come here. We will get our mail here to morrow. It is late, and I know of nothing more to write. Give my love to all. Write often. I remain, your affectionate Son, Wm. A. Clark 72nd Ind. Vols. Company K.

Columbia, Tenn. April 24th 1864 Sabbath Evening, Dear Parents, I take my pen in hand this Evening to pen you a few lines to inform you how I am getting along. It has been raining all day, & I have been laying in my chelbanes [chilblainesl reading all day, so I feel but little like writing. Geo. W. Brown. & J. J. Williams arrived here last Tuesday, & I rec. two shirts, two letters, & two Big lumps of Sugar through the kindness of John Williams. There was also a package of paper & Envelops. The entire package was very acceptable, especialy the Shirts & writing material. We had no meeting to day on account of the Rain. We have a minister in Comp. K now. His name is Westfall, a Newlight.I2

~

11 Union General George Brinton McClellan was the unsuccessful candidate for president in 1864. McClellan was known for being a brilliant military trainer but a timid leader. 12 “New Lights” were members of the Congregational, Presbyterian, or Baptist churches who favored revivalism and emotional preaching. The name contrasted 414 Indiana Magazine of History

I was out to Mt. Pleasant yesterday on forage duty & saw the best Country that I ever saw in my life. We passed through the plantation of Gen. Bishop Polk, also that of Gen. Pillow. Polk’s farm is valued at 2,000,000 dollar^.'^ We are having lot of dicipline these days to initiate the recruits. We had a political meeting at Hd. Quarters last Wednesday night. But it was all gas, Lincoln & Morton. So I dident like the proceed- ings. I havent heard any war news this week worth mentioning. Steve Aiken & W. A. Clark wrote a letter to the Frankfort Crescent the other day in reply to some slang that was written to The Banner by Richardson of Co. K. He is so insulting that we thought we would reply in regard to furlough^.'^ I will have to give up all Ideas of one for this Spring as Thomas has countermanded the order, however I am contented. I only have sixteen months longer to stay any how. Weekly Report Sunday wrote No. 14 home. Monday, on picket, received a letter from Jennie Jordan. Tuesday, in camp, received No. 6 & No. 11 from home, also the package containing the Shirts, etc. Wednesday, in camp, received a letter from . Thursday, in camp, wrote to Friday, in camp, wrote to Newton. Saturday, foraging. It is getting late, so I will close. Write often. Excuse poor writ- ing, for I believe I have forgot how to write. My respects to all. Your affectionate Son, Allen

No. 16 Columbia, Tenn. Apr. 29th 1864 Friday, P.M. Affectionate Parents, This beautiful afternoon finds me seated to give you a few lines in respons to yours of Apr. 22nd & No. 16. I have just received it. We are under orders to march in the morning at 8 oclock with 30 days Rations. We dont know where we will go. We are turning over our tents & Over coats. In fact we will take nothing but a change of these more enthusiastic sects with the “Old Lights,” who practiced their faith more conservatively. 13 General Leonidas Polk, a member of a wealthy and prominent southern fam- ily, had been an Episcopalian bishop before the beginning of the Civil War. His nephew, General Lucius Eugene Polk, was an Arkansas planter whose father’s house was near Columbia, Tennessee, the family having moved there in 1835. Patri- cia Faust, ed., The Historical Times Illustrated Encyclopedia of the Civil War (New York, 1986), 590. 14 The letter Clark wrote to the Frankfort Crescent and the issue in which it appeared have unfortunately not survived. Civil War Letters of William Allen Clark 415

Clothing. I dont know when I will have a chance to write again, so I thought I would drop you a few lines to keep you from getting uneasy if you failed in hearing from me for some time. I will write but little this time, as we are busy making invento- ries of Surplus goods, and Equipments. Health is good. We will only leave three of Comp. K. in Hospital. But there is only half of the Company mounted. Those that are not will be stationed on the R. Road as guards. I have a splendid horse. He is 7 years old, 16% hands high, & is a racker.15 G. W. B. is in command of Co. K. and is liked a great deal better than when he came up. I have but little news to write. All is rumor of important millitary movements. I think I will be able to write you more news when I write again. We havent rec. any mail for several days till today. Bill Grissmer & John Williams were detailed yesterday to go to Nashville for horses. But the prospect is not good for getting them. I believe I have written all the news. Please write often. I supose we will get our mail regular unless we get through Ene- mies' lines. My health is splendid. I can outrun, outjump, but not throw down the 72nd. Give my respects to inquiring friends. My love to you. Hoping that I will hear from you soon and often. I sub- scribe myself your Affectionate Son, W. A. Clark Excuse poor writing for I have written in haste.

[Weekly Report, probably sent May 5,18641 April 30th '64, Started from Columbia [Tennessee] at 8 oclock A.M., went to Farmington 20 miles, rained all day. May lst, The wagon train failed to keep up yesterday. We are laying in camp today waiting for the train to come in. May 2nd, Marched to Shelbyville, 22 miles. May 3rd, Marched to Elk River via Tullahoma, 22 miles. May 4th, Marched via Deckard [Decherdl to Cumberland Tun- nel, 20 miles. May 5th, Marched to Stevenson [Alabama], 20 miles. Dear Parents, When I last wrote I told you we had marching orders. I dident know where we was going and dont know yet. But suppose we are going to Chattanooga. We move in the morning at 5% o clock. It is reported that they are fighting at Ringgold [Georgia]. We will cross Tenn. River at Bridgeport [Alabama], 12 miles from here. It is 40 miles from there to Chattanooga. I rec. a letter from A. F. tonight dated April 22nd. It is getting so dark I cant see to write. Excuse poor writing, for my Desk is a

15 A horse with a racking gait steps precisely, placing each hoof on the ground separately. The racker's gait is in the pattern of a walk, but the step is quicker and the pace more lively. 416 Indiana Magazine of History newspaper. This is short. But will tell you the items. Write often. Hoping to hear from [you] soon. I subscribe myself your son, W. A. Clark

Camp near Dalton, Georgia May 14th 1[8164 Kind Parents, I now seat myself for the purpose of penning you a few lines to let you know where we are & how we are getting along. We left Stevenson, Ala. the day after I wrote No. 17 & went to Bridgeport, 12 miles. We crossed the River on the R.R. Bridge. On the 8th, we went via Shellmount [Tennessee] to Trenton, Geo., 25 miles. On the 9th, we went to Matrimose Cave, 25 miles. On the loth, we went to Lafayette, 8 miles. On the llth, we were on picket, rec. two letters, No. 13 from home, and a letter from Cousin Alma. On the 12th, we came to our present camp, 5 miles Southwest of Joe Johnson’s Army.16May 13th in camp. The 14th, 15th, 16th & 17th, also the 23rd Army Corps passed us going toward Atlanta. I talked with Cozens Clark & Cosmas Rhodes of the 10th Ind., John Fulkerson of the 23d , and with Will Patrick of the 63d Ind. They were all in good Spirits. I also talked with Joe & Jim Aikens formerly of Rossville. But now belong to the 17th Iowa. Joe is Orderly Sergt. of Company A 17th Iowa. As to war news, it is said that Butler has taken Possession of Petersburgh, Va. & Grant has driven Lee to his intrenchments at Richmond. Lee is reported wounded, and Longstreet killed. The Reb loss is reported to be 25,000 total.” It is reported that the Rebs have seceded from Dalton. It is time. If we had moved on them yes- terday, we could have prevented their Retreat. We have the largest Army here than we have had in the west. The 120, 121st, 122nd, 123d, 124th, 125th, 126th, 127th, 128th, 129th, & 130th Ind. Regts passed here last night. They are all in one Division commanded by Gen. Manson, & they are all full Regts.18 I dont know when I will get to write again as we are going to join Kilpatrick tomorrow. I wish you would send me a few Stamps. Some one opened my Knapsack & took my Stamps & paper last

~~

16 On May 12,1864, Confederate General Joseph Eggleston Johnston moved his troops from Dalton to Resaca, Georgia. Outnumbered by Union General ’s troops, Johnston “preferred waiting for the enemy to attack and expend strength, allowing him [Johnston] to counterattack a weakened foe.” Faust, The Historical Times Illustrated Encyclopedia, 400. 17 Clark’s information on the Spotsylvania campaign (May 8-19) is not quite accurate; far from driving General Lee back to Richmond, the Union forces led by Generals Grant and Meade had to struggle to hold their ground. When the battles comprising this campaign were over, the Union had lost eighteen thousand men while the Confederacy was missing between ten and eleven thousand. James M. McPherson, The Atlas ofthe Civil War (New York, 1994), 154-57. I* Union General Mahlon Dickerson Manson was wounded in the Battle of Resaca on the day Clark wrote this letter. Boatner, The Civil War Dictionary, 508. Civil War Letters of William Allen Clark 417 night, a mean trick for a soldier. I have nothing more to write today, so I will close. Please write often. My respects to all enquiring friends. I remain as ever your affectionate Son, W. A. Clark Company K, 72nd Ind. Vols.

No. 19 1864 Gillings Bridge [Gillem’s Bridge], Georgia May 21st Dear Parents, Saturday, I take the present oppurtunity to inform you where I am, how I am & what we have been doing in the last week. When I last wrote, we were near Dalton, that was the 14th that P.M. We went 20 miles in the direction of Rome. Sunday, May 15th went via Delaware [to] Isham’s Springs, 25 miles. We was on picket that night. Monday, May 16th went to Calhoun ferry, 20 miles. We crossed Oostranaula River here. It is a stream as large as Deer Creek, Ind. Tuesday, May 17th, we marched to Delanua ferry, 25 miles, through as fine country as the best of Ind. Wednesday, May 18th marched to Welington’s plantation, 15 miles, had a Skirmish, lost 20 men kiled, wounded, or missing. Capt. Hamlin Wilder’s Adjt. Genl. was captured. The Rebel loss was 40 killed, wounded, etc. We took five prisoners & killed Col. Earl of the 2nd Georgia. We were relieved by McPherson’s Corps.Ig May 19th marched via Kingston to Gillin’s Bridge, 30 miles. May 20th went on a Scout, marched 14 miles & captured five Rebs. This ends my report for this time. The weather is clear & excessively hot. Corn is about knee high & looks well. What think you of such corn as that, while you uns all are just planting? We are in Attawans Valley [Etowah’s Valley], the best valley I have seen in Ga. Attawan River is about as large as the Wabash at Pittsburgh [Indiana]. There is splendid Bridge here the Enemy had gave it a dose of Turpentine proparatory to firing it. But Wilder’s Boys dashed up & captured 30 wagons of their train & the detail that had left to burn the Bridge, 30 men & a Captain. At the same time, Killpatrick dashed up to the R.R. Bridge 7 miles above here and prevented their fireing it. Our Army is now across & is fighting about 7 miles from the River. We are drawing Rations to day & getting our Horses shod. We are camped close to the R.R.*O

19 Union General James Birdseye McPherson commanded the Army of the Ten- nessee. Ibid.,538. 20 The Western & Atlantic Railroad was General Johnston’s sole supply line. Sherman’s strategy was to outflank Johnston, who held a strong position on Rocky Face Ridge near Resaca, and to cut the railroad. On learning of the threat to his sup- plies, Johnston evacuated Resaca and retreated toward the Etowah River, a move that was later interpreted as a grave tactical error. McPherson, Atlas of the Civil War, 172. 418 Indiana Magazine of History

There is 13 trains passed to the front this morning. They run up in sight of the Enemies’ lines. We are 70 miles from Chatta. & 45 from Atlanta. It is 15 miles to Tullapoosa River & Gen. Johnson sayd he will either whip us there, or surrender, not much whip with only 40,000 men. I heard today that Johnson had lost 15,000 since he left Dalton. That is killed etc. Sherman had captured 5,000 before we got to Calhoun’s ferry.” We dont get any news from the Potomac Army or from Butler. But I have an Atlanta paper of the 14th, & it says the Yanks have Petersburgh, and Ft. Darling, and that Lee had fell back to Spott- sylvania, C. H. [Courthouse]. It also stated that the Yankee Congress had passed a bill to raise soldiers wages to $16 per month. Niggers the same. Who wouldent live in New Africa?22 We havent got any mail for sometime. It is at Army HdQs. & we will get it today. My health is good. I am heavier than I ever was. I weigh 172 net. Lt. Brown is liked better than I expected. He takes a gun when we go in Battle (more than any Officer in K. has done before) and is a Brave as any of the Boys. I believe I have wrote enough for to day. Write often and send me a few Stamps. Tell Jonas to write. George, plow corn like a good Boy, maybe I will be home to help husk corn this 1864. Next Tues- day, I will be 20 year old. If I get out in this war before I am 21, I am going to graduate Franklin. Your Son, W. A. Clark

No. 20 Bivouac of 72nd Ind. near Dallas, Ga. May 30th 1864 Dear Parents, I take my pen to inform you of my whereabouts, etc. It is very uncertain about your getting this letter, so I will write but little, simply enough to inform you that I am in the enjoyment of that inestamable Blessing, Health. I wrote to you the 21st from Gilliams Bridge. On the 23rd, we started out for the front, went to Van Wirt, 14 miles. 24th, we marched 15 miles, camped within two miles of Dallas. We had quite

21 At the beginning of the Atlanta campaign Sherman had 70,000 troops to Johnston’s 55,000. Both sides incurred heavy losses, but Johnston’s withdrawal across the Etowah River on May 20 insured a Union victory in the Battle of Resaca. Ibid. 22 Although black troops had been recruited with the promise that they would receive pay equal to their white counterparts, the War Department announced in June, 1863, that African-American soldiers would receive only ten dollars per month, three dollars less than whites. The reversal was intended to appease white northerners who opposed equality for blacks, but in the end it pleased no one. Part- ly in response to protests by black troops and their white officers, Congress finally officially authorized equal pay for all soldiers in June, 1864. Joseph T. Glatthaar, Forged in Battle: The Civil War Alliance of Black Soldiers and White Officers (New York, 1990), 169-74. Civil War Letters of William Allen Clark 419 a fight with Iverson's Cav. On the 25th, we moved to right of the enemies line. We rode 20 miles for forage. 26th, in camp. 27th, the Rebs surrounded H. Company of the 4th U.S. Cav. The 72nd went to their relief. We drove the Rebs off, capturing 7, killed 5, and wounding 3. We only had 1 man wounded slightly. He belonged to Company I. His name is Alf Burte. The 4th US. had four men cap- tured, 1 killed & two wounded, and had 70 horses captured. 28th, we joined Gen. Logan on the right. I was sent out on the Skirmish line. I took my position behind a fence with 200 yards of open ground in front. I was standing quietly looking over the fence, when a minnie Ball came whizzing within two feet of my head. I couldent see where it came from, at first. But in a minute he raised up from behind a log only 75 yards in front of me. It was my turn now. I throwed a load in my Carbine & Brought it to my Shoul- der. But he had his gun to his eye as soon as I. Just as I took aim, he fired. His Ball struck a rail just Breast high to me. It passed through the rail and struck my Belt plate. But was so near spent that it dident hurt me. I fired the same time, and he fell behind the log, his gun falling on the side next to me. I was on the line two hours longer. But saw nothing more of him. The Rebs then made a charge, and we had to fall back to the Regt. I think it was the nar- rowest escape I have made. May 29th, we were skirmishing all day. No one hurt in our Regt. Last night after dark we moved out and rode till three this morning. But I dont know how far we rode or where we are. But we are within hearing of the Rebel lines. The 4th A. C. [Army Cavalry] is in front of us and are fighting Briskly two miles south of here. We are about 20 miles from Atlanta with Chattahoochee River between here and Ata. This is a very hilly country and no improvements nearer than ten miles, except Dallas. It is a county seat. There is 7 houses in the town, and none nearer than 7 miles to it. Our horses havent been fed since the 27th and no prospect of getting forage yet. Johnston has been reinforced, and it is thought that the Big fight will be here among the Hills."' Last night at 12 oclock they charged our intire right wing (about 7 miles of Yankees) five times. But were repulsed with heavy loss. The firing was the heaviest I have ever heard and lasted two hours. Our loss was light, as our line was protected by Breastworks. We havent heard any news this week. I have wrote more than I intended to when I commenced. Write often. My respects to all. yours as ever, W. A. Clark

23 Clark's prediction, that the more serious fighting would take place in the Georgia hills, was right. He goes on, in letters of June 15 and 28, to detail the battles that took place at Kennesaw Mountain. 420 Indiana Magazine of History

Camp 72nd Ind. Vols. Company K Carter’s Station, Ga. June 5th 118641 Affectionate Parents, I take the present opportunity to write you a few lines to inform you how we are getting along. It has been raining for the last three days all the time. But has cleared off now. I received your letter of May 23rd & 24th today. I hadent heard from you for some time. So you may know I was anxious to hear from you. Realy glad to learn that Unkle Jonas & Aunt are interested in my welfare. But would be better pleased with a letter from them. It seems that our letter to The Crescent is better understood at home than it was in K. We had a big time here about it. J. J. Williams was going to have Al. Clark tarred & feathered. But couldent get the old Soldiers to help them. They construed the let- ter to say that Valandigham was a Martyr & one of our best states- men. The letter dident mention his name. We couldent indorse him.24So we wrote to The Crescent an explanation to the ideas expressed in that letter. I am a Douglas Democrat & will never vote for the mongrel, kinky headed abolitionists. I detest them. There is quite a strong element here that will support the wor- thy 0. P. Morton for goverer of Ind. again. But I cant see it in that light. I would like to see him protect civil law, and not nod his head to every mob that is raided by the freedom Shriekers. I think the war will end within 12 months. Unkle Sam is putting forth his mightiest efforts in this Campaign, and will either crush the Confederacy, or faint with exertion. If the present move- ment dont crush the South, we cant conquer them. So if we fail with this their independence will be acknowledged. If I was to choose between the Politics of the trio, U. S. Grant, A. L. & J. C. F., I would support the first. But I dont think we need a millitary President. I would [not?] vote for A. L. because he is not consistent. Fremont is the most consistent of the three, But he want to have the Nigger head & Shoulders above every thing else.25

24 Clement Laird Vallandigham, an Ohio Democrat and member of the Knights of the Golden Circle, was banished to the Confederacy for his vocal opposition to Lin- coln, but was later ejected from the South as well for speaking out against Jefferson Davis. Vallandigham moved to Canada but returned to the in June, 1864, to speak at the Democratic convention, an event noted in Clark’s letter of June 28. It has been speculated, for obvious reasons, that he may have served as the pro- totype for Everett Hale’s Man Without a Country. Boatner, The Civil War Dictio- nary, 864. 25 Some Radical Republicans thought their party would have a better chance of victory in the 1864 election if they ran on a strict abolitionist platform. Union Gen- erals John C. Fremont and Ulysses S. Grant were both considered in this light, although the party finally decided to renominate Lincoln, who won in a landslide. Grant, of course, went on to win the presidential elections of 1868 and 1872. Eric Foner and John A. Garraty, eds., The Reader’s Companion to American History (Boston, 1991), 338. Civil War Letters of William Allen Clark 42 1

Weekly Report May 31st, on picket. Wednesday, June 1st went to Burnt Hickory, 7 miles. Thursday, June 2nd went to Carter’s Station, 12 miles. Friday, June 3rd in Camp. Wrote to M. B. Saturday, June 4th in Camp. Wrote to Sam Cade. Sunday, June 5th in Camp. Rec. a letter from home. Wrote No. 21 home. . . to be continued. I have nothing important to write. We cant get any papers here. I wish you would send me some stray coppies of The Crescent or Enquirer. I would like to know Both sides of the Beautiful Slavery question. You need not fear that Miss M. S. will lead me hear much from me. I have several intelligent Lady Correspondents that is worth my time to write to, and they write intelligent & interesting letters. They are worth reading and are not mere repetitions of Love, etc. Give my respects to the many that may enquire. My love to you. Write as often as convenient. Your Son, W. A. Clark A couple of postage stamps if you please.

Kirkendall’s + [CrosslRoads, Cherokee Co., Ga. Wednesday, June 15th, ’64 Kind Parents, Having been stirred out of bed early this morning, I have now a little leisure to pen you a few lines to inform you of the news. As we come here last friday, and put up Earth works, we have been laying quiet since then till about two oclock this morning. The Rebs throwed a heavy collumn against Long’s Brig. on our right. (It is the 2nd Brigade in the 2nd Div. Cavalry. Minty’s Brig. is the 1st and Wilder’s the 3d Brigade in the 2nd Cum Div.) We piled out of Bed & went over to assist Long. But he dident need us so we were held as his reserve till the Rebs fell back, which they did at 6 this morning. The fight lasted four hours. Long lost 5 killed and 18 wounded. His loss was light as he was intrenched. The Enemy left 40 dead on the field, & if their wounded is in the same Ratio, their loss is not less than two hundred, as we took 45 prisoners. All is quiet in front of our Division now. But I can hear the Booming of Cannons off South west, very rapid firing. The Enemy are growing restless and are trying to break our lines. It is generaly believed that the fate of Atlanta will be decided here in the Altoona [Allatoona] Mts. We are about 20 miles from Atlanta in a northwest course. We are 7 miles from Acworth, east & 10 miles due west of Marietta, and 6 miles from Lovingood’s Bridge, across Chattahoochi River. It is the only wagon Bridge within 60 miles of Atlanta. Johnson’s Army is all on 422 Zndiana Magazine of History this side of the River, & if he makes a stand on this side, he will be in a tight place if defeated.26 Grant is reported within 7 miles of Richmond. John Morgan is reported to be in Ky. at Mt. Sterling with 4000 picked men. But it is rumored this morning that he has been awfully whipped by Gen. Burbridge. I think Morgan is gone by the It has rained every day since the 2nd till yesterday. But has cleared of cool, and looks as if we would have fine weather. Capt. Mc.[Intirel has resigned, & Geo. W. Brown is now Senior Officer of K. He dont know much military, but he is attentive to the comfort of his men. There was 25 of us sent out on a Recognisance to Canton 5 miles above Lovingood Bridge on the 13th. The Enemy had a picket post there which we charged and drove down the River. We capured a Rebel mail, and 5 Soldiers, and as many Conf. newspapers as could be put in a wagon bed. The latest ones was of the 11th. They said Lee was sick in Richmond, that Grant was 7 miles from there, and could get no farther, and that Johnston’s Army was just draw- ing us from our Base of supplies to annihilate Sherman’s Army. Their Trans. Mississippi Dispatches state that Banks had surren- dered to Marmaduke, & that Kirby Smith had Steele’s Army cut off and Steele proposed a surrender if they treat his Black Soldiers as prisoners of War. Price would not accept the proposal, & it was thought that he would make an unconditional Surrender inside of 48 hours.28Thus you can see how they deceive their people into

26 After retreating across the Etowah, Johnston took up a strong position on Kennesaw Mountain near Marietta. Sherman’s army had been recently reinforced, and it slowly pursued Johnston to the mountain. McPherson, Atlas ofthe Civil War, 174. 27 Confederate General John Hunt Morgan had escaped from a federal peniten- tiary in Ohio and had been placed in command of the Department of Southwest Vir- ginia. Morgan reached Mount Sterling on June 8 and attacked a garrison, forcing its surrender. Burbridge surprised Morgan’s troops on June 9 and managed to break up the brigade, but Morgan’s men continued their destruction in Lexington, George- town, and Cynthiana, Kentucky. On June 12 Burbridge finally caught up with Mor- gan again and forced him to retreat to Virginia. The Cynthiana raid proved to be Morgan’s last; he was killed by Federal troops at Greeneville, Tennessee, on Septem- ber 4, 1864. Terrell, Report ofthe Zndiana Adjutant General, I, 205-207. For more on Morgan’s raids and incarceration see Tatum, “‘Please Send Stamps,”’ Part 111,291n. 28 In December, 1862, Confederate President Jefferson Davis had issued a proclamation ruling that all captured soldiers from the United States Colored Troops (USCT) be turned over to state authorities who would try the soldiers for inciting insurrection or for actual insurrection. Every Confederate state had laws that man- dated the death penalty for both those crimes. The arrangement was less popular than it might have been because the USCT included not just black troops but white officers as well; some Confederate commanders fought under black flags, a symbol that they would spare the lives of the colored troops in exchange for surrender. In the end, the Confederacy amended its practice of killing all USCT soldiers and instead instituted a policy by which only the white officers would be executed while the black troops would be enslaved. The policy backfired; the knowledge that white officers were willing to put their lives on the line for their black subordinates made the black troops all the more willing to fight for the Union. Glatthaar, Forged in Battle, 201-204. Civil War Letters of William Allen Clark 423 believing that they are victorious at every point, and that at the two great control points they are falling back on their Dignity (in other words, Stragedy). My Diary: wrote No. 21 home on the 5th. June 6th, on picket. June 7th, in camp, rec. two letters one from Jane Hays & no. 15 from home, answered the first. June 8th, went to Acworth, 12 miles. Thursday June 9th, on a scout to Big Shanty, lost 5 men wound- ed out of the Regt., fell back to Acworth, received a letter from Alma Jordan. She is teaching the Indian mission at Sac & Fox Agency. June loth, marched to Kirkendall’s X Road, 7 miles. June llth, on a scout to Canton. June 14th, on picket. I believe I have wrote all the news. We move at 12 M., dont know where to. Write often. You made quite a spech on the Tracy land. I am but a Boy But I can appreci- ate the benefit of Education, & I hope that with your help George will be made a Schollar, and a man. Yours, W. A. Clark

Camp of 72nd Ind. near Big Shantee [Big Shanty], Cobb County, Georgia June the 28th ’64 Dear Parents, This (if you get it) will inform you where we are, and how we are getting along. In the 1st place, I will tell you that K goes on picket at noon, and it is now 10Y2, so I have But little time to write. I received yours bearing date of June 12th last night. Glad to hear of your good health. You had not told me who you sold the Tracy farm to. How far from Thorntown is that land and what direction, and have you a notion to move there and make George a Boone [county] Aristocrat?2g I saw a copy of The Crescent last night that contained the pro- ceeding of the Democratic Convention of the 16th. I have heard some gay comments on it by some of our Philanthropic fellow Sol- diers. From the committees & delegations they appointed, I think, the Democracy are going to do their duty. I heard a fellow say last

__ 29 Having sold the parcel of land that William Allen Clark calls the “Tracy farm,” David C. Clark is considering the purchase of another piece of property, rec- ommended by one of Clark’s older brothers. “The farm of which I spoke to you,” writes Isaac Newton Clark to his father, “will be sold at public sale on the 8 day of July-I found a good farm 120 acres-90 cleared-tolerably good buildings-two young orchards-roads on two sides, 2 miles from Franklin, new school house & church, $40 per acre-in sight of R.R.” Isaac Newton Clark to David C. Clark, June 14, 1864. William A. Clark Papers, Lilly Library (Indiana University, Bloomington). 424 Indiana Magazine of History night that that meeting was a meeting of Traitors and that 0. P. Morton would be Justifiable in using millitary force to prevent that party from making any organization. But men here will do any- thing for the sake of Official Notice. We have now drove Johnston to his last ditch (or rather he has drawn us to the range of his Batteries), and now the fighting has indeed commenced. Johnson has fortified Kenesaw Mountains, 1, a peak about 1,500 ft. high, and has said that he would hold it or die in the attempt. We have been fighting, battering, and digging for the last 15 days, and in that time have drove them four miles. Our lines are now at the foot of the mountain, and the Enemy cant depress their guns enough to hurt our men. But it looks like mad- ness to attempt to charge on the Enemies works. After they start up, there is no place that they can halt without being under the enemies guns. I saw a Deserter this morning that come through the lines last night. He says that Johnston has 100,000 effective men. We are camped near a high hill. I was on the hill last night, and looking southeast, I could see the Cars running to & from Marietta (Johnston’s Hd. Qrs.) and looking the opposite direction I could see the Yankee Cars coming to and from Big Shantee, Sherman’s Hd. Qrs. The two stations are only four miles apart.30 We have had five men wounded in K in the last week. They are John J. Williams wounded in left arm severely. Sandford Bowen was struck on left hip with a shell from one of our own guns. His leg is badly Bruised, but no bones broken. Thomas Hughes in right arm very slight. H. S. Kreisher was struck in the shoulder by a spent ball. But it only stunned him a short time. I am getting tired of this Campaign. We have been either in the Saddle or on the Skirmish line almost every day since the 10th of May. It is now only eight days till July, and we are not within 20 miles of Atlanta, poor chance to end the war on that great day [July 4, 18641. Havent heard from Richmond for some time. The last we heard Grant had crossed James River for Petersburgh. This is my last sheet of paper, and I will have to borrow an Envelop for it, and our Sutler is back at Chattanooga without any goods. I wish you would send me some paper & envelop and Stamps. We cant get anything of the kind here. I received a letter from Jennie Jordan last night. They were all well. Alma is teaching at Sac. & Fox Agency. I think I may be proud of my Relatives in Clinton. They are so affectionate. I have received four letters from Relatives in Clinton in 1864 (beside those from

30 Sherman, frustrated by the strong position Johnston held on Kennesaw Mountain, staged a frontal assault on the Confederate general. The bold move did not help advance the , however, and Sherman’s army, suffering many casualties, fell back to its previous position. McPherson, Atlas ofthe Civil War, 174. Civil War Letters of William Allen Clark 425 parents & Brothers) and Stephen Erehart wrote all of them. I have never received the mark of a pen from any of them except him & Dave Clark. I think they have treated me very unkindly. It is almost noon so I will have to quit. Please write soon and often. My respect to all enquiring friends. I hope you will have a good time harvesting. Wish I was there. No more to day. your affectionate Son, W. A. Clark

Georgia Camp near Rosswell Factory Tuesday, July 7th '64 AffParents, I take this opportunity to pen you a few lines, not in response to any late letter from home. But to assure you that I am still spared to write you. I have but little news to write, and it is to hot to write any how. On the night of the 3d we moved off at 8 oclock to the right, and at day light entered Marietta. The Rebels rearguard being ?hmiles south of town. We followed them 5 miles that day, & captured 1200 prisoners, & two cannon. On the 4th we drove them from there lines of ditches & took 300 prisoners. On the night of the 4th our Comp was detailed to guard our wagon train back to Big Shanty. We went back to Kenesaw Mountain & camped there two days. I went up to the summit & had a splendid view of surroundings. This was the mt. that Johnson stick to so tenaciously. But Sherman absolutely dug him out. The Rebels works was 5 miles long. Their right resting on the R.R., their left on Pine Mt., Ken-being their center. They had 1st a line of stockade made with trees cut down with tops pointing front- ward, & trimed down to a level of two ft. from the ground. 40 ft. in the rear of these was a ditch 12 ft. wide & five deep & a line of sharp pointed rails planted in it, the points being 3 ft. from the ground. The dirt from the ditch was thrown up in the rear of the ditch form- ing a breastwork 5 ft. high & so thick that it was Bomb proof. On the top of this bank was laid large logs with an opening between them & the dirt of four inches. The crack answered the purpose of port holes. 40 ft. behind this line is the Embrasures for their Artillery. They had 12 Embrasures, each mounting two 24 pound Rifle guns. The wings are 24 ft. high & 25 ft. thick. The front is 18 ft. high & 30 ft. thick. The portholes are in the shape of an arch, are four ft. wide 5 high. These were the mark for our gunners & some of them are almost razed to the ground. Our Inft. rest their left on the R.R., being opposed to the Rebel Right=Hood's Corps. The 15th & 16th Corps under McPherson were opposed to the Rebel center, Polk's Corps. The 4th & 14th Corps under Thomas were opposed to the Rebel Left, (Hardee's Corps), so that the 12th, 19th, 20th, & 23d Corps under Hooker & Scofield were free to work on the right flank. 426 Indiana Magazine of History

They moved around within two miles of the River and 800 yards of the R.R. before Johnson knew it. When he found it out, he moved out for safety double quick. We are now 8 miles from Atlanta & are guarding a Bridge across Chattahoochee.3’ Marietta is a beautiful town, the county seat of Cobb. Co. It had 3,462 inhabitants in 1860. It is the home of Alex. H. Stephens, Vice President of Rebellion. We havent rec-any mail for four of five days. But will get one to day. Grant is Reported in Richmond. I wish you would send me a few stamps. I guess I have wrote all the news. Write often. Give my respects to all. Excuse poor writing for I have written in haste. Hoping to hear from you soon. I remain your Affectionate Son, W. A. Clark

Georgia In Camp near New Town, Cobb Co. Saturday, July 16th ’64 Dear Parents, This sultry morning affords me an opportunity to write you a few lines to inform you where we are & how we are getting along. I hope you wont scold me for neglecting to write (this is the 2nd July letter). I would write oftener. But paper is scarce. Envelops scarcer and ink is played out. I am writing now with Blackberry Juice & it flows so poor that I can hardly write with it. Well, we dident celebrate the 4th in Atlanta. But we drove the Johnnies from Kennesaw Mountain.32Our Brig. crossed Chatta- hoochee River on the 9th. We waded it. The water reaching almost to our arms & the Rebs was firing on us from the South Bank. But fortunately none of our Boys were hurt. Two Rebs killed & 4 wound- ed, 7 captured. We formed our lines on the Bluffs, ?hmile from the River & held them till we were relieved by an Infantry Division. Since then we have been resting and recruiting our horses until1 yesterday. Biggs, our Ad@. Gen’l, was ordered to make a Reconnoi- sance toward Atlanta. He was to take one Regt, so he chose the 72nd. We went within 7 miles of the City, drove in their pickets and after makeing all the topographical observations possible, we returned to camp. We were on a high hill in plain view of Atlanta. We could see the cars running into the Depots. We could see their

31 As Sherman was staging his doomed frontal assault on Johnston, Union Colonel Hiram Scofield’s flanked Johnston on the left. While Scofield diverted the Confederates’ attention, Sherman was able partially to sur- round Johnston and drive him back to the outskirts ofAtlanta. The Union lost about 2,000 men during this battle, while the Confederacy lost only 270. Zbid.; Boatner, Civil War Dictionary, 452-53. $2 On July 17 Johnston was relieved of his command and replaced by James B. Hood. President Jefferson Davis, displeased with Johnston’s failure at Kennesaw Mountain, was reportedly not confident that he would make a concerted effort to keep Atlanta from falling into Union hands. McPherson, Atlas ofthe Civil War, 176. Civil War Letters of William Allen Clark 427 lines of Breastworks & could see a collumn of Cavalry moving to our left, so we thought it best to vacate. I havent heard any news from the eastern Departments for some time. But hope all is right. Health is very good. We are ordered to move in the morning with three days Rations and 100 Rounds of Ammunition. Dont know where we are going But on to Richmond. I received a letter from you a few days since dated June 22nd, which informed me of matters in Clinton. I havent saw the 4th Cav- alry this year. I heard a few days since that Mat Miller was wound- ed at Red Clay, Tenn. and is now in Hospital at Knoxville. We are from 10 to 15 miles from the main Army all the time, so we hear but little news. We are camped 22 miles above the R.R. Bridge and on the north side of the River. We are 24 miles almost due east of Atlanta and within 12 miles of the Milledgeville & Augusta R.R. We are camped on the Richmond & Natchez Nation Roads. It was cut out for millitary purposes by order of Gen’l Jackson. It is 23 months today since we swore to obey our Officers, so we have but 13 yet to stay. But that is longer to stay than I expected when I enlisted. I believe that we will have an opportunity to vol- unteer after our present enlistment expires. We have taken possesion of a large territory this Summer. But the Rebel army is not whipped and before we are safe we must break Johnston’s power. Well Mother, let me tell you what I had for dinner. (Billy Griss- mer bunks with me.) He went out foraging this A.M. & brought in a lot of potatoes, a couple of chickens & some flour. So I thought we would have a gay old potpie. I fixed the fixens and cooled the fixens and Bill & me eat the fixens & pronounced them better than Ind. can produce. In fact I have become adebt in the pastry line. We havent had any mail since the 10th But expect one tonight. I believe I have scribbled enough for one time. Tell Brothers of mine to write. My Respects to friends. Write soon and often. No more at present. But remain your Affectionate Son, W. A. Clark P.S. If Geo. W. Clark will send me a letter I will read it and answer- W. A. Clark

Camp near Atlanta, Georgia July 26th [18641 Dear Parents, I hope you will excuse me for not writing oftener when I tell you that this is the first day we have rested since the 17th Inst. I am well. Hope this will find you the Same. I am very sleepy having been in the saddle five consecutive nights. We have just returned from a Raid on the Richmond & Atla-R.R. We struck the Road 41 428 Indiana Magazine of History miles east of Atlanta at Covington. Burnt the Bridge across Yellow R., tore up 5 miles of track. Burnt 43 Cars & two Locomotives. (2000 Bales of Cotton, 3000 Bushs of Corn, 15,000 lbs of pork, Cap- tured 2000 horses, 250 Prisoners, & 700 Niggers.) Our loss was 2 killed and one captured. We are now 1Y2 mile from At- There has been some desperate fighting here with varied success. Gen’l. McPherson is killed.33Our men have Buried 1800 of the Enemies dead. We are ordered to march in the morning with 5 Rations, another Raid. I received a package of envelop last night from Rossville-dont know who sent them, But expect it was Jonas. I am very thankful anyway for I was out. All is quiet to day. No news from Grant. Washington reported to be in the hands of the Rebels, dont believe it. Health is good. We cant get any mail. Why is it? Dont you folks write, or do the post masters fail in discharging their duties? I havent heard from you since the 11th. Write oftener. I wish you would send me some Stamps. No more today. Your Affectionate Son, Allen

In Battle line War Atlanta Sunday Evening Aug. 7th [1864] To all at home, I embrace the present opportunity of writing to you to let you know that I am still living, although rather unwell. I have been quite sick for two or three days. But am well now or am doing duty. I am quite weak yet, had Something like Billious fever. There is a great deal of sickness here now, caused by fatigue, loss of sleep, and the Impurity of the atmosphere. There are thousands of dead hors- es & mules scattered over fields & woods between our lines & the Johnnies, & they make the air almost sickening. And the water we use is Branch water. It contains all the filth incident to Camp, so you may guess how it tastes. Dont scold about this writing for it is done with wet gun pow- der, and it goes by flashes any way you try it. My pen is almost played out too. I wish you would send me a few good steel pens. Our Sutler has played out. I received a letter from you on the 2nd dated July 14th. also 1 from Jonas of July 17th. 1from I. N dated July 15th. Very thankful for their kindness, But cant answer them now for want of writing material. I have nothing of the kind except Envelop. I sometimes think I will quit writing. I have asked for some stamps time & again, and get two per month, poor chance to one that has many fair friends who wants to hear from him. Stamps cant be purchased

33 Union general James Birdseye McPherson, commander of the Army of the Tennessee, was killed on July 22 in the Battle of Atlanta. Civil War Letters of William Allen Clark 429 here, so I must drop those correspondents that I cant write to with- out prepaid postage, and if I quit one-I will quit all. I am out of humor tonight. I have 12 letters unanswered for want of stamps, etc. and have followed the pernicious system of borrowing till I am out on that score. When I get a reply to this I hope to learn how I am to keep acquainted with affairs in the Civil World. I made some statements on politics to - and he replied that I was an Abolitionist and not posted. Now how am I to keep posted unless I have the material to write for the requisite information? I have but little news to write. We are 1mile from At- and get- ting no closer fast. [We] have been fighting day & night for ten days. Our loss is heavy, the Rebel loss heavier, so said.34No news from Grant. Stoneman’s Cavalry reported captured, cant think it.’5 But nothing impossible here. I talked to H. Mohler to day. He is well. Also Dick Smith, Ben Caloway, & L. Davis. I hope to hear from you soon. No more to night. Your Soldier Boy, AllenJ6

No. 5 Louisville, Kentucky, Christmas Morning [ 18641 Dear Parents, I will now attempt to pen you a few lines to inform you of my whereabouts & howabouts. I cant write you a long letter for it is raining, and is so damp that I cant keep my paper dry. I received a letter from you a few days since dated Dec. 9th. Its the only word Ive received from you since I left home. We are going to start to Nashville Wednesday morning. We shipped our stoves & camp Equipage this A.M. And we will face a bad time to travel, if it dont turn cold. But Im all right. I have a black horse 17 hands high & peculiarly fitted for wading the mud. I am going to get the Photographs of all my Comrades & send them to you to keep for me. I send two of them in this. I received a letter from Alma, a few minutes ago. They are all well but Unkle. He is sick. But not seriously. We are having gay times today. The Citizens are preparing a dinner for us.

34 During the Battle of Atlanta (July 22, 1864) there were 3,722 Union casual- ties to 8,000 Confederates. Boatner, Civil War Dictionary, 30. 35 Union General George Stoneman was captured, along with seven hundred of his men, while trying to get to the Andersonville prison to liberate Union prisoners. He was released a few months later. hid., 801, 803. 36 Clark was given a furlough at some point during the fall of 1864. Although there is a break here in his letters to his family, it is unlikely that his furlough last- ed as long as this break would indicate. He was in Rossville for the November 8 elec- tions. WILLIAM ALLEN CLARK’S DISCHARGEPAPERS

Courtesy Mary E. Voss. Civil War Letters of William Allen Clark 43 1

In regard to the Coupon on that $100 note, I dont know what disposition you can make of it. But of course I would like the great- est possible renumeration for it. I agree with you that it would be rather unpleasant to have dances in the ware house this cold weather. But it would be more pleasant than shivering around a cold campfire. There has been several of our Boys home on frenches [absent without leave] since we came here. But I couldent have the heart to french after being home so long. I saw Henry Logan the first of this week. He had come down to see his son George in Hospital here. We have cheering news from the front. The Rebel army is demoralized. I have seen 7,000 prisoners go through here en route to Camp Douglas & Rock island.s7 You must excuse poor writing. My fingers are so cold I can hardly hold my pen. Write soon & often. My respects to enquiring friends. I remain your Affectionate Son, Allen

Munfordville, Ky. January 3d 1865 Dear Parents, While our wagons are being ferried across the River, I will try to pen you a few lines to let you know that I am still able to do jus- tice to my rations of Hardtack, etc. I am not certain when or where this will be mailed. But as I have a few leisure moments that could be spent in no better way. I rec. a letter at Bardstown dated Dec. 23d written by you, being the 2nd letter I have got from home since I left. I sent a Photograph of my Cousin who is in the 11th Kansas Regt. to you sometime ago. Have you ever received it? We have been marching six days. But the roads are so bad, & the weather so cold that we are only making 13 miles per day. I have froze my fingers & toes. But not very bad. My fingers are too sore to write. This is the hardest march we have ever made, and I hope we will never have to march again in such cold weather. I have a little touch of the Jaundice. But I guess I will get over it before it gets me down. I have no news to write except that I saw 2,500 prisoners pass on the cars Just now enroute for Louisville. We havent received any mail this year. But we are expecting one now. New Years day was the coldest I have experienced South of the Ohio.

37 Union General Sherman had taken Savannah, Georgia; General George Thomas had successfully defended Nashville. Thomas reported taking 4,462 Confed- erate prisoners. Rather than parole the Rebel troops, the Union Army sent them to prisons at Camp Douglas and Rock Island, Illinois. Boatner, Civil War Dictionary, 582. 432 Indiana Magazine of History

The Bugles are sounding, and I must mount, so good day. Write soon, often, & plenty of it. Tell Jonas, George, & A. F. to write. My respects to friends. I remain your Affectionate Son, W. A. Clark K. Company 72nd Ind. Regt. 1st Brig. 2nd Cav. Div. Dont laugh at my Grammar for I have written in haste.

Edgefield, Tenn. January 9th 1865 Kind Parents, Yours of Jan. 2nd was received last night. Glad to hear that you enjoy good health. We arrived here last night and will remain till the 12th. We are then going for Mississippi or Alabama. We are camped on the bank of the Cumberland, 4 miles above Nashville. We have just completed the most disagreeable march we have ever made. On the night of the 7th, we went in camp with rain pouring on us. The next morning at daylight, the Mercury was 9 degrees below Zero. So you may guess how pleasant it was to start out such a morning. I have no news to write. I havent seen a paper of later date than the 2nd. I sent you a photograph of my Cousin belonging to the 11th Kansas Regt. while at Louisville. Have you received it? I will send all my old letters home. You will please put them in a safe place, so I can get them when I return. I dont fancy the Idea of burning let- ters. Write often. Your Son, Allen

George W. Clark Sir, Your 8 oclock Edition of Dec. 30 last has been received and Judging from the pencil marks father has made in it, it was not as well fixed up as it might have been. However it speaks well of your ability as a writer. You mustent forget to commence all proper names with a capital letter. Sentences the same, and always make a little black spot at the end of a sentence. Its not hard to guess why you like the school so well. You have begun to think of waiting on such pieces as Emma Siegfried, etc, consequently you esteem the School Miss very highly. Oh yes, how do you get along with Em. Withers? In 7 months from to day my time will be out. Then good- bye to Soldiering. It is raining so I guess I will quit for this time. Write soon and all the news. Let me know how much time a man will gain in 60 years rising 30 minutes earlier each day, allowing 365% days to the year. Work it yourself. Send me the work and explain the rule by which you solved the example. I am Your Affectionate Bro., Allen Civil War Letters of William Allen Clark 433 inclosed is two letters for mother to put with those I’ve already sent her. It wont do any good for you to read them.

Camp of 72nd Vols near Smith’s Landing, Alabama February 1st 1865

Kind Parents, Yours of Jan. 16th (No. 2) was received this P.M. and very wel- comely for we had received no mail since the 19th. ult. We arrived heare on the 28th (Just one month after leaving Louisville). We were ordered to put up winter Quarters, and we have a very com- fortable log Cabin 8 ft. wide, 12 ft. long, 6 ft. high with a fancy fire place in it. W. Grissmer, Joe Lough, & F. Jackson Shares its com- fort with me. We have been living on parched Corn but thanks to Unkle Sam we drew our Rations of Hardtact etc. today. We have been without bread or meat since the 24th till today. And have had to drill in the forenoon & work on Stables the rest of the day. We have joined the Cavalry Corps. commanded by Gen’l Wilson, and he swears that he will have the horses sheltered if the men have to lay out in the weather.”” We are camped twelve miles east of Eastport and 9 miles Southwest of Florence. We are on the north bank of Tenn. River. This is the most desolate Country I have seen in Dixie. There is nothing to be seen but Rocks & Pinetrees. The weather is very pleasant, almost like May. I am not prepared to say how long we will remain here. But think we wont move Camp before the first of March, as several of the Officers have rec. furloughs for 40 days. And you know an Army cant do much without Shoulder Straps to back it. There is some talk of a truce for 60 days. But the Johnnies dont know it, for they shell every Boat that passes either up or down. I would like to be at Westpoint‘jYlong enough to help Capt. Hardy convince Jonas that 0 is the only complete System of Well, George, I have a good joke on you. (Miss T-are you going to singing to night? I dont know. I will if George Clark will go

38 Union General James Harrison Wilson commanded the Cavalry Corps of the Military Division of the Mississippi. Boatner, Civil War Dictionary, 930-31. 39 West Point was a district school adjacent to the Clark family property in Ross Township. See Tatum, ‘“Please Send Stamps,’” Part 111, 316n. 40 Clark is most likely referring to a system of writing music known as shape- note hymnody, which substitutes shaped notes for round notes on a five-lined staff. Shaped notes were common in hymnals of the South and the Midwest in the nine- teenth century. This method of notation is ”intended to help singers with little musi- cal expertise to sing at sight without having to recognize pitches on the staff or understand the key system.” H. Wiley Hitchcock and Stanley Sadie, eds., The New Grove Dictionary ofAmerican Music (New York, 1986), 201. 434 Indiana Magazine of History with me. He is a real pretty & intelligent little fellow). I dont know that it will Mollie [?] Davie [?I to quit dancing. But I have heard that she has quit going to Balls or Parties. Mr. Reed has certainly sold his farm very well. If you could get such a price do you think you would take it and Change your base of Supplies to Thorntown? I received a letter from I. N. this P.M. He was holding a meeting at Franklin. I also received two letters from persons too dedious [tedious?] to mention. There is five men to be furloughed from K this week, but not me for I’ve done had mine. I heard to night that Wil Gaddis is dead. We have good health, not a sick man in K. I wish you would send me a packet of paper. My stock of writing material is almost exhausted, and we cant get stationery here for money or love. - I would like to have some stamps too. Since com- ing here I have sold nearly all of mine to Boys that have had no chance to get any, and consequently am out myself. I guess I have written all the news, so I will quit for tonight. Write often, oftener, oftenest. A few lines from George will be acceptable. I remain your Affectionate Allen Clark.

Camp of 72d Ind. Vols. Smith’s Landing, Alabama Feb. 9th 1865 Dear Parents, Yours of Jan. 25th was received last night. Glad to hear of your good health. I have but little news to write. But I am aware that you are always anxious to hear from me. And that my letters are always welcome, whether long or short. My health is good, and am enjoying life as well as could be expected under existing Circumstances. We have plenty of Rations. But havent drawn any Clothing since I was home. My pants are almost played out. But we expect plenty of Clothing in a few days. My stock of writing materials is almost exhausted, & no possibility of purchasing anything of the kind here. So I would like for you to send me a lot of good letter paper, and Stamps. I am not in need of Envelops as I have quite a lot. This is my last sheet of paper, and I have nary Stamp. I am not able to say how long we will remain here. Our Major thinks we will remain here 90 days. Oh yes, I am writing with a quill pen of my own make. Aint I an apt Scholar? Well George, you have not solved that problem according to the rule of Compound Numbers. The year is 365 days & 6 hours long. (You must remember that the pupil is supposed to be ignorant of the art of breaking Fractions when he works said question.) And you in stating the question stated the year at 365% days instead of 365 days 6 hours. When you write, let me know if you understand Civil War Letters of William Allen Clark 435 this logic. I hope you will be a good Singer when I get home, and I wish you could make the arrangement to get Andy Erehart’s Melodeon. If you can get it for $35, I will pay $25 of it when I get home. I received a letter from S. S. last night, also a Hickory Shirt from the same. I guess I have written all the news. So I will close for this time. My Compliments to enquiring friends. Love to A. F., J. D. & Co. I am your Aff.Son, Allen

No. 5 Camp of 72d Ind. Regt. Smith’s Landing Ala. Sunday, Feb. 19th ’65 Dear Parents, I have waited impatiently all day for the mail with the expecta- tion that it would bring me a letter from home. It has come at last and nothing for me, so I guess I will write you a few lines anyhow. We have plenty to eat, to wear & nothing to do but write, or pitch Horse Shoes. My health is good. Hope this may find you the same. I havent seen a paper of a later date than the 7th inst. and no news in it. It is rumored that Grant has been defeated at Richmond, but the report lacks confirmation. Mobile is said to be in possession of the Yankees.41The Peace Rumors have all passed off, and left nary peace for us, but I guess they got plenty of Volunteers while the peace fever was raging. We havent much confidence in peace being brought about by such men as old J. P. Blair & CO.~* I heard last night that John Mohler had took himself one of the fair maids of Rossville, but I cant believe it yet. I also heard that Sam1 [?I Bowen was married to Mollie Gaddis. The Boys must think that they wont stand any chance if they wait till we uns all get home. I guess they might as well go it while they are young for when they get old they’l have to go slow. I wrote to Sam Cade a few days since. I havent heard from them since I was home, so I con- cluded I would let them know that if I wasnt an Abolitionist, I was still laboring in defense of the Star Spangled Banner.

41 Grant was meeting stiff resistance from Rebel forces but had not been defeat- ed. Mobile did not fall until April 12, 1864. 42 Clark was most likely referring to Francis Preston Blair, who hoped to achieve a peaceful resolution to the Civil War by proposing that the North and South join forces to throw the French out of Mexico. Although this “hare-brained Mexican scheme” did nothing to end the war, it did provoke a meeting on February 3, 1865, between Lincoln and Confederate negotiators Alexander H. Stephens (vice-presi- dent), Robert M. T. Hunter (president pro tern of the Senate), and John A. Campbell (assistant secretary of war). The meeting was fruitless since Lincoln would accept only surrender as a means to end the war. James M. McPherson, Battle Cry of Free- dom: The Civil War Era (New York, 1988), 821-23. 436 Indiana Magazine of History

I have no news to write, and its getting too dark for me to write. So good bye for this time. Write soon. I remain Your Affectionate Son, W. A. Clark D. C. Clark & Mary M. Clark, please send me a Quarter’s worth of Stamps. W. A. Clark Civil War Letters of William Allen Clark 437 APPENDIX List of Family Members

David C. Clark (b. 1804) Father Mary M. Slifer Clark (b. December 10, 1803)” Mother Elizabeth Clark (b. April 27, 1827) Sister Augustus F. Clark, A. F. (b. December 28, 1828) Brother Stephen S. Clark, S. S. (b. December 2, 1831) Brother Mary Jane Ayres Clark Sister-in-law Isaac Newton Clark, Newton, I. N. (b. October 13, 1833) Brother Eliza Jane Clark Cade (b. August 29, 1835) Sister Sam Cade Brother-in-law Jonas D. Clark, J. D. (b. September 12,1837) Brother Tilghman A. H. Clark (b. July 12, 1840, died at 4 years) Brother David Austin Clark (b. May 24, 1844, died at 14 months) Twin brother William Allen Clark (b. May 24, 1844) Brother George W. Clark, Geo., G. W. (b. March 4, 1851) Brother

Jonas P. Clark Uncle D. F. Clark Uncle

Alma Jordan Cousin Jennie Jordan Cousin Andy Erehart Cousin Stephen Erehart Cousin Clark Rhodes Cousin Cosmas Rhodes Cousin Jane Stabler Cousin Luanne Stabler Cousin Mary Stabler Cousin

*An alternate spelling of Clark’s mother’s maiden name is Slipher. Slifer is, however, the spelling used in Clark’s family Bible.