Tweet
I'm bored tonight, so I thought I'd add to the collective knowledge of the AC. The following is a letter in my collection. Spelling is as written in original letter.
This letter is addressed to D. W. Clard from his father Chaplain Orson B. Clark.
Park Station, VA
Oct. 10, 1864
Dear Brother,
Though it is late and I am somewhat fatigued with the days work and excitement yet I feel inclined to spend a few moments with you this evening. And just here it will be just as well to apprise you at the onset that you will find nothing very new or strange for just now. The organ of Marvel with me is unusually quiet. As you have already see our forces on the left have made another advance. Like all preceding advances it has cost blood yet we hold securely all the ground gained. We have not yet crossed the South Side Rail Road yet we are near enough to it to hear the Reb cars though it is not probable they make any unnecessary noise just now. Our men are all in fine spirits and full of confidence from the Commander in Chief down. To all human appearance, the days of rebellion are numbered and its doom irevocubly sealed. Deserteres are all the time coming in. Both they and Prisoners all tell the same story of destitution and suffering and hopelessness for their caus. This of course elates the feelings of our boys and causes them to feel that the war has not been a failrue. The assertion of the authors of the Chicago platform to the contrary not withstanding. I am told the most rabid secessionists aroudn here snatch at Green Backs with as much avidity as a hungary dog does a piece of meat. What ever may be their feelings in regard to their government one thin is certain they have no confidence in its promise to pay.
I have been at the front all day. Col McCoy got back last night apparently in fine spirits. Our Penna Regiment held their election today. The vote was like a jug handle all on one side. They took an informal vote on President this morning. One hundred and thirty eight voters were present. Of this number one hundred and twenty one were cast for Lincoln and seventeen for McClellan. This is about the way the whole thing will run all through the army. So much for the army vote.
The Third Division has advanced its lines about 3/4 of a mile today. There was heavy cannonading all last night through the day and still continues this evening in the vicinity of Fort Warren. For two days the rebs have been cross as bears.
I saw Harry today. He feels badly enough about your leaving. They expected a great horse race today near the yellow house but for some reason it didi not come off. General Griffin's gray was one of them. Our lines now extend from the Fort on the right of the Yellow House (Fort Wadsworth) to within a mile and a half of the South Side Road. They cross the Vaugn road -- our left resting on the plank road running from Stone creek to the South side road. We have a much better and ___ position than we had when you left. It is said the Rebs charged our center last night three times and were repulsed each time. Thus I have written enough for once I think. My health continues good. Tell Ma and Vernie not to worry about me for I am old enough to take care of myself. Love to Bell and all.
Good night,
Your father
O. B. Clark
This letter is addressed to D. W. Clard from his father Chaplain Orson B. Clark.
Park Station, VA
Oct. 10, 1864
Dear Brother,
Though it is late and I am somewhat fatigued with the days work and excitement yet I feel inclined to spend a few moments with you this evening. And just here it will be just as well to apprise you at the onset that you will find nothing very new or strange for just now. The organ of Marvel with me is unusually quiet. As you have already see our forces on the left have made another advance. Like all preceding advances it has cost blood yet we hold securely all the ground gained. We have not yet crossed the South Side Rail Road yet we are near enough to it to hear the Reb cars though it is not probable they make any unnecessary noise just now. Our men are all in fine spirits and full of confidence from the Commander in Chief down. To all human appearance, the days of rebellion are numbered and its doom irevocubly sealed. Deserteres are all the time coming in. Both they and Prisoners all tell the same story of destitution and suffering and hopelessness for their caus. This of course elates the feelings of our boys and causes them to feel that the war has not been a failrue. The assertion of the authors of the Chicago platform to the contrary not withstanding. I am told the most rabid secessionists aroudn here snatch at Green Backs with as much avidity as a hungary dog does a piece of meat. What ever may be their feelings in regard to their government one thin is certain they have no confidence in its promise to pay.
I have been at the front all day. Col McCoy got back last night apparently in fine spirits. Our Penna Regiment held their election today. The vote was like a jug handle all on one side. They took an informal vote on President this morning. One hundred and thirty eight voters were present. Of this number one hundred and twenty one were cast for Lincoln and seventeen for McClellan. This is about the way the whole thing will run all through the army. So much for the army vote.
The Third Division has advanced its lines about 3/4 of a mile today. There was heavy cannonading all last night through the day and still continues this evening in the vicinity of Fort Warren. For two days the rebs have been cross as bears.
I saw Harry today. He feels badly enough about your leaving. They expected a great horse race today near the yellow house but for some reason it didi not come off. General Griffin's gray was one of them. Our lines now extend from the Fort on the right of the Yellow House (Fort Wadsworth) to within a mile and a half of the South Side Road. They cross the Vaugn road -- our left resting on the plank road running from Stone creek to the South side road. We have a much better and ___ position than we had when you left. It is said the Rebs charged our center last night three times and were repulsed each time. Thus I have written enough for once I think. My health continues good. Tell Ma and Vernie not to worry about me for I am old enough to take care of myself. Love to Bell and all.
Good night,
Your father
O. B. Clark
Comment