Clark, George W. (fl. 1863-1865) to his mother

13 March 1863, Camp Stanley
My Dear Mother,
Your kind letter was received yesterday. It was a welcome message for I had not heard from home in sometime. I have been looking for a letter from Lizzie for sometime and hope it will arrive ere long. I am enjoying good health and hope this will find you all the same. The last two days have been mild and warm like summer but it now looks like rain again. Day before yesterday in crossing the creek to go to town the water came up even with the seat of my saddle, which rather dampened the rider. Everything has been over flown two bridges on the railroad were washed away and considerable damage has been done.
My dear Mother, you must not work so hard. You work too much. I know and Father ought not not to allow it. It seems to me that he were able to hire help for you. I wish I were able to allow you enough to pay a good girl the year round so you could have some rest and not work so hard. Time is passing away rapidly and you ought not to shorten your days with unnecessary labor. I wish Father was well off so you could live comfortable the rest of your days. You must take good care of your health for God only knows what we could do without you.
Have you named baby yet and what is it you have named him. Did you receive my letter in which I suggested a name for him? When Ed. Owen came back into camp the mysterious trunk was opened and oh! What a sight for a soldier cakes, pies bottled spirits of all kinds four bottles of black current wine a box of fine old cigars and other delicacies to mention. I have almost given up the idea of having you send me anything. It would take two months to come and then half the stuff that is sent to soldiers is confiscated for hospital purposes. Nashville is the end of the express line now and will be for some time. It would be impossible for me to get it from Nashville unless it was shipped through to ?. The Express charges are enormous & they are worse than ?. They made themselves liable for nothing and everything is shipped at the owners liability and their enormous figures. Still if you can send me a box with a few eatable a few apples a bottle of cider and what you think will best suit the task of a soldier you can. Do you have any mince pies now. If you do you can send me one or two. Bread will mold coming here. Cake keeps well and my poor mouth waters for some. If you send apples or butter you will have to ? some ? in the box to allow a circulation of air or else they will rot. I have no money to send this time but payday will soon be here and then I will send you some money. If Father will pay the charges on the box and loan you what money you want for materials I will refund it at an early day. If I'm to have the box at all I must have it now for the whole army will soon advance and then there will be no communication. I would like some good home made bread but am afraid it would mold. Butter there is no such article here in this country and if you can spare just a little, it would be so nice! And that cider that Lizzie has spoken of if you can send just a bottle of it to taste I shall feel very thankful. The box must be very carefully packed and marked plain & distinct. (George W. Clark Jr. Regimental commissary Sergeant. Fourth Regt. Michigan cavalry Vols. 1st Brigade cavalry Munfreesboro, Tenn. In care of, Lieut. Dudley L. M. 1st Brigade cavalry.
Now Mother do not stop or hesitate about the expense for I will pay that. Spare no pains and get whatever you want. That is if Father has the money to loan you for a week or so. It is very necessary that the box should be marked plain and distinct for a great many boxes are received here at the express office with the address completely worn off. Sugar you need not send for we have plenty of it here. If you can send me one or two neckties of blue or dark color and one or two colored handkerchiefs I would like it. I am afraid I am asking too much. If Father cannot conveniently let you have the money for a short time why never mind sending. I would like one half dozen linen turn down colors fifteen inches or fourteen and a half long I heard you can buy ready made. When you send the box please write by mail and let me know when it was shipped and what expense you have been to and the charges on the box. They will of course have to be prepaid. I am afraid I am asking you more than you can do if so do not send. I wish I had some money and I would send sufficient for you to send anything you wished. If you do send the box it must be well packed or everything will be destroyed. With much love to Baby, Grandma and all
I remain your
Aff. Son
George
P. S. Our Regiment has been out almost two weeks. They have been fighting with ? at Franklin. Two companies of the fourth Regular cavalry were captured and our Regiment and Brigade have been badly cut up. The Seventh Pennsylvania and our Regiment made some glorious charges, but the Tennessee Regiment and the fourth Regulars skedaddled considerable of our infantry were captured and killed. Our Regiment has not returned yet so I am without particulars. It is reported that our regiment have lost several in killed and wounded. Owen is here in camp, so I can rest easy. He has been promoted and is now second Lieut. Col Mimly mentioned his gallant conduct during the Stone River fight to Gov. Blain in his official report. You must excuse this poor writing for I am in a great hurry.
Write soon.
Truly Your son,
George