22 July 1861

Clark, Hank S., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Washington

He writes that the army has left Alton and are under marching orders to St. Charles, Missouri. The troops are ready to leave and waiting for the cars to arrive. The engineer was worried that the rebels had obstructed or damaged part of the train track during the night. They are ready to go at a moment's notice but are still waiting for the train. Mentions General John Pope. Writes that there are many enslaved people stationed around the camp but they are not allowed in. States that the rebels are more likely to run then fight, "unless they can get behind a tree." Gus Taylor has the measles.

GLC03523.42.03

19 August 1861

Clark, Hank S., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Washington

Written at camp near Rolla, Missouri. Writes that is he sorry that Franklin Fuller's army was so "knocked up." He states that he cannot complain because things have not been bad in Missouri. The officers refused to move until they had been paid and received rifles. When they received word that General Nathaniel Lyon had been killed, the men were ready to go on the condition that Major General John C. Fremont provide rifles and money. According to Clark, General Fremont did not have enough money so used money from his "own pocket and took the government as security for it." He thinks there is…

GLC03523.42.04

1 September 1861

Clark, Hank S., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Washington

Written at camp near Rolla, Missouri. The scouting party has captured a secessionist who is now in the guard house. Thinks that the prisoner will be made to take an oath of loyalty to the Union then released. They may deal with him more harshly because Missouri is now under martial law. He has been digging trenches and chopping down trees to prepare for a Confederate attack. They have four 32 pound cannon to emplace and are digging positions for them. Once the guns are ready "a greater part of the forces now here will be taken away." There is a "vacancy" in his current regiment and he would…

GLC03523.42.05

12 July 1861

Clark, Hank S., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his friend

Letter signed by "Henry." Written at Camp Pope. Writes that he is as mad as a "wet hen" because he was sitting in an uncomfortable position and when he stood up he knocked over his inkwell and it spilled all over the paper. He is glad to hear that Franklin is doing well and that he is doing well also and is still "as lazy as ever." Writes about the drills he goes through in the morning. Some of the men were sent out of the camp to look for "fancy women." They managed to capture a few boys and women. The boys were marched into the camp while the women were taken to Alton.

GLC03523.42.02

18 September 1861

Clark, Hank S., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Wash

Written at camp near Rolla, Missouri. He writes that he is in excellent health. General David Hunter has arrived to take command of the post. Many of the troops are sick and the healthy ones are constantly at work. He would like it if Franklin would join the regiment as they are in need of new recurits. Writes that he will teach Franklin the "hooks and crooks" of being a soldier. He would very much like Franklin to join the regiment as he will gain valuable experience and not have to wait while a new regiment is organized. Writes about the health of some of their friends from home. In a post-…

GLC03523.42.06

22 August 1862

Clark, Hank S., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Frank

Apologizes for not writing to him in such a long time. He has had a long journey and recounts his travels through Chicago, Illinois and many other towns. Writes of the many "eager applicants" he found at the draft office of Captain Christopher. Says that many of them are "shoulder strapped gentry." Writes of the conversation between him and Captain Christopher about needing transportation to rejoin his regiment [15th Illinois Infantry]. Captain Christopher did not have his uniform on and he added his name to a list of other soldiers who had been waiting to rejoin their regiments. Some of the…

GLC03523.42.15

February 28, 1862

Clark, Hank S., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Wash

Suggests that when writing him that he should send two letters each by different cables so that one is sure to arrive. Writes that while he is still sick with a cold he has improved significantly. He was wounded in a recent battle but does not think it will do any good to recount the details of the victory as Franklin has probably read about it in the papers. Writes that there are hundreds of civilians from the North who came to the battlefield to pick up shell fragments for mementos. Describes a thicket where a charge was made and how all of the trees, even small saplings, have musket ball…

GLC03523.42.08