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

7 June 1863, Murfreeboro, Tennessee
Head Quarters 4th Michigan
Cavalry Camp Park
Dear Mother,
Yours and Louisa's letter was received a few days since and I am very much pleased to hear from you. It is so seldom you write. That when your letters do come they are thought the more of. You cannot write too often although I suppose that you have al you can possibly attend to with your household duties and the Baby. Louisa is now of an age when she should be a great help to you and give you more time and leisure. Write as often s you can if it is only a few lines. How does the Baby prosper finely I suppose! When you write I wish you would tell me what you have named him. In most all of my letter I have asked its name but can get no answer. I should like very much to have its picture and am looking anxiously everyday for its arrival but it does not come. I should like so much to see him. My box has not come yet. I have written to the Express Agts. In Louisville and in Nashville to sent it forward if it is at either of those places. We have been expecting to make a forward movement for several days but have not advanced yet. The enemy have been skirmishing with our pickets for several days and attacked Franklin on our left with considerable force but were driven back with heavy loss and minus 600 men who were captured by our soldiers. We will not have to advance far to find the enemy and may possibly be attacked here. I am well and enjoying perfect health never was in better health in my life. I had an idea when I left Detroit that I could stand the hardships of a Soldiers life and have not been disappointed. During the time I was with Mr. Feelus I gained much in strength and became used to hardship for I must say that when with Mr. Fellus I did more hard work than I ever did before in my life.
I have been in the saddle fifteen days at one time marching from four and five o'clock in the morning 'til sever & eight in the evening. I have been in the saddle when it has rained incessantly day and night and slept in the mud at night, soaked & wet through with rain and mud. All of these hardships I have passed through and am still alive & well. I have been in the service ten months, but how much longer we remain the future only can tell. Everything is quiet today. Our Regiment have been out twice skirmishing with the Enemy who were trying to drive in our pickets. Since the Middletown raid we have not been out. I wrote Father an account of the trip which I did not intend he would publish but I see by his letter that he handed it to the Express. Such letters can be of no interest to Rochester readers. If I were writing of NY state troops it would be entirely different. I would rather not have my name appear as an Army correspondent. In future if he publishes any of my letter I wish he would state it thus: Extract from a price letter, of the following is a private letter from so & so. I do not seek for newpaper fame or the name of a correspondent. Father says in his letter that Ted is home on furlough. I should like to see him very much. If this reaches you before he returns remember me to him. I should like to have him write. I have no news to write so this must consequently be a short letter.
How is Grandma? And when is she stopping now? Give her my love. Remember me kindly to Uncle & Aunt and all inquiring friends. With much love and many kisses to all I remain your obedient son.
Goerge.
I am looking for a letter from Em many kisses to Charley and Baby. Write soon as possible.
Geo.