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

[draft]
30 May 1864, Dallas Georgia
Dearest Mother and All:
I have no time to write at length only to let you know that I am well and safe. We are within twenty-nine miles of Atlanta. Our cavalry have been constantly fighting since we left Gettysburg river, at which place I wrote Em but have had not opportunity to send and now send it this morning with this . The mail leaves this morning at eleven o'clock so you will see I have but an hour to devote to correspondence. The ? have made a stand at this place and we have had three days hard fighting hard. Every night at midnight the Rebs charged our lines, but are repulsed with great loss. Most of the fighting is done in the night. In the last ? over Reg. Has had few officers badly wounded and over thirty-nine killed and wounded. Day before yesterday one company had the advance skirmish line of our cavalry. One of my boys named Burch of Cold Water Mich. Was shot through the groin. He lived nearly an hour, but suffered terribly. After giving his comrade his parting message to his parents. He bid the boys good-bye. His last words were "Hurrah! for the Flag." Poor felloe! If some Major had made this remark it would have been recorded on the pages of history, but alas! There is no such distinction for the poor private.
We have just ? after an all nights march. Last night we changed our line from the right to the center and ? 'til that today we may rest. I have not had a particle of sleep or rest in three days and nights and am so exhausted I can hardly sit up to write you. Our poor horses have not had a mouthful of corn in this is the fourth day. They are fast giving out and unless corn to brought forward we will soon have no horses. It is really too bad, but then ever Generals know best. This will be an exciting campaign. The Rebs seem determined to hold this country till the last. Last night they made a desperate charge on our right but were repulsed with great slaughter. The roar of artillery was incessant and the sky was illuminated with flashes of artificial lightening. They are holding us here until they ? Chattahooga river which his a ? distance this side of Atlanta. The country here is densely wooded and covered with thick under brush and growth of ? oak. It is difficult to fight through but we will go through it with a ? before many days have passed. I cannot write more at present. Jan will soon be here ? with you. Remember me to all. Tell Aunt Delia when I think of her I remember her first visit to R and the pleasure I took in picking her the biggest chimes will never be forgotten. But I must ? this as I must write Lou and Lizzie a few lines. With love and kisses to all I remain your aff. Son.
P.S. I received a letter from ? a short time since. It is Sergt. Major. I will send the letter when next I write. Much love to Uncle Edward ? Emma ? and all and tell Emily not to let ? ---------------------------------------- last winter.
Give baby a good kiss and hugging for me. Good bye,
George