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

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC06167.09 Author/Creator: Clark, George W. (fl. 1863-1865) Place Written: Nashville, Tennessee Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 17 October 1863 Pagination: 4 pages Order a Copy

17 October 1863, Nashville Tenn.
My Darling Sister:
I am now writing you from the city of rocks, or as it is called the "Rocky City", I arrived here yesterday with the detachment and will probably remain here a week or more. This is dreary Oct., the weather here is wet and chilly, but not near so cold as you have it ?. This is the month on which my birthday comes: ? in mind that on the 22nd of this month I shall become of age. 21 years old! It is inpossible for me to realize it and I imagine myself and try to convince myself that I am mistaken in a year or so, but alas! Life is but a fleeting show. My Dear Sis. I have had news for you, you must not be frightened perhaps you have heard what I am going to tell you before Charley Allen, is no more. He departed this life some six weeks since at Clarksburgh Virginia. When here last summer I called at his office twice, but he was confined to his bed and I could not see him. I left my card and compliments and returned to the front. Yesterday I called at his office and inquired if he were in. I was told that he was dead. The clerk very politely gave me the following account of his death. Soon after I left Nashville. Mr. Allen made an application to be relieved of his duties as best comply on account of his illness. His application was granted and he went home to his Fathers in Jamesville? After remaining there a short time. In and his wife went to Clarksburgh or Clarksville Vir. Which was the home of his wife's parents, here he lived but a short time when he did suddenly by disuse of the heart. I did not learn whether he had any children. He was very much liked by all of his acquaintances in Nashville. Poor fellow! I feel sorry for him and his widow. He was a gentleman and scholar and a man of strict morals just and human and kind to the poor. It seems he lived to do good & is well known by his many generous acts. Society has lost a bright ornament and one that cannot be easily replaced. The above particulars were related to me by Capt. Henderson, his successor. Man will err, so did Father, but his error is somewhat palliated when I think of the misrepresentations made him. Two hearts turn asunder never to be reunited ? out ? the cold world, cold, cold unsympathetic world and life ? under the influence of ? sun melting away into the dark vista of the future. He's better inquiring after me. I will send you. It is beautifully written and I would have ? ? ? the winter. You must not forget to feel thankful for my safe exit from the fight. Oh! It was timble to behold men going to the rear with the arms shot off and counded in very ? place. I never expected to live through that dreadful carnage, but through the kindness of the all seeing for I am again permitted to ? with you sound in body and in mind. The ? of that battle ground can never be forgotten! Thousands of poor souls were ushered before their maker without a moments notice or one prayer for forgiveness.
Adieu my dear sister,
And may God in his mercy watch over and protect you.
George

Clark, George W., fl. 1863-1865
Allen, Charley, fl. 1863

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