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

[draft]
29 January 1864, Camp Rossville
Headquarters, Fourth Michigan Cavalry
Dear Mother,
I have long been looking for a letter from you, but have looked in vain. I would write everyday had I the time. I am fully conscious of the anxiety of those at home, for one absent in the army and I try to alleviate this anxiety as much as possible. Still at the same time, it is impossible for me to write oftener than I do. I do not hear from home only once in awhile and the anxiety on my part is greater than yours. It is now nearly Feb. and I have not heard from home since Christmas and then only from Lizzie. I do wish you would write more frequent. It would afford me much pleasure if I could hear from home everyday or even once a week or once in a month, and the latter I am sure can be done. If you could appreciate the pleasure and satisfaction, a soldier denies from letters from home and friends. I am certain you would all write oftener. Consoling letters from parents, brothers, or sisters produce a visible effect on the feelings and mind of a soldier and influence him to good and honorable deeds, and causes him to feel happy in the knowledge that he is not forgotten by those at home. A soldier with no correspondence is no soldier at all. He becomes sulky and cross and shirks all duty, which he may have to perform. So disliked by his comrades and shunned. He becomes indifferent in point of honor and demoralization is the result. He hesitates not to commit deed that he would shrink from at home and all of these evils in my opinion could be remedied by proper letters from home. You must not judge by the tone of my letter that I am in the least demoralized or become forgetful of the duty, I owe myself and parents for such is not the care. I shall always consider the debt of gratitude. I owe my parents and shall always endeavor to conduct myself with propriety and as becomes a "Soldier and a Gentleman."
Again I must inform you that my time is not my own. I am indeed happy to have another opportunity to drop you a few lines and to assure you of my existence in this wicked world, rendering due thanks to a kind Providence for watching over and protecting me through dangers of every kind. While I deplore the loss of many a brave comrades whose life was sacrificed on the alter of his country. Victories exceeding our highest expectations have perched upon the banners of our country and the black gloomy cloud has passed away permitting the bright and beaming rays of the sun to light up and make everything cheerful. Never since this wicked war broke out have prospects looked so bright as at the present time. We can truly say that the Rebellion is on its last hint, one more struggle and it will be crushed forever.
The weather here is beautiful, as warm as you have it at home in August. The roads are in good condition and we all anticipate an early advance. We have been here but seven days and have made two three day scouts. On the first we went in the rear of the advance force of rebs, riding without half two nights and one day, burned a large camp, captured many prisoners, and a large quantity of camp & Garrison equipage. We were out four nights and three days and made a very successful raid. On the last, we went to Tunnel Hill where we formed the rebs in force, drove in their pickets and in turn even obligated to full back ourselves. The rebs skirmished with our rear guard nearly to Chattanooga. Several times they charged our rear guard who each time formed in lines across the road and poured in volleys that sent them in an opposite direction with the desire to get as far away as possible. They charged on our rear guard several times but were repulsed each and every time. We however, arrived in camp this morning with a loss of but one man slightly wounded in the arm. While passing through Huntsville on the march, I stopped for a moment and had my picture taken I do not admire it at all, but perhaps it will suit you. I sent it to Mich. Last week, by a discharged soldier, who will send it to you by mail from Cold Water. I cannot write further this evening as I have other letters to answer and this is the only opportunity. I shall have in something with love and many kisses at all. I remain your aff. Son,
George
Direct to Chattanooga or Nashville it makes no difference, which You will see by my picture that I am looking well. I had it taken for you and you may if you like, consider it a New Years Gift from me, helping this may find you all enjoying good health,
Remain your aff. Son
George