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

[draft]
14 January 1865
In the Field near Columbia, Tenn.
Dear Father,
I wrote Mother a few days since that we were to leave the next day, but owing to the sinking of the pontoon bridge over Duck river we will be detained here for a short time longer. I write this to inform you that I am under arrest for a trifling offense, which I could not consistently apologize for. I thought that I had been imposed upon and rather than make an apology I would stand a Court Martial. I was told by the Col. ? our Regt. that a note of apology to Col. Minty would settle the matter. But I had no explanation or apology to offer. The facts are these. I had a pass from the Col. Comdy our Regt. to visit Nashville on business. I took it to Col. Minty for approval, but he would not approve it on the ground that he had already approved two passes - the limit - for that day. It was necessary that I should go to town for a pair of boots as I had burned the ones I had nearly off my feet and I was suffering from cold and it was so very muddy and wet that I would not remain in camp unless I could have a covering for my feet. I then took my pass, which had been approved by Col. Pritchard and went to Capt Starkweather Div. Provost Marshall and he approved it by order Gen. Song Cindy our Div. I went to town. Meantime, Col. Minty learning that another beside myself had gone outside of the proper channels and over him for passes, became highly incensed and sent a Corperals guard down to the city to arrest us and guard us to camp. While dining at the St. Nicholas in came the Corple's guard and ordered me under arrest and informed me that he had orders to take me to camp under guard. I asked him if he was aware that a Gov. Commissioned officer or private could not place a Commisssionate Officer under arrest or guard. He said those were his orders from Col. Midy. I told the Corpl. I would consider myself under arrest and report to camp when I had transacted my business. I returned to camp not feeling very pleasant over the treatment, which had been shown me. The next morning Minly sent for us and wanted to know what reasons we had to offer for our extraordinary conduct. We told him we had nothing to offer. He said we should have to remain under arrest until we arrived at Eastpoat, Miss. When the matter would be settled by a Court Martial. That we were the last officers that he ever expected such conduct from and etc. But "hence what's the matter." At Louisville, KY. Col. Minly issued an order to the effect that but two officers per diem from each Regt. of his Brig. Should be allowed to visit town or be absent from camp. On the evening of the 8th January we arrived in the vicinity of Nashville. I went immediately to Col. Pritchard and made application for a pass for the next day. Col. P. told me to come in the morning with my pass and he would approve it. I went to Col. P. with my pass when he put me off by saying that he did not know whether Col. Minly was going to allow any passes or not, but he would send over and ascertain. Presently the orderly returned saying that the usual number would be allowed. Col. P. then told me that I was the first to make application for a pass, but owing to negligence on his part he had already approved passes for two officers of our Regt. which would throw me out (two passes being the limit). But he would approve mine and I could take it to Col. Minly and state the circumstances and that I had made the first application and was entitled to the first pass. I then went to Col. Minly and stated the facts to him. He was very sorry but could not really break through his order, or break over the limit. That if he did it for me he would have to for others. That I had better try and get my pass in first the next morning. I returned to camp and told Col. P the result of my visit to Minty. He was very sorry but could see no remedy. Col. Minly on the face of what he had told me, in a half an hour after broke over his established rule and approved passes for two of our officers, making four that he had given that day. This show of partiality or whatever you may style it, enraged me. And I resolved to out figure him and did do it. The result I have stated above. The offense was in my getting a pass outside of the proper channels and over Minly. Thereby showing disrespect to my superior officer. The pass from Gen. Long was good and the responsibility will fall on Capt. Starkweather for approving a pass, which had not passed up through the proper channel and not on me. One of the charges is absenting myself from camp without leave. That is a point which can only be determined by a Court Martial. I had already Col. P's pass to visit town, but he told me after I had taken it to Gen. Long and had it approved on the face of it, so did not consider the embargo good. Even Gen. Long's pass without either the approval of Pritchard or Minly I should consider good. Another point I shall have determined by the Court, is if Minly had the power to place me under arrest when absent from camp by authority of Gen. Long Comdy over Div. Whether he had the power to place me under arrest so long as my pass from Gen. Long had not expired or until I had returned to the limits of Minly's camp. That Minly intended the Corpls. Guard as an insult - I have not the slightest doubt. I have now been under arrest eight days, as also has my friend and brother officer Fisk, whose case is the same as mine. His charges have been preferred and mine will be this evening. We were both called up today and told that an apology would settle the matter, but Minly is a high strung Canuck and would like to have us humiliate ourselves to him and get down on our knees and say that we had done wrong and ask his pardon. I could not consistently say this so respectfully declined making any apology. I wished to test the matter and learn whether I had done wrong or not & then there would be time to make all explanations necessary. I have friends here who look to my welfare with zealous eyes and friends that will stand by me in adversity. That I have been imposed upon and misused I am fully convinced and if there is any justice to be had I am going to have it. I am too proud to bend or kneel or humiliate myself unless convinced in my own mind that I am in the wrong. That I have some of your traits of character I will admit and I am proud of them, for they have held me up in trying moments and made what of the man there is of me. I do not wish to bring disgrace upon you my dear Parents or friends. But if I am dismissed the Service dishonorably. I can fully and satisfactorally justify myself to all of my friends and acquaintances. If I am honorably acquainted I shall leave this service for I cannot with any honor to myself remain under the Regime which is now swayed without limit in the Regt. that I have been an efficient, brave and honorable soldier, all will write in saying and my record is one that I feel proud of. Therefore I shall not feel disgraced if I am dismissed the Service. But at present I do not think it at all probably and have made up my mind that I shall beat them at their own game. Do ? return this morning, he handed me your letter and paper for which please accept my thanks. Your song is good and has the right sentiment throughout. I am sorry to hear of baby's accident and hope he may soon recover. I shall write often and keep you posted on this matter. With Regards to inquiring friends and love and kisses to all I remain your,
Aff Son
George