Edward P. Clark Letters to Mollie Clark, 1862 February 24-1863 April 26, 1888 June 7
This collection contains 24 letters written by Edward P. Clark of Madisonville, Tennessee, to his wife Mary “Mollie” Clark during his service in the American Civil War. Also included are a letter written in 1888 from Edward to Mollie from Cincinnati, Ohio, describing his health after a medical procedure, and a transcript of a recommendation written by Major William Eakin in 1862 to promote Clark to the rank of Captain.
The letters were written from... February 1862 to April 1863, and include descriptions of military actions from Cumberland Gap in Tennessee and Vicksburg, Mississippi, leading up historical battles in both locations, and giving some insight into the life of a Confederate soldier and the mindset of a man separated from his family and home during wartime. The bulk of Clark’s letters convey his desire to be home, with questions and advice for his wife on running the farm and taking care of business with neighbors. He also discusses food shortages, the lack of suitable clothing, conscripts, and the conditions for Confederate soldiers in his battalion. There is also brief mention of enslaved persons.
Dates
- 1862 February 24-1863 April 26
- 1888 June 7
Conditions Governing Access
Collections are stored offsite and must be requested 5 days in advance. See www.lib.utk.edu/special for detailed information. Collections must be requested through a registered Special Collections research account.
Extent
From the Collection: 0.1 Linear Feet (1 folder)
Repository Details
Part of the Betsey B. Creekmore Special Collections and University Archives, University of Tennessee, Knoxville Repository