December 8, 2011
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/8/2011
CLARK, John S. (1823-1912) Commissioned as Colonel of the 3rd New York Light Artillery, resigned, commissioned colonel and aide-de-camp, brevetted brigadier general. His testimony and diary were used in Report of the Joint Committee on the Conduct of the War for the section on the Red River Campaign. Pair of war-date Autograph Letters Signed, “John S. Clark Col. A.D.C.” addressed to Theodore Medad Pomroy (1824-1905) Representative from New York, Speaker of the House, first vice president of American Express Co., includes: ALS, 2pp. quarto, on Headquarters, Department of the Gulf stationary, New Orleans, December 9, 1863, and reads in part: “...I intend asking for leave of absence with a view of tendering my resignation - I cannot longer continue in my present position, without violating my pride and self respect my own private business calls for my attention also, and I see little prospect for a recognition of services rendereed as I am now situated. I do claim however that before retiring my firends should secure some substantial acknowledgment of my service other than an honorable discharge from the service - What think you. Have you written Mr. Seward of my instructions - also Wasser...The General will do any thing reasonable I ask him, and cannot well spare me, but will do so if I insist....” Fine. ...plus; ALS, 5pp. quarto, New Orleans, December 12, 1863, addressed to Pomeroy, and reads in part: “...I advised you of my intention to visit the last on business certain, and probably to leave the service entirely - My business since the war as you are aware has been sadly neglected - annoyed with debts all of which were made to help the party - I have not been able since the wr to improve my prospects materially, and added to this my intentions and desires as to my family are likely to be frustrated. What I most desire is an appointment immediately for my son Charles D. to West Point or the naval school- would prefer the latter...I yesterday had a conversation with Hon. Michael Hahn a particular friend who advised me that Secretary Welles appointed from the districts in rebellion on recommendation of congressman & friends will you not interest yourself to procure this appointment and relieve me from that anxiety. I write a note to Gov. Seward today enclosing copies of your and Gen. Banks letters, a copy of which please find enclosed [not present]...I am confirmed more and more in the opinion that I have served long enough with my present rank, would not object to serving three years longer if I thought my services necessary, which I do not - as matters appear at present at all events I have determined to rtire in the spring unless my wits are thought to be of sufficient importantce to be recognized by the powers that be since the organization of the Corps de Afrique Colonels are entirely too common and of poor material, and Brigadiers have been made from or for this dept. with whom I would scorn to speak or ashamed to be seen. Since writing you last I feel much encouraged as to final recovery, today being the first that the wound is entirely healed...The General very kindly gave me permission to take a furlough to attend to private matters but I wish to await advices from friends before availing myself of the privilege. All matters military here are in best possible shape, could not well be bettered except perhaps by reinforcements of more troops. Gen. Grant is having it all his own way apparrently and with a vigorous prosecution of the war for six months longer Confederate stock would be a curiousity only...Secretary Chase’s friends are very busy here and the material of war or sinews of war more properly are abundant and flowing into the pockets of his particular friends freely and steadily - the Treasury department are running a hundred and twenty plantations in ordinary times the produce would be twenty millions at present prices...just as a man journeying through some streets in New York would judge that all of the opposite sex were prostitutes so here judging from what we see all men are dishonest, because they congregate here...” Fine. With cover. (3 items)
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