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John Clark Esarey Civil War Letters

John Clark Esarey

John Clark Esarey

May 31, 1865 – Discharge Papers

Document: Discharge of John Clark Esarey

Unit: 53rd Regiment of Indiana Infantry Volunteers

Location: Washington, D.C.

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John Clark Esarey discharge papers, May 31, 1865
Discharge papers of John Clark Esarey, 53rd Indiana Infantry, May 31, 1865

Other Civil War Letters

The John Clark Esarey Civil War letters document his service in the 53rd Regiment Indiana Volunteers during late 1864 and early 1865, including his participation in Sherman's March to the Sea and the Carolinas Campaign.

Letters from John Clark Esarey to Barbara Ewing Esarey:

Letters from Barbara Ewing Esarey to John Clark Esarey:

Letters to/from Parents and Family:

Letters from Other Relatives:

Other Documents:

Historical Context

These letters follow John Clark Esarey from his entry into the 53rd Regiment Indiana Volunteers (September 27, 1864), through his participation in the devastating campaigns of William Tecumseh Sherman known as The March to the Sea and the Carolinas Campaign, to his discharge the following summer in Washington, D.C.

John Clark Esarey was discharged in Washington, D.C., on May 31, 1865, just one week after the Grand Review parade through the capital where Sherman's western armies marched on May 24th. After approximately nine months of service, he was finally going home to Barbara and their children in Perry County, Indiana.