First published as'To Form A More Perfect Union' in 1941, this rare volume of Civil War-era letters relates the poignant experiences of an English immigrant in the service of the United States Army. After Frank Clarke's tragic death in 1862, his wife Mary corresponded with his English mother, detailing the daily struggles of a military widow and her five sons in frontier Kansas. 12 halftones.

The West beckons, 1847-1849 -- With the First Dragoons, 1849-1854 -- Civilian again, 1854-1861 -- A Civil War tragedy, 1861-1863 -- A bird alone, 1863-186 -- Junction City, Kansas, 1865-1872.