The William Hancock Clark Papers (1860-1903) primarily contain correspondence, but also include some newspapers and a journal. The correspondence is from several members of the Clark family, including Jefferson Kearney Clark, Meriwether Lewis Clark, Samuel Churchill Clark, and John O’Fallon Clark, and regards family news and the Civil War. The papers also include an issue of the Fortnightly Intelligencer from Galle, Isle Ceylon, dated November 30, 1860, with news from China, and an issue of the Straits Times Extra from Singapore, dated August 13, 1861, with an account of the American Civil War. William Hancock Clark’s journal, dated February 11–December 10, 1869, regards a European and Mediterranean cruise on the U.S.S. Franklin. William Hancock Clark was born in 1839 and served with the United States Navy during the 1860s, stationed in Hong Kong with the China Squadron. He returned to New York after the Civil War started, but refused to serve with the Union. As a result, he spent two years in a federal prison. Clark’s first wife was Eva Beardsley and his second wife was Camilla Gaylord. He died in 1922.

AMDigital Reference: A0289.

Reproduction of: William Hancock Clark's letter to Cousin Jule, giving thanks for care package 22 Mar 1863.

Missouri History Museum