17th U.S. Infantry Officer’s Voucher- 1871 In Dakota Territory – Capt. Clarke SOLD

Description

Charles Edward Clarke, born in Conn, and entering service from Michigan, was commissioned a Captain into Company “D”, 6th Michigan Infantry on August 20, 1861. He remained with that regiment until discharged in September of 1865, having risen to Lt. Colonel.  He received a brevet major’s promotion for gallant and meritorious service in the siege of Port Hudson, La., March 2, 1867.

Clarke remained in the army and was commissioned a captain in the 38th U.S. Infantry, one of 6 Black regiments created just after the Civil War. During the time Clarke was commanding a company in the 38th, and enlisted into that company a Black woman by the name of Cathay Williams, who had changed her name to William Cathay on November 15, 1866 when enlisting in the 38th infantry for 3 years.  She had to pass a cursory medical exam, which should have outed her as a woman, but at that time, the Army did not require full medical exams.  After a short time in hospital for smallpox, she rejoined the regiment in New Mexico.  Over the years her body began to  show signs of strain, and she went through several hospitalizations until the post surgeon informed Clarke that she could no longer serve.  Captain Clarke issued an honorable discharge on October 4, 1868.  Although this meant that Williams would no longer be able to serve in the military again, she was the only woman to serve in the regular army, and this 38th U.S. Infantry would eventually become part of the legendary Buffalo Soldiers. I have included her history in copy form in this lot.

With the reorganizing of the Army’s regiments in 1869, Clarke was unassigned like most officers and then finally assigned to the 17th U.S. Infantry in April of 1870. Clarke remained with the 17th until his retirement on 28 June, 1878.  During his tenure with the 17th Infantry, most all his time was in the Dakota Territory, beginning with command of company “D”.

The document is in fine condition with some minor issues at one lower fold area which has some paper loss.  The pay voucher if for the period of 31 May, to 30 June, 1871 while in the Dakota Territory (the regiment arriving there in the later part of 1870).