Sorry to revive an old thread, but I have some information to add about Charles H. Clark. C.A. Ryder was a fellow soldier in the Mobile Rifles. A few years ago, I obtained a copy of part of his diary. He mentions Charles four times. The first in a roster of the company at enlistment. The second in a list of those who fought at Seven Pines. The third in a list of wounded at Malvern Hill, and the last was his death on July 11th 1862. It was the only entry where he spelled Clark with an "e".

"Friday July 11th. Capt. Hoyt joined us and Punch. Engaged in pitching tents & forming camp. Cloudy but dry. Dress Parade. Charles Clarke died today. Heard of Dan'l Williamson's death which took place on Tuesday July 8th."

Ryder accidentally left a good chunk of his diary behind when the 3d left Norfolk. This includes an entry that may explain why Charles was court-martialed. However, Ryder and other members of the 3d mention in their diaries that "running the lines" and "taking French leave" were popular activities while they were at Norfolk. It was such a problem that Colonel Lomax made it a habit of standing guard. Ryder himself was caught and busted down from Sergeant for it.