Carved rusticated frame decorated with crossed cannons, cannon balls and American shields, enclosing the honorable discharge of Charles A. Clark from Company E, 5th Battery Massachusetts Light Artillery, signed by his commander, Captain George D. Allen. 26 in. x 30 in. (overall).

Answering the call for volunteers issued by Abraham Lincoln, 15 April 1861, 39-year-old Charles A. Clark (1822-1868) of New Bedford, Massachusetts, enlisted in the 5th Independent Battery Massachusetts Light Artillery as a Corporal. Clark served for 13 months and saw action at Yorktown, Hanover Court House, Mechanicsville, Gaines Mill and Malvern Hill. Listed in US Census records variously as a trader, merchant and frame maker, it is possible that Clark created the frame enclosing his honorable discharge.