Rough Enough : Including Richard H. Clow's Letters and Diary from the Civil and Indian Wars, 1865 - 1875

Richard Clow, a new face in the Civil War and American Frontier! Rough Enoughdocuments ten years of true life struggle by Richard Clow as he leaves Boston in 1864 to fight in the Civil War at the tender age of 17 ½. His letters home tell how he is bloodied in battle with the 56th Massachusetts Infantry during the final battles of Petersburg and Lee s retreat to Appomattox Court House. His family conflicts and the inability to readjust to civilian life leads him to reenlist in the 13th Infantry on the Montana and Dakota frontier where he battles Sitting Bull s Sioux and the harsh environment of the northern plains.

As First Sergeant at Fort Buford, D.T., in 1869, Clow again struggles with constant exposure to isolation, death, battles with Indians and the elements. He begins to show symptoms of the frontier disorder known as Soldier s Heart .

Leaving the military and embarking on civilian life, Clow sees a chain of death thwart his plans for marriage and a family. In despair, he returns to the wilds of the Dakotas and settles in Deadwood where his diary documents original wording of old mining and Spanish songs. When he strikes it rich in his Golden Seal mine in 1876 he befriends the influential William Story. This friendship leads him to the love of his life and a new and successful life on the American Frontier.