In this document from May 6, 1780, John Hambright certifies that David Clark will be 18 years old in August 1780. Clark was younger than 18 years old when he decided to join the Continental Army. The enlistment age for all able-bodied men in the Continental Army was 16 to 50, though most soldiers were between 16 and 30. As a young man, it was likely Clark’s first experience away from home, weathering the elements and fighting against a powerful military force. While we do not know what happened to Clark during his service, we do know that he was part of a large group of brave young men who fought for America’s independence.