Wilkinson, Frederick W. (fl. 1861-1863) to Amanda Wilkinson
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03523.13.038 Author/Creator: Wilkinson, Frederick W. (fl. 1861-1863) Place Written: Chesapeake Bay Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 18 April 1862 Pagination: 3 p. : envelope ; 20.2 x 12.5 cm. Order a Copy
Written on board the [schooner] Donelson, Chesapeake Bay. Writes that he is lonely because he has been thinking of her and the baby so much. He was delayed for a while in Washington, D.C. and Alexandria, Virginia. Thinks that he will be sent into action soon and that the Michigan Regiment will begin the attack. Believes that they will have a "good victory" and that the rebels' days are numbered. As he is writing the letter he arrives near Yorktown, Virginia and states that he can hear the roar of the cannon. States that General George B. McClellan has "things fixed so that they [the Confederates] will have to surrender."
Frederick Wilkinson was a resident of Kalamazoo County, Michigan when he enlisted on 10 May 1861 as a Sergeant. On 25 May 1861 he mustered into "K" Company of the Michigan 2nd Infantry. He was promoted to 1st Sergeant and later to 2nd Lieutenant on 1 December 1861. Wilkinson was discharged for promotion on 14 January 1863. Also on that day he was transferred to "G" Company of the Michigan 2nd Infantry. He resigned on 30 June 1863.
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