Tillotson, George W. (fl. 1830-1918) To his wife
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC04558.050 Author/Creator: Tillotson, George W. (fl. 1830-1918) Place Written: Pleasant Valley, Maryland Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 24 October 1862 Pagination: 4 p. ; 20 x 24.5 cm. Order a Copy
Feeling better, wishing he could help his wife with farm-work, speculating about McClellan's intentions. "...I dont feel as patriotic as I did, Maybe, because I have lost confidence in most of the head officers, for I dont believe they want the war to end, and further, in the way things are going it will never end, by fighting. I am not alone in this opinion, for it is one generally, and openly expressed thoughout the ranks, except, by some of the new troops, who have not forgotten the old home idea, that the South is a going to be scared to death of a presidents proclamation or a call for a few hundred thousand more men, but by the time they have fully seen the elephant, the idea of scare, like that of starve, and nothing to fight with, will 'play out.' I had rather see the Union divided rather than have the war last the remainder of my term of enlistment." Mentions other soldiers who have enlisted in regular service and transferred to other branches.
Tillotson was thirty-one years old when he enlisted as a corporal on November 5, 1861. He mustered in H company of the NY 89th infantry or Dickinson Guards and later promoted to Sergeant. He was discharged on December 18, 1864.
[draft]
Pleasant Valley M.D. Oct 24th, 62
My Dear Wife
Your letter of the 19th I received night before last but neglected to answer it yesterday because I was buisey what time I could get besides drilling in diging and makeing a fireplace and chimney to my tent. Yours of the 12th I received last Saturday evening, and also one from Louisa which I have answered since. She had got home with Elwin who [inserted: she] says is very miserable yet and she is afraid he wont recover [struck: yet]. I am feeling a great deal better than when I wrote last, have got over the diarhea and got a pretty good appetite but the most that I eat is indian meal pan[struck: k][inserted: c]akes (the meal of which I [2] make myself,) and fried meat Louisa informed me that Nelson is in the 22nd Regt Wisconsin volunteers. Co. H, and said direct in care of Capt. Bingham. [illegible] Matilda's gost story, even though it may be possible that he is killed still I cant believe his spirit would appear in that shape. I wish I was there to help you dig potatoes guess I could relieve you of all the labor except cooking them and that I could do on a pinch. I dont know for certain but I think by the appearance that McClelan is contemplating a movement right along against the rebels, if he does I hope he will count the 89th out of the movement dont you. I dont know why it is, but I dont feel as patriotic as I did, [3] Maybe, because I have lost confidence in most of the head officers, for I dont believe they want, the war to end, and further, in the way things are going, it will never end, by fighting. I am not alone, in this opinion, for it is one generally, and openly expressed throughout the ranks, except, by some of the new troops, who have not forgotten the old home idea, that the South is a going to be scared to death by a presidents proclamation, or a call for a few hundred thousand more men, but by the time they have fully seen the elephant, the idea of scare, like that of starve, and nothing to fight with, will "play out." I had rather see the Union divided rather than have the war last the remainder [4] of my term of enlistment. It may be possible to get a furlough after we go into winter quarters but not before and as you say it would be hard to part again after a few short days of enjoyment still for for those few days it seams to me I would be willing to endure months of privation. You need not be afraid that I shall despair of comeing back for my faith is strong that I shall some day enjoy home pleasures again, and that hope will keep my spirits up, when nothing else would. I have been thinking of writing to Uri day by day but have put it off as yet hopeing to hear from him if this enlisting out of the regiment goes on much longer we shant have men enough left for officers commissioned and noncommissioned. Several of our company and more of other companies have enlisted for the remainder of their terms of enlistment into batteries and cavalry being sick of carrying knapsacks. Worden Holdrege has enlisted in the regular cavalry and leaves the 89th tomorrow morning. Our Colonel is being cortmartialed and if he beats, the officers it is said will all resign. Accept my love, and may Heaven watch over, and protect you, and
Yours,
George W. Tillotson
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