Tillotson, George W. (fl. 1830-1918) To his wife
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC04558.125 Author/Creator: Tillotson, George W. (fl. 1830-1918) Place Written: Folly Island, South Carolina Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 28 November 1863 Pagination: 4 p. ; 21 x 13.5 cm. Order a Copy
Various news; says he approves of a monument for daughter Lucy (deceased). With postscript "No News."
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.
Folly Island Nov 28th 1863
My Dear Wife.
Yours of the 12th, and the Tribune of the 7th, I received the 25th, and of the 18th, likewise the Tribune of the 14th, I recd yesterday The stamps in the one of the 12th was all safe, for which accept my thanks. Yes; George Durfee was a young unmarried man about 22 years old. Oh no I guess we shall not freeze here, for it has not been cold enou[inserted:gh] yet to freeze water, but the winds are very raw, and piercing, and generally after a storm they come round and blow "great guns", and it seems impossible to get clothes enough on to do any good.
I reckon if the "enemy" were all "fleas" (as you appear to want us to immagine) they would'nt stand in much danger of being caught [2]at least not many of them, cans as you know as the paddy says "when you put your finger on him he aint there". I read to Abe what you wrote about "his Libbie" and he wants to know who Silas is. I am thinking that when I get home I shant be apt to gratify your curiosity to "look on and see me do one of my washings", and that is probably the way that I shall "be very independent". I am very glad to hear by your last that Georgiana was better or otherwise I should have been quite concerned about her. Do take the best of care of her health.
Of course I approve of that monument for Lucy. I think from the diagram you sent that it will be very appropriate and pretty. Would that I could be there to help to place it. I think perhaps you will make [3] your self down sick yet about those bushes, but still you no need to cause I guess I could make em fly if I ever get at them Probably Steve Baxter calculated he could make all those rails clear since there was no one ther that he supposed would catch him at it. If I could be there to settle the thing with him I think he would give up all the rails he cut on my side of the line any how. He cant have any excuse for the line could be very easily traced through. We have had [struck: one of] a division drill this after noon and did'nt get in till just dark, we have since signed the pay rolls so I expect we shall get our green backs tomorrow, and now while I am writing we are haveing one of the hardest thunderstorms that we have had this season. Glad it aint our night to be on picket, though it [4] nearly all last night. That order for recruiting had to be sent to the war department at Washington for approval and we have'nt heard from it since so we dont know any more about it. I had a letter from Louisa the 25th, They are all well. Eloise's new Pa has made her a present of a new piano worth $250, and she is learning to play How does your sick Cow and Cat get along. Suppose you will get a diploma wont ye. You appear to be about as solicitous about your Cat as our doctors are for the men. Yes I think I will accept your invitation for the 4th of July, that is if I don't get reminded of a previous engagement that will make it impossible for me to be thar. I will see about that.
I am well as usual if not better, and with a fervent prayer that these lines may find you all well and cheerful, I subscribe myself.
Your Affectionate Husband,
George W Tillotson.
P.S. No news.
George.
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