Wilkinson, Frederick W. (fl. 1861-1863) to Amanda Wilkinson
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03523.13.015 Author/Creator: Wilkinson, Frederick W. (fl. 1861-1863) Place Written: Arlington, Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 21 September 1861 Pagination: 4 p. : envelope ; 19.8 x 13.3 cm. Order a Copy
Writes that he is happy Amanda is staying with her mother and notes she will be cared for there. He is also pleased that her friends are caring for her while he is away. Hopes that he can get out of debt soon so he can send home more money. States that he does not think the army will advance for some time. Tells his wife that he has been to the enemy lines and that the troops there do not have enough food or blankets. Reports that Amanda's uncle, Allen Goodridge, said that Mrs. Walker fears that Washington will be taken. He disagrees and says that "they will hardly come here while five hundred cannon stares them in the face...". He also notes some troop and Calvary numbers which are as follows: troops 150,000 and Calvary 10,000.
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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