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At the Institute’s core is the Gilder Lehrman Collection, one of the great archives in American history. More than 85,000 items cover five hundred years of American history, from Columbus’s 1493 letter describing the New World through the end of the twentieth century.

Wilkinson, Frederick W. (fl. 1861-1863) to Amanda Wilkinson

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03523.13.020 Author/Creator: Wilkinson, Frederick W. (fl. 1861-1863) Place Written: Arlington, Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 14 October 1861 Pagination: 4 p. : envelope ; 19.8 x 13.2 cm. Order a Copy

Wilkinson writes that he has sent his mother 30 dollars, but has yet to hear from her. He is also glad to hear that Amanda, his wife, is out of debt. Notes that his pay has increased to 20 dollars a month but it is a poor amount compared to the work he does. He hopes that the little money he saves will buy them property and notes that some men have done so already. Asks his wife to send the rest of his family his love.

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.

Wilkinson, Frederick W. fl. 1861-1863

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