Our Collection

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

High-resolution images are available to schools and libraries via subscription to American History, 1493-1943. Check to see if your school or library already has a subscription. Or click here for more information. You may also order a pdf of the image from us here.

Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03523.13.031 Author/Creator: Wilkinson, Frederick W. (fl. 1861-1863) Place Written: Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 6 January 1862 Pagination: 4 p. : envelope ; 20.4 x 12.7 cm. Order a Copy

Written at Camp Michigan, Virginia. Writes that he is pleased his wife returned his letter so affectionately. Tells her that it is fine if she thinks him "foolish" for writing a love letter to her. Went to visit his friend at the hospital (he was shot in the face after Pohick Church was lost to the rebels on New Year's Day). Is unsure of the status of his furlough and unsure if he will be coming home. He says that this is also the case with many of the men and their furloughs.

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

Citation Guidelines for Online Resources