Wilkinson, Frederick W. (fl. 1861-1863) to Amanda Wilkinson
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03523.13.041 Author/Creator: Wilkinson, Frederick W. (fl. 1861-1863) Place Written: Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 20 May 1862 Pagination: 4 p. : envelope ; 21.2 x 13.3 cm. Order a Copy
Written from New Kent Court House, Virginia. Writes to his wife that he knows she is worried about him, especially since he's been in battle [during General George McClellan's Peninsula Campaign]. Explains that he wrote to her the day after the battle and gave her "some particulars of the engagement." He is very tired from having to march with his heavy knapsack on his back. Thinks that they will be able to take Richmond, Virginia but notes that they have heard a great many rumors and are unsure what to believe. Writes that he will hopefully come home by the end of September and that it will "take a large rebellion to get me away from you again." States that he is on the road to Richmond, Virginia.
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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