Wilkinson, Frederick W. (fl. 1861-1863) to Amanda Wilkinson
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03523.13.049 Author/Creator: Wilkinson, Frederick W. (fl. 1861-1863) Place Written: s.l. Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 5 July 1862 Pagination: 4 p. : envelope ; 20 x 12.6 cm. Order a Copy
Written near the James River to his wife. Writes concerning one of his friends, Mr. L. Walker who has recently died in battle. He explains that Mr. Walker was killed in front of him; the musket ball striking him in the face. He has suffered for the last week because of this and because of everything he and the troops have sacrificed. Comments that after one of the battles, one of the fallen Union soldiers was named Wilkinson. Hopes that no one falsely reports him dead. Their regiment is being reinforced and they expect to make a forward movement soon.
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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