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

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03523.13.059 Author/Creator: Wilkinson, Frederick W. (fl. 1861-1863) Place Written: Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 4 October 1862 Pagination: 4 p. : envelope ; 20 x 12.3 cm. Order a Copy

Written at camp near Upton Hill to his wife. Writes that he has received her letter along with their baby's portrait. Wishes that he could be with his wife and baby. Explains that he is willing to stay until the war is over but also that he wants to be with his family. He hopes he can come home during the winter. States that President Abraham Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation has raised the men's spirits. He is optimistic that the speech will give the people of the North some hope. He is now more confident in the army but some of the men say that if they do not do better the Confederacy will gain independence, which will be based on "eternal slavery." Was visited by his brother, Charles, who joined the 3rd Michigan Infantry. Charles now lives in Grand Rapids. Sends her 30 dollars and hopes to send more 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.

Wilkinson, Frederick W. fl. 1861-1863

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