Wilkinson, Frederick W. (fl. 1861-1863) to Amanda Wilkinson
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03523.13.062 Author/Creator: Wilkinson, Frederick W. (fl. 1861-1863) Place Written: s.l. Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 19 October 1862 Pagination: 4 p. : envelope ; 20 x 12.6 cm. Order a Copy
Written at camp of the Michigan 2nd Infantry near Edwards Ferry, Maryland to his wife. Writes that he misses her and their baby very much. Thinks that if the Union were to win a few victories in the West the war would be over in six months. Has heard of a fight near Harper's Ferry, Virginia and has seen shells exploding 20 miles up the Potomac. Has also heard there is fighting near Winchester, Virginia. His company marched as far as Leesburg, Virginia and upon their return to camp he was ordered to have the company ready to go on picket duty.
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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