Wilkinson, Frederick W. (fl. 1861-1863) to Amanda Wilkinson
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03523.13.069 Author/Creator: Wilkinson, Frederick W. (fl. 1861-1863) Place Written: Fredericksburg, Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 10 December 1862 Pagination: 3 p. : envelope ; 20 x 12.5 cm. Order a Copy
Writes to his wife that he is sorry but he will not be able to come home this winter because there is going to be a great battle. Every soldier has been ordered to take a gun and go into the fight. Reports that he has been promoted to lieutenant. He has increased responsibility now and if he dies he will be facing the enemy. If General Ambrose Burnside proves himself to be a great fighter the war will be over by July and he will return home. Since he fell off of his horse his right arm is in a sling and therefore he must carry his sword in his left hand.
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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