Wilkinson, Frederick W. (fl. 1861-1863) to Amanda Wilkinson
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03523.13.075 Author/Creator: Wilkinson, Frederick W. (fl. 1861-1863) Place Written: Fredericksburg, Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 21 January 1863 Pagination: 7 p. : envelope ; 20 x 12.1 cm. Order a Copy
He writes to his wife that he is sorry he has not sent more money home. States that the country is "hard up for money" and therefore cannot send as much as he would like or as much as she deserves. Comments that he asks no one to watch his wife. He will try and come home after the next battle. Writes that he wishes her to send more letters and notes. States that 17 days have passed since he has received her last letter. Comments that he will be paid soon and try to take a leave of absence. If not, he will resign in order to settle his affairs. In the second letter he writes that there is to be a great battle but there was a storm for most of the night. The storm delayed their orders to move out. Writes he feels sorry for the thousands left out in the weather. Comments on General Ambrose Burnside's decision to move the army in the dead of winter. He was upset to hear that the Union had yet to capture Vicksburg, Mississippi. He thinks that if the Union were to capture Vicksburg the country would not be in such a "bad state."
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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