Wilkinson, Frederick W. (fl. 1861-1863) to Amanda Wilkinson
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03523.13.094 Author/Creator: Wilkinson, Frederick W. (fl. 1861-1863) Place Written: Lebanon, Kentucky Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 24 April 1863 Pagination: 4 p. : envelope ; 19.6 x 12 cm. Order a Copy
Written at camp of the Michigan 2nd Infantry near Lebanon, Kentucky to his wife. Writes that he is "officer of the day." He is sorry that their baby is unwell so frequently and hopes that as the baby gets older her health will improve. Writes that he is upset to hear that Eel is sick. He has heard rumors that the ten companies will be consolidated into five and that most of the officers -including him- will be mustered out. The colonel of his regiment told him that there are too many officers and there will be no money for new promotions. Notes that tomorrow it will be two years since he joined the United States Army as a private. Writes that he is proud of what he has done for his country. Sends her 20 dollars and asks for her accounts and he will try and raise money to pay for them. Hopes to see Mr. Palmer and his new regiment from Michigan. His regiment has received orders to march to the Cumberland Gap.
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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