Wilkinson, Frederick W. (fl. 1861-1863) to Amanda Wilkinson
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03523.13.095 Author/Creator: Wilkinson, Frederick W. (fl. 1861-1863) Place Written: s.l. Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 25 April 1863 Pagination: 3 p. ; 19.8 x 12.2 cm. Order a Copy
Written on board the steamer [Majestic] on the Ohio River. He writes his wife that the regiment is on its way to the back part of the state. He has not heard from one of the lieutenants in regiment and assumes that the lieutenant was unable to get his pay or Wilkinson's pay. He is afraid that he will not get paid for over a month. Asks his wife to borrow him 100 dollars as he needs the money. Reports that he has changed divisions and paymasters. Thinks he is owed about 600 dollars worth of pay and that many other officers are owed money as well. Blames the paymasters and not the government for the situation. Notes that he has no sword or any money to buy a new one. General Ambrose Burnside is once again the commanding officer. Writes that he is unsure where the army is going or what they will do next.
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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