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At the Institute’s core is the Gilder Lehrman Collection, one of the great archives in American history. More than 85,000 items cover five hundred years of American history, from Columbus’s 1493 letter describing the New World through the end of the twentieth century.

Wilkinson, Frederick W. (fl. 1861-1863) to Amanda Wilkinson

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03523.13.099 Author/Creator: Wilkinson, Frederick W. (fl. 1861-1863) Place Written: Kentucky Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 18 May 1863 Pagination: 4 p. : envelope ; 20.4 x 12.7 cm. Order a Copy

Written at the residence of Mr. [Carlile] to his wife. He has been unwell so he came to Mr. Carlile's and is feeling much better. Writes that he is with one of the best families in Kentucky and they give him everything he requires and take excellent care of him. Reports that the family has two sons; one was a major in the Union Army who was killed and another a colonel in the Union Army who resigned. States that Mrs. Carlile looks like his grandmother. The regiment has marched from the Green River Bridge in Kentucky and he hopes to re-join the regiment soon. The 20th Michigan engaged the rebel Cavalry and was forced to fall back. The 20th Michigan lost 25 men and three officers. He will try to come home in June as he promised but he is still unsure. He believes that he is of little use to the army and wishes to come home. Asks if she has found a new house. Sends his love to their families.

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.

Wilkinson, Frederick W. fl. 1861-1863

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