Tillotson, George W. (fl. 1830-1918) [Collection of George W. Tillotson, H company, 89th regiment, New York, infantry] [Decimalized .01-.208]
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC04558 Author/Creator: Tillotson, George W. (fl. 1830-1918) Place Written: [various places] Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 1861-1864 Pagination: 208 items Order a Copy
Sergeant Tillotson served with the 89th NYS Vols (Dickinson Guards). He came from Greene, NY and left behind a wife and three children. His correspondence, mostly with his wife A. Elizabeth ("Libby") describe camp life, complains about the war, abolitionists, emancipation and his wish to return home. The inventory itemizes each document. Tillotson saw service on the Carolina coast and in the Penninsula campaign. He later saw service at Petersburg. The collection is particularly interesting because Tillotson started out an Unionist soon disillusioned by the war, and was won back to patriotism through Grant and Lincoln. In 1862-63 he opposes abolition and the emancipation proclamation, but by 1864 he is ready to re-elect Lincoln.
Tillotson was thirty-one years old when he enlisted as a corporal on November 5, 1861. He mustered in H company of the NY 89th infantry or Dickinson Guards and later promoted to Sergeant. He was discharged on December 18, 1864.
Camp opposite Fredericksburg Feb 5th , 63
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