Tillotson, George W. (fl. 1830-1918) To his wife
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC04558.053 Author/Creator: Tillotson, George W. (fl. 1830-1918) Place Written: s.l. Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 9 November 1862 Pagination: 4 p. ; 19 x 12.5 cm. Order a Copy
Marching. Near the Rappahannock and approaching Fredericksburg. Mentions artillery fighting, and long discussion of stealing from Confederate civilians: "Notwithstanding all the orders to the contrary, we soldiers dont considder [sic] it much sin to take from these secesh all that we can lay our hands on but if the Provost guards get hold of us we get walked up to 'the captains office to settle' for it. Maybe you will think that I am getting tough but I cant help it[.] Yesterday afternoon I went out with three others of Co H foraging and while we were skining a hog the provost general came on to us, so I for the first time since I have been a soldier got under guard. I was taken up to the old seceshes house and kept til after dark and then they sent a guard to take us to the Provost Marshal and after he got us a ways he let us go to our regiment by takeing [sic] or pretending to take our names but the boys went back and got the hog so we have had plenty of pork today. Besides Jo Virrel and a lot of other boys went out night before last and brought in two as big fat sheep as you ever see besides lots of cab[b]age. The 4th where we lay a rich farmer had all his pol[u]ltry stock, and honey taken. The honey, and hives some 60 or 70 of them were worth at least $1000, I tell you the rebels will feel the weight of war where ever we go after this."
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.
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