Tillotson, George W. (fl. 1830-1918) To his wife
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC04558.085 Author/Creator: Tillotson, George W. (fl. 1830-1918) Place Written: Suffolk, Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 23 April 1863 Pagination: 4 p. ; 20.5 x 13 cm. Order a Copy
Battle letter. Taking the rebel fort (mentioned in #84): "as soon as the boat touched the shore the boys piled off like a flock of sheep and as soon as they got ashore struck a dead run for the fort. Some of the officers asked the officer in command if he wasnt going to form a line and his answer was 'to hell with your line the fort is what we want' and so they strung along every man for himself. They had to run pretty much around the fort on three sides and came in partially in rear on a road.... When the rebels saw them coming they whirled one of the 24 pounder guns around so as to sweep down that road and put down a double load of grape and canister.... As soon as our boys entered the fort the rebs surrendered so they took about 200 prisoners...." Mentions soldier threatening to bayonet lieutenant during battle if he withdrew. Also mentions (in marginal note) that "we are making our defences stronger every day" and getting reinforcements.
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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