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Tillotson, George W. (fl. 1830-1918) To his wife

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC04558.088 Author/Creator: Tillotson, George W. (fl. 1830-1918) Place Written: Suffolk, Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 29 April 1863 Pagination: 4 p. ; 20.5 x 13 cm. Order a Copy

Rebels "appear ready to siege us out" and reports "Old Stonewall Jackson has sent a flag of truce [to the city] warning the citizens to leave if they didnt want to get hurt." Mentions visiting other NY regiments and describes "a queer kind of battery used" by the rebels, a "large rocket containing a bombshell" which makes no sound when launched "but a mighty whizzing as they go through the air." He says they "would be very destructive only for the difficulty of makeing them go where they want them."

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.

Tillotson, George W., 1830-1918

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