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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.

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

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC04558.093 Author/Creator: Tillotson, George W. (fl. 1830-1918) Place Written: Battery ward in Nansemond River, [Virginia] Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 17 May 1863 Pagination: 4 p. ; 19.5 x 12 cm. Order a Copy

Now camping at a fort, mentions guns in forts, describes looking over battlefield where he fought. Comments on home news and jokes that "I might I suppose 'send up a few contraband' to work for you only Uncle Samuel wont let em go so far North." Commenting on Fredericksburg, he writes: "We knew, that that army of the Potomac is an unlucky institution, that it never has gained by one clean victory, and that was done by the Ninth Army Corps, at South Mountain. Still old Hooker last winter expressed himself very much relieved by getting rid of Burnsides Grumblers."

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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