Tillotson, George W. (fl. 1830-1918) To his wife
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC04558.094 Author/Creator: Tillotson, George W. (fl. 1830-1918) Place Written: Battery Ward in Nansemond River, [Virginia] Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 22 May 1863 Pagination: 4 p. ; 20.5 x 12.5 cm. Order a Copy
"This is an awful lonesome and lazy life to live..." Sultry days and chilly nights; drilling. On receiving a letter from his abolitionist brother-in-law: "...I received a letter from Edwin..... He accuses me of lacking sympathy with the plan and purpose of the war. The purp. I wonder if he think I would have any sympathy with his abolition plan. I answered his letter yesterday and stated my plan, that is, the one I had when I enlisted which was simply to save the Union and put down rebel[l]ion, but still I had to acknowledge that they had got me fighting (though reluctantly) on his plan. I hope when they come to draft that these fellows that have such full sympathy with abolition will have to come down and fight for their cherished plan[.]" Hoping his wife will send another photograph; mentions old orderly had worked on the railroad but cannot stand the hard work.
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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