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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 #: GLC04558.097 Author/Creator: Tillotson, George W. (fl. 1830-1918) Place Written: Gettys Point, Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 9 June 1863 Pagination: 4 p. ; 20 x 12.5 cm. Order a Copy

Writes of being by-passed for promotion and mentions talk of promotions being bought from the captain whom he describes as "very young... a little under 21 years old,... on the whole rather good looking, but... fopish, showey, conceited, and vain[;] [he] understands tactics and military movements very well... and has a good voice for giveing commands for which the boys all like him...." Mentions that this same captain has been courtmartialed twice for unknown offenses. Asks about news of a family friend at Port Hudson and "Vixburgh." Sends ten dollars.

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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