Tillotson, George W. (fl. 1830-1918) To his wife
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC04558.106 Author/Creator: Tillotson, George W. (fl. 1830-1918) Place Written: Gettys Point, Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 20 July 1863 Pagination: 4 p. ; 20 x 12.5 cm. Order a Copy
Resting and settling down after the marches. On politics: "Your Copperheads up ther[e] I see have been kicking up quite a rumpus, but they will get sick of it, if they are not already. Didnt know one spell but what they would spite 'Massa Greely's' establishment entirely so that you would loose the chance of getting your favorite papers to read. Hip, hip, Hurrah! bulley!" Received pictures; worries about Leon's thin appearance and praises Georgiana's growing-up. Mentions Lucy. Talks about terms of the draft.
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.
Gettys Point July 20eth 1863
My Dear Lib
As I have got tired of bailing for a letter from you I don't know as I can mend the matter any better than by writing one to you. We are geting settled [struck:settle] down after the old fashion again, and somewhat rested after our hard march I am quite well except that my feet & legs swell some again since we have got back, but I guess they will get over it soon if I keep quiet. Your Copperheads up ther I see have been kicking up quite a rumpus, but they will get sick of it, if they are not already. Didnt know one spell but what they would spile "Massa Greely's" establishment entirely so that you would lose the [2]chance of getting your favorite paper to read. Hip, hip, Harah! bulley! I have just recd your pictures and also your letter of the 15th. It makes me feel bad to see how thin & pale Leon looks. He must have been very sick, but Georgiana, how woman like she is getting to be, and how good looking and sweet too. I see you have taken her curls off. what did you for? I suppose you wont like to have me criticise yours any but I will just a little bit. I think that too much care and anxiety, if not hardships, have left their stamp visible on your countenance, & besides you look as much as a year older than you did when I saw you last, but then thats nothing strange, but [3]for all that the boys here say you look a good deal better than I do, so don't know but I had better get jealous I am much obliged to you for sending me a copy of Lucy's picture. O that she were still alive so that the group could have been complete, but God has willed it otherwise, and his will, not ours, must be done You were right about those envelopes not being directed in my hand. John Davis was going up to Lews quarters to see if he couldnt find some ink to direct a letter and I sent some envelopes along by him. Tell George Duntley to "simmer down" or else I or somebody else may take it up and just "nock him off his pins" The draft is a going to take every third man, and if he [4]happens to be lucky enough to get drawn he will probably go to Elmira, and as our regiment is a going to send a detail of officers & men there, to get conscripts enough to fill the regiment up to the maximum number 1010 men, it is not impossible but what he may yet have the honor of being a member of the 89th regiment I received a letter daybefore yesterday [inserted: from Louisa] in which she set fortly her future intentions You have probably seen her before now as she spoke of going there and wanted to know what she should say to you for me. If you have seen her man tell me how he looks and what you think of him. She said she had asked father for his approval, and had got anything else. Tuesday morning 21st I left this letter yesterday on account of a sever[inserted: e] attact of "billious fever" (sick headache) was very bad but this morning I am good as new again. We have 50 pieces of cannon standing right in front of our camp pointing at us. If Lee gets short of artillery he could make a good hal[inserted: l] here provided he could whip the 89th & 103d Please accept the earnest Love of your true and devoted Husband.
Geo W Tillotson
To Ms A.E.T.
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