Tillotson, George W. (fl. 1830-1918) To his wife
High-resolution images are available to schools and libraries via subscription to American History, 1493-1943. Check to see if your school or library already has a subscription. Or click here for more information. You may also order a pdf of the image from us here.
Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC04558.136 Author/Creator: Tillotson, George W. (fl. 1830-1918) Place Written: s.l. Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 27 May 1864 Pagination: 3 p. ; 20.5 x 13 cm. Order a Copy
Details the health of friends, including one who has measles, and acknowledges a pay raise. "This dearest is an awful campaign. Rivers of blood have already been shed but still the story is not half told yet."
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.
In Camp May 27th 1864
My Dear Lib,
It is with pleasure that I receive from you this morning two letters of the 13th and 16th inst, and it appears form them that there is one back yet, the one that you sent to N.Y. but that may come round yet as I left directions there when I left.
We are under marching orders and expected to have left last night, in the night but are here yet. Where we are to go, or what we are to do, I dont know, but think there is business to do. I think nearly all the 89th is back here now. except the sick &c. Frank Horton is not with the regt. He I believe was left in the hospital at Beaufort [2] N.C. [inserted: sick with measles] on their way up from Folly Island. Will Horton is here and [strikeout] well. Abe Haxton is well. Hank Winters is also here now, well. Our company is also not half of it divided around among other small companies, to kinder equalize them temporarily. No I have not been promoted yet that I have heard of. One of the new recruits (Carrier) came to the regt with all the Sergents stripes on, and took his place as such just as if he had all the authority to do so, and kept his place til day before yesterday when he had to take the stripes off. He has been sick ever since.
Yes I was aware that we were getting more pay now. My pay will be $18, anyway and I rather think $20, [3] This dearest, is an awful campaign. Rivers of blood have already been shed but still the story is not half told yet. If I or any other soldier gets through safe we shall have cause to feel grateful, still we must take whatever lot comes to us.
I too am counting days, but they seem long, and drag heavy. I am glad to hear that the cows [inserted: and sheep] are doing so well.
I [strikeout] hope Uri may get home as he says, would that I could come as soon. Excuse me from writing more at present, but I will write as often as possible.
Meanwhile hope for the best
Good Bye.
George W Tillotson
P. S. Much obliged for those stamps
George
Citation Guidelines for Online Resources
The copyright law of the United States (title 17, United States Code) governs the making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Under certain conditions specified in the law, libraries and archives are authorized to furnish a photocopy or other reproduction. One of these specific conditions is that the photocopy or reproduction is not to be “used for any purpose other than private study, scholarship, or research.” If a user makes a request for, or later uses, a photocopy or reproduction for purposes in excess of “fair use,” that user may be liable for copyright infringement. This institution reserves the right to refuse to accept a copying order if, in its judgment, fulfillment of the order would involve violation of copyright law.