Our Collection

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

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 #: GLC04558.142 Author/Creator: Tillotson, George W. (fl. 1830-1918) Place Written: near Petersburg, [Virginia] Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 23 June 1864 Pagination: 4 p. ; 20.5 x 13 cm. Order a Copy

Written in pencil. Cross written. Coming back from the hospital, finding many of his regiment wounded GWT takes his place in the trenches surrounding Petersburg. Describes life in the trenches, gives the number of wounded and killed for his regiment.

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

Citation Guidelines for Online Resources