Tillotson, George W. (fl. 1830-1918) to his wife
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC04558.162 Author/Creator: Tillotson, George W. (fl. 1830-1918) Place Written: Fort Powhatan, Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 21 September 1864 Pagination: 4 p. ; 20.5 x 13 cm. Order a Copy
Farm advice; mustering out in one month's time. Politics: predicts Lincoln will win; eludes to soldiers support of Lincoln; Copperheads (democrats) are worse than sessionists. Has a cold.
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.
Fort Powhattan Sept 21st 1864
Dear Wife,
Your letter of the 11th I received Sunday night, and today will try to answer it. It seems to me they dont hurry up the mail your way so fast as they do comeing this way. It is generally about three days comeing here from the date of the Post Mark.
No Lib, I don't believe I would sell one of the milk cows, at least not unless I could get the full value of it. We have not got our pay yet, but I should be very glad of it just about now, (or any other time,) but I begin to think perhaps I shant get any pay now until I get my final settlement. You must try and get along for a while as best you can and I will also try to do yet awhile as I have done all [2] summer, without money. It is now the 21st of Sept and the time of service of the last Company of the Regt will be out just one month from today, and to equalize the time of the Companies will bring them all out the 27th inst But still I dont know as they have arrived at any deffinite conclusion as to how, or when, we shall be mustered out. Yesterday a squad of our men were outside the lines on a pass to get lumber to fix up quarters with, when they were surprised by a squad of rebel cavalry and some of them taken prisoners. Three of four that were taken afterwards made their escape, but Sergt Groody and Corpl Evens of Co B (whose times were both out the 3rd inst) and Sergt Henderson of Co I are still missing. The number of cattle captured by the rebs out here the other day instead of being [3] 800 as I wrote you, was over 2500 and that as you say "is provoke[inserted: i]ng too". No I have not met with either Mr Wells, or Robinson, as I know of. You may as well let the Copperheads croak for you know the old saying is that "every dog will have his day," and I think that their "dog star" will set about the 8th of November, for as near as I can judge the Soldiers will be a great help in making them loose their "all" if they "stake it on McClelan." I can hardly see how [Ira] can be worse than he was last winter. He was I thought completely secesh then. But the truth is an honest Secessionist is not one tenth part as Mean as a sneaking Copperhead.
It must be very dry there if the springs are as low as you say[,] [4] Cattle in some parts must suffer immensely. I don't know as it would be a great deal of loss to the community if Hank Hotchskiss should'nt find his way back at all for the town of Smithville will get off cheering if it don't loose more than $4000, by him.
I am very well except that I caught quite a cold the other night and that always causes the "billious fever" for a few days. Hopeing to hear from you soon and e'er long to see you also I remain as ever
Your Most Affectionate Husband
Geo W Tillotson
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