Wilkinson, Frederick W. (fl. 1861-1863) to Amanda Wilkinson
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 #: GLC03523.13.006 Author/Creator: Wilkinson, Frederick W. (fl. 1861-1863) Place Written: Washington, D.C. Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 24 July 1861 Pagination: 3 p. : envelope ; 20.3 x 12.8 cm. Order a Copy
States that he is alive and well. However, he cannot say that about all of the other brave soldiers who died in the fighting. For two days men came from every place and the rebels could mount 25,000 men against them. On Thursday in the afternoon 160 men, including himself, overtook the enemy near Bull Run and commenced the attack. States that 160 could not sucessfully take on 25,000. Once the attack failed the regiment tried again at night and were again forced to withdraw with losses on both sides. Reports that they fought long and hard against three times their number.
Frederick Wilkinson was a resident of Kalamazoo County, Michigan when he enlisted on 10 May 1861 as a Sergeant. On 25 May 1861 he mustered into "K" Company of the Michigan 2nd Infantry. He was promoted to 1st Sergeant and later to 2nd Lieutenant on 1 December 1861. Wilkinson was discharged for promotion on 14 January 1863. Also on that day he was transferred to "G" Company of the Michigan 2nd Infantry. He resigned on 30 June 1863.
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.