Wilkinson, Frederick W. (fl. 1861-1863) to Amanda Wilkinson
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03523.13.074 Author/Creator: Wilkinson, Frederick W. (fl. 1861-1863) Place Written: Fredericksburg, Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 12 January 1863 Pagination: 4 p. : envelope ; 17.6 x 10.7 cm. Order a Copy
Writes to his wife that he has not slept because of the rain. He states that the troops are without shelter and that the mud in the camp is up to his knees. Notes that there are rumors about the army returning to Washington, D.C. in a few days. Explains to his wife that if he does indeed go to Washington, D.C. she should come to visit him there and bring their baby. If the army does not go to Washington, D.C. he will try to obtain a leave of absence. Writes that a rebel deserter surrendered to him while he was on picket duty. The deserter told him that the Confederate army is now on half-rations and that there are many more who have deserted. States that he has written a long letter to Eel.
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.
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