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Tillotson, George W. (fl. 1830-1918) To his wife

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC04558.151 Author/Creator: Tillotson, George W. (fl. 1830-1918) Place Written: Petersburg, [Virginia] Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 31 July 1864 Pagination: 6 p. ; 20 x 12.5 cm. Order a Copy

Written in pencil with portions of pages 1-4 traced in a darker pencil. The explosion and charge on fort along the rebel line by Burnside's 9th Corps was at first rumored to be a great success although GWT noticed Grant "appeared a little troubled." Later, GWT learned that casualties for the 9th Corps was 6,000 killed wounded and missing. GWT blamed "the disaster of yesterday" on a brigade of "negroes [who] when charged on scadaddled without fireing a volley."

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

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