17 July 1862

Wilkinson, Frederick W., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Amanda Wilkinson

Written near Harrison's Landing, Virginia to his wife. Understands why the nation is filled with anxiety over the battle [Seven Days Battle] and the retreat. Is clearly upset about the retreat writing, "that over 30,000 brave men have been sacrificed in a useless and illplanned attempt to take the rebel capitol." Calls the retreat "shameful." Comments on how the officers and enlisted men try to rid themselves of the blame. Describes how the battle was lost and the retreat that followed. He writes that thousands of men staggered along the road for miles bleeding from their wounds. He cannot…

GLC03523.13.050

22 July 1862

Wilkinson, Frederick W., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Amanda Wilkinson and his mother

Written near Harrison's Landing, Virginia. In the first part of his letter he writes to his wife that he is feeling better since he last wrote. There are mixed feelings about the last battle [Seven Days Battle]; some say it was a victory while others say it was a defeat. They have been furnished with tents and it appears that General McClellan does not intend to move again soon. Writes that he has lost all confidence in the generals leading his wing of the army. Told his friend how hard he had fought at Malvern Hill. To his mother he writes that he is sorry for causing her so much anxiety. He…

GLC03523.13.051

25 July 1862

Wilkinson, Frederick W., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Amanda Wilkinson

Written near Harrison's Landing, Virginia to his wife. Is happy that his sister, Wink, could visit his mother and notes that it will make both of them happy. States that they are getting a new regiment ready and comments that the work is dull and lonesome. He will try to send money as soon as he can. Says that he has not been out of the camp for a while and thinks the army will stay in this position during the summer and winter. Complains that they have inspections and reviews twice a day and that the men are sick of it. He has received his first tent since he left Michigan which gives him…

GLC03523.13.052

31 July 1862

Wilkinson, Frederick W., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Amanda Wilkinson

Written near Harrison's Landing, Virginia. Is sad to hear that she has not received some of his letters. Reports that he was out on picket yesterday and comments that many of the men in his company are sick. Is afraid that he will not see her again for some time as it is nearly impossible to get furloughs.

GLC03523.13.053

2 August 1862

Wilkinson, Frederick W., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Amanda Wilkinson

Writes to his wife that they have retreated from Harrison's Landing, Virginia and that the army has moved to reinforce General Pope. He states that he told his commanding officer that he needed some rest, so he was sent to Mansion House Hospital in Alexandria, Virginia along with 20 others. He reassures her that he is not sick but he is very tired. One of the men in the company died and all were sad to hear it. Asks her to take good care of herself and feels bad that he is away while she is sick. He will also send some of his 40 dollars.

GLC03523.13.054

11 August 1862

Wilkinson, Frederick W., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Amanda Wilkinson

Written near Harrison's Landing, Virginia. Writes that he is very sad for missing a family meeting but that he hopes to make the next one. He states that it is very hot and they can barely go out in the sun but for a moment. It is so hot that during their pickets, the men feel like falling down. Notes the improving health of his regiment and the army in general. Hopes that there is a draft soon because there is need of more troops. Protests against his friend's thoughts of joining the army. Writes that nine-tenths of the army claim they will desert or have commissions. Wants to come home…

GLC03523.13.055

4 September 1862

Wilkinson, Frederick W., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Amanda Wilkinson

Written at Mansion House Hospital. Sends his wife some money and plans to send more soon. He is hoping to save up enough money to buy 240 acres of land in Michigan. Writes that he is feeling very bad and is very weak. He will try to get home soon and if he does not get any better while at home he will stay there. He tells his wife that the army has been "whiped" for everyday for the past two weeks. He reports that General Thomas J. "Stonewall" Jackson is on the Potomac and he expects to hear that General Jackson will soon cross into Maryland. He believes that if this happens Maryland will…

GLC03523.13.056

12 September 1862

Wilkinson, Frederick W., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Amanda Wilkinson

Written at Mansion House Hospital. Tells his wife that she should concern herself with her own health before worrying over his. Is very tired from the work that he has done since returning to his regiment. He notes that he is feeling a little bit better, however, he is still not well enough to return to the field. Explains more about the other Wilkinson who was killed only a little ways from him. Writes that his regiment was grateful that he was still alive as they all thought he had been killed. Prays to God every day that he will not be killed. Is glad to hear her mother is doing so well.…

GLC03523.13.057

20 September 1862

Wilkinson, Frederick W., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Amanda Wilkinson

Written at Mansion House Hospital to his wife. Is sorry that he is causing her and the family so much anxiety over his current health status. Writes that he is recovering and will soon return to his regiment. He is happy to hear that Mr. Armstrong is getting married and hopes that he will like his new home. Notes that the regiment is well and that Sergeant Montague visited him today. He writes that he is happy to hear everyone at home is doing so well. Will try to write to his family and his sister Wink soon; he has not been able to do so because he has been so sick.

GLC03523.13.058

4 October 1862

Wilkinson, Frederick W., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Amanda Wilkinson

Written at camp near Upton Hill to his wife. Writes that he has received her letter along with their baby's portrait. Wishes that he could be with his wife and baby. Explains that he is willing to stay until the war is over but also that he wants to be with his family. He hopes he can come home during the winter. States that President Abraham Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation has raised the men's spirits. He is optimistic that the speech will give the people of the North some hope. He is now more confident in the army but some of the men say that if they do not do better the Confederacy…

GLC03523.13.059

8 October 1862

Wilkinson, Frederick W., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Amanda Wilkinson

Written at camp of the 2nd Michigan Infantry to his wife. Writes that they are at their old camp ground and it looks like they will be staying there for the winter. Tells her that his health has improved and he is in good spirits. Does not think they have accomplished much but they did work and fight hard. Notes that the ranks have been so thinned that it takes four regiments to make one full-strength regiment. Writes that the dead and wounded of the regiment are spread out from Michigan to Richmond. Notes that many are either dead or discharged and many of the men are unsure of how they will…

GLC03523.13.060

14 October 1862

Wilkinson, Frederick W., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Amanda Wilkinson

Written at camp of the Michigan 2nd Infantry near Edwards Ferry, Maryland to his wife. Writes that they marched 40 miles in two days. Notes the fine homes, beautiful scenery, and gives a general description of the area, which is, surprisingly, untouched by the war. States that Maryland is "wise" for staying with the Union despite the enemy making raids into the state. Also note that some Confederate troops have made raids into Pennsylvania. He is unsure of what he thinks of her reading his letters to other women. Hopes that his friend will be discharged from the army. Is greatly upset that he…

GLC03523.13.061

19 October 1862

Wilkinson, Frederick W., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Amanda Wilkinson

Written at camp of the Michigan 2nd Infantry near Edwards Ferry, Maryland to his wife. Writes that he misses her and their baby very much. Thinks that if the Union were to win a few victories in the West the war would be over in six months. Has heard of a fight near Harper's Ferry, Virginia and has seen shells exploding 20 miles up the Potomac. Has also heard there is fighting near Winchester, Virginia. His company marched as far as Leesburg, Virginia and upon their return to camp he was ordered to have the company ready to go on picket duty.

GLC03523.13.062

5 November 1862

Wilkinson, Frederick W., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Amanda Wilkinson

Written at camp of the Michigan 2nd Infantry beyond Union Town, Virginia. He was unable to write because they have been marching for several days, they are now camped not far from the Blue Ridge Mountains. Notes that there have been some skirmishes and that the Union will soon overtake the Confederates. Writes that they are commanded by General Ambrose Burnside and that he will show the rebels "how to fight." He has been promoted to company sergeant. Notes that he has no gun or knapsack, rides almost all the time, does less work, and has someone cooking for him. His pay is only a little…

GLC03523.13.064

14 November 1862

Wilkinson, Frederick W., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Amanda Wilkinson

Writes a short note to his wife explaining that he has just mailed her a letter and that the bearer of this note is from the 2nd regiment.

GLC03523.13.066

22 November 1862

Wilkinson, Frederick W., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Amanda Wilkinson

Writes to his wife that they have marched fifty miles and are now one mile from Fredericksburg, Virginia. He lacks confidence in his ability to handle his new rank. Thinks that the great battle will take place near Fredericksburg. Notes that the country is beautiful and there was a fine hotel but General Franz Sigel had it burned down to prevent the Confederates from shooting at the Union forces. The pickets for both Confederate and Union forces are on opposite sides of the Rappahannock River and are often heard talking to each other but they never shoot. It appears the men have a better…

GLC03523.13.067

26 November 1862

Wilkinson, Frederick W., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Amanda Wilkinson

Writes to his wife that he holds her and their baby in the highest esteem. He is also greatly saddened that he may not be able to come home during the winter. Tells her of his dreams about going home and being with her and the new baby. Because he is the company sergeant it will be harder for him to get a furlough. Captain [Hendy] resigned and went home. States that he will bring home a "fine colored boy" who is currently his cook. Likes the new General, Ambrose Burnside, better then General George McClellan who he says was "too slow to accomplish anything."

GLC03523.13.068

10 December 1862

Wilkinson, Frederick W., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Amanda Wilkinson

Writes to his wife that he is sorry but he will not be able to come home this winter because there is going to be a great battle. Every soldier has been ordered to take a gun and go into the fight. Reports that he has been promoted to lieutenant. He has increased responsibility now and if he dies he will be facing the enemy. If General Ambrose Burnside proves himself to be a great fighter the war will be over by July and he will return home. Since he fell off of his horse his right arm is in a sling and therefore he must carry his sword in his left hand.

GLC03523.13.069

19 December 1862

Wilkinson, Frederick W., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Amanda Wilkinson

Writes to his wife after he crosses the Rappahannock River to let her know that he is still alive after the Battle of Fredericksburg, Virginia. His regiment was involved in a "desperate fight" but could not force the enemy from the heights. Reports that all the troops from Ann Arbor, Michigan are either dead or wounded. Has had his arm in a sling the entire time he was in Fredericksburg. He will not tell his wife much about the battle as Dr. Stone will return home and tell her. Wishes he could be at home with her.

GLC03523.13.070

28 December 1862

Wilkinson, Frederick W., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Amanda Wilkinson

Written at camp of the 2nd Michigan Infantry to is wife. His arm is still very sore from last week but he is glad to hear that she and their baby are doing so well. It appears very doubtful that he will come home this winter. The army is unsure of what it will do next. The regiment has built log huts for the coming winter. Gives some details describing what the log hut is made from. States that he has built a large hut in case she comes to visit him. States that the battle plan of General Ambrose Burnside was good but they failed to carry it out. Explains that it was neither the army nor…

GLC03523.13.071

4 January 1863

Wilkinson, Frederick W., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Amanda Wilkinson

Written at camp of the 2nd Michigan Infantry to his wife. Notes that a year ago today he started for home. Writes how much he misses her and wishes he could be with her. Is thankful that God has continued to spare him through so many battles.

GLC03523.13.072

5 January 1863

Wilkinson, Frederick W., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Amanda Wilkinson

Writes to his wife that he hopes she does not think his previous letter foolish for being a love letter. Thinks that most men give all their affection before marriage and then after marriage the wife is the one who professes affection. Enjoys the picture of the baby. Wants to know what his mother thinks of the baby. He has not been paid yet but expects to receive it soon. Thinks it is more honorable to earn a commission near the battlefield then to go home and get one. Hopes he will soon be made first lieutenant. States that he did not join the army to get promotions but to fight for his…

GLC03523.13.073

circa January 1856

Woodson, Obadiah, fl. 1856

Document signed

Title: [Slave Patrol Contract]

Appoints a captain to oversee a company of men for "Patrol duty at least two nights in each week; and on the Sabbath day to disperse all collections of negroes or boys violating the Ordinances of the Town. On all slaves found off their owner's premises, without written permission... you will inflict not more than fifteen lashes; no slave to be whipped except in presence of the Captain. You will arrest and carry before the Intendant of Police, all free colored men found associating with slaves in the night, or on the Sabbath day, in any kitchen, out-house, or place other than his own…

GLC09122

circa 27 October 1863

Frazier, Charlotte, fl. 1863

Manuscript document signed

Title: [Petition of a free black to become a slave of Jefferson S. Nash]

Petition to the District Court of Texas. "Charlotte Frazier...respectfully states and shows that she is a free person of African descent - that she is... mother of Six children under the age of Fourteen ... to wit ... Mack ... Betsey ...Luke ... Jerry... Westley... Emma...also free persons of African descent... Petitioner prays that a decree may be made... Whereby petitioner and her said children may become the property as slaves of the said... Jefferson S. Nash, as fully as if she and her said children had been born his slaves... " Signed by Frazier and witnesses. For related documents see…

GLC09123

1834

Garrison & Knapp

Pamphlet

Title: Report of the arguments of counsel, in the case of Prudence Crandall, Plff. in error, Vs. State of Connecticut, before the Supreme Court of Errors, at their session at Brooklyn, July Term, 1834.

Prudence Crandall, having allowed black children into her school, was tried by the State of Connecticut for violating a law against the education of colored children who were not inhabitants of the State, which required consent of the town of jurisdiction. The judge, holding that blacks were not citizens and were devoid of constitutional rights, ruled in favor the State. Here, before the Supreme Court, her counsel argues that "A distinction founded in color, in fundamental rights, is novel, inconvenient and impracticable."

GLC09124