13 August 1861

Wilkinson, Frederick W., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Amanda Wilkinson

Tells his wife that he is continually thinking of her, and that the thought of being with her again gives him courage. A young man whom his wife had written about in one of her letters was killed from a shot to the head in the 1st Michigan Infantry. Says that he has received a lot of papers from Wink, his sister. He is very glad that he did not bring her with him to the front.

GLC03523.13.010

1 August 1861

Wilkinson, Frederick W., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Amanda Wilkinson

Tells his wife that his sister, Wink, wrote to him that she had heard some incorrect things about his regiment's casualties. He reports that they had "very few wounded." He also reports that he was in the hardest part of the battle. States that the retreat was so bad he almost lost confidence in the "Grand Army" and its officers. Once again his regiment attacked a larger number of troops, 5,000, and "stood on ground for over half an hour" while losing only two men and one wounded.

GLC03523.13.011

4 September 1861

Wilkinson, Frederick W., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Amanda Wilkinson

He is sorry to hear that his wife is unhappy. From the letter it appears that Amanda and Frederick's mother do not get along. Notes that there is a rebel battery not far from his position and he can see 200 or 300 soldiers there. States that there have been a great many men killed on both sides. He encloses 17 dollars, his state pay. He states he went to Alexandria where Colonel Ellsworth was killed. Adds that his mother is worried about him.

GLC03523.13.012

11 September 1861

Wilkinson, Frederick W., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Amanda Wilkinson

Compliments his wife saying that the last letter he received from her was the best she has ever written. He is impressed with her penmanship and her composition and wishes for her to keep practicing by writing to him. Says he is not worthy of all the praise his wife gives him in front of her friends. Notes that it will be a "great while" before he is promoted. Another one of his fellow soldiers was killed today. A small note is also included stating that 16 dollars are enclosed instead of the original 17.

GLC03523.13.013

17 October 1861

Wilkinson, Frederick W., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Amanda Wilkinson

Notes that their camp has moved twice since he last wrote and they are now in Alexandria, Virginia. States that they are two miles from the river and are currently employed in building a fort. He writes that the enemy is only 12 miles away. He is worried that the officers do not show enough bravery. So much so that he fears all will be lost if they do not show more. Writes that if there is a battle in which the enemy is to be defeated and give his country hope, he would not mind falling in that battle. One of his company is going home tomorrow and will pay her a visit. Tells her that he sent…

GLC03523.13.021

17 December 1861

Wilkinson, Frederick W., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Amanda Wilkinson and his mother

Written from Camp Michigan, Virginia. Writes that he is much better then when he last wrote. The regiment has been working on building log hovels as their tents do not keep out the cold. States that they will most likely not campaign again until the spring. Thinks he will be able to return home sometimes in January, around the time his wife will give birth. Hopes that they have a boy as their first child. Writes to his mother that he knows she is doing her best to keep his wife healthy and comfortable. Explains that if he dies he would like his wife to be taken care of.

GLC03523.13.028

12 October 1775

Palairet, David Jr., fl. 1775

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Samuel Waldo

Writes to inform Waldo of the death of his father the previous December. Discusses the business his father had with Waldo's father, Brigadier General Samuel Waldo, who is also deceased. Asks Waldo to prolong the term of Palairet's land grant, which is expiring. Adds that his family has found itself in difficult financial circumstances following the death of Palairet's father. See GLC02437.09098 for Waldo's response.

GLC02437.09097

24 November 1775

Manuscript document

Title: to David Palairet Jr.

An unknown author writes on behalf of Samuel Waldo that he received Mr. Palairet's letter. Sends his condolences on the death of Palairet's father. Responds to Palairet's question about an extension on their land grant, that many of the heirs of Brigadier General Waldo are currently minors and therefore cannot collect on the grant at present. Adds that given the "disturbed state" of America at present, there is no need to worry about an extension of the grant. See GLC02437.09097 for a related document.

GLC02437.09098

23 July 1784

Flucker, Hannah, 1726-1785

Manuscript document signed

Title: [Will of Hannah Flucker]

One signature was clipped, most likely that of Hannah Flucker. Document contains the will of Hannah Fluccker. Signed by Jonathan Jackson and William Smith as witnesses.

GLC02437.09107

1861-1865

Cherry, Kate, fl. 1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Maitland Family [incomplete]

Incomplete letter. Appears to be written to the Maitland family from a cousin. Discusses her brothers rank and pay in the Union army. Says she is worried her brother may not return from the war but "...if they should happen to fall it is in a good cause."

GLC03523.10.246

23 June 1862

Wilkinson, Frederick W., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Amanda Wilkinson

Written near Seven Pines, Virginia to his wife. He has rejoined his company and even though he has not been able to sit all day he is determined not to leave his post until he is "obliged" to. His company is "growing smaller everyday" and that one company which used to have 80 men has only reported two available for duty. Based on this he does not think they will be able to take Richmond, Virginia soon. Notes that last week he had to spend 48 hours on picket. Remarks that it is very sad how many have died between Washington, D.C. and Richmond, Virginia. Sends his wife five dollars.

GLC03523.13.046

28 April 1862

Wilkinson, Frederick W., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Amanda Wilkinson

He has been on the picket for the last 24 hours and feels very tired. They are being shot at and shelled all day and night. He writes that the enemy works are very strong and extend form the York River to the James River. Is glad that she has made friends in Lexington, Michigan. Sends her 10 dollars. Writes that he did not see Wink, his sister, or his mother while he was in Kalamazoo, Michigan before returning to the army because it would have made him seem like he was avoiding the battle. Explains to his wife not to fret about him and that if he were to die in battle it would be in "defense…

GLC03523.13.039

13 May 1862

Wilkinson, Frederick W., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Amanda Wilkinson

He is sorry for not writing as he has not been well. He is also glad to hear that she and the baby are doing so well. Writes that the army will start for Richmond, Virginia tomorrow. Is glad to hear that Dr. Wells is doing so much better. Tells his wife about the death of Adjutant-General [Smith] who cried out for his wife with his last breath. Hopes that once he gets out of the army he will be out of debt so he can give her everything she wishes.

GLC03523.13.040

4 June 1862

Wilkinson, Frederick W., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Amanda Wilkinson

Writes to his wife that even though he was sick he still tried to fight in the battle, but had to turn around and go back. Mentions the large number of sick and wounded coming into the hospital. He tried to leave the hospital yesterday morning but could not and had to stay. Describes in graphic detail the bloated bodies of the dead.

GLC03523.13.043

16 June 1862

Wilkinson, Frederick W., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Amanda Wilkinson

Written on the battlefield of Fair Oaks, Virginia to his wife. Reported for duty for the first time in two weeks. They have had recent orders to repulse the enemy from their picket and he expects an attack. Writes that they formed lines of battle but no enemy appeared except for six which another picket took as prisoners. Is unsure of when they will take Richmond but hopes it will be soon so he can go home. Is glad to hear that their families are doing well. Sends her some money but notes that he had to spend 20 dollars to pay a debt. Writes that one of his friends died from the wounds he…

GLC03523.13.045

5 July 1862

Wilkinson, Frederick W., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Amanda Wilkinson

Written near the James River to his wife. Writes concerning one of his friends, Mr. L. Walker who has recently died in battle. He explains that Mr. Walker was killed in front of him; the musket ball striking him in the face. He has suffered for the last week because of this and because of everything he and the troops have sacrificed. Comments that after one of the battles, one of the fallen Union soldiers was named Wilkinson. Hopes that no one falsely reports him dead. Their regiment is being reinforced and they expect to make a forward movement soon.

GLC03523.13.049

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

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

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

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

1781-1783

Header Record

Title: Clothing and payroll return document 1st Massachusetts regiment [Decimalized .01- .04]

Manuscript clothing and payroll return documents listing many African American freemen who fought in this desegregated regiment during the Siege of Boston and at Trenton, Princeton, Saratoga, and Monmouth, and guarded the Hudson Highlands. These highly detailed accounts provide information on nine companies of the First Masachusetts, listing the rank, time of service, and pay rate for each man, deficiencies and surpluses, and a complete inventory of clothing supplied. Notes are made on men who have died, deserted (37 during 1783), or transferred regiments. The average page contains roughly…

GLC09134

22 September 1767

Palairet, John, fl. 1767-1768

Autograph letter signed

Title: to unknown

Addressee unknown, but may be Samuel Waldo, as he corresponded with Waldo in subsequent letters on the same subject (see GLC02437.09054). Declares that the bearer, his friend Mr. Hulton, has recently been appointed to a position as Commissioner of His Majesty's Customs for America. As a show of friendship, has offered to sell Mr. Hulton his choice of Palairet's lands in the Waldo patent. Asks the addressee to answer any questions Hulton might have and show him the lands belonging to Palairet and his son, so he might make his choice. Discusses business accounts, as well as the receipt of a…

GLC02437.09045

22 July 1861

Goodridge, Allen, fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Amanda Wilkinson

Goodridge, Amanda's uncle, writes that her husband is safe after being "engaged in one of the most deadly contests ever known" [possibly First Bull Run]. Explains that Frederick was placed in command of 23 skirmishers who were used in advance of other troops. States that it is wonderful for him to still be alive, and describes the battle in detail. Frederick and his men were fired at from a rebel fort. The only protection were the trees, which were soon "filled with bullets." States that the bark from the trees got into the eyes and face of Frederick but there were no scratches on him.…

GLC03523.13.005

24 July 1861

Wilkinson, Frederick W., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Amanda Wilkinson

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.

GLC03523.13.006

27 April 1875

Hemans, Nancy A., 1843-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Alexander Shiras and Frances B. Shiras

Discusses the loss of Mary, her child, and takes solace in the idea that Mary will be with relatives in heaven. Mentions prayers and affirms her fidelity to God's will.

GLC02429.38