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to Amanda Wilkinson

Writes that he loves and misses his wife very much. Instructs her to take the enclosed money and spend it to make herself comfortable. Suggests that she should continue to stay with her mother because of her present condition.

GLC03523.13.016

to Amanda Wilkinson and his mother

The first part of the letter is addressed to his wife, Amanda. He tells his wife that he has been promoted to Sergeant. Says there was a hard fight on the river between gun boats and a rebel battery. He thinks not much damage was done to either side...

GLC03523.13.017

to Amanda Wilkinson

Understands his wife's sorrow in his absence. He hopes that when he returns he can live a comfortable life with her. Professes his love for her and his desire to be with her. Notes that he sent her 20 dollars and that he will send more soon; if they...

GLC03523.13.019

to Amanda Wilkinson

Wilkinson writes that he has sent his mother 30 dollars, but has yet to hear from her. He is also glad to hear that Amanda, his wife, is out of debt. Notes that his pay has increased to 20 dollars a month but it is a poor amount compared to the work...

GLC03523.13.020

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...

GLC03523.13.021

to Amanda Wilkinson and his mother

He has received a letter from his wife's mother that his wife is sick. He is greatly saddened to hear this and hopes she gets better. Wilkinson writes that her life is more precious then his and he wishes he were sick instead of her. Says that they...

GLC03523.13.022

to Amanda Wilkinson

Written from Camp Richardson. Is glad to hear that she is feeling better. Suggests that she sends someone to get her state papers for her so she can recover. Writes that his sister, Wink, is doing well and that he will write her and his mother...

GLC03523.13.023

to Amanda Wilkinson

Writes that he is unwell but not unwell enough to prevent him from doing his duties. He says that there were about 10,000 infantry and cavalry along with 120 pieces of cannon. He thinks that he will be unable to come home this month but will try to...

GLC03523.13.025

to Dugen Ely

Written at the camp of the Michigan 2nd Regiment. Writes to Dugen Ely that he is now a noncommissioned officer. States that he is fighting for his country, risking his life and all that he has in service of it. But he is sorry that he has placed his...

GLC03523.13.026

to Amanda Wilkinson

Written at Camp of Michigan 2nd Regiment. Sends his wife 33 dollars. Writes that he is upset to hear is wife is so "blue" and not feeling well. Expresses that he will do anything to take care of her.

GLC03523.13.027

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...

GLC03523.13.028

to Amanda Wilkinson

Written at Camp Michigan, Virginia. It is the first full year in which he can call her his wife. He is not sad that he has to send his money home. Notes that the other men spend most of their money and do not send it home. States that some of the...

GLC03523.13.030

to Amanda Wilkinson

Written at Camp Michigan, Virginia. Writes that he is pleased his wife returned his letter so affectionately. Tells her that it is fine if she thinks him "foolish" for writing a love letter to her. Went to visit his friend at the hospital (he was...

GLC03523.13.031

to Amanda Wilkinson

Is excited to write that he is in Detroit, Michigan and much closer to her. He adds that he has been ordered to Port Huron, Michigan and will return either the last day of this week or the first of next week. Writes in a post-script that if she needs...

GLC03523.13.032

to Amanda Wilkinson

Notes that they have not had any movements recently. Attended a dance for the benefit of the soldiers. States that his mother and all of his friends were glad to see him and that he is doing well. The baby cried all night and he barely got any sleep...

GLC03523.13.033

to Amanda Wilkinson

Reports that he is back from Port Huron, Michigan. He says he will try to come home soon. Likes Lexington, Michigan very much but cannot stay here without her. Asks that she look after his sister and her new baby.

GLC03523.13.034

to Amanda Wilkinson

After he returns from Port Huron, Michigan he learns that he will be staying in Lexington, Michigan for a period of time and suggests that she should come up and be with him. Warns her that if she does come her mother will not be there to take care...

GLC03523.13.035

to Amanda Wilkinson

Sends her eight dollars. Says if the journey is too much to do in one night she should take her time. Also asks her to bring his boots.

GLC03523.13.036

to Amanda Wilkinson

Has returned from Port Huron, Michigan and is saddened to hear that their baby is not doing well. He includes some money as well. Writes that she should come visit him if she is able.

GLC03523.13.037

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...

GLC03523.13.039

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...

GLC03523.13.040

to Amanda Wilkinson

Written from New Kent Court House, Virginia. Writes to his wife that he knows she is worried about him, especially since he's been in battle [during General George McClellan's Peninsula Campaign]. Explains that he wrote to her the day after the...

GLC03523.13.041

to Amanda Wilkinson

Written 12 miles from Richmond, Virginia. States he was very pleased to hear from Amanda, his wife, as he had not heard from her in over a week. He has been very sick, but not as sick as before. Is glad to hear that his wife has moved in with her...

GLC03523.13.042

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...

GLC03523.13.043

to Amanda Wilkinson

Written to his wife from camp of the Michigan 2nd Infantry, 7 miles from Richmond, Virginia. Sends her 15 dollars. Writes that Dr. Hitchcock has been taking care of the sick men. He returned to his regiment this morning and is feeling better but...

GLC03523.13.044

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...

GLC03523.13.045

to Amanda Wilkinson

Written near Fair Oaks, Virginia to his wife. Mentions that there are fights with the enemy everyday and he suspects it will be that way for some time. Notes that many of the battles are very hard and one even lasted for six hours.

GLC03523.13.047

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...

GLC03523.13.049

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...

GLC03523.13.050

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...

GLC03523.13.051

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...

GLC03523.13.052

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...

GLC03523.13.053

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...

GLC03523.13.054

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...

GLC03523.13.055

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...

GLC03523.13.056

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...

GLC03523.13.057

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...

GLC03523.13.058

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...

GLC03523.13.059

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...

GLC03523.13.060

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...

GLC03523.13.061

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...

GLC03523.13.062

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...

GLC03523.13.064

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

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...

GLC03523.13.067

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...

GLC03523.13.068

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...

GLC03523.13.069

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...

GLC03523.13.070

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...

GLC03523.13.071

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

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...

GLC03523.13.073