1861-1863

Wilkinson, Frederick W., fl. 1861-1863

Header Record

Title: [Collection of Frederick W. Wilkinson] [decimalized]

Also includes a roster and an ambrotype photograph of Wilkinson. All but four letters were written by Wilkinson to his wife. The letters mention First Bull Run, General George McClellan's Peninsula Campaign, Antietam, the replacement of McClellan with General Ambrose Burnside, General Joseph Hooker, and preparation for Vicksburg. Expresses disapproval of McClellan, and praises Hooker. The letters end on 19 June 1863 when he complains of weakness from long-term illness. Pension records are also available.

GLC03523.13

February 26, 1862

Wilkinson, Frederick W., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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

February 6, 1863

Wilkinson, Frederick W., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Amanda Wilkinson

Writes to his wife that he is greatly relieved to hear from her as it has been over two weeks since her last letter. States that they have just received orders to march to North Carolina. There they are to reinforce General John G. Foster. He has sent in his request for a leave of absence but thinks it will be rejected. Shortly after he sent his request orders were given that two officers were allowed to go home. He reports that there are so many requests he does not stand a chance. Notes that some of the men are too sick to report for duty. He states that there are about 250 men fit for duty…

GLC03523.13.078

1 April 1863

Wilkinson, Frederick W., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Amanda Wilkinson

Writes to his wife that the army has finally stopped marching. He is very anxious to hear from her, and wonders how she and the baby are doing. States that if she does not get better soon he will come home to stay. Tells her not to borrow any money for him as he will be paid soon. Asks her to send his commission. Thinks that the army will be moving again shortly. The last journey was over "a thousand miles via cars and boats which took us about two weeks." Writes that the weather is worse here than in Michigan. States that the regiment was glad to get out of Virginia. Small piece of letter…

GLC03523.13.089

6 April 1863

Wilkinson, Frederick W., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Amanda Wilkinson

Written at camp of the 2nd Michigan Infantry near Lebanon, Kentucky. He wishes that his wife could have come with him when the army left Newport News, Virginia as she could have seen a great deal of the country. Writes that he is unsure where the army will go next, perhaps to the "back part of the state." Writes that he is sorry to hear his grandfather is not doing well and that he will come home if their baby does not get better soon. He will send money home as soon as he gets paid but he must wait to get his commission which he has asked his wife to send to him. States that by the first of…

GLC03523.13.090

9 April 1863

Wilkinson, Frederick W., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Amanda Wilkinson

Written at camp of the 2nd Michigan Infantry near Lebanon, Kentucky. Worries that he and many of the other officers in the regiment will not be paid for two months. As soon as he receives his commission from home he will ask for a leave of absence. He writes that he is mad at his wife for riding with Mr. Palmer and will discuss the matter with her when he comes home. There are reports that Charleston, South Carolina has been captured by Union forces. Writes that the army is advancing rapidly and that deserters are returning to the regiments. He thinks that the army will gain 100,000 men…

GLC03523.13.091

13 April 1863

Wilkinson, Frederick W., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Amanda Wilkinson

Written at the camp of the 2nd Michigan Infantry. Sends his wife some portraits. He writes that the regiment expects to move soon. Writes that he is not feeling well but he is not so sick that he cannot report for duty. He has still not been paid or received his commission. Gives his love to their baby and their family and friends at home.

GLC03523.13.092

16-17 April 1863

Wilkinson, Frederick W., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Amanda Wilkinson

Written at the camp of the 2nd Michigan Infantry near Lebanon, Kentucky. He was very glad to receive her portrait but he was upset to hear that she had such poor things to say about her friends. Suggests that his wife finds another place to live if her friends continue to treat her so poorly. He does not think he will be able to come home soon and will be away until the first of June. Asked several of his superior officers if he could go home for a while and they all said no. He would like to be promoted once more before the war is over, but they are not expecting any battles soon. Reports…

GLC03523.13.093

24 April 1863

Wilkinson, Frederick W., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Amanda Wilkinson

Written at camp of the Michigan 2nd Infantry near Lebanon, Kentucky to his wife. Writes that he is "officer of the day." He is sorry that their baby is unwell so frequently and hopes that as the baby gets older her health will improve. Writes that he is upset to hear that Eel is sick. He has heard rumors that the ten companies will be consolidated into five and that most of the officers -including him- will be mustered out. The colonel of his regiment told him that there are too many officers and there will be no money for new promotions. Notes that tomorrow it will be two years since he…

GLC03523.13.094

25 April 1863

Wilkinson, Frederick W., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Amanda Wilkinson

Written on board the steamer [Majestic] on the Ohio River. He writes his wife that the regiment is on its way to the back part of the state. He has not heard from one of the lieutenants in regiment and assumes that the lieutenant was unable to get his pay or Wilkinson's pay. He is afraid that he will not get paid for over a month. Asks his wife to borrow him 100 dollars as he needs the money. Reports that he has changed divisions and paymasters. Thinks he is owed about 600 dollars worth of pay and that many other officers are owed money as well. Blames the paymasters and not the government…

GLC03523.13.095

29 April 1863

Wilkinson, Frederick W., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Amanda Wilkinson

Written on the Green River in Kentucky. He writes that they have marched 30 miles inland and are very far from any railroad station. Expects that they will soon march again but is unsure as to where they are headed. Writes that he has been sick for the past few days, the sickest he has been since joining the army. He thinks this area of the country very pleasant and states "the inhabitants are as wealthy as negro owners can get." Writes of the many different colors of the slaves. States that Colonel Humphry is now in command of the regiment. Humphry was a captain when he left Michigan but has…

GLC03523.13.096

8 May 1863

Wilkinson, Frederick W., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Amanda Wilkinson

Writes a short letter to his wife that the regiment has moved and will move again. He is unsure of where they are headed. Thinks that they might be headed to Memphis, Tennessee but he is still not sure. Reports that he is feeling much better every day.

GLC03523.13.097

circa 16 May 1863

Wilkinson, Frederick W., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Amanda Wilkinson

Written at camp of the 2nd Michigan Infantry. He writes a letter of introduction for Sergeant Wilhelm [?] Shakespeer who has promised to visit Frederick Wilkinson's wife. Reports that he was sick but has since recovered. Requested a leave of absence but has yet to receive a response.

GLC03523.13.098

18 May 1863

Wilkinson, Frederick W., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Amanda Wilkinson

Written at the residence of Mr. [Carlile] to his wife. He has been unwell so he came to Mr. Carlile's and is feeling much better. Writes that he is with one of the best families in Kentucky and they give him everything he requires and take excellent care of him. Reports that the family has two sons; one was a major in the Union Army who was killed and another a colonel in the Union Army who resigned. States that Mrs. Carlile looks like his grandmother. The regiment has marched from the Green River Bridge in Kentucky and he hopes to re-join the regiment soon. The 20th Michigan engaged the…

GLC03523.13.099

30 May 1863

Wilkinson, Frederick W., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Amanda Wilkinson

Writes to his wife that he has returned to camp with much improved health. He is glad to hear that she is doing so well. He states that he will unfortunately not be able to come home for at least another several weeks. Knows that he is of no great use and longs to return home to her. Writes that it is unfortunate that his fate was to spend two years in the army away from his family. Feels that he has done his duty. Reports that the men of the regiment have returned and bring no news of importance. States there are two kinds of treason. One kind is an "overt act against the government" which…

GLC03523.13.100

2 June 1863

Wilkinson, Frederick W., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Amanda Wilkinson

Written to his wife from Louisville, Kentucky. Reports that he has mustered into a new regiment. He has received his bounty and has sent her a portion of it in a box. Explains that he is not feeling well and that he will try to return home as soon as he can.

GLC03523.13.101

19 June 1863

Wilkinson, Frederick W., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Amanda Wilkinson

Written at camp of the 2nd Michigan Infantry near Haines Bluff, Mississippi to his wife. He is outside of the city of Vicksburg, Mississippi. General Ulysses S. Grant is laying siege to the city because attempting to storm it would most likely cause a great loss of life and would most likely fail. There have been reports that Confederate General Joseph E. Johnston is somewhere on the Black River near Vicksburg, Mississippi. A Confederate deserter reported that there are 24,000 troops in Vicksburg, Mississippi but only 15,000 are fit for duty and that the troops in the city have very little to…

GLC03523.13.102

January 12, 1863

Wilkinson, Frederick W., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Amanda Wilkinson

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-…

GLC03523.13.074

February 24, 1863

Wilkinson, Frederick W., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Amanda Wilkinson

Writes to his wife of the bad weather they have had recently. Thinks that many of the men would stay here but it does not feel like home to him. One of the regiment's captains has resigned and gone home. States that he will not use any of his political connection to gain a promotion. Expresses his desire to move to Oregon because the weather is warmer and there is land available. Thinks there is a chance that California, Oregon, Washington, Nevada and New Mexico might create a new Confederacy. Writes of his determination to move to Oregon.

GLC03523.13.082

4 March 1863

Wilkinson, Frederick W., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Amanda Wilkinson

Writes to his wife that he is not feeling very well. States that he would give anything to see her and their baby. One of the lieutenants in his regiment is heading home and will try to get his and Frederick Wilkinson's pay from Washington, D.C. He will then send some of the pay to her. Expresses his desire for her to come and visit him. He even thinks that she will "enjoy the journey very much." Notes that if his wife wants silk he can get some good silk for one dollar a yard. Writes that he has received Eel's letter. States that the weather is "very changeable" and differs greatly from day…

GLC03523.13.083

January 21, 1863

Wilkinson, Frederick W., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Amanda Wilkinson

He writes to his wife that he is sorry he has not sent more money home. States that the country is "hard up for money" and therefore cannot send as much as he would like or as much as she deserves. Comments that he asks no one to watch his wife. He will try and come home after the next battle. Writes that he wishes her to send more letters and notes. States that 17 days have passed since he has received her last letter. Comments that he will be paid soon and try to take a leave of absence. If not, he will resign in order to settle his affairs. In the second letter he writes that there is to…

GLC03523.13.075

January 26, 1863

Wilkinson, Frederick W., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Amanda Wilkinson

Writes to his wife that he has recently sent her several letters and has also sent his sister, Wink, a letter. States that he was unable to get a leave of absence and has been thinking about resigning. However, the army will not let him resign. Comments that he would like her to come and visit him but he is unsure if the army will move again. He then writes that he could have Eel come with her and that he might be able to find a place for Eel as well. Writes that he will send her some money soon.

GLC03523.13.076

February 3, 1863

Wilkinson, Frederick W., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Amanda Wilkinson

He writes to his wife that he has not heard from her in two weeks. He wonders if she is sick and sends her 40 dollars, all of the pay he received. He also sends her a picture of himself. Writes that he asked for a leave of absence and was denied. Explains that he has made up his mind and if he is not granted a leave soon he will resign and come home for good. Ends the letter stating that he is mad because he has not heard from her or Eel.

GLC03523.13.077

February 15, 1863

Wilkinson, Frederick W., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Amanda Wilkinson

Written to his wife while on board the steamer Georgia. Explains that they will first go to Newport News, Virginia and then on to North Carolina. Comments on what he can see on the ocean and relates this to life. Writes about the horrors of war and how he longs to be with his wife. He wonders how people will treat the troops once the war is over. Writes his wife again once they have landed at Newport News, Virginia. Notes that it is a pleasant place and that he has received three letters from her. This letter was started on the 14th and finished on the 15th of February

GLC03523.13.080

February 21, 1863

Wilkinson, Frederick W., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Amanda Wilkinson

Writes to his wife about the army establishing a new camp at Newport News, Virginia. States that he has set up his tent and the army has erected a small house along the bank of the James River. He thinks that this place is the best encampment they have ever had. Explains that he does not agree with the reasons she and his mother state for him to resign. Writes that if the government is being destroyed then it is his responsibility to defend it. He thinks that there will be two great battles soon, one at Vicksburg, Mississippi and another at Charleston, South Carolina. Notes that it has been…

GLC03523.13.081