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

1 January 1862

Wilkinson, Frederick W., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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 married men do not show as much affection in their letters to their wives as he does. Writes that he needs his furlough signed and then he will hopefully be able to come home.

GLC03523.13.030

6 January 1862

Wilkinson, Frederick W., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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 shot in the face after Pohick Church was lost to the rebels on New Year's Day). Is unsure of the status of his furlough and unsure if he will be coming home. He says that this is also the case with many of the men and their furloughs.

GLC03523.13.031

January 13, 1862

Wilkinson, Frederick W., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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 him to send him a telegraph.

GLC03523.13.032

January 31, 1862

Wilkinson, Frederick W., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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. The baby also looks a lot like its mother.

GLC03523.13.033

February 11, 1862

Wilkinson, Frederick W., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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

February 24, 1862

Wilkinson, Frederick W., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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

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

1 July 1862

Wilkinson, Frederick W., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Amanda Wilkinson

Written at the Camp of Michigan 2nd Infantry to his wife. He states that he is glad to hear from everyone at home and is happy that his sister Wink's marriage is going so well. Is happy to hear that his wife is staying with his mother while she is feeling ill. Writes that they are back at their old camp and will eventually leave for Washington, D.C. with the navy. Hopes not to be placed back at Washington, D.C. because he is "anxious" for battle which is the purpose he wants to serve. Writes that he eats just enough to stay alive and that on marches they are kept moving and have little time…

GLC03523.13.048

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

20 May 1862

Wilkinson, Frederick W., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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 battle and gave her "some particulars of the engagement." He is very tired from having to march with his heavy knapsack on his back. Thinks that they will be able to take Richmond, Virginia but notes that they have heard a great many rumors and are unsure what to believe. Writes that he will hopefully come home by the end of September and that it will…

GLC03523.13.041

29 May 1862

Wilkinson, Frederick W., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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 mother. Letter is torn and missing piece of lower left hand corner.

GLC03523.13.042

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

7 June 1862

Wilkinson, Frederick W., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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 still not well. Sends his love to her and the baby.

GLC03523.13.044

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

28 June 1862

Wilkinson, Frederick W., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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

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

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