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

10 June 1861

Wilkinson, Frederick W., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Amanda Wilkinson

Informs his wife that he has arrived in Baltimore. Notes that most of the people passed along the way received them warmly. He does note a few exceptions where this was not so. He states that if he dies in battle he fell for a "noble cause." Sends his regards to his mother and friends.

GLC03523.13.001

21 June 1861

Wilkinson, Frederick W., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Amanda Wilkinson

Wilkinson writes from Camp W. Scott and is glad to hear his wife is doing so well. In a previous letter to him she had discussed her mother, Hannah, her sister, and Hannah's baby visiting her at her new house. States that he arrived in Washington, D.C. He is glad to hear that Wink, his sister, is to be married.

GLC03523.13.002

7 July 1861

Wilkinson, Frederick W., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Amanda Wilkinson

Written from Camp W. Scott. Explains to his wife that he does not know where he is going. Comments that he will go to the Senate and House of Representatives, both of which are in session. Also states that he will see her uncle. Tells his wife that he will be able to send her a little money; but the army owes him two months pay. Is glad to hear that his sister, Wink, is happily married and in her new house. Asks in post script if she is "in a family way."

GLC03523.13.003

10 July 1861

Wilkinson, Frederick W., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Amanda Wilkinson

Written from Camp W. Scott. He comments that his regiment will take on its line of march this afternoon. States that he visited Washington and that her uncle was very kind to him.

GLC03523.13.004

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

24 July 1861

Wilkinson, Frederick W., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Amanda Wilkinson

Encloses some money to his wife and sends her his love.

GLC03523.13.007

5 August 1861

Wilkinson, Frederick W., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Amanda Wilkinson

Comments that it is very hot and that he hopes his wife will write to him because it is the only luxury he has. Notes that many of the men are sick. States that the new lieutenant works from morning to the evening with the men. Does not like Washington, D.C. calls it a "hot-old hole and makes the men feel more like dead men then live ones." Writes that he would like to go home for a while and see his wife.

GLC03523.13.008

8 August 1861

Wilkinson, Frederick W., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Amanda Wilkinson

Sends Dr. Fuller to his wife to explain to her what occurred at the Battle of Bull Run. Explains that Dr. Fuller is a good friend and she should ask him any questions she has. Writes that he has been in the hospital for a day or so. Tells his wife that much of the regiment will return home, however, he wants to re-enlist, which could last as long as three years. Says it will depend somewhat on her wishes.

GLC03523.13.009

18 April 1862

Wilkinson, Frederick W., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Amanda Wilkinson

Written on board the [schooner] Donelson, Chesapeake Bay. Writes that he is lonely because he has been thinking of her and the baby so much. He was delayed for a while in Washington, D.C. and Alexandria, Virginia. Thinks that he will be sent into action soon and that the Michigan Regiment will begin the attack. Believes that they will have a "good victory" and that the rebels' days are numbered. As he is writing the letter he arrives near Yorktown, Virginia and states that he can hear the roar of the cannon. States that General George B. McClellan has "things fixed so that they [the…

GLC03523.13.038

30 October 1862

Wilkinson, Frederick W., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Amanda Wilkinson

Writes that they crossed from Maryland into Virginia and are now camped between the Potomac River and Bull Run. States that their mission is to control the gaps of the Blue Ridge Mountains to prevent the rebels from advancing any further towards Washington, D.C. Reports that the main Union army is within nine miles of Winchester, Virginia. Thinks he could try to get a furlough but states it "will cost a great deal and be of little use." He would rather use that money to buy land for his wife Amanda and her baby instead of a few hours at home. Writes that he would have been promoted if he had…

GLC03523.13.063

14 November 1862

Wilkinson, Frederick W., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Amanda Wilkinson

Written at camp of the 2nd Michigan Infantry near Waterloo on the Rappahannock River to his wife. Writes that since her last letter they have marched a long way and are waiting for orders to move forward to Richmond, Virginia. Notes that General George McClellan has been replaced by General Ambrose Burnside. Hopes that General Burnside is better then General McClellan; if not the Union should give up the fight. Also notes that there has been little fighting with none killed and only a few wounded. Has received a letter from Mr. [Baldwin] which pleases him greatly as he considers Mr. [Baldwin…

GLC03523.13.065

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