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Wilkinson, Frederick W., fl. 1861-1863 to Amanda Wilkinson

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03523.13.081 Author/Creator: Wilkinson, Frederick W., fl. 1861-1863 Place Written: Newport News, Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: February 21, 1863 Pagination: 4 p. : envelope Height: 20.7 cm, Width: 12.7 cm Order a Copy

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 almost two years since his regiment left for the war and almost a year since he was last home. He fears that the regiment will have to stay another year. Does not like the "military life" and would not stay in the army any longer then he has to, not even for five times the pay. Asks for another photograph of their baby because Chaplin May's daughter loves the photograph so much.

Wilkinson, Frederick W., fl. 1861-1863

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