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

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03523.13.059 Author/Creator: Wilkinson, Frederick W., fl. 1861-1863 Place Written: Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 4 October 1862 Pagination: 4 p. : envelope Height: 20 cm, Width: 12.3 cm Order a Copy

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 will gain independence, which will be based on "eternal slavery." Was visited by his brother, Charles, who joined the 3rd Michigan Infantry. Charles now lives in Grand Rapids. Sends her 30 dollars and hopes to send more soon.

Wilkinson, Frederick W., fl. 1861-1863

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