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27 December 1863
Tillotson, George W., 1830-1918
To his wife
On furlough. Had hoped to surprise her by coming home, but must go to Albany. Still hopes to see her.
GLC04558.128
14 April 1864
Describes taking trains; expects to go to Folly Island.
GLC04558.129
19 April 1864
Unsure when he will leave; mentions visiting sights in New York City (Wood's minstrels, Barnum's Museum, theatre). Writes that Grant's name "got a tolerably good cheer (and I helped him on that) and then he got a good many hisses. But when...
GLC04558.130
23 April 1864
Still in New York, unsure about where the regiment will go next. Weary of traveling. Longs to here from his wife.
GLC04558.131
8 May 1864
Describes leaving New York and traveling to Yorktown without his regiment, journeying back to West Point to join them, and then the trip to Virginia. Briefly mentions battle for a railroad and the unit's transferred to the "seige Corps."
GLC04558.132
11 May 1864
Describes skirmishes and battle near the railroad between Petersburg and Richmond, where "lots of the men were sunstruck." Has not been able to "draw money for rations and I don't know when we shall"; mentions a letter from Urial, a need for stamps...
GLC04558.133
17 May 1864
Has not heard from his wife since he left New York. Lengthy decription of the back and forth fighting around Richmond and the heavy losses by both sides. Cross writing questions whether money sent from Elmira was received.
GLC04558.134
24 May 1864
Placed in command of a "post" along the James, GWT directs the defense of his troops as Confederates repeatedly attack from across a ravine. Also defends himself against rumors that he played games and drank at Parkers (in New York).
GLC04558.135
27 May 1864
Details the health of friends, including one who has measles, and acknowledges a pay raise. "This dearest is an awful campaign. Rivers of blood have already been shed but still the story is not half told yet."
GLC04558.136
2 June 1864
Describe marches and the break up of the brigade. Sends his wife his new address and cautions her not to work too hard.
GLC04558.137
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