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1 October 1862
Tillotson, George W., 1830-1918
To his wife
Ordered to act as Sergeant (from Corp.) and arresting two deserters who returned. Reconnaissance balloons report rebels digging rifle pits 10 miles to the south.
GLC04558.045
6 October 1862
Complains of no letters received, diarrhea, reviewed by Pres. Lincoln, officers resigning, wishes for Sibley tents so he can be warmer. Written on patriotic stationery.
GLC04558.046
9 October 1862
five miles from Harpers Ferry. Farm business, complains of food. "I am pretty weak from the diarea I weigh only 136 lbs."
GLC04558.047
14 October 1862
Soldiers talking about enlisting in regular service for $50 bounty and 40 day furlough but Tillitson says he will stick to his three-year enlistment. "Dont know but I could afford to loose a leg for the sake of going home but it would be rather a...
GLC04558.048
17 October 1862
More diarrhea "about all I eat is parched corn or a little grated meal made into pudding...." asks for money, mentions recruiting by other soldiers, reports battle across the river, troops held in readiness. the letter is continued on October 18th.
GLC04558.049
24 October 1862
Feeling better, wishing he could help his wife with farm-work, speculating about McClellan's intentions. "...I dont feel as patriotic as I did, Maybe, because I have lost confidence in most of the head officers, for I dont believe they want the war...
GLC04558.050
30 October 1862
Marching towards Leesburgh, describes confiscations despite guards, loss of mattress, "Rebels scadaddleing towards Richmond."
GLC04558.051
1 November 1862
On premises of Rebel Gen. Wright who is home as paroled prisoner. Expecting battle, mentioning enlisted soldiers.
GLC04558.052
9 November 1862
Marching. Near the Rappahannock and approaching Fredericksburg. Mentions artillery fighting, and long discussion of stealing from Confederate civilians: "Notwithstanding all the orders to the contrary, we soldiers dont considder [sic] it much sin...
GLC04558.053
19 November 1862
Written in pencil while on guard duty. Marching, Burnsides sending flag of truce to civilians telling them to leave, farm business.
GLC04558.054
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