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25 April 1863
Tillotson, George W., 1830-1918
To his wife
Reports that a federal raid captured 3,000 rebel prisoners. Also says he does not notice the boom of guns anymore. Concludes with his longing to see his children and wife.
GLC04558.086
27 April 1863
Hot weather. Regiment's officers trying to get regiment mustered-out or to get a furlough. Mentions consolidation of corps and fears of officers. Reports rebels doubling pickets. Concludes with a joke that he might "go under" if he comes in-range...
GLC04558.087
29 April 1863
Rebels "appear ready to siege us out" and reports "Old Stonewall Jackson has sent a flag of truce [to the city] warning the citizens to leave if they didnt want to get hurt." Mentions visiting other NY regiments and describes "a queer kind of...
GLC04558.088
2 May 1863
Picket duty; worries that he might have to cross the river again to take the fort (see #85). Estimates forces on Union side. Written in a camp near Suffolk, Virginia
GLC04558.089
4 May 1863
Battle letter. Sent into battle as skirmisher, rebel pickets abandon their posts as the Federals advance but the advance is slowed. GT's gun tube bursts. Other regiments drive the rebels off. Speculates that their advance was intended as a probe...
GLC04558.090
8 May 1863
Continued May 9. Responding to family news, concerned that Edwin fought at Fredericksburg, comments on sister Louisa's plan to keep a school, escort for deceased officer, has bad cold, news of Hooker. With postscript apologizing for damaging the...
GLC04558.091
15 May 1863
Moved camp, picket duty, fishing a lot while on duty; the NY 89th is one of the few regiments to remain; talk of consolidating regiments; mentions rations available. Letter broken-off with orders to strike tents and move. Captain under arrest....
GLC04558.092
17 May 1863
Now camping at a fort, mentions guns in forts, describes looking over battlefield where he fought. Comments on home news and jokes that "I might I suppose 'send up a few contraband' to work for you only Uncle Samuel wont let em go so far North."...
GLC04558.093
22 May 1863
"This is an awful lonesome and lazy life to live..." Sultry days and chilly nights; drilling. On receiving a letter from his abolitionist brother-in-law: "...I received a letter from Edwin..... He accuses me of lacking sympathy with the plan and...
GLC04558.094
2 June 1863
A lazy day in which he day-dreams of being home; mentions combating a forest fire; relates farm news from Edwin who was injured and has hired "a couple of negroes;" instructions on sheep; responding to home news.
GLC04558.095
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