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29 July 1863
Tillotson, George W., 1830-1918
To his wife
Written in pencil aboard a barge docked at Portsmouth. Describes marching and countermarching; speculates that they are destined for Charleston's Fort Wagner.
GLC04558.107
1 August 1863
Written in pencil on patriotic stationery. Describes the situation of forts ringing Charleston (Moultrie, Sumter, Wagner), and mentions that Wagner was taken last night but lost due to shelling. "...I dont like the looks of things here in general...
GLC04558.108
2 August 1863
Describes the pettiness of an officer who would not allow the troops to land until their officer had reported to him; describes the island.
GLC04558.109
6 August 1863
Written on patriotic stationery. Continued August 7. Describes lack of tents, current duties and situation around Charleston (Sumter, Wagner). Fatigued from unloading vessels.
GLC04558.110
18 August 1863
Describes orders to march, countermarch and counter-countermarch. Says half the regiment is sick although he is healthy and that the monitors have begun attacking Forts Sumter and Wagner.
GLC04558.111
24 August 1863
Expects to receive order the next day; writes that he has a good view of operations and artillery; says Fort Sumter "is sometimes completely enveloped in a cloud of brick dust[,] smoke, and spray, from our balls and shells." Describes other...
GLC04558.112
7 September 1863
Complains of not receiving letters. Writes that he has been sick and the rest of the regiment on provost duty. Reports of Forts Wagner and Gregg surrendered with Morris Island. Asks sarcastically whether a conscripted acquaintance back home...
GLC04558.113
13 September 1863
Received letter; sends $30. Recovered health and back on duty. Rumors of capture of Fort Sumter, and complete capture of Bragg's army by Rosecrans and Burnside. Relates news that he hopes to be discharged April 1, 1864 with the other 3-year troops.
GLC04558.114
18 September 1863
Fatigue from hard duties and false alarms, which he describes. Belief that they are outnumbered. With pencil note of 9/19 written on margin of each page about picket duty in the cold without shelter.
GLC04558.115
27 September 1863
Wonders about her letters being misdirected; describes food (oysters, clams) and cost of other items; mentions other soldiers getting furloughs including one "in the hospital on account I suppose of the 'ladies disease' contracted in Norfolk...."
GLC04558.116
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