The Gettysburg College–Gilder Lehrman MA in American History: Apply now and join us for Fall 2024 courses
24 July 1862
Tillotson, George W., 1830-1918
To his wife
Discharged from hospital previous day. Waiting for regiment at Norfolk and their speedy mail service, dreamed of seeing family except Lucy.
GLC04558.033
Laying around, regiment ordered from Newport News to Richmond, problems with fleas. Discusses rations from Uncle Sam and NC peddlers: "that come from main land in boats. There is sometimes as many as ten or a dozen here in a day and some of them...
GLC04558.034
7 August 1862
Voyage to Virginia, joining Pope's division. Written in Aquia Creek, Virginia, located in Stafford County.
GLC04558.035
8 August 1862
Re-joining regiment, likes camp. "Scouting parties are sent out every day who frequently have scermishes with parties of the enemy and unless the rebels play their scadaddle game their [sic] will soon be bloody work done." Expects to leave, but...
GLC04558.036
11 August 1862
Addressed "Dear Elizabeth". Still at Fredericksburg but things are packed. Trying to get rid of extra clothing, still feels weak. Nurses and women's work: "Tell Mrs Rosa that if she feels so bad she had better enlist herself, as a nurse. I...
GLC04558.037
19 August 1862
Second time on picket duty, contacts with rebel troops, relations with rebel farmer whose animals have been stolen, reading of a general order prohibiting theft, desertions listed, men re-enlisting, advice on farm, home and family to wife.
GLC04558.038
22 August 1862
Ailment of another soldier, Dan, and his own visit to doctor about lameness and soreness (given an emetic). Hears artillery in distance but expects to continue guard duty. Letter continued on August 23rd.
GLC04558.039
26 August 1862
Signed "your affectionate Husband" and addressed to "Mrs. A.E. Tillotson." Joking to his wife at how quickly haying was done on the farm: "I suppose that that fifth hand with petticoats on is what drove business, dont you think so?" Diarrhea...
GLC04558.040
2 September 1862
Called-out to repel rebels but "divel a one did we see at all." Evacuation of Fredericksburg camps, destroying bridges, foundry and machine shop; "most of us would have liked to have seen the whole of the city on fire, but then that was rebels...
GLC04558.041
24 September 1862
to his wife
Holding themselves in readiness, rumors on Burnside, McClellan. "We have just got news that the president has issued a proclamation freeing all the slaves on the first of January. It may be for the best but stil my hopes (if I had any) of a speedy...
GLC04558.044
Showing results 78491 - 78500