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At the Institute’s core is the Gilder Lehrman Collection, one of the great archives in American history. More than 85,000 items cover five hundred years of American history, from Columbus’s 1493 letter describing the New World through the end of the twentieth century.

Van Valkenburgh, David H. (d. 1862) to his father

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC00686.06 Author/Creator: Van Valkenburgh, David H. (d. 1862) Place Written: Washington, D.C. Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 9 December 1861 Pagination: 2 p. ; 25.3 x 19.6 cm. Order a Copy

Written at Camp Barry near Washington D.C. References his father's earlier letter. Says he has not written often because he knows the letters he writes to his wife are read by everyone. Is glad to hear that he might visit Washington. Wishes he could have seen some of the reviews, but says he will see some if he comes as 100,000 troops are to winter in the vicinity of Washington. Says he has "seen McClellan he is a noble looking man but seems young for the responsibilities that rest upon his shoulders, but they all think him competent to fill the place." Says the city has representatives from all over the North and is lively. Reports that he has not been to the Capitol building when they were in session. Makes reference to friends and family. Says he might get a furlough on 1 January and might go home with his father. Claims weather is good.

Van Valkenburgh, Gerrit, fl. 1850-1905

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