Our Collection

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.

Buford, John (1826-1863) to William P. Bacon

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02456.04 Author/Creator: Buford, John (1826-1863) Place Written: s.l. Type: Autograph letter signed Date: November 14, 1862 Pagination: 1 p. ; 20 x 12.6 cm. + 1 engraving ; b&w ; 28 x 19.5 cm Order a Copy

General Buford, Chief of Cavalry, Army of the Potomac, writes to Lieutenant Bacon, adjutant of the 5th New York Cavalry. Remarks, "I would cheerfully recommend your advancement- But fear my good word will have but little weight During your service with me I was much pleased with your manner, and became satisfied of your ability- I would like to see you promoted feeling confident that you can command the respect of your soldiers and win with them a proud name." Buford writes from Headquarters, Army of the Potomac. One bust engraving of Buford included as collateral.

Buford, John, 1826-1863
Bacon, William P., 1837-?

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