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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.

Hollins, George N. (1799-1878) to John H. Winder

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02722 Author/Creator: Hollins, George N. (1799-1878) Place Written: Richmond, Virginia Type: Letter signed Date: 4 February 1863 Pagination: 1 p. : docket ; 17.6 x 18.9 cm. Order a Copy

Signed by Commodore Hollins of the Confederate Navy to General Winder as commander of the Department of Henrico. Says this letter will be carried by B.L. Haden (the docket says Hayden), a loyal Confederate who wishes to visit Maryland. Asks Winder to supply him a passport. The docket says the passport was granted. Before the Civil War Hollins had fought Barbary pirates for the U.S. Navy. On 29 June 1861, he disguised himself as a woman and took control of the Chesapeake Bay steamer "St. Nicholas."

Before the Civil War Hollins had fought Barbary pirates for the U.S. Navy. On 29 June 1861, Hollins disguised himself as a woman and took control of the Chesapeake Bay steamer "St. Nicholas."

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