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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.

Blanchard, Ira (b. 1835) to Mary (Wright) Kellogg

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03523.31.13 Author/Creator: Blanchard, Ira (b. 1835) Place Written: Fort Donelson, Tennessee Type: Autograph letter signed Date: circa February 1862 Pagination: 4 p. ; 17.7 x 25.7 cm. Order a Copy

Blanchard writes to Mary Wright from Fort Donelson, Tennessee. Reports his troops are pushing forward to Nashville, Tennessee. Refers to the battle and capture of Fort Henry, the first important Union victory in the Western Theater. Informs that cannons are all drawn by horses. Mentions he carries her likeness in his coat pocket. States that a number of wounded and dead have been sent home. Comments the weather is lovely and springlike. Date of letter is inferred based on content. Letter is incomplete.

Blanchard enlisted 13 June 1861 in Illinois as a Sargeant. He mustered into "H" Co., Illinois, Infantry.

Blanchard, Ira, 1835-?
Kellogg, Mary Wright, 1844-1912

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