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.

Sayles, Sumner (fl. 1862-1868) to Isora Sayles

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03523.32.08 Author/Creator: Sayles, Sumner (fl. 1862-1868) Place Written: Lake Providence, Louisiana Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 22 March 1863 Pagination: 4 p. : envelope ; 22.2 x 35.8 cm. Order a Copy

Sends his best wishes to everyone back home. Comments that he has not been sick since he has been in "Dixie." Writes that he is sorry to hear how many people are sick and dying back home. Describes how he would like to see all the deserters caught and returned to the regiment so they can see what soldiering is like. Informs her that he is not tired of soldiering yet. They completed cutting a canal through the levy last night. Mentions that some believe the whole lower part of Louisiana will flood. Writes of hearing cannons in the direction of Vicksburg, Mississippi every day and says that they have taken all of two divisions with exception of a Brigade. Says that they are going to stay here to watch the prisoners and "Negroes."

Sumner Sayles enlisted as a private on 9 August 1862. He mustered into "H" Co. IL 95th Infantry. He mustered out on 17 August 1865.

Sayles, Sumner, fl. 1862-1868
Sayles, Isora fl. 1860-1868

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