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.

Dow, Neal (1804-1897) to C. C. Leigh

High-resolution images are available to schools and libraries via subscription to American History, 1493-1943. Check to see if your school or library already has a subscription. Or click here for more information. You may also order a pdf of the image from us here.

Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC05029 Author/Creator: Dow, Neal (1804-1897) Place Written: Portland, Maine Type: Autograph letter signed Date: February 26, 1865 Pagination: 1 p. : docket ; 22.2 x 18.9 cm. + 1 engraving ; b&w; 28.8 x 20 cm Order a Copy

Writes to Leigh in New York: "It occurs to me, that occasionally there may be colored servant girls- refugees- to be obtained, and that through the National Society, you may have something to do with finding places for them. I should like a good house servant very much- if such is to be had." Predicts that the Civil War will not last much longer. Hopes for peace, "but not for any peace that shall leave a particle of slavery in the Constitution." 1 black and white bust engraving of Neal Dow.

Dow, a leader in prohibition and temperance, was Mayor of Portland in 1851 and 1855, and served as a Union General in the Civil War.

Dow, Neal, 1804-1897
Leigh, C. C., fl. 1865

Citation Guidelines for Online Resources