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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.

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10 November 1944

Diamond, Sidney, 1922-1945

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Estelle Spero

Diamond writes that the smell of Estelle's "hair, powder" is "causing a glow within". Written on an unknown island in the South Pacific

GLC09120.545

21 November 1944

Diamond, Sidney, 1922-1945

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Estelle Spero

Diamond instructs Estelle to go out that evening, and pretend that he is with her. Written on an unknown island in the South Pacific

GLC09120.546

23 November 1944

Spero, Estelle, fl. 1942

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Sidney Diamond

Thanksgiving card sent from Estelle to Sidney, in which she writes that she is giving thanks for Sidney: "for the past we have had together and for the future to be." He adds in the note, "To Us!!!", and then signs his name.

GLC09120.547

30 November 1944

Diamond, Sidney, 1922-1945

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Estelle Spero

Diamond reports that nearly every member of his company has contracted some sort of skin infection from the climate. Sidney writes that he does not really like the new island: "Whereas before we complained of the interminable rain - Here it's always hot and dry - " Written on an unknown island in the South Pacific

GLC09120.548

6 November 1944

Diamond, Sidney, 1922-1945

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Estelle Spero

Diamond writes that the soldiers have been swamped with packages of various delicacies, to the extent that they had to have a party in order to cheat the ants of eating the food. Written on an unknown island in the South Pacific

GLC09120.549

18 November 1944

Diamond, Sidney, 1922-1945

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Estelle Spero

Diamond apologizes for not being able to write more, explaining that it is simply impossible, but reassures Estelle that there is "no need to fret." Written on an unknown island in the South Pacific photocopy

GLC09120.550

19 December 1944

Diamond, Sidney, 1922-1945

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Estelle Spero

Diamond tells Estelle that she is in his heart continuously. Sidney states that the fact that he has not received any letters in weeks has only made him realize the importance of their correspondence. He writes: "Take care of yourself and have all the joy and pleasure you desire of life - Miss nothing." Written on an unknown island in the South Pacific photocopy

GLC09120.551

25 December 1944

Diamond, Sidney, 1922-1945

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Estelle Spero

Diamond writes, "It is difficult at present to be the cold, the practical…I cannot say where we are, what we are doing, what we will do - There's been so much between us unsaid and undone - So much of our lives missed - " He instructs Estelle that, whatever happens, she should "be happy". He continues: "…get everything we would have liked - fill your life - - (er - only keep my little niche open - so if I ever get home - I'll know there's one place waiting for me - - my corner of the world - Let it be a small alcove in your heart…" Written on an unknown island in the South Pacific

GLC09120.552

25 December 1944

Diamond, Sidney, 1922-1945

Greeting Card

Title: to Estelle Spero

Christmas greeting card to Estelle. Written on an unknown island in the South Pacific

GLC09120.553

27 December 1944

Diamond, Sidney, 1922-1945

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Estelle Spero

Diamond mentions that he had run into someone he had trained with in Edgewood. He recalls his first meeting with Estelle. Written en route to the Philippines

GLC09120.554

22 December 1944

Diamond, Sidney, 1922-1945

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Estelle Spero

Diamond writes that life is wonderful of late, "enjoying myself to the fullest extent of the articles of war - Written en route to the Philippines

GLC09120.555

27 December 1944

Diamond, Sidney, 1922-1945

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Estelle Spero

Diamond writes the letter on board ship, and proceeds to recap the events of the past few weeks in depth, including details of leaving the island, life on board the ship, and even incidents of combat on board ship. Written en route to the Philippines

GLC09120.556

1 January 1945

Diamond, Sidney, 1922-1945

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Estelle Spero

Diamond writes to Estelle: "It is unnecessary for me to describe my eternal devotion to you - " Written en route to the Philippines

GLC09120.557

January 19, 1945

Diamond, Sidney, 1922-1945

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Estelle Spero

Diamond writes, "In combat again - a lot to say but - A. very tired - B. very very dirty - C. Busy, Busy as all hell - "

GLC09120.558

4 October 1864

Hammond, Horace J., fl. 1862-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Eleanor Hammond

All is well, hoping this letter finds her in the same condition. Sailed out of Washington to go to City Point, where he is writing from now. Sailed down the Potomac River and out into the Chesapeake Bay, arrived at a Union fort at midnight. Stayed there until morning, and then started for City Point, arriving there at 4:00 AM. Currently fourteen miles from Petersburg. Expects to begin drilling soon. Hopes to see her soon; expects "that after a short time I will see you all." Quite warm in Virginia. Put up his tent yesterday. Caught sight of Petersburg. "Will soon have Richmond and Petersburg…

GLC09273.03

14 October 1864

Hammond, Horace J., fl. 1862-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Eleanor Hammond

All are "kicking about." Has not had much to do. Joseph has gone with some men along the railroad to guard some men, but he will be back tonight. Is in the tent with Guernsey. The rest of the companies in the regiment are back in Washington, but they should be arriving here "today or tomorrow." She should be happy that he was not drafted. Draftees and substitutes are sent to the front immediately by the thousands. "They have got Petersburg surrounded and next week they say they will take Richmond and Petersburg both. There [are] some ironclads - 25 - going up to Richmond." Still has yet to…

GLC09273.05