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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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20 April 1864

Miller, Michael Murray, fl. 1861-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lile Miller

In this short letter, Michael Miller tells his wife that the war department has ordered no mail sent from the army for 60 days. He tells her that if she doesn't hear from him, it is because he is not allowed to write. He remarks on how difficult this will be and signs off lovingly. Written in camp at Bristoe Station.

GLC02155.143

24 April 1864

Miller, Michael Murray, fl. 1861-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lile Miller

Michael Miller writes to his wife, but saying he does not know what to tell her because the activities of Camp Bristoe Station are secretive. However, they have not received orders yet to move, which Miller is pleased about because he has been recovering from illness. He tells Lile that his division may not be engaged in upcoming battle because they have not been consolidated. He says his confidence in the government is waning and he would never leave his home again for the sake of war. Miller describes his dream from the night before: being home and reunited with Lile, talking with her after…

GLC02155.144

26 April 1864

Miller, Michael Murray, fl. 1861-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lile Miller

Miller expresses relief that the war department has not yet stopped army mail. He says he's afraid this will be his last letter from Camp Bristoe Station, but he isn't certain if he will be going to the front. He discusses their love for each other. He tells her that reports say he may have to stay in the army longer than expected. He mentions he has been in the army for three years now. In a postscript, he says his health is not good and sends a kiss to his son. Written in camp at Bristoe Station.

GLC02155.145

23 December 1861

Davison, Nathaniel R., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Willis and Sallie

Nathaniel R. Davison writes to his brother, Willie, and his sister, Sallie, having heard from Ella Wat that they had heard nothing from him. He describes the defeat of 3000 troops at Annandale and the loss of 300 troops to death or imprisonment. He writes that only two companies of the regiment have seen battle, those at Manassas. Davison describes the cabins that they built for winter, but he worries that they will be required to depart before they can use them.

GLC03135.07.01

1 March 1862

Davison, Nathaniel R., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Sallie and Mother

Nathaniel R. Davison writes to his sister, Sallie, and his mother from Camp Fisher. He is not able to secure a furlough, so he will not be able to visit home soon. He feels certain that a major move is likely, though he does not know to where. The Union forces made trouble at Fort Donelson, taking many Confederate troops prisoners. Written at Camp Fisher.

GLC03135.07.02

15 January 1863

Davison, Nathaniel R., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Sallie and the babies

Nathaniel R. Davison writes to his sister, Sallie, and her children from Goldsboro, NC. He speaks of Union troops advancing toward Kinston, NC, and he describes life in camp, including the mild winter and his commissary duties. Davison writes that he almost got married and asks about the engagement of his friends, Kate and Jim Finley.

GLC03135.07.03

1 April 1863

Davison, Nathaniel R., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Sister and the babies

Nathaniel R. Davison writes to his sister and her children from Black Water Bridge, South Hampton County, VA. He says that he has been ordered back to his previous company, though his services probably will not be needed much longer. He is anxious to come home, and is planning on getting married soon. He asks his sister what damage the Union forces have done to Fulton.

GLC03135.07.04