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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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02 July 1863

Scarborough, William H., fl. 1862-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Parents

He is writing from the hospital where there are over 200 patients. He has heard the hospital may be moved. He mentions Rebel Johnson and how he doesn't think they can catch him after the fall of Vicksburg.

GLC02173.09

18 July 1863

Scarborough, William H., fl. 1862-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Father

The hospital was broken up and the regiment is headed toward Jackson, MS. He would like very much to help with the harvest but the prospect looks rather bleak.

GLC02173.10

20 July 1863

Scarborough, William H., fl. 1862-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Father

He is doing extremely well. His finger is almost healed and he will be alble to join his command. He heard that John Farr died though he does not know the cause. He would like very much to go home but the chance is slim.

GLC02173.11

1 August 1863

Scarborough, William H., fl. 1862-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Father

He mentions a Capt. Leonard, whom he thinks every one will like because he is a very sociable gentleman. In Mississippi, the regiment has won most battles

GLC02173.12

1 August 1863

Scarborough, William H., fl. 1862-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Father

It is reported that they are going to New Orleans next. One of his fellow soldiers accidentally drowned himself the other day when he went down to the river to swim.

GLC02173.13

4 August 1863

Scarborough, William H., fl. 1862-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Father

He writes he is enjoying himself and has received the handkerchief.

GLC02173.14

14 August 1863

Scarborough, William H., fl. 1862-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Parents

He is healthy and happy because he received a lot of mail recently. Their sharp shooters are within gun shot of Fort Morgan.

GLC02173.15

30 August 1863

Scarborough, William H., fl. 1862-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Father

Yesterday they had a grand review in which General Banks reviewed them, He talks about how the life of a soldier is actually pretty nice.

GLC02173.16

3 September 1863

Scarborough, William H., fl. 1862-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Brother Jeff

He is healthy and enjoying himself as usual. He expects to go on another hard campaign in the direction of Mobile. He mentions the grand review by Gen. Banks and says they'll also be reviewed by Gen. Grant.Was written near New Orleans, Louisiana

GLC02173.17

21 September 1863

Scarborough, William H., fl. 1862-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Parents

He is ill. His head hurts and he has fever and chills, all of which he thinks is the result of a severe cold. He mentions the easiness of the drills which only have to be done 2 hours a day. Was written near New Orleans, Louisiana.

GLC02173.18

5 October 1863

Scarborough, William H., fl. 1862-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Father, Mother, Brother, Sister

They took the railroad to Brashies City. They will have about 200 miles to march. He requests socks.

GLC02173.19

11 November 1863

Scarborough, William H., fl. 1862-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Father, Mother, Brother, Sister

The Rebels acknowledged a loss of 200 men while their side did not lose more than 20, but many were captured and wounded. He gives suggestions for boots and an overcoat he wants made for him.

GLC02173.20

23 December 1863

Scarborough, William H., fl. 1862-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Parents

He is now in Texas. He briefly descibes the sea journey which brought him there. The water they drink is quite brackish. But the boys seem to be good health nonetheless. Written along Matagorda Bay in Texas.

GLC02173.21

January 16, 1864

Scarborough, William H., fl. 1862-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Parents

He has gained quite a bit of weight since he first went into the army. So far the Texas Rebel cavalry have lost 100 men. The report is that they are now evacuating Galveston.

GLC02173.22

February 6, 1864

Scarborough, William H., fl. 1862-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Parents

He went to the army church and enjoyed it immensely. They recently built a new fort and two companies have to sleep in it every night to be ready for an attack, but he is not alarmed, he does not think the Rebels would be dumb enough to attack.

GLC02173.23

February 13, 1864

Scarborough, William H., fl. 1862-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Parents

The duty is heavy and the rations are short lately so the boys grumble. SOmetimes the soldiers go foraging for food like chickens

GLC02173.24

February 22, 1864

Scarborough, William H., fl. 1862-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Parents

He refers to a John who complains for no reason and does not know what soldiering really is. He has a cushy, well-paid job and knows nothing nothing of the daily life of a soldier.

GLC02173.25

6 March 1864

Scarborough, William H., fl. 1862-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Parents

He describes being sea sick on the St. Mary. They landed and there is much washing going on, so he can't write much. Some say they will move again tomorrow.

GLC02173.26

2 April 1864

Scarborough, William H., fl. 1862-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Sister Maria

He tells her how they came across a sugar mill with plenty of sugar and molasses. He does not expect to see her until his term of service expires. There will be another move.

GLC02173.27

10 April 1864

Scarborough, William H., fl. 1862-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Father

Fort Spanish was evacuated after a siege of 12 days and capturing 500 prisoners and 33 pieces of cannon. The next morning they marched and soon they ran into heavy musketry. Their men were charging the fort. Over 3000 men were taken prisoner.

GLC02173.28

4 June 1864

Scarborough, William H., fl. 1862-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Father

He talks of how the newspaper falsely reported the details of a battle. Gen. Moulton was killed during the battle. This morning the news is good: Gen. Grant is confident of capturing Richmond. He says the Rebels have brought everything on themselves.

GLC02173.29

7 June 1864

Scarborough, William H., fl. 1862-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Father

A fellow soldier, Bob, has something wrong with one of his legs and this will affect marching. Their lieutinant has applied for a furlough and if he gets it, he can visit them.

GLC02173.30