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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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February 15, 1862

Williams, George M., fl. 1862

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his wife

Mentions that he has been introduced to Colonel Deas. He writes that the press is "so great" because of re-enlistments in the Army. Very much like "a boy at boarding school for the first time," he admits to being very lonely. He hopes that she is "rapidly improving" and that she is well before he visits. He asks her to telegraph him if she gets worse.

GLC06582.03

16 February 1862

Williams, George M., fl. 1862

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his wife

He describes how he saluted to the (day) light in a prayer of gratitude for living to see another night and that his wife would be "watched tenderly" in his absence. He says he witnessed the impressive funeral of O.J. Wise, who was killed on Roanoke Island, points out that it did the dead man no good. He hopes that he will be able to arrange for her to visit, and asks her to write as soon as she is well enough. Transcript available.

GLC06582.04

19 February 1862

Williams, George M., fl. 1862

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his wife

He mentions that he was too tired the previous night and too busy the next morning (as at nine o'clock he had to report for duty) to be able to write her a letter. However he later writes that he has received her letter and that it serves as evidence of the "pure and noble love" which he considers "cherishable" and is proud to possess. He is glad to hear of her improving health and that he hopes her health will be entirely restored. He mentions buying a rattle for the baby. Additionally, he writes that he has begun to wear spectacles and that he believes the reason for this may be that…

GLC06582.05

February 23, 1862

Williams, George M., fl. 1862

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his wife

He writes that he has received her letter. He describes how he worked that day until twelve o'clock when an inauguration took place and the public office closed. He expects to be able to go home next Friday where he will "attend to some matters of business" that were delayed due to his abrupt departure. He describes how disheartening it is to see "so many men in the city" while "the Yankees are journeying triumphantly through our Territory". He sends regrets at not being able to attend a female friend's wedding.

GLC06582.06

February 25, 1862

Williams, George M., fl. 1862

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his wife

Written in the form of a poem. Discusses how thinking of his wife puts him in "good heart," and compares his heart to that of Newton, Milton or Shakespeare. He says that all must fight for country and cause, or submit to tyranny. He writes that he is very sleepy. He points out that the recent rainfalls are signaling "the birth of spring." Furthermore, he writes that flannel can be bought at high prices in stores on Main and Broad. He reminds her that although the price for flannel is high that he would be more than happy to provide it for her if she only asks. He sends his "love to all." He…

GLC06582.07

2 March 1862

Williams, George M., fl. 1862

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his wife

Attributing alternating cold and warm weather as the cause, he writes that he is suffering from a slight touch of rheumatism. He mentions meeting Uncle Jack who looked frozen (from the cold) and John. He supposes they got home safely. He describes how the city was "astir with excitement" when some prominent citizens were arrested for allegedly belonging to a Union association whose object was to restore the old form of government. He asks her to write back on how she and the baby are doing. Lastly, he mentions that he will write to his aunt the following day.

GLC06582.08

8 March 1862

Williams, George M., fl. 1862

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his wife

He describes the irregularity and unreliability of mail. He writes that he has bought four yards of red flannel, eight dozen hair pins, paper, large-sized soap but that he has not yet been able to find a knitting cloth. He will send what he purchased with Molly Green. He relates a rumor that the army at Manassas has fallen back. He says that if the army does actually fall back, he will speedily make arrangements to be with her. He writes that he has selected a dress for his wife, baby, and aunt and that he will get them when he receives his monthly pay.

GLC06582.09

10 March 1862

Williams, George M., fl. 1862

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his wife

He is distressed to hear that his wife is suffering from neuralgia. He had made plans for her to see him. He confirms rumor that army has fallen back at Manassas. He mentions plans to see Mr. Benjamin to ascertain whether the army will retreat as far back as Gerdensville. He confesses that the falling back of the army will dampen the hopes of the People. He predicts that the aftermath of the war will be determined in the months of April, May, and June. He asks his wife to "fix all the papers" and not to misplace his bonds. He exclaims that he would rather burn his bonds than lose them since…

GLC06582.10

12 March 1862

Williams, George M., fl. 1862

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his wife

Describes the uncertainty of army movements. Advises his wife to take the next train to him if she fears anything. He complains that the Government maintains too much secrecy, and so exaggerates peoples' fears.

GLC06582.11

13 March 1862

Williams, George M., fl. 1862

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his wife

Says he is confident that in times like these she will not let a week go by without writing to him. He regrets not sending for her by writing, "Procrastination ruins more plans than anything else." He mentions wanting to see her "very much." He informs her that James Fields will be going up on Friday and that if he can not be there he will ask him to escort her down.

GLC06582.12

14 March 1862

Williams, George M., fl. 1862

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his wife

Asks why his wife does not write more frequently so he does not need to be as worried for her safety. He writes that he was unable to get a leave of absence. He thought up an idea to ask the Secretary of War to station troops in Culpeper to serve as policemen or rangers. He writes that the army will fall back to the south side of James River. He goes on to explain that if the North achieves possession of the Railroad that the southern troops may have to evacuate. He tells his wife of news from Arkansas that Price has captured the entire Yankee army and that Stonewall has removed his heavy…

GLC06582.13

12 May 1862

Williams, George M., fl. 1862

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his wife

Expects a telegraph from her. He describes uncomfortable conditions at a local tavern where he shared a room with three men and his bed with one of them. However, by the next day he was able to get a room that was vacated. He also says that he misses her "more than [she] can imagine."

GLC06582.14

17 May 1862

Williams, George M., fl. 1862

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his wife

Writes that the city was thrown into "great commotion" by an announcement that the Yankees were eight miles away with gunboats despite the obstructions placed since Norfolk. He was given permission by Colonel Deas to go and stay for as long as he thinks is proper.

GLC06582.15

1861

Emerick, J. H., fl. 1861-1865

Diary

Title: Wallet diary.

Diary contains detailed accounts of weather, appointments, etc. In the entries for December 24 and following, Emerick records his final arrangements to leave for the South and his journey to join his regiment.

GLC06738.01

1820/12/24 - 1821/05/28

Gilpin, Sarah Lydia, 1802-1894

Diary

Title: Diary of Sarah Lydia Gilpin 1820-1821

The author concentrates on family life, but also mentions news items that struck her as important. The entry for January 1 1821 reads, "Rec'd the glorious news of the acquital [sic] of the Queen of England - and the [cession?] of the Floridas to the United States." She is extremely interested in literature and theatre, and attends three Shakespearean performances in which an actor named Kean took principal roles (entries of January 12, 13, and 22 1821). A grandmother in England dies about this time (entry for February 1).

GLC06846.01

1863/08/04 - 1864/06/11

Gilpin, Sarah Lydia, 1802-1894

Diary

Title: Diary of Sarah Lydia Gilpin 1863-1864

Pages numbered 193 - 382 April 22: Author's mother's birthday June 8: The author's mother dies.

GLC06846.03

1864/06/12 - 1865/01/24

Gilpin, Sarah Lydia, 1802-1894

Diary

Title: Sarah Lydia Gilpin Diary 1864-1865

Pages numbered 383 - 664 In this volume, the author describes efforts to help freed slaves. 21 January 1865: "…brought an appeal for aid for the poor Negroes liberated by Sherman who are suffering in great need of everything. It is a gigantic undertaking but the north ought to do it or giving them freedom is a farce…busy after breakfast in taking out clothes for the poor Negroes at Savannah…"

GLC06846.04

1865/07/10 - 1866/02/17

Gilpin, Sarah Lydia, 1802-1894

Diary

Title: Diary of Sarah Gilpin

Pages numbered 857 - 1139

GLC06846.06

1867/08/06 -1868/03/16

Gilpin, Sarah Lydia, 1802-1894

Diary

Title: Sarah Lydia Gilpin Diary 1867-1868

Pages numbered 1444 - 1675 Note: Last page not numbered August 21, 1867: The author records this date as "my birthday and my dear father's death-day."

GLC06846.07