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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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30 September 1864

Painter, Heber, 1841-1900

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Rebecca Frick

Written to his aunt, Mrs. George A. Frick (Rebecca Frick). Has marched to the north bank of the James River, advanced on Signal Hill and captured Fort Harrison. Reports heavy skirmishing with a large number of casualties. Asks his aunt for a newspaper account of the recent battle.

GLC02016.060

8 October 1864

Painter, Heber, 1841-1900

Autograph letter signed

Title: to George A. Frick

Written to his uncle, George A. Frick of Danville, Pennsylvania. Reports that there was heavy fighting along the lines of the Tenth Corps yesterday.

GLC02016.061

9 October 1864

Painter, Heber, 1841-1900

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Rebecca Frick

Written to his aunt, Mrs. George A. Frick (Rebecca Frick). Mentions that he is thankful to be alive and in good health. Reports that fifteen men from his company were wounded or killed at the battle of Chaffin's Farm. Names and describes some of the men wounded and lost in the battle, including Corporal Housewearst, who was considered the pride of the company. Writes that General Butler has sent Major Winn to Harrisburg for more recruits to "fill up" the regiment.

GLC02016.062

14 October 1864

Painter, Heber, 1841-1900

Autograph letter signed

Title: to sister Kate

Describes the surroundings of Chaffin's Farm and writes that some of the Union men have been trading newspapers with neighboring rebels. Discusses the election of 1864. Wishes the canal would be completed so that they can drive the rebels into Richmond.

GLC02016.063

January 21, 1863

Wilkinson, Frederick W., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Amanda Wilkinson

He writes to his wife that he is sorry he has not sent more money home. States that the country is "hard up for money" and therefore cannot send as much as he would like or as much as she deserves. Comments that he asks no one to watch his wife. He will try and come home after the next battle. Writes that he wishes her to send more letters and notes. States that 17 days have passed since he has received her last letter. Comments that he will be paid soon and try to take a leave of absence. If not, he will resign in order to settle his affairs. In the second letter he writes that there is to…

GLC03523.13.075

January 26, 1863

Wilkinson, Frederick W., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Amanda Wilkinson

Writes to his wife that he has recently sent her several letters and has also sent his sister, Wink, a letter. States that he was unable to get a leave of absence and has been thinking about resigning. However, the army will not let him resign. Comments that he would like her to come and visit him but he is unsure if the army will move again. He then writes that he could have Eel come with her and that he might be able to find a place for Eel as well. Writes that he will send her some money soon.

GLC03523.13.076

February 3, 1863

Wilkinson, Frederick W., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Amanda Wilkinson

He writes to his wife that he has not heard from her in two weeks. He wonders if she is sick and sends her 40 dollars, all of the pay he received. He also sends her a picture of himself. Writes that he asked for a leave of absence and was denied. Explains that he has made up his mind and if he is not granted a leave soon he will resign and come home for good. Ends the letter stating that he is mad because he has not heard from her or Eel.

GLC03523.13.077

6 February 1863

Wilkinson, Frederick W., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Amanda Wilkinson

Writes to his wife that he is greatly relieved to hear from her as it has been over two weeks since her last letter. States that they have just received orders to march to North Carolina. There they are to reinforce General John G. Foster. He has sent in his request for a leave of absence but thinks it will be rejected. Shortly after he sent his request orders were given that two officers were allowed to go home. He reports that there are so many requests he does not stand a chance. Notes that some of the men are too sick to report for duty. He states that there are about 250 men fit for duty…

GLC03523.13.078

8 February 1863

Wilkinson, Frederick W., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Amanda Wilkinson

Writes to his wife that much of his division has left for North Carolina and the remaining troops are preparing to depart. He thinks that the move to North Carolina will be a good one as they have stayed in Virginia for too long. Reports that the army has great confidence in General Joseph Hooker. He writes that Hooker has "the agility of two [General George] McCllelans the sagacity of two [General Ambrose] Burnsides and the bravery of a [General Philip] Kearney." Explains that Hooker will have his men fight to the very death and those who do not fight will be removed from the army. Reports…

GLC03523.13.079

February 15, 1863

Wilkinson, Frederick W., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Amanda Wilkinson

Written to his wife while on board the steamer Georgia. Explains that they will first go to Newport News, Virginia and then on to North Carolina. Comments on what he can see on the ocean and relates this to life. Writes about the horrors of war and how he longs to be with his wife. He wonders how people will treat the troops once the war is over. Writes his wife again once they have landed at Newport News, Virginia. Notes that it is a pleasant place and that he has received three letters from her. This letter was started on the 14th and finished on the 15th of February

GLC03523.13.080

February 21, 1863

Wilkinson, Frederick W., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Amanda Wilkinson

Writes to his wife about the army establishing a new camp at Newport News, Virginia. States that he has set up his tent and the army has erected a small house along the bank of the James River. He thinks that this place is the best encampment they have ever had. Explains that he does not agree with the reasons she and his mother state for him to resign. Writes that if the government is being destroyed then it is his responsibility to defend it. He thinks that there will be two great battles soon, one at Vicksburg, Mississippi and another at Charleston, South Carolina. Notes that it has been…

GLC03523.13.081

8 March 1863

Wilkinson, Frederick W., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to the Provost-Marshall of Baltimore City

Written at camp of the 2nd Michigan Infantry near Newport News, Virginia to the Provost Marshall in Baltimore, Maryland. Formal request for his wife Amanda to visit him at the regiment's camp near Newport News, Virginia.

GLC03523.13.084

9 March 1863

Wilkinson, Frederick W., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Amanda Wilkinson

Writes to his wife that he is discouraged to hear of all the troubles at home. He comments that his grandfather has worked hard and that it is up to the younger generation to make sure he has all of his wants supplied. States that he is saddened by the fact that their baby is sick. Tells his wife that he has arranged for her to visit him at the camp. He believes that the journey and change of climate will help her with her health. Instructs her to leave the baby with his mother. Writes about the "grand sights" she will see at the camp. He lists some of the people they know from Michigan who…

GLC03523.13.085

15 March 1863

Wilkinson, Frederick W., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Amanda Wilkinson

He writes to his wife that he has just returned from picket to read her letter. Is happy that both her and their baby are feeling better. Writes that he is sad his grandfather's health is failing so fast. Expresses his sympathies for his grandfather and grandmother. States that he hopes she has received the money he has sent and she should use it to pay for the trip to visit him. Comments that he places his faith in God concerning his return home and any battles to come. He is preparing a tent for her and will try to make her visit as comfortable as possible. Captain Smith's family has…

GLC03523.13.086

18 March 1863

Wilkinson, Frederick W., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Amanda Wilkinson

Writes to his wife that he has submitted a recommendation for her visit and she is to pick it up in Baltimore, Maryland. Gives her specific instructions where to go in Detroit, Michigan and Baltimore, Maryland. Instructs her to bring her trunk with anything that will make her comfortable. Asks her to bring a few articles of clothing for him. Location inferred.

GLC03523.13.087

19 March 1863

Wilkinson, Frederick W., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Amanda Wilkinson

Writes to his wife that he received orders to march last night. He hopes that she will not be disappointed that he will not be at Newport News, Virginia when she arrives. Finishes the letter by stating he will write again once he reaches his new destination.

GLC03523.13.088