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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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24 March 1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Angeline Henry

Probably from a cousin in Keeseville. Signature on letter appears to be Elvira. Mentions a visit from Angie's brother George. Discusses Josiah's possible discharge, although his whereabouts are unknown. Speculates he may be in Washington. Encourages Angie to "...try and teach with your other instruction, the little ones the fear of God."

GLC03523.07.36

19 July 1861

Terry, Robert B., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Sister

Reports that the troops are preparing to leave their camp, mentioning that they may go to Washington D.C. to be mustered into the United States service. Describes the marching band that is playing and speculates that the band will go with them. Writes to her "give my love to all my friends and keep a part for yourself." Letter written in pencil.

GLC03523.08.07

20 July 1861

Terry, Robert B., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Sister

Relays that they are still at Camp Wayne, but will be leaving for Harrisburg, Pennsylvania to pick up rifles and then will go to Washington, D.C. Comments on how they are having "easy times." Reports that they had a "volunteer killed here by the accidental discharge of a Pistol in the hands of another. Who immediately have himself up, was tried by a court martial, and acquitted."

GLC03523.08.08

26 July 1861

Terry, Robert B., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Father

Writes about their journey from Camp Wayne to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania and into Maryland, where they are now. Comments on Baltimore having "some very nice buildings" and a "kind of mixed race of people, some union & some secessionist." Reports that "they had a Battle yesterday and are troops got defeated and the Rebels got possession of Fairfax." Informs his father that they are only 35 miles from the enemy, but he "hardly thinks we will marched against them yet a while for we are not drilled enough and would all be cut to pieces in about a hour." Asks that his father direct his letters…

GLC03523.08.09

30 July 1861

Terry, Robert B., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Father

Writes from Camp Harvey, which is five miles outside of the capital, located on a farm owned by a secessionist. Informs his father that when they took the oath in the army, there was contention from all the soldiers because they had not been paid, but they all took it regardless. Reports that there was one man, however, who refused to take the oath and was stripped naked and sent away. The army eventually sent for the man, brought him clothes, and paid for his fare to Philadelphia. Informs him that they are working under General George McClellan. Tells him the "best calvary of Rebels was…

GLC03523.08.10

1 August 1861

Terry, Robert B., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Father

Reports from Camp Harvey that he is well, and is working under General George McClellan's division. Describes many of the various regiments they are encamped near, reporting that there are over 35,000 soldiers around Washington D.C. Writes to his father, "the talk up here is they are trying to Compromise the matter now. But the only way they can do that no is for the Rebels to throw down their Arms and swear allegiance to the United States and I guess the South would not be willing to do that now for they went to far to retract now. The only way for the U.S. to settle will be to exterminate…

GLC03523.08.11

7 August 1861

Terry, Robert B., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Sister

Writes from Georgetown Heights, reporting that they moved from Camp Harvey and are now stationed about four miles outside of Washington. Comments that they have all received a large peck of peaches, which he is very happy about. Informs her that a Seccession Army of 90,000 men were marching against Washington and they sent out 40,000 men to meet them. Written in pencil.

GLC03523.08.12

14 August 1861

Terry, Robert B., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Father

Writes from Georgetown Heights, enclosing money, which he would like his father to keep at home for him. Reports that he has come off picket and they are fortifying the roads. Comments on how they are expecting an enemy attack in Washington, but "if they do come they will find us prepared to give them a warm reception." Written on stationery with image of the United States Capital on top.

GLC03523.08.13

18 August 1861

Terry, Robert B., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Sister

Reports from Georgetown Heights to his sister. Mentions that he received her letter. Comments that they are experiencing very poor weather, and are very busy preparing for an attack next week. States "we cant even get out now for water with out having a corporal with us. We are penned up here like prisoners. As the camp is a prison itself."

GLC03523.08.14

3 September 1861

Terry, Robert B., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Sister

Informs his sister that they are camped opposite the Big Falls of the Potomac River. Provides details about fighting, mentioning General Benjamin Franklin Butler's movements in North Carolina. Indicates they are ready "to show the South aint to be fooled by here." Reports that their next movement will be on Manassas Junction and Richmond, Virginia. Asks that his sister write to him at the address previously given to her in Washington. Written on red and blue bordered stationery with a small image of a woman and the words, "Union and Prosperity" in the top left corner.

GLC03523.08.15

11 September 1861

Terry, Robert B., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Sister

Informs his sister that they have returned to their old camp ground in Georgetown. Describes a recent battle they fought, "on the other side of the Potomac," relaying stories of "balls a whizzing through the air." Reports that during the battle they received a dispatch from General Nathaniel Banks, but the Rebels did not cross the river again. Reports that he should be home for Christmas. Written on red and blue bordered stationery with a small image of a woman and the words, "Union and Prosperity" in the top left corner.

GLC03523.08.16

14-23 October 1783

Tearse, Peter Bailey, fl. 1776-1783

Autograph document signed

Title: [Court of Inquiry held at Albany concerning the trial of Lieutenant Wheaton]

First portion lists charges against Lieutenant Joseph Wheaton. Second portion is a transcript of Samuel Johnson's testimony, given before the court. Third part lists other witnesses who appeared before the court with a brief synopsis of their testimonies.

GLC02437.02652

15 October 1783

Patten, Thomas, fl. 1777-1785

Autograph document signed

Title: [Report of the late Captain Thomas Patten]

Report of Patten of the Artillery Artificers. Noted on the verso as written "To the Fort Major."

GLC02437.02661

16 October 1783

Fogg, Jeremiah, 1749-1808

Autograph document signed

Title: [Garrison orders]

Reporting himself as "last Paymaster to the 2nd New Hamp: Regt - detained by His Excellency's orders for the Settlement of Accts - residing at Newburgh."

GLC02437.02664

16 October 1783

Gibbs, Caleb, fl. 1748-1818

Autograph document signed

Title: [Appointment for Lieutenant Storer as an agent]

Certifies that Storer [Ebenezer Storer], "late pay Master to the 2d regt. of Massachusetts has been appointed & still continues to the Duty of Agent for said Regiment."

GLC02437.02665

16 October 1783

Hinkley, Ichabod, 1735-1807

Autograph document signed

Title: [Return of paymasters]

Return of the Connecticut Line Paymasters who are settling the accounts of their regiments. Countersigned by John Sherman, Charles Fanning and Nathan Beers, all Paymasters.

GLC02437.02667

17 October 1783

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: [Recommendation for a furlough]

Three parts. First part is a request for a furlough on behalf of Ensign Lyman, and is signed by Caleb Gibbs. Second part gives permission for the furlough, and is signed by Henry Jackson. The last part, written and signed by Knox, confirms the leave of absence. Knox writes: "Ensign Lyman of the 2d Massachusetts regiment hereby has leave of absence for the recovery of his health which when reestablished he is to join his regiment. Given at West Point this 17th October 1783." Noted as a copy.

GLC02437.02672