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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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January 13,1868

Chandler, Daniel T., fl. 1861-1868

Autograph letter signed

Title: [Copies of letters recieved]

Handwriten copies of two letteres recieved by Chandler, both dated the same

GLC06979.12

8 March 1879

Holden, G.W., fl. 1879

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Blanche Kelso Bruce

GLC09400.660

18 March 1864

Miller, Michael Murray, fl. 1861-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lile Miller

Michael Miller tells his wife that he has been feeling very blue lately, and that the days closer to his discharge feel extremely long. He says he would not reenlist in the army and expresses frustration that enlisted men, like himself, get paid less than officers but seem to do more work. He longs to speak face to face with his wife and misses their son, Charley. He mentions talk of the rebels' plan to storm a fort on the Rappahannock River. He apologizes several times for sending such a sad letter, signing off lovingly and emphatically. Written in camp at Bristoe Station.

GLC02155.141

20 March 1864

Miller, Michael Murray, fl. 1861-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lile Miller

Michael Miller thanks his wife for her most recent letter and discusses how important the letters are for both of them. Her health is improving, which makes him happy. He'd like to see her, but says she could have become ugly in his absence and he would still love her. He describes getting up before sunrise to form ranks and the positioning of railroad cars to transport troops after talk of Stuart making a raid on the railroad. Miller's bunkmate, whom he was with since Antietam, was moved after being detailed as a corporal. He jokes about finding a female bunkmate. He says his spirits are…

GLC02155.142

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

28 April 1864

Miller, Michael Murray, fl. 1861-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lile Miller

Miller expresses uncertainty about how long they will stay at Camp Bristoe Station. He is fearful they will move and he will no longer receive Lile's letters, which are his only source of comfort. He repeats that he may not be discharged until the end of July, instead of the beginning of June as was reported. He emphasizes Lincoln's unpopularity in his division because of his war secretary's orders to prolong enlisted men's service. He encloses photographs his bunkmates took [photos are not with letter]. He sends a kiss to his son and signs off lovingly. Written in camp at Bristoe Station.

GLC02155.146