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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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16 August 1862

Breckinridge, John C. (John Cabell), 1821-1875

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Braxton Bragg

Discusses Battle of Baton Rouge and Bragg's planned invasion of Kentucky. Expects Bragg's invasion to be a success, "I feel that you will reach the Ohio River, if you don't do more." Would join Bragg, but cannot leave his own command, which has been reduced from 8,000 to 2,500 men. States "I did the best I could at Baton Rouge, and with inferior forces whipped them soundly. Under the circumstances it was impossible to accomplish more than we did." Written just after the Battle of Baton Rouge, where the Confederates were actually defeated by a force of equally small size in their attempt…

GLC03348

2 March 1860

Breckinridge, John C. (John Cabell), 1821-1875

Letter signed

Title: to B. P. Turner

Writes in reply to a request to speak in front of the Young Men's Democratic Club in Lynn, Massachusetts during the presidential campaign. States that although he would like to, he cannot commit at this time because of his schedule. Addressed to Turner as the Secretary of the Club. Breckinridge, vice president under James Buchanan, was an unsuccessful candidate for president in the1860 election. He entered the Confederate Army during the Civil War as brigadier general and soon became a major general. He also served as Secretary of War in the Cabinet of the Confederate States from January…

GLC04515

circa 1861-1865

Breckinridge, John C. (John Cabell), 1821-1875

Photograph

Title: In civilian suit, vignette bust portrait

Imprint on recto "Gen. J. C. Breckenridge, C. S. A."

GLC05111.02.1041

circa 1861-1865

Breckinridge, John C. (John Cabell), 1821-1875

Photograph

Title: As major general, vignette bust portrait

Graphite inscription on recto "Major Genl. John C. Breckenridge." Photographers imprint on verso: "Published by E. & H. T. Anthony, 501 Broadway, New York. Manufacturers of the best Photographic Albums."

GLC05111.02.1043

January 28, 1857

Breckinridge, John C. (John Cabell), 1821-1875

Autograph letter signed

Title: to James C. Dobbins

Letter to the Secretary of the Navy recommending Mr. Wharton for a Lieutenancy in the Marine Corps.

GLC05603.01.04

1863

Breckinridge, John C. (John Cabell), 1821-1875

Autograph letter signed

Title: to John Miller

Possibly created 4 December. General Breckinridge writes, "I know several gentlemen named Lyle in Bourbon and Fayette Counties Ky, but I do not know which is the person to whom you refer, nor do I know the inclinations of any of them in this struggle." Informs Miller, a Reverend in Petersburg, Virginia, that no confiscations have taken place in Kentucky. Breckinridge is unable to predict Miller's chances of obtaining a settlement (pertaining to confiscated items in Kentucky). Advises Miller to confer with the firm of Hunt and Beck in Lexington, Kentucky.

GLC02467.06

October 6, 1862

Breckinridge, John C. (John Cabell), 1821-1875

Autograph letter signed

Title: to William T. Avery

Confederate General Breckinridge discusses a possible position on his staff for Avery, which would have to be as a voluntary aide. Congratulates on his freedom "from Yankee bondage" and his hopes to meet Avery "often in the progress of our great and just struggle."

GLC00713

February 18, 1865

Breckinridge, John C. (John Cabell), 1821-1875

Letter signed

Title: to Jefferson Davis

Official report to the president, signed as Confederate secretary of war, tracing the state of the Confederacy's finances from 1861 to the present. He declares that the current abysmal state of the budget, and the consequent inability of the nation to meet its debts, is causing desertion and a decline in civilian morale. "I invite your attention to the condition of this Department in respect to its claim upon the Treasury, and the necessity for prompt attention to that claim...Of the requisitions for 1864 and 1865 there remains unpaid the sum of $161,322,573.45 and besides this the sum of $69…

GLC00915

February 14, 1865

Breckinridge, John C. (John Cabell), 1821-1875

Pamphlet

Title: Communication of the secretary of War... Feb. 14, 1865 [Transmitted with:] Message of the President..Feb. 15, 1865.

GLC06745.281

February 15, 1865

Breckinridge, John C. (John Cabell), 1821-1875

Printed document

Title: Communication from the Secretary of War…Feb. 15th, 1865. Transmitted with Message of the President…Feb. 20, 1865.

stamp of record division

GLC06745.282

January 17, 1853

Breckinridge, John C. (John Cabell), 1821-1875

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mrs. Breckinridge

He reports on the health of family members.

GLC04501.069

30 August 1860

Breckinridge, John C. (John Cabell), 1821-1875

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Ernie and Morton

Vice President and Presidential candidate Breckinridge updates two individuals from New York City on his progress regarding an upcoming speech. States "I have not as yet even made a note ... It would be better, perhaps, if we were more accustomed in the west to carefull written preparation."

GLC05007.01