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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.

McLaws, Lafayette, 1821-1897 to Colonel Ray

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC01073 Author/Creator: McLaws, Lafayette, 1821-1897 Place Written: Savannah, Georgia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: October 19, 1864 Pagination: 4 p. : Height: 25 cm, Width: 20 cm Order a Copy

Forwards an application, "Of the Officers of the 9th Ga [Georgia] Battallian of Arty [Artillery] for transfer to Siege batteries Savannah." Analyzes the conditions at different forts and batteries in Georgia and South Carolina in preparation for the defense of Savannah against Union General William T. Sherman's advance. States that the report will show that an increase in the heavy artillery force is urgently needed. Lists the forts and batteries and the ammunitions at each, the minimum number of men required, and the number needed to provide sufficient relief. Also covers the conditions of the heavy artillery batteries. States that more men are needed. Mentions the advanced age of some of the men being drilled and that the foreigners in one battalion desert as soon as the chance arises.

McLaws, Lafayette, 1821-1897
Sherman, William T. (William Tecumseh), 1820-1891

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