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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.

Brisbin, James S. (James Sanks), 1837-1892 to Jane Brisbin

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC01505.03 Author/Creator: Brisbin, James S. (James Sanks), 1837-1892 Place Written: Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 18 November 1863 Pagination: 3 p. ; 20 x 24.7 cm. Order a Copy

Complains that he has not received a letter from Jane, his wife, in two weeks. States "If I thought you had been so careless as not to write in all that time I would feel like casting you off- but I think you certainly have written and your letters miscarried." Relates seeing Beaver, Captain Patterson, Bayard Edmunds and other members of the Centre Company. States that he will soon see Major Jack, and encloses a note (not included) from Colonel Murray. Instructs Jane to save the note, revealing that the Colonel owes him money. Informs Jane that her colt is being trained. States "I hope we will soon get into winter quarters so I can have you with me - It is hard this living alone." Relates that a nearby railroad was recently finished (possibly referring to the Orange and Alexandria Railroad). Written near Brandy Station, Virginia.

Brisbin, James S. (James Sanks),1837-1892
Brisbin, Jane, fl. 1861-1864
Edmunds, Bayard, fl. 1863
Jack (major), fl. 1863
Patterson (captain), fl. 1863

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