Our Collection

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.

Davis, Jefferson, 1808-1889 to James Whitfield

Order a pdf of this item here.

Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC01962 Author/Creator: Davis, Jefferson, 1808-1889 Place Written: Richmond, Virginia Type: Letter signed Date: 8 May 1863 Pagination: 6 p. 24.1 x 19.8 cm Order a Copy

Along with Mississippi Governor Whitfield, the letter is addressed to Bishop Robert Paine, James T. Harrison, and Dr. Sykes. Davis responds to their letter regarding the defense of Columbus, Mississippi. He assures them that he is concerned for the city (and northeastern Mississippi), and that he is engaging in activities to ensure the regions safety. He also expresses his sympathy for the sufferings of their people.

Citation Guidelines for Online Resources