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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.

Painter, Heber (1841-1900) to sister Kate

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02016.058 Author/Creator: Painter, Heber (1841-1900) Place Written: Bermuda Hundred, Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 22 September 1864 Pagination: 4 p. ; 25 x 20 cm. Order a Copy

Sarcastically informs his sister that he has stopped writing weekly letters because his sisters never reply. Is happy that his sister has decided to attend school and advises against reading "wishy-washy" novels, which do not enlighten people or make them wise. Was surprised to hear that N.F. Lightner, Esq. had joined the Grand Army of the Union. Reports that Grant is receiving reinforcements daily and in large numbers. Recounts a brief interaction between a Confederate and a Union soldier regarding some stray cattle. Reports that there is no news from the Army of the James.

Painter, Heber, 1841-1900
Painter, Catherine, fl. 1844-1870

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