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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.

Higgins, Patrick, fl. 1859-1862 to Fannie Schoonmaker

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02164.07 Author/Creator: Higgins, Patrick, fl. 1859-1862 Place Written: Washington, District of Columbia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 17 March 1862 Pagination: 3 p. ; 20.2 x 25.3 cm. Order a Copy

Printed on stationery marked "Liberty and Union." Has a "troubled mind." Does not know why she has not responded to his letter. Is "ready to face the enemy and stand fast." The regiment is going to move, and he has to go to the "cursed hospital" for a day. Is "bound" to go, but does not want to. The doctor will force him to go to the Hospital unless he leaves, and none of the soldiers are allowed to leave. The whole army of the Potomac is on the move. Has seen gun boats on the river. Hopes she will write him a letter soon explaining her delay in responding to him.

Higgins, Patrick, fl. 1859-1862
Reese, David, fl. 1859-1862
Johnson, Charles, fl. 1859-1862
Schoonmaker, Fannie, fl. 1859-1862

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