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.

Hemans, Nancy A., 1843-? to Frances B. Shiras

Order a pdf of this item here.

Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02429.25 Author/Creator: Hemans, Nancy A., 1843-? Place Written: South Dakota Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 9-12 June 1872 Pagination: 4 p. : Height: 20.5 cm, Width: 25.4 cm Order a Copy

Discusses a visit from Daniel's aunt and the porcupine quill moccasins she had made for Frances. Comments on her sister, a visitor named Mrs. Rumney, and her husbands adoration for their baby. Continues the letter on 12 June, comments on intervening chores, and a visit to a sun dance. Gives the Dakota word for mother and explains that she speaks English to her baby daily. Mentions that Daniel, her husband, sometimes speaks to her in English. Comments on her husband's pay.

Shiras, Frances B., 1814-?
Hemans, Nancy A., 1843-?

Citation Guidelines for Online Resources