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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.

Cook, Gustave, 1835-1897 to Eliza Cook

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02570.48 Author/Creator: Cook, Gustave, 1835-1897 Place Written: Near Rome, Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 6 August 1863 Pagination: 4 p. : Order a Copy

Rejoices that his wife's health has improved. Tells her to keep in mind her health for everyone's sake so she will be healthy when he returns. Reports that his brother Girard was shot through the thigh at the Battle of Gettysburg. He writes, "Were he to die I should feel as one lost forever. He is my only and darling brother and beside myself, our dear mother's only child living." Promises Eliza she will be repaid for all her suffering and sacrifice when the war is over. Writes that his horses and uniforms take up much of his wages. He states, "The expenses of my position will more than double my wages soon and then what you are to do I am at a loss to imagine. But all will come right." Includes news that his cousin was taken prisoner at Shelbyville.

Cooke, Gustave, fl. 1861-1865

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