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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.

Allen, George D., fl. 1859-1864 to Mary Mayberry

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02829.14 Author/Creator: Allen, George D., fl. 1859-1864 Place Written: Aboard ship Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 4 August 1864 Pagination: 3 p. : Height: 20.3 cm, Width: 12.7 cm Order a Copy

Says he received her letter of the "28th" on 3 August. Is glad their mother's health is better, but sorry to hear that "little Mary" is ill. Sends his love to Will and tells "him to keep out of the Draft as it is bad for young men." Says "I am glad you can make my letters out. I think I can write better after a while as my hand is so heavy. I am trying to learn to read also and Jack is helping me all he can[.] I wish I had of taken it in hand when I first came out." Sends further greetings to family members and closes by saying there is "no news here at present of any account." Postscript says "Only 4 months from to day good bye."Written while aboard the U.S.S "Delaware"

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