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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.

McClellan, George Brinton, 1826-1885 to William Dennison

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02902 Author/Creator: McClellan, George Brinton, 1826-1885 Place Written: Grafton, Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 28 June 1861 Pagination: 3 p. : docket ; Height: 20.5 cm, Width: 25.5 cm Order a Copy

McClellan, Major General of the Ohio Volunteers updates Dennison, Governor of Ohio, on the condition of troops, supplies, and other military matters. Reports that upon receipt of a previous letter from Dennison, "I at once [struck: write] telegraphed the [Secty] of War asking for a commission in Carrington's Regt for your son." Relates his initial trouble with organizing wagons, rations, and troops. Reports that the soldiers are in good spirits, and most difficulties have been resolved. Mentions assuring [General Chase?] that no misunderstanding existed between them. Possibly referring to a disagreement with Simon Bolivar Buckner, states "In regard to the Buckner letter I have the statement (by telegraph) of Gill present at the Chicago interview, & Douglas at the Cairo meeting- both supporting my view & upsetting Buckners. I have taken steps to prevent any harm from being done in Washington & shall probably be contented to let the matter rest there & trust to the future to convince people that I am not quite such an ass as B. would make me out to be." Requests that Dennison inform him when more state cavalry are ready for service. Send his regards to General Carrington (possibly Henry Beebee Carrington).

McClellan, George B., 1826-1885
Dennison, William, 1815-1882
Buckner, Simon Bolivar, 1823-1914
Chase, Salmon P. (Salmon Portland), 1808-1873
Carrington, Henry Beebee, 1824-1912
Cameron, Simon, 1799-1889

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