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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.

Maitland, James M., 1815-1864 to Joseph M. Maitland

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03523.10.070 Author/Creator: Maitland, James M., 1815-1864 Place Written: Kingston, Ohio Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 9 June 1863 Pagination: 2 p. : Height: 30.5 cm, Width: 19 cm Order a Copy

Reports to his son that their family friend has gone deaf and dumb in service and did not receive a discharge from the army. Writes, "I trust by the time this reaches you Vicksburg will have fallen. I do not know whether you are aware that the Legislature passed a new Militia Law which requires every able-bodied white man between the ages of Eighteen and forty five to perform Military duty. The preparatory steps are being taken now by the Trustees of the Township to say who are exempt by Surgeons Certificate... This should have been done two years ago: When the Rebellion commenced; and by this time the Citizens of Ohio would have some knowledge of Military duty." Continues writing 10 June, commenting on politics: "the Democratic Convention meets to morrow at Columbus to nominate State Officers. Gen Geo B M Clellan is talked of being the Candidate for the Governor's Chair if such a result should take place you can have the privilege of voting for one of the great men of the age, as you know the soldiers have the right to vote now. I am in hopes he may be the man."

Maitland, Joseph M., 1839-1918
Maitland, James M., 1815-1864
McClellan, George B., 1826-1885

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