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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, Joseph M., 1836-1918 to Bell Wharton

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03523.10.117 Author/Creator: Maitland, Joseph M., 1836-1918 Place Written: Memphis, Tennessee Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 21 March 1864 Pagination: 6 p. : envelope Height: 20.4 cm, Width: 26.3 cm Order a Copy

Maitland writes to Bell from a camp outside Memphis. Reports he received a pass to go into Memphis and visited the Union Chapel for services. Complains there was a choir and no one else sang. Remarks the service was too stiff and formal for him. States the city of Memphis is very dangerous, with robberies and murders every night. Mentions a visit to Winchester Cemetery and what a beautiful place it is for meditation. Says he has made inquiries to his superiors about getting out of the service, but doesn't have a date yet. Closes his letter because he has battalion drill. Includes a three cent stamp on the envelope.

Maitland, Joseph M., 1839-1918
Wharton, Bell, 1843-?

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