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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.

Allison, William A., fl. 1861-1865 to Stockton Bates

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03523.23.02 Author/Creator: Allison, William A., fl. 1861-1865 Place Written: Downsville, Maryland Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 28 April 1862 Pagination: 4 p. ; 19.5 x 24.4 cm. Order a Copy

He writes while squatting on the ground with his portfolio on his knees. Describes the soldier's life with the bulk of time spent in marching: "marching is what breaks the men down so much; they hate it worse than they do fighting." He prefers picket duty. He describes the battleground of Sharpsburg and the march to Williamsport. "The Mined balls, shells, and grape and canister make a fellow feel a little shaky." He also describes food.

Allison, William A., fl. 1861-1865
Bates, Stockton, fl. 1861-1866

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