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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 #: GLC03523.23.15 Author/Creator: Allison, William A., fl. 1861-1865 Place Written: Belle Plaine, Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 19 May 1863 Pagination: 4 p. : envelope ; 20.6 x 25.3 cm. Order a Copy

Takes delight in his Virginia surroundings: "With the Rappahannock sweeping gaily in front of us, the blue water of the Potomac stretching in full view of us to our left, the wild scenery around, and the pure canopy of heaven above, I cannot wonder at the enthusiasm, with which Thos. Jefferson always spoke of his native state." Is against the conscription; believes their army is sufficient, but questions their leaders, particularly Grant.

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

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