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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.

Sayles, Sumner, fl. 1862-1868 to Isora Skinkle

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03523.32.30 Author/Creator: Sayles, Sumner, fl. 1862-1868 Place Written: Vicksburg, Mississippi Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 2 January 1864 Pagination: 4p. : envelope Height: 20.6 cm, Width: 25.3 cm Order a Copy

Writes to his sister from camp. Informs her that it rained and snowed on the last day of the year and that it has been cold. Describes having a "first rate" oyster dinner for Christmas. Notes that everything has been first rate since they have nothing to do but guard duty. Teases her about wearing the britches in the family and if she has had any "love spats" yet. Inquires after people back home. The letter has a watermark on the top left hand corner.

Sayles, Sumner, fl. 1862-1868
Skinkle, Isora, fl. 1860-1868

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