Our Collection

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.

Fuller, Franklin W., fl. 1861-1865 to Mary

Order a pdf of this item here.

Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03523.42.35 Author/Creator: Fuller, Franklin W., fl. 1861-1865 Place Written: Chattanooga, Tennessee Type: Autograph letter signed Date: December 17, 1863 Pagination: 4 p. : envelope ; 20.1 x 24.6 cm. Order a Copy

Writes that her letter was the first he received in four weeks since the regiment left here for Knoxville, Tennessee. He was upset that he was unable to write her as he knew she had written him. Most of the mail had gone to the regiment and the mail will probably not reach him until it first gets to the regiment. He has been surviving on half rations of hard tack. He has received a letter from one of his friends and he has been trying to send him mail as he does not want his friend to think he is dead. He is not surprised that so few letters have reached his family and friends due to all the battles being fought so recently and close together. Writes that the mail has finally arrived bringing him many letters and a large package full of writing materials. Tells her of the various letters he has received from friends and family members. Asks her to pay Low for his boots if she has not done so already. Wonders where the promised photographs of his friends and family are. He then writes a short letter to Fred thanking him and his father for all they have done and given to him while he has been away. Tells them not worry and that all will soon be well.

Citation Guidelines for Online Resources