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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.

Kessler, Thomas J. (fl. 1843-1868) to A. P. Kessler

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03523.52.68 Author/Creator: Kessler, Thomas J. (fl. 1843-1868) Place Written: Petersburg, Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 3 October 1864 Pagination: 3 p. : envelope ; 20.3 x 25.3 cm. Order a Copy

Writes to his father from camp. Reports they lost several men in a skirmish and their lieutenant was wounded and taken prisoner. States they are receiving reinforcements daily and will see more fighting. Believes they will soon take Petersburg, Virginia. Expresses skepticism of getting out of the army since his colonel was taken prisoner. Request they contact Mr. Kilbourn immediately and see if he can urge their case along. The letter has a watermark on the top left hand corner.

Kessler, Thomas J., fl. 1843-1868
Kessler, A. P., fl. 1863

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