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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.

Tillotson, George W., 1830-1918 To his wife

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC04558.066 Author/Creator: Tillotson, George W., 1830-1918 Place Written: Camp opposite Fredericksburg, [Virginia] Type: Autograph letter signed Date: February 5, 1863 Pagination: 4 p. : note Height: 19 cm, Width: 11.5 cm Order a Copy

Continued February 6. With small greeting card. Worries about family succumbing to scarlet fever, commenting on his patriotism: "...I am not the only one in these digins whose patriotism has cooled down so that we can look at the matter as it stands, and count the cost also. And as I count it[,] it has cost now in treasure more than I would give for the whole south, to say nothing of the blood and misery. Now in all reason isnt it better to let that go and be lost rather than spend twice or three times as much more and then not be any better off but just the cost out, and be the worse off by haveing a bankrupt government and ourselves be the worst taxed slaves that the world affords. And even could the south be whiped back into the Union (which I cant see) what kind of union do you suppose it would be? Just no union at all so far as union in feeling is concerned. I believe if we ever get them back into the union, that we shall soon be sick enough of them to wish them out again." Also discusses weather, anticipating that he will join Burnside in NC, notes that he did not make 2nd sergeant and that two corporals were promoted above him.

Tillotson, George W., 1830-1918

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