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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.

Thomas, George Henry, 1816-1870 to John W. Thomas

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC05520 Author/Creator: Thomas, George Henry, 1816-1870 Place Written: Brazor Island, Texas Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 31 August 1848 Pagination: 3 p. : address ; Height: 25 cm, Width: 20 cm Order a Copy

Writes to his brother about the dwindling army of occupation, as the war had ended in February. Assures his brother that he will assist in relocating the family to Norfolk. Plans on being discharged soon but will apply for a furlough in October in hopes of seeing everyone for Christmas. Hopes he will not have a hero's welcome when he visits his family and friends and says being presented with a sword by his hometown was enough. Adds that there are conflicting ideas about whether the Mexican peace will last but does not care as long as he can leave "this vile country."

Thomas, George Henry, 1816-1870
Thomas, John W., fl. 1848

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