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.

Gertrude, fl. 1847-1855 to Franklin Butler Van Valkenburgh

Order a pdf of this item here.

A high-resolution version of this object is available for registered users. LOG IN

Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC06253.01 Author/Creator: Gertrude, fl. 1847-1855 Place Written: Oakley Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 2 May 1847 Pagination: 4 p. : Height: 25.2 cm, Width: 19.3 cm Order a Copy

A letter written by Gertrude to her younger brother Franklin Butler Van Valkenburgh. Gertrude discusses religion and family affairs, including the recent relocation of their family from the Valley of Prattsbugh to out west. In this letter it is mentioned that their minister, Mr. Stratton, had left the town to attend the General Assembly in Baltimore. There is a postscript written across the top of the first page of the letter. Written on the letter in pencil is the year 1847, but due to content we believe the letter to be written in 1848. Gertrude is referred to as Getty in this letter. Gertrude marries Otis H. Waldo, but it is unclear in what year the marriage occured.

Gertrude, fl. 1847-1855

Citation Guidelines for Online Resources