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.

Williams, George M., fl. 1862 to his wife

Order a pdf of this item here.

Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC06582.32 Author/Creator: Williams, George M., fl. 1862 Place Written: Richmond, Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 26 July 1862 Pagination: 6 p. : Order a Copy

Reports that "every day brings the most distressing rumors from Culpeper". Most unfortunate, he confides, is that the rumors are in accordance with General Pope's orders so that he believes they may be true. As a result, he fears for his wife and family in Culpeper. He informs her that Addison arrived safely at Richmond with the cattle and that Cousin James advises it would be best to sell at once. He heard that Dr. Slaughter and Dr. Hernden refused to take a physician's oath and as a result people in need of medical help are not getting it. He asks if she would confirm this. He counsels wife to be "dignified & firm" with the Yankees because it would dangerous if they become free and easy in her presence and thereby gave her no option but to leave home. He asks her not to go to Baltimore because if she does it may take "years before" he sees her again. He said he wants to go away "from the world's clamor" and that he does not want his children to grow up in such a society.

Williams, George M., fl. 1862-1865
Pope, John, 1822-1892

Citation Guidelines for Online Resources