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.

Brunt, William, fl. 1863-1865 to Martha Weir

Order a pdf of this item here.

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

Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC07006.05 Author/Creator: Brunt, William, fl. 1863-1865 Place Written: Clarkesville, Tennessee Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 2 December 1863 Pagination: 4 p. : envelope Height: 25 cm, Width: 19 cm Order a Copy

Writes that his wife, Olive, has gone to Fort Donelson with two of his children. Has been appointed Captain of Company Division 16th Regiment U.S. Colored Infantry. Expresses his satisfaction at fighting alongside former slaves -- "iff it is glorious to enlist the oppressed it is certainly doubly so to be privelidged to lead them against their oppressors." Describes a school system he has instituted to give the black soldiers literacy skills so "they will be well prepared to appreciate the sweet boon of freedom" after the war. Plans to bring his wife to live with him in winter quarters.

Brunt, William, fl. 1863-1865
Weir, Martha, fl. 1863-1865

Citation Guidelines for Online Resources