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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.

Bell, Grove L., 1844-1863 to sister

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC08913.05 Author/Creator: Bell, Grove L., 1844-1863 Place Written: Fairfax Station, Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 26 December 1862 Pagination: 6 p. : Height: 20 cm, Width: 24.7 cm Order a Copy

Had not received stamps in a long time and was therefore unable to write. Sorry to hear of his friend's sickness. Arrived in Fairfax a few days ago. "Threw away everything" on the march. Everyone had too much to carry, and one soldier in particular was very sore and tired from the march. Threw away everything they had except blankets and clothing. Mud soaked right through stockings because it is deeper than his boots. Very hungry; makes sure to eat all of his food. "It is a shame for us not to get any more rations." It is getting very cold very quickly. His friend is writing the same letter to his parents at the same time so that they will go out in the same set of mail. Making hog houses and preparing for winter.

Bell, Grove L., 1844-1863

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