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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.

Clapp, George, fl. 1839-1892 to Parents

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC09355.072 Author/Creator: Clapp, George, fl. 1839-1892 Place Written: Petersburg, Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 21 June 1864 Pagination: 4 p. : envelope Height: 20.2 cm, Width: 12.6 cm Order a Copy

Has received two letters from them since he last wrote. Would have written sooner, but has not had time to do so. "I am very well off." Suspects he would write more if Sid were here. Despite the address on this letter, they do not hold the city. "I witnessed the hanging of a nigger within 3 rods of where we then lay." The 10th Massachusetts went home; wishes Sid were with them. Some blacks were hanged at the camp. "I stood and see that nigger hang and within myself wished that such might have been the fate of that class years ago." Was very sick last night but feels better today. Had a "cholic" attack during the night, but the boys took care of him. His officers wanted him to go to the hospital so as to not make anyone sick, but does not think he will do so. The sergeant major of the 10th regiment was killed yesterday by cannon fire. Thought Elisha would have to have his finger taken off; hopes he gets a furlough.

Clapp, George, fl. 1839-1892

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