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.

Burbridge, Stephen Gano, 1831-1894 to James S. Brisbin

Order a pdf of this item here.

Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC01504.02.13 Author/Creator: Burbridge, Stephen Gano, 1831-1894 Place Written: Washington, District of Columbia Type: Typed letter Date: April 25, 1866 Pagination: 2 p. : Height: 26.2 cm, Width: 20.2 cm Order a Copy

Typed and signed as a true copy by Albert L. Mills as First Lieutenant and Adjutant First Cavalry. Major General Burbridge wishes to aid Brisbin in preserving his reputation following recent slander. Recounts Brisbin's meritorious service as Burbridge's Chief of Staff and as "Superintendent of Organization of Colored Troops of Kentucky, at a time when it was especially unpopular there to enlist colored men or induce any other troops for the Union service." Refers to Brisbin's successful recruitment of 25,000 African American soldiers. Praises Brisbin's courage and excellent judgment in the battle of Saltville, Virginia. These typewritten copies date to circa 1887-1891 based on Mill's rank and assignment at the time.

Burbridge, Stephen Gano, 1831-1894
Brisbin, James S. (James Sanks),1837-1892
Mills, Albert L., 1854-1916

Citation Guidelines for Online Resources