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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.

Higgins, Patrick, fl. 1859-1862 to Fannie Schoonmaker

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02164.04 Author/Creator: Higgins, Patrick, fl. 1859-1862 Place Written: Washington, District of Columbia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 1815-1860 Pagination: 2 p. : envelope Height: 20.2 cm, Width: 26.1 cm Order a Copy

Lonely, decided to write her. Is very happy with his new place. Does not know what to write; asks for suggestions in her response. Asks if her parents are going away, and, if so, to let him know in advance so he can see her. Promises that he will not forget her. Does not want her to be insulted for him asking her to keep her poise and will. Does not want her to make fun of this letter, for it is "as good as can compose it." Will mail it in such a way that her parents cannot tell whom it is from. She is the only friend he has. Dated June. No year given.

Higgins, Patrick, fl. 1859-1862
Reese, David, fl. 1859-1862
Johnson, Charles, fl. 1859-1862
Schoonmaker, Fannie, fl. 1859-1862

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