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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.

Painter, Heber, 1841-1900 to sister Kate

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02016.052 Author/Creator: Painter, Heber, 1841-1900 Place Written: Petersburg, Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 26 May 1864 Pagination: 4 p. : Height: 25 cm, Width: 20 cm Order a Copy

Writes that the rebels keep the Union lines surrounded so much that when the sharpshooters watch from the trees they shoot every time they see a shoulder strap. As a result, one man was killed in his tent and another wounded. Reports that some skirmishing occurred. Also reports that Colonel Dutton of the 21st Connecticut was seriously wounded while taking a survey of rebel works. Writes that the colonel is a highly regarded man amongst the soldiers. Believes that Butler will not be able to make any moves until Grant is able to reinforce him or has driven Lee into Richmond. States that some are worried that Lee will fall back to Richmond, reinforce Beauregard, and drive Butler into the James River or capture him. Says that the Union works at the James are strong and well defended. Hopes that his sister has fully recovered from her illness.

Painter, Heber, 1841-1900
Painter, Catherine, fl. 1844-1870

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