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.

Wood, Matthew (fl. 1862-1865) to Sarah Wood

Order a pdf of this item here.

Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02176.16 Author/Creator: Wood, Matthew (fl. 1862-1865) Place Written: Nashville, Tennessee Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 25 April 1864 Pagination: 4 p. ; 20 x 24.9 cm. Order a Copy

Written from Camp Smith to his wife. Describes spells of depression after sinning. Continues speaking of trust in God. Mentions receiving some old letters. Says the Colonel is determined to keep them there on duty, even if they have to ride mules. Tells of Company G which was captured by guerillas after sleeping without sufficient guard in a barn. Finally, describes failing at quitting tobacco: "remember I said I was a going to to quit using tobacco and send you the price it was costing me but you see I tried it a while but no go I believe I would have went Crazy or got sick or done both so I will tell you I am a using it yet as moderate." Includes one page written in a spiral.

Wood, Matthew, fl. 1861-1865
Wood, Sarah, fl. 1862-1865
Forrest, Nathan Bedford, 1821-1877

Citation Guidelines for Online Resources