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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.

Rodgers, John, 1812-1882 to George B. McClellan

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02466.13 Author/Creator: Rodgers, John, 1812-1882 Place Written: Hampton Roads, Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 3 May 1863 Pagination: 1 p. ; 25 x 19.9 cm. Order a Copy

Written aboard the USS "Galena" by Commander Rodgers to Major General McClellan. Says he thinks the flag officer has written to McClellan. The flag officer does not like to answer official questions sent to an officer under his command. Reports that he cannot go out of signal distance from his vessel except under orders. Says he cannot make arrangements to leave, having no power on the premises. Says he must obey the orders of the flag officer. This John Rodgers is the son of War of 1812 naval officer John Rodgers (1772-1838). This letter is clearly dated 1863, but only makes sense if written in 1862.

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