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.

Allen, Joseph H., fl. 1859-1865 to Mary Mayberry

Order a pdf of this item here.

Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02829.01 Author/Creator: Allen, Joseph H., fl. 1859-1865 Place Written: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 24 December 1859 Pagination: 3 p. : Height: 24.8 cm, Width: 19 cm Order a Copy

Allen was a sailor on the USS "Congress." Says he has sent several letters home, but wanted to write specifically to her because he does not want to her think he has forgotten her. Sends many individual greetings to friends and family. Reports that "I am truging along the same a[s,] ever plenty to eat and nothing to do but read and sleep[;] you know I always liked to sleep after eating a hearty dinner." Says Captain Hoffman came on board to see him and was sorry he had nothing to send by him. References several other naval vessels. Sends regards to his father, who he hopes is still working at the naval yard.

Citation Guidelines for Online Resources