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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.

Monk, Esthur, fl. 1853-1857 to John Cripps

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03587.30 Author/Creator: Monk, Esthur, fl. 1853-1857 Place Written: Clifton, Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 21 September 1857 Pagination: 6 p. : envelope ; 19.8 x 12.5 cm. Order a Copy

Writes to her son about his lack of correspondence. Has worried herself sick thinking about his illness and death. Reports that Miss Lucy has turned down a suitor and discusses the importance of marrying well. Tells Cripps to be careful what he says even in Mexico, as gossip makes its way back home. Mentions a professorship at South Carolina College (now University of South Carolina). Discusses local news. Describes her future travel plans. Imprint in upper left corner reads "Extra Superfine Highly Finished." Envelope hand postmarked 22 September, Rippon, Virginia via New Orleans per steamer and stamped 4 October, Vera Cruz.

Cripps, John S., fl. 1820-1875
Monk, Esthur, fl. 1853-1857

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