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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.

Tillotson, George W., 1830-1918 To his wife

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC04558.096 Author/Creator: Tillotson, George W., 1830-1918 Place Written: Gettys Point, Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 5 June 1863 Pagination: 4 p. ; 20 x 12.5 cm. Order a Copy

Continued on June 6. Camping in the shade and making "artificial shade" with pine and cedar branches; according to letter from relative Matilda, "Nelson was a prisoner in the hands of the rebels;" other news. "As for Marys letter I dont think 'pretty much' of her abolition doctring [sic], she thinks it would be a glorious thing to fight and die for abolition but I dont. It is a sure thing though that I have got to fight for it, and may die for it, but I shall consider the fight a compulsory one, and the death inglorious. Pshaw!" Doubts that there will be much draft resistance; health; sending five dollars.

Tillotson, George W., 1830-1918

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