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Gifford, Haviland, fl. 1863 [Collection of Haviland Gifford, field and staff, 93rd regiment, New York, infantry] [Decimalized .01- .12]

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC04560 Author/Creator: Gifford, Haviland, fl. 1863 Place Written: Various Places Type: Header Record Date: June-November 1863 Pagination: 12 letters + 11 envelopes Order a Copy

Haviland Gifford served as a Lieutenant in charge of guarding Union General George Gordon Meade and his staff. Provides information he learned about strategy from being in close proximity to high command. Highlights include letter #1, written on 20 June 1863, about opposing strategies of different generals; #3, of 28 July 1863, an eight-page letter concerning the draft and movements of the Army, with mentions of Generals Lee, Grant and Banks; and #4, written 10 September 1863 and containing a long analysis of how to take Richmond. In that letter he also discusses Fort Wagner's hold-out, as well as General Burnside's problems in Tennessee. Also of interest is a letter dated 13 September 1863 about Culpeper; letter #7 of circa October 1863 recounting a conversation with Senator John Minor Botts of Culpeper (who entertained officers of both armies); #8 written 24 October 1863 discussing strategy and with rumors (Grant's army to meet Meade's at Richmond), including his opinion that Meade is "afraid of his own shadow;" and #11 of 14 November 1863, describing the Battle of Kelly's Ford and crossing the Rappahannock.

Gifford, Haviland, fl. 1863

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