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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.

Ewell, Richard Stoddert, 1817-1872 to William Smith

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC05815 Author/Creator: Ewell, Richard Stoddert, 1817-1872 Place Written: Richmond, Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 15 March 1865 Pagination: Order a Copy

Warns Smith, Governor of Virginia, that "the enemy," (Union forces) gather for an immediate attack on Richmond. "Respectfully [urges]" Smith to create legislation calling all capable men in Richmond to arms to face the impending attack. Urges a joint resolution of the General Assembly to approve the call of men to arms. Received the warning from General Jubal Early who arrived in Richmond the previous night, passing enemy columns on his way. 1 black and white bust engraving of Ewell included.

Ewell, Richard Stoddert, 1817-1872
Smith, William, 1797-1887
Early, Jubal Anderson, 1816-1894

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