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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.

Lee, Robert E., 1807-1870 [General Order No. 65 concerning day of worship proclaimed by President Jefferson Davis]

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC05987.06 Author/Creator: Lee, Robert E., 1807-1870 Place Written: Virginia Type: Document Date: 7 November 1864 Pagination: 1 p. : Height: 20.5 cm, Width: 13 cm Order a Copy

Lee, commander of the Army of Northern Virginia, announces that President Jefferson Davis proclaimed 16 November as a day of worship. Printed document says "all military duties, except such as are necessary for the safety of the Army, will be suspended for the day, and every facility for its due observance will be afforded to the troops." Says they must be acknowledge what "Him who alone controls the destiny of nations" has done for them. Says chaplains to hold services at their usual place of worship and that soldiers are "earnestly exhorted" to attend. Says they should not forget their fallen comrades.

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