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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.

Rifenburgh, Peter E., 1843-1863 to sister

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC08914.025 Author/Creator: Rifenburgh, Peter E., 1843-1863 Place Written: Jefferson Parish, Louisiana Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 19 May 1863 Pagination: 4 p. : Height: 20.8 cm, Width: 26 cm Order a Copy

Received her letter today. Just returned from an expedition started on May 12th up the Mississippi River. Went 32 miles by foot and by boat through Lake Pontchartrain. After a few days' march, formed a line of battle. Marched about half a mile in battle formation, and then engaged the rebels. "They fired one volley and then they skedaddled like hell." Took about 100 prisoners. Also encountered some Indians. Took 19 prisoners personally back to New Orleans and had the "privilege" of killing them. Now has marching orders back to the Mississippi River. Will send $20 home once he gets paid. Hopes these lines find her well. Written at Camp Parapet.

Rifenburgh, Peter E., 1843-1863
Brooks, Louis, fl. 1862-1876

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