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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.

Hammond, Horace J., fl. 1862-1865 to Eleanor Hammond

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC09273.31 Author/Creator: Hammond, Horace J., fl. 1862-1865 Place Written: Hatcher Run, Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 2 March 1865 Pagination: 4 p. : envelope Height: 21 cm, Width: 13.9 cm Order a Copy

All are healthy. Received his 37th letter from her last night. "Sorry" that the letter contained $2 in greenbacks, because he had been sending money to her. Glad to hear she is in good health. Has rained all day very hard. He and Fayette have been washing shirts nearly all day; have made $1.80 each. Hoping to make some spending money. Will put $10 in this letter to send to her. Will only keep $1.50 for himself. Sends his love to Leonard, Betsey, Jane, and Samantha; would love to see Charles and Matilda. "Only six months more" until he will be home. Until then, she must "keep good courage and trust in the Lord." Does not want a furlough: "I don't want to come home and have to come back here." Reminds her to discipline Oscar when necessary, although she should be sure not to do so too harshly.

Hammond, Horace J., fl. 1864-1865

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