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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.

Clapp, George, fl. 1839-1892 to parents

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC09355.006 Author/Creator: Clapp, George, fl. 1839-1892 Place Written: White Oak Church, Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 3 June 1863 Pagination: 3 p. : envelope Height: 24.6 cm, Width: 19.5 cm Order a Copy

Received their letter last night. Will be crossing the (Rappahannock) river again in a few days. "They have taken a lot of artillery down near the river today." It is "bad weather for a fight." Received the order to pack up and be ready to march at midnight, but at 4:30 AM was told to go back to his quarters. Had gotten ready to march because there was word that the Rebels were heading north, but guesses that they "got the start on them." Thinks that his corps might head south to "return the compliment." Has no trouble reading his mother's handwriting, but does not get letters from her as often as he would like. Would like to eat some of their home cooking. Sid is well and sends his love. He is camped about a quarter mile away, so they do not see each other much. The camp is in the middle of an evergreen forest that reminds him of Christmas. Saw Ed Wade about a week and a half ago. He is now eight miles away, but has no time to see him.

Clapp, George, fl. 1839-1892

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