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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.

Edwards, Oliver (1835-1904) to Eunice Lombard Edwards

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02163.12 Author/Creator: Edwards, Oliver (1835-1904) Place Written: s.l. Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 20 March 1863 Pagination: 4 p. ; 24.7 x 19.6 cm. Order a Copy

Replies to his mother from head quarters, 37th Regiment Massachusetts Volunteers. Notes that since the Grand Divisions (of the Army of the Potomac) have been disbanded, mail is slower in reaching its destination. Discusses personal business and financial matters. Notes that Doctor Crehore took leave, since the sick members of the regiment are presently comfortable. Refers to other men in his regiment: Captains Lincoln and Hayden, and Lieutenants Charlie Phelps and Plunkett. Notes that William L'Hommedieu was "sent this morning to the Rif Rafs for the term of his enlistment to hard labor with ball and chain... for sleeping on his Post on Piquet duty." Edwards had spoken well of L'Hommedieu to the regiment, and had sent the banished soldier with a certificate of previous good conduct. Notes that L'Hommedieu would have been lucky to have died at Fredericksburg. Remarks that his brother-in-law, Charles Henry Hurd, has gone to Washington, D.C. to see his sister, Julia Edwards Hurd.

For biographical information pertaining to Oliver Edwards, refer to GLC02163. The 37th Regiment was part of the Army of the Potomac September 1862- July 1864.

Edwards, Oliver, 1835-1904
Edwards, Eunice Lombard, 1797-1875
Hurd, Charles Henry, 1833-1877
Hurd, Julia Edwards, 1832-1911
L'Hommedieu, William H., 1842-?

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