Our Collection

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.

Hill, Ambrose Powell (1825-1865) to Robert E. Lee

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC09154 Author/Creator: Hill, Ambrose Powell (1825-1865) Place Written: s.l. Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 24 May 1863 Pagination: 4 p. Order a Copy

"If a judicious appointment of Major General is not made, I fear that all this will be lost... Gen. Pender has fought with the Divisions in every battle, he has been four times wounded and never left the field, he has risen by death and wounds from fifth Brigadier to be its senior, had the best drilled and disciplined Brigade in the Division, and more than all, possesses the unbridled confidence of the Division. At the battle of Chancellorsville he seized the colors, and on horseback led his Brigade up and in to the Federal intrenchments. The effect of such examples of daring gallantry at critical moments is incalculable. I am very earnest in this matter, for I know that 10,000 men, led by a commander whom they know and have fought with may turn the tide of battle, and I do not think the Confederacy can afford to have this army defeated."

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