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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.

Augsberger, Richard C. (1923-1997) To Ardena Mae Fouts

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC09569.02 Author/Creator: Augsberger, Richard C. (1923-1997) Place Written: Camp Adair, Oregon Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 01 April, 1943 Pagination: 4p. ; 19.7 x 12.7 cm Order a Copy

Augsberger mentions Gene Autry, a singer that he and Ardena are both fond of. He also says that he had Ardena's name tattooed onto his arm. The tattoo reads "My Darling Wife Ardena Mae." He asks Ardena to send him a picture of her if she has had one taken recently. Augsberger tells Ardena that he will speak to the Captain tomorrow and ask for a transfer into the Air Corps. He signs the letter as "Your Loveing Husband Richard." On the back of the envelope it reads "S.W.A.K."

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