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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.

Semmes, Emily J. (fl. 1862-1863) to Paul J. Semmes

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC00715.10 Author/Creator: Semmes, Emily J. (fl. 1862-1863) Place Written: Opelika, Alabama Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 1 June 1863 Pagination: 4 p. ; 20 x 13 cm. Order a Copy

Writes to her "dearest husband" as he is on his way to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, where he was mortally wounded in battle. Hopes that he is over his cold and fatigue. Asks if he would be able to come home if one of the family got sick because knowing this would put her at ease. Gives thanks that he made it through battles. Comments on their children and their schooling. Criticizes their daughters for their excessive pride, "...they do look down upon these poor people with such contempt I think it is so wicked I pray that they may see their sin." States that she has been very frugal, they have enough supplies and the garden is doing well. Includes a postcript instructing Semmes to "Destroy this as soon as you read it."

Semmes was a Georgia banker and plantation owner who served as agent for the State of Georgia during the preparations for the Civil War. He served as colonel of the 2nd Georgia in the Confederate Army at the outbreak of the war and was promoted to brigadier general in March 1862. He was assigned to a brigade in McLaws' division of Longstreet's corps fighting in Crampton's Gap, Sharpsburg, Fredericksburg, Salem Church, and Gettysburg, where he was mortally wounded.

Semmes, Emily J., fl. 1862-1863
Semmes, Paul Jones, 1815-1863

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