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.

Semmes, A. G. (fl. 1860) to Paul J. Semmes

High-resolution images are available to schools and libraries via subscription to American History, 1493-1943. Check to see if your school or library already has a subscription. Or click here for more information. You may also order a pdf of the image from us here.

Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC00572.12 Author/Creator: Semmes, A. G. (fl. 1860) Place Written: New Orleans, Louisiana Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 7 August 1860 Pagination: 2 p. : docket ; 20 x 12.8 cm. Order a Copy

Writes to his brother to inform him that he has found a man, Major A. Kleber, formerly in the French army, who will suit his purposes. Paul Semmes was looking for someone to train the Georgia troops. States that this man organized the Zouaves company in New Orleans. Advises his brother to engage him soon or else he will be employed elsewhere. Docketed by Paul Semmes.

New Orleans August 7th
Dear Brother;
I have at length succeeded in finding a French gentleman who of all others will suit your purpose. He has for many years served in the French Army and from the most reliable service. I understand he has few if any superiors in this country.
He organized the Zouaves company in this City, his name is Major A. Kleber,
he is now at leisure and unless engaged soon may be employed elsewhere. I think it would be well for you to engage him at once. He wants also to know what compensation he is to get and how long his services may be needed. All I know of him is from gentlemen of this city, he has the bearing and manners of a true French gentleman etc.
A.G. Semmes

Semmes, Paul Jones, 1815-1863
Semmes, A.G., fl. 1860

Citation Guidelines for Online Resources