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.

Swain, Julius Marshall (1835-1911) to Joel

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 #: GLC00653.10.08 Author/Creator: Swain, Julius Marshall (1835-1911) Place Written: Washington, D.C. Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 19 July 1863 Pagination: 6 p. ; 24.9 x 19.7 cm. Order a Copy

Written from Georgetown, in Washington, D.C. Describes his efforts to follow orders even in adverse conditions. Includes a copy of an order from Captain Nickodemus. Has been transferred several times, and complies in hopes for promotion. Remarks on the calvary's "reputation for courage and determination." Took three rebels captive. Found a stray valuable horse.

Swain was a telegrapher with the Massachusetts Signal Corps, 38th Regiment. He enlisted in 1862 as a second lieutenant, and was commissioned into the US Army Signal Corps in 1863, resigning in 1865. He was breveted first lieutenant and captain 13 March 1865. Swain considered joining the 54th Mass. (Colored) Regiment.

Swain, Julius Marshall, 1835-1911

Citation Guidelines for Online Resources