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.

Kell, John McIntosh (1823-1900) to Julia Blanche Kell

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC00684.06 Author/Creator: Kell, John McIntosh (1823-1900) Place Written: Savannah, Georgia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 24 February 1861 Pagination: 4 p. ; 18 x 14 cm. Order a Copy

Writes to his wife about a package he has sent her. Responds to news of his sons' ill health and suggests a healthier diet for them. Mentions a ship named the Everglade which is to be purchased the next day, "when I will take immediate command." The ship will be renamed the Savannah. Has gathered a group of "25 men & will probably make up the 50 before I leave." Year of letter inferred from day of week.

The Everglade, acquired in February 1861 and renamed the Savannah, was the first ship of the Georgia Navy.

Kell, John McIntosh, 1823-1900
Kell, Julia Blanche, 1836-1917

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