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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.

Buckner, Simon Bolivar (1823-1914) to Mary K. Buckner

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC00992 Author/Creator: Buckner, Simon Bolivar (1823-1914) Place Written: Paducah, Kentucky Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 21 February 1862 Pagination: 2 p. ; 20 x 13 cm. Order a Copy

Confederate general Buckner writes to his wife, states that he is on his way to Indianapolis, where he was interred at Camp Morton after surrendering Fort Donelson to Union General Ulysses S. Grant. States that his staff is with him. With an autograph note signed on verso by Buckner to Grant, asking that it go to his wife. Sent care of Confederate General Albert Sidney Johnston.

[Draft Created by Crowdsourcing]
Paducah, Ky
Febry 21. 1862
My dear Mary:
My destination is Indianapolis, where I suppose I will be domiciled. On my arrival I will communicate further with you. My staff all go with me. Kiss my little darling for me, & believe me always Yours most devotedly
Simon-
To
Mrs Mary K. Buckner
Care of Gn A.S. Johnston
C.S. Army

[2]
Will Gen Grant please transmit this letter to my wife
Respectfully,
S.B. Buckner

Buckner, Simon Bolivar, 1823-1914
Buckner, Mary K., fl. 1862
Grant, Ulysses S. (Ulysses Simpson), 1822-1885
Johnston, Albert Sidney, 1803-1862

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