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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.

Irvine, Charles, 1756-1819 to Alexander Irvine

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC01450.023.07 Author/Creator: Irvine, Charles, 1756-1819 Place Written: Staten Island, New York Type: Autograph letter signed Date: circa October 1781 Pagination: 3 p. : address : docket ; 22.5 x 18.5 cm. Order a Copy

Writes to his brother in Aberdeen, Scotland that mail has been very irregular. The last letter he received from Alexander was dated 20 September. Comments that to the satisfaction of troops in New York, he has heard that Great Britain will continue the war. Reports that they are expecting a needed reinforcement of troops and ships. They do not know where the Continental army will strike next. Informs that they will be on Staten Island for the coming months. Discusses his need for finances and says he has been living very frugally since joining the regiment. Asks him to have his Aunt Mary and Bell get a few strong, plain shirts made and sent to him as soon as possible. Gives love to their mother and friends. Charles Irvine was a soldier in the British army during the Revolutionary War. Letter is undated so date is inferred from content and from the dates of other letters in the group.

Irvine, Charles, 1756-1819
Irvine, Alexander, 1754-1844

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