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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.

Bartlett, George O. (fl. 1862-1865) to Ira Andrews

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02158.14 Author/Creator: Bartlett, George O. (fl. 1862-1865) Place Written: Falmouth, Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 10 May 1863 Pagination: 4 p. ; 20.5 x 12.5 cm. Order a Copy

He writes about his frustration with the war's progress and the sense of defeatism he feels. He accuses the government of not thinking critically about the way in which "they use up human flesh." He also discusses the desolation of the area surrounding Fredericksburg. Bartlett also illustrates the dark character of the war at this point, telling Mr. Andrews about their encampment on top of a cemetery. Again, as in previous letters he ends with instructions on what to do with the money he is sending Mr. Andrews.

Barlett served with Company B, 1st Light Artillery Regiment Rhode Island. He was a tailor before the war and a widower.

Bartlett, George O., fl. 1862-1865

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