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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.

Glaze, H. S. to Amos J. Harding

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02178.10 Author/Creator: Glaze, H. S. Place Written: Macon, Missouri Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 23 July 1865 Pagination: 2 p. ; 26.7 x 21.3 cm. Order a Copy

Mustered out of service on 13 July and finally feels like a free citizen. Has not gone into business yet and is not sure where and what business he will get into, but it will happen soon. In St. Louis, he saw a mutual friend, who looked fine as usual. Harding has a poor opinion of Nashville. Glad that Harding is strongly taking the side of the colored people. Writes that black people will "suffer great hardship by their former masters unless protected by the military and especially by the officers in the Freedmen's Bureau." Has never been an advocate of immediately extending suffrage to recently freed African-Americans, but would like them to better inform themselves and vote intelligently. If they can "halt the schemes of the Copperheads (or Rebels)" then he is for African-American suffrage with all his heart. States that people "should not let their personal notions prevent them from favoring a measure that will result with good for the country." Writes that he is now more convinced than ever before that a loyal man should take the side in opposition to the one taken by those who have favored this rebellion. Saw Governor Thomas Clement Fletcher in St. Louis and Mr. Rodman in Macon a few days ago. The latter was very glad to hear that Harding is in favor of African-American suffrage. Sorry to see President Andrew Johnson pardoning so many rebels. Thinks it will do no good unless he appoints "northern men to hold offices in the South because these pardoned pro-slavery rebels will favor only those who believe as they do; consequently, it is placing the rebels in power again and some of the lately appointed Governors have not got good records." Gives his regards to General Fisk, Captain Clarke, and others of his acquaintances. Ends by writing that he would like to hear from Harding often.

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