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.

Ward, Edward K. (1837-1864) to his sister

High-resolution images are available to schools and libraries via subscription to American History, 1493-1943. Check to see if your school or library already has a subscription. Or click here for more information. You may also order a pdf of the image from us here.

Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02232.15 Author/Creator: Ward, Edward K. (1837-1864) Place Written: Shelbyville, Tennessee Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 5 March 1863 Pagination: 4 p. ; 23 x 28 cm. Order a Copy

Writes that he is very disappointed that a "fat letter" from home has been lost. Also writes that his brigade has been on outpost for over a month and he is anxious to leave. He asks his sister to deliver the enclosed notes to Miss Ettie (his ex-fiancee) and Miss Mollie. Writes that he's concerned that Miss Ettie has not been receiving his correspondence, but is certain that despite his sister's dislike for Miss Ettie, she would never cease from forwarding his letters to her. Requests that his sister send him a fat letter whenever possible. In a postscript note, he informs her that he has since received a letter from home. He writes that Marshall (their brother Samuel Marshall Ward) is homesick and has not received his sister's picture.

Edward K. Ward was a commissioned officer in Company A of the 4th Tennessee Infantry (Shelby Greys).

Ward, Edward K., 1837-1864
Ward, S. Elmira, fl. 1861

Citation Guidelines for Online Resources