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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.

Payne, Samuel J. [Diary of Samuel Payne]

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02419 Author/Creator: Payne, Samuel J. Place Written: [various places] Type: Diary Date: 1865 Pagination: 66 p. ; 16 x 10 cm. Order a Copy

Autograph manuscript signed. The diary continues up to his return and includes a list of letters received for the year. Includes content on the siege and Battle of Mobile, Alabama, and closing at Shreveport, Louisiana, where General E. Kirby Smith surrendered. Also includes western theatre content throughout.

Payne enlisted in the Union Army on 25 March 1864 as a Private. On 25 March 1864 he mustered into "I" Co. Indiana 47th Infantry. He was mustered out on 23 October 1865 at Shreveport, Louisiana. Promoted to Sergeant.

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