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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.

McParlin, Thomas A. (1825-1897) to William H. McParlin

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02649.13 Author/Creator: McParlin, Thomas A. (1825-1897) Place Written: Chicago, Illinois Type: Autograph letter signed Date: circa 17 March 1864 Pagination: 4 p. : envelope ; 20.2 x 12.5 cm. Order a Copy

Discusses the need for medical supplies, commenting that "The sickness at Camp Douglas is on the decline - but the prisoners of war at Camp Butler near Springfield are reported as having much sickness among them." Comments on his impression of Chicago and the traffic on the river running through the city. Notes his plans to celebrate St. Patrick's Day. Discusses financial matters including Congressional plans to cut his salary. Notes "Treasury notes is the best currency here except of course gold & silver. Bank notes are brought from Connecticut, N.Y., Massachusetts, Vermont & New Hampshire and silver change is scarce: gold non apparent." The year is not given.

McParlin, T. A. (Thomas Andrew)., 1825-1897
McParlin, William H., b. 1840?

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