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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.

Floyd, John Buchanan (1806-1863) to Henry A. Wise

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02711.25 Author/Creator: Floyd, John Buchanan (1806-1863) Place Written: Washington, D.C. Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 26 November 1859 Pagination: 2 p. ; 20 x 25.5 cm. Order a Copy

To the governor of Virginia. Letter of introduction for William E. Jones in his effort to sell tents.

Virginia politician, governor of Virginia from 1849 to 1852. Secretary of War under Buchanan in 1857, but displayed a lack of administrative ability and was indicted in office. Accused of sending federal supplies to the South. Appointed a brigadier general in the Confederate army, and lost the crucial battle of Fort Donelson.

Washington
26th Nov. 1859

His Exey. Gov. Wise
Dr. Sir
This will be handed to you by Mr. Jones of the county of Washington
Who proposes to furnish the state with troops equipage if her need requires it.
The Tent has been in termed by the U.S. Army as the best Here to fore Constructed.
Mr. Jones is a graduate of the West Point Academy & is in every way a gentleman of the highest character and intelligence and is intitled [sic] to the fullest confidence.

I am Sir Very
Respectfully Your OBD. SERVANT
John B. Floyd

Floyd, John Buchanan, 1806-1863
Jones, William E., 1824-1864

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