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.

Allen, William B. (fl. 1834-1880) to Will Allen

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02829.16 Author/Creator: Allen, William B. (fl. 1834-1880) Place Written: Aboard USS Resolute at Lookout Point, Maryland Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 26 August 1864 Pagination: 4 p. ; 20.4 x 12.6 cm. Order a Copy

Writes to his brother Will. Says he got a letter from their other brother George, which says he is well. Is glad that Will is getting along so well "in the Lodge" -- the Masonic Lodge. Says there are many Masons; on the Potomac Flotilla with him and they all seem happier when they meet. Says if he joins the Navy he can get him a position as paymaster steward for the flotilla. Says the pay is 45 dollars/month. Advises him to think about it rather than be drafted. Says he loves children and misses his very much. Goes on to send greetings to other family members. Says their brother Frank has been staying out of the line of fire, but that George's ship was in a heavy engagement, with his ship firing over 300 shells. George will probably be going to Norfolk, so the ship can be repaired. One page has a 2 inch tear, but does not affect legibility.

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