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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.

Wall, Charles (fl. 1864) to Jane

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03052 Author/Creator: Wall, Charles (fl. 1864) Place Written: Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 16 August 1864 Pagination: 4 p. ; 20.5 x 12.8 cm. Order a Copy

Expresses disappointment that Jane, probably his wife, does not write him often enough. Apologizes for not leaving more money to provide for Jane, and reports that he sent his most recent paycheck. Writes "You Cant scold worth a darn and had better not try." Reports on the Battle of the Crater (30 July 1864), stating "The way Grant got whipped is this, he blew up one of their forts, took two lines of works. And if it had not been for mismanagement in his under officers would have held them. So I don't think he got whipped so wonderful bad." Teases Jane about her cooking, reports on the weather and advises her on financial affairs. On patriotic letterhead.

The Battle of the Crater, which took place near Petersburg, Virginia, was a disaster for the Union.

Wall, Charles, fl. 1864

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