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.

Wortham, George (ca. 1823-1883) to James S. Wortham

High-resolution images are available to schools and libraries via subscription to American History, 1493-1943. Check to see if your school or library already has a subscription. Or click here for more information. You may also order a pdf of the image from us here.

Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03064 Author/Creator: Wortham, George (ca. 1823-1883) Place Written: North Carolina Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 13 May 1863 Pagination: 4 p. : envelope ; 22 x 14.5 cm. Order a Copy

Writes to his father regarding activities of his regiment, his request for a furlough, and possible promotion. Says his regiment recently destroyed a railroad bridge. Their current encampment is "indeed a picture of desolation"; he hopes they will be leaving for Virginia soon. There is an upcoming election for a new Colonel, which he doubts he will win, but does not consider it impossible. Written at "Moseley Creek," eighteen miles south of Kinston, North Carolina.

George Wortham was a Confederate officer, who served as a Captain in the Twelfth North Carolina Infantry and later Colonel in the Fiftieth North Carolina Infantry.

Wortham, George, fl. 1823-1883
Wortham, James S., fl. 1863

Citation Guidelines for Online Resources