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.

Bope, John (b. 1838) to Lydia Bope

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03523.03.03 Author/Creator: Bope, John (b. 1838) Place Written: Cleveland, Ohio Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 1 January 1862 Pagination: 2 p. : envelope ; 25 x 25 cm. Order a Copy

Bope writes to his mother from Camp Wood. Expresses thanks for the candy she sent for Christmas. Letterhead has a drawing of a cannon and American flag with the phrase "OUR COMPROMISE" written underneath. Envelope has a humorous image and caption depicting soldiers being distracted from their commanding officer due to the presence of a young woman.

John Bope enlisted on 8 August 1861 as a private. He was mustered into "D" Co., Ohio 49th Infantry.

Bope, John, 1838-?
Bope, Lydia, 1812-1889

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