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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.

Terry, Robert B. (fl. 1861-1865) [Collection of Robert S. Terry] [Decimalized .01-.98]

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03523.08 Author/Creator: Terry, Robert B. (fl. 1861-1865) Place Written: [various places] Type: Header Record Date: 1861-1864 Pagination: 98 items Order a Copy

Collection contains 97 letters, plus an additional manuscript document. Terry served in the 7th Pennsylvania Reserves. His letters include descriptions of camp life, sickness, heat stroke, uniforms, guard duty around Washington, first Manassas (Bull Run), the Penninsula campaign, Gettysburg, and Kilpatrick's raid. Terry saw little battle service but provided much commentary on contemporary events, including the visit of the Russian fleet (12 November 1863), which was largely responsible for cordial relations and the purchase of Alaska in 1867. Mentions many Generals, including Nathaniel Banks, George McClellan, Benjamin Franklin Butler, George Meade, Ambrose Burnside, George McCall, Ulysses S. Grant, Joseph Hooker, and Confederate Generals Stonewall Jackson and Robert E. Lee. Of particular note are letters GLC03523.08.11; GLC03523.08.24; and GLC03523.08.92. Discusses his admiration for General George McClellan throughout the duration of the collection.

Robert Terry enlisted on 4 June 1861 as a Private. He was mustered into "K" Co. PA 36th Infantry. He was discharged on 27 April 1865.

Grant, Ulysses S., 1822-1885

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