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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) to Sister

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03523.08.16 Author/Creator: Terry, Robert B. (fl. 1861-1865) Place Written: Washington, D.C. Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 11 September 1861 Pagination: 4 p. : envelope ; 18.2 x 22.5 cm. Order a Copy

Informs his sister that they have returned to their old camp ground in Georgetown. Describes a recent battle they fought, "on the other side of the Potomac," relaying stories of "balls a whizzing through the air." Reports that during the battle they received a dispatch from General Nathaniel Banks, but the Rebels did not cross the river again. Reports that he should be home for Christmas. Written on red and blue bordered stationery with a small image of a woman and the words, "Union and Prosperity" in the top left corner.

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.

Terry, Robert B., fl. 1861-1865
Banks, Nathaniel Prentiss, 1816-1894

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