Our Collection

At the Institute’s core is the Gilder Lehrman Collection, one of the great archives in American history. More than 70,000 items cover five hundred years of American history, from Columbus’s 1493 letter describing the New World to soldiers’ letters from World War II and Vietnam. Explore primary sources, visit exhibitions in person or online, or bring your class on a field trip.

Advanced Search
Back to Collection Search

Terry, Robert B. (fl. 1861-1865) to Sister

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 #: GLC03523.08.33 Author/Creator: Terry, Robert B. (fl. 1861-1865) Place Written: Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 19 February 1862 Pagination: 4 p. : envelope ; 24.3 x 39.5 cm.

Writes to his sister from Camp Pierpont, informing her that Fort Henry, Fort Donelson, and Roanoke Island have been captured. Also mentions "the taking of Winchester and Savannah. The evacuation of Springfield and Bowling Green." Speaks of Confederate General Henry Alexander Wise's "escape." Convey's his admiration for Union General George McClellan's military planning and states "another month goes by this vile monster of Rebellion will be crushed to rise no more. And then with that pride we shall stand forth as a nation." Comments that "their no use of having a President if he dont do a president duty. The war is over now. that is all over the country."

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
McClellan, George B., 1826-1885
Wise, Henry Alexander, 1806-1876
Civil War and Reconstruction, 1861-1877
Civil War
Military History
Union Forces
Union Soldier's Letter
Soldier's Letter
Children and Family
Battle
Fortification
Confederate States of America
Patriotism
Union General
President
Government and Civics
The American Civil War

Order a CopyCitation Guidelines for Online Resources

The copyright law of the United States (title 17, United States Code) governs the making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Under certain conditions specified in the law, libraries and archives are authorized to furnish a photocopy or other reproduction. One of these specific conditions is that the photocopy or reproduction is not to be “used for any purpose other than private study, scholarship, or research.” If a user makes a request for, or later uses, a photocopy or reproduction for purposes in excess of “fair use,” that user may be liable for copyright infringement. This institution reserves the right to refuse to accept a copying order if, in its judgment, fulfillment of the order would involve violation of copyright law.