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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.

Maitland, John A. (fl. 1854-1863) to [James M. Maitland]

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03523.10.062 Author/Creator: Maitland, John A. (fl. 1854-1863) Place Written: Culley Iron Works Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 6 April 1863 Pagination: 2 p. ; 25 x 19.7 cm. Order a Copy

Tells his brother that he has been happily working at the Rolling Mill, where he has made 900 dollars. He is also in good health. Reports on farm activities and comments that their uncle, James Maitland died two years ago. States, "Conflict has come upon us at last the Fanatics North & South have Cursed our Country and God only knows when it will end. We have had a repetition of the reign of terror that our Forefathers Experienced." Continues on about the war, "Why I hardly know Who I was he says you are going to fight for your Country aint you boy you'll Fight for the Constitution & Union wont you O yes Ill fight for my Country For the Constitution and for the Union anything but the Nigger Did you say Nigger say Coloured man Why your a Traitor say this is war for Culled man, I replied my boy my Grandfather fought for the Constitution My Father Volunteered to Fight in the war of 1812 What Record can you bring from your Forefathers at that time..." Recipient inferred from content.

Maitland, John A., fl. 1854-1863
Maitland, James M., 1815-1864
Van Cleve, Horatio Phillips, 1809-1891

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