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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, Joseph M. (1839-1918) to Bell Wharton

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03523.10.151 Author/Creator: Maitland, Joseph M. (1839-1918) Place Written: Memphis, Tennessee Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 25 December 1864 Pagination: 4 p. : envelope ; 24.8 x 19.7 cm. Order a Copy

Wishes Bell "A Happy Christmas." Shares his sadness at being away from home and all the changes that have taken place in one year, especially the death of his father. Remarks he had turkey at the boarding house, "...but it didn't seem like eating Christmas dinner up north." Adds, "Since last night every one has been on a big drunk, of course I except myself, I only drank a quart or two of egg-nog." Reports his court has been reorganized and he is still on duty as a clerk. Closes letter with,"Remember me in your prayers Bell, for I have many temptations that you know not of."

Joseph Maitland enlisted on 8 August 1862 as a Private. He was mustered into "G" Co. OH 95th Infantry. He was mustered out 31 May 1865 at Memphis, Tennessee.

Maitland, Joseph M., 1839-1918
Wharton, Bell, b.1843

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