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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.

Bogart, Abram (fl. 1825-1865) to Mary M. Bogart

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03523.11.10 Author/Creator: Bogart, Abram (fl. 1825-1865) Place Written: South Carolina Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 12 September 1863 Pagination: 2 p. : envelope ; 20 x 12 cm. Order a Copy

Reports to his wife that his camp is quite sickly as the "measles have made their apearence." Writes that he has sent his pay, which is 25 dollars, minus "two and a few cents," which he kept for himself because "a man can't live here without some thing besides rations to eat..." He continues on to say that he values his health too much not to eat properly, and notes that he can do it quite inexpensively. Explains that the army does not seem to care about its soldiers, "if they cant do duty they are no more consequence than an old horse for there is no feeling for one another after they have all been marched to death all most then it is every man for himself..." Inquires about what is happening with the draft at home. Asks her to tell his parents that he has "not forgot them yet and would like to eat and smoke with them once more..." Letter postmarked from South Carolina. Letter is addressed to Masonville in Delaware County, New York.

Abram Bogart enlisted on 15 August 1862 at Sidney, New York as a Private. He was mustered into "I" Co. NY 144th Infantry. He was transferred from "I" Co. into "K" Co. on 16 October 1862. He was mustered out on 25 June 1865 at Hilton Head, South Carolina.

Bogart, Abram, fl. 1825-1865
Bogart, Mary M., fl. 1826-1865

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