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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.

Damuth, Dolphus (fl. 1839-1913) to John Damuth

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03523.14.02 Author/Creator: Damuth, Dolphus (fl. 1839-1913) Place Written: Camp Bryant, Mississippi Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 7 November 1862 Pagination: 4 p. : envelope ; 12.5 x 20.5 cm. Order a Copy

Writes to let his family know that he arrived safely in Helena, Arkansas, and that the army has crossed the Mississippi River. Gives detailed description of setting up camp, pitching tents and preparing for guard duty along the river. Damuth is in command of twenty-seven men on the look out for guerrilla Rebel soldiers. Tells a story about a black mule driver who was forced to give up his team and wagon to Damuth's colonel. Mentions that there are "20000 more [men] across the river at Helena and more coming every day." There are few other troops from Wisconsin. Rumors have been circulating among the men that they are headed for Vicksburgh, and Damuth's opinion is optimistic - "I think we can clean them out good." Tells his family that he wishes they were able to see all the things they have been hearing of in the news, but adds that "the country is a hard looking place and the people looked as if they were half starved." Mentions the slaves' consciousness of the impending Emancipation Proclamation, saying that they all "know what is going to happen the 1st of Jan." Requests that his family send a paper with election results.

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