Our Collection

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 Maria Damuth

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03523.14.39 Author/Creator: Damuth, Dolphus (fl. 1839-1913) Place Written: Louisiana Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 14 October 1863 Pagination: 4 p. : envelope ; 12.5 x 20 cm. Order a Copy

Writes from the same campground where he wrote his last letter. Damuth thinks they will be there for some time. They are very isolated, "for all I know peace may be declaired now we are so far from any whear." The men have noticed a "great difference eather between Banks and Grant or els the Expedition against Vixburg and this is not much alike." Describes their lifestyle as calm and pleasant. Finds that he has "been to work for Old Abe 14 months," so that he has almost gotten halfway through his three years service. Mentions that there have been rumors "that France was about to recognize the Southern Confeteracy," but no one believes them to be true. Discusses voting and Copperheads, and makes it clear that he will vote for "the Union ticket" if he has the opportunity. Sends his family scales from an alligator.

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