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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.

Blanchard, Ira (b. 1835) to Mary (Wright) Kellogg

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03523.31.11 Author/Creator: Blanchard, Ira (b. 1835) Place Written: Peoria, Illinois Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 25 December 1861 Pagination: 6 p. ; 19.6 x 25.1 cm. Order a Copy

Blanchard writes to Mary Wright from Camp Lyon in Illinois. Apologizes for using the word "love" in his letters to her. Responds to her inquiry about the hospital in Cairo, Illinois. Expresses doubt that the rumors of poor treatment for the soldiers are true, even though he has never been there. Says he is sending her a box of products from the south. Mentions that most of the officers have their ladies with them. Letter is very faded and illegible in sections.

Blanchard enlisted 13 June 1861 in Illinois as a Sargeant. He mustered into "H" Co., Illinois, Infantry.

Blanchard, Ira, 1835-?
Kellogg, Mary Wright, 1844-1912

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