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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 #: GLC03523.31.21 Author/Creator: Blanchard, Ira (b. 1835) Place Written: Lake Providence, Louisiana Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 07 March 1863 Pagination: 4 p. ; 17.9 x 22.7 cm. Order a Copy

Blanchard writes to Mary Wright from a camp on Lake Providence. Refers to her letter of February fourteenth, and comments on the meaning of St. Valentines Day. Thanks her for the rose enclosed in the letter and says he "...will carry it on the bloody battle-field..." Discusses his trip down the river on the steamer Continental. Comments on the beauty of Lake Providence. Mentions it is one mile wide and fifteen miles long. Reports his camp extends on the southern shore for several miles and they are constructing boats.

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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