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.

Braithwaite, Mary (fl. 1860-1867) to Isora Sayles

High-resolution images are available to schools and libraries via subscription to American History, 1493-1943. Check to see if your school or library already has a subscription. Or click here for more information. You may also order a pdf of the image from us here.

Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03523.32.01 Author/Creator: Braithwaite, Mary (fl. 1860-1867) Place Written: Hinsdale, Illinois Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 9 November 1860 Pagination: 2 p. : envelope ; 20.4 x 12.7 cm. Order a Copy

Discusses the upcoming presidential election. Writes about the Prince of Wales, Edward Albert, passing through the area. Comments that they had special train cars (the royal train) that were done up in the most beautiful style. Describes the train cars as having silk velvet sofas, white muslin curtains, and rocking chairs. Inquires about the attire that the ladies wear and wants her to send some of the material.

Edward Albert was the eldest son of Queen Victoria and later became King Edward VII. President James Buchanan hosted several parties at the White House in honor of the Prince of Wales during Edward's visit in the fall of 1860.

Braithwaite, Mary fl. 1860-1867
Sayles, Isora, fl. 1860-1868
Buchanan, James, 1791-1868

Citation Guidelines for Online Resources