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.

Sayles, Sumner (fl. 1862-1868) to Isora Sayles

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03523.32.17 Author/Creator: Sayles, Sumner (fl. 1862-1868) Place Written: Vicksburg, Mississippi Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 11 July 1863 Pagination: 4 p. : envelope ; 20.2 x 25.1 cm. Order a Copy

Writes to his sister. Reports that they entered Vicksburg, Mississippi on July 4th. Describes conquering and entering Vicksburg, Mississippi as being the most glorious fourth he ever had. Reports that 30 to 40 thousand men surrendered and were taken prisoner. Remarks on the layout of Vicksburg, Mississippi and says that is made up of nothing but gulfs and levies. Comments that they are now busy fortifying and performing guard duty. Notes that they have to be on guard duty every other day and sometimes daily. Writes of a man named Burnsam being a scamp and wishes that he would have to go back to jail.

Sumner Sayles enlisted as a private on 9 August 1862. He mustered into "H" Co. IL 95th Infantry. He mustered out on 17 August 1865. The siege of Vicksburg began on 18 May 1863 and ended on 4 July 1863.

Sayles, Sumner, fl. 1862-1868
Sayles, Isora fl. 1860-1868

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