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 Skinkle

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03523.32.25 Author/Creator: Sayles, Sumner (fl. 1862-1868) Place Written: Vicksburg, Mississippi Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 15 November 1863 Pagination: 4 p. : envelope ; 19.6 x 25.3 cm. Order a Copy

Reports that a man named Eugene Thomas, along with the rest of the men, might have been taken prisoner while traveling home on a furlough. Writes that he has also heard the story is not true. Informs his sister that he sent both her and his mother a picture of himself. Writes about a friend who just recently died. Letter has an image and the words, "E Pluribus Unum."

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.

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

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