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

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 #: GLC03523.32.39 Author/Creator: Sayles, Sumner (fl. 1862-1868) Place Written: Brownsville, Arkansas Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 17 September 1864 Pagination: 4p. : envelope ; 21 x 26.5 cm. Order a Copy

Writes to his sister from camp. Informs her that he received the stamps that she sent him. Mentions seeing her husband's cousin and that he sends his best. Reports that they are preparing for another expedition. Writes that he and the boys in camp think "old abe" (Abraham Lincoln) should be the next President. Comments that they would vote for him but they do not believe that they will be allowed to. Sends his best to everyone back home. The letter has a watermark on the top left hand corner.

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

Citation Guidelines for Online Resources