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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.

Shafer, David H. to Lydia A. Bishoff

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03523.40.24 Author/Creator: Shafer, David H. Place Written: Sir John's Run, Morgan County, Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 22 March 1863 Pagination: 3 p. ; 25.9 x 20.8 cm. Order a Copy

There has been some confusion over delayed receipt of letters. Even though Bishoff wrote Shafer twice, he only received one letter (in February). He thought she had forgotten her "best friends that are absent from home." Regardless, Shafer promises Bishoff that it was nothing more than a mix-up. Shafer discusses some news he has received from home (that Dan Wagoner is getting married). He then remarks that there are plenty of good-looking girls around, who are nearly all Irish. He explains that there are presently two companies at Sir John's Run. Shafer tells Bishoff he is stealing her trade, for he is serving as the cook for one mess (fifteen men), but he does not like the job very much. He has heard that Bishoff had a party, and requests that she give him "all the partickulars."

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