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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.

Fuller, Franklin W. (fl. 1861-1865) to Mary

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03523.42.18 Author/Creator: Fuller, Franklin W. (fl. 1861-1865) Place Written: Bowling Green, Kentucky Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 30 November 1862 Pagination: 4 p. : envelope ; 16.3 x 20.4 cm. Order a Copy

It is raining out so he cannot go for his usual walk. Writes that it is discouraging to be an "invalid" sometimes. He states that his appetite and strength are only a "little better." Writes that he is still having difficulty with his stomach but that it is better then before. Wishes that he could have a few weeks with his friends but does not think that this will be possible. He has a plan to go see his uncle by boarding a train with help of some friends. From there he will be able to see her and then will head back to rejoin his regiment. He has thought of this plan because he cannot get a furlough. He does no think that he will be in danger of being a deserter as he plans on returning after visiting her and his uncle. He still has not made up his mind if he will attempt this plan or not.

Franklin W. Fuller from Howard, Illinois enlisted on 14 August 1862 as a Sergeant. He mustered into the I Company of the Illinois 74th Infantry on 4 September 1862. He was mustered out on 10 June 1865 in Nashville, Tennessee.

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