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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 #: GLC03523.42.23 Author/Creator: Fuller, Franklin W. (fl. 1861-1865) Place Written: Murfreesboro, Tennessee Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 20 June 1863 Pagination: 4 p. ; 20.4 x 25.2 cm. Order a Copy

Written "out on picket" near Murfreesboro, Tennessee. The officers are becoming familiar with her hand writing. He is glad to receive letters as it makes him feel that everyone at home cares for and remembers him. Sergeant Potter was recently discharged and is headed home today. He has received some mail from his brother-in-law Henry Stark and notes that the envelope was completely covered with directions. Asks if she can make him a few cotton shirts and send one through the mail. If she is unable to make the shirts she should get the material and ask Sarah to make them for him. He does not think it is a good idea for her to come and visit as she would be in a great deal of trouble with her parents. He knows that if she were to come it would be of comfort to him. However, he does not wish to see her come to any harm or have her "sex" questioned by any of the other men. He understands that the war is unfair and that it calls for many heroic actions. He wishes to serve his country so that he can return to her. Writes that he is sorry for the effect that his absences has caused.

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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