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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.

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03523.42.33 Author/Creator: Unknown Place Written: s.l. Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 12 October 1863 Pagination: 4 p. : envelope ; 15.8 x 20.2 cm. Order a Copy

Writes that they were very happy to receive his letter. They were worried that he would not receive their letter as he changes his position so often. Asks that he write to them again. His friends are glad that they enjoy their letters and are happy that he praises them so much. They have heard many "exaggerated accounts" of the battle [of Chickamauga]. The Copperheads in the North are deeming the battle a "defeat" of Union Major General William Rosecrans. From the latest reports, it appears, that the "rebs had much the worst of it." Hopes that Rosecrans will be spared so that he can go on to fight the Confederates again. Writes that the other army of the north [the Army of the Potomac] is full of "do-nothings." Thinks that the Army of the Potomac advances too cautiously and when they see or think they see the "shadows of approaching Rebels" the whole army retreats. Questions the bravery of the Army of the Potomac.

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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