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.

Stark, Lydia (fl. 1862-1864) to her brother

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 #: GLC03523.42.56 Author/Creator: Stark, Lydia (fl. 1862-1864) Place Written: Baldwinsville, New York Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 23 April 1865 Pagination: 2 p. ; 24.9 x 19.5 cm. Order a Copy

Writes that the day is cold. There was a funeral service at the old church for Lieutenant Border. Lieutenant Border's family was there as well and they were all very distraught. Writes that she has received his letter from Huntsville, Alabama but expected that he would have written her from Illinois. Asks if he thinks he will have a hand in taking Richmond, Virginia or going after Confederate General Joseph E. Johnston. Hopes that when General William T. Sherman catches Johnston that he will not "let him off easy." Compares the rebels with the children from the story "The Woman Who Lived in a Shoe." Their "hearts sank" when they heard about the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln. Writes that Sunday was a day of great sadness, while Monday was a day of great joy as they heard that Richmond had been captured. The stores and shops in town closed in celebration of the Union victory. All the bells in town were rung and people illuminated and decorated their homes to celebrate. Writes that she and her family are doing well.

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.

Citation Guidelines for Online Resources