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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 #: GLC03523.42.57 Author/Creator: Fuller, Franklin W. (fl. 1861-1865) Place Written: s.l. Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 5 May 1865 Pagination: 4 p. : envelope ; 20.4 x 25.2 cm. Order a Copy

Written on the ammunition train of the 2nd Division of the 4th Alabama, near Nashville, Tennessee. He thanks her for sending him money as they have not received any pay yet. There are rumors that they will be paid soon but he does not expect to be paid until he is mustered out. He has sent her a package with some clothing items and a blanket; he asks her to "stow" these items away for him. Thinks only the veteran troops and the new recruits with at least one year to serve will go to Texas. There is little said about returning home but he is "confident" that they will be home by 4 July. Plans are being made for a grand review. He is very anxious and excited to return home. Writes that the weather is very nice as is the campground and there is nothing to "hinder from taking a good deal of comfort." Writes that Nashville is a very nice town. He is excited for their marriage and often thinks about it.

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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