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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 #: GLC03523.43.03 Author/Creator: Unknown Place Written: Alexandria, Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 23 June 1862 Pagination: 2 p. : envelope ; 20.3 x 25.2 cm. Order a Copy

Signed G. J. H. Writes from Camp Alexandria. Thanks the recipient for the "interesting" letter he received. Mentions traveling 600 miles from Washington junction to Harpers Ferry, Virginia to Cumberland, Maryland by [train] cars. Describes the road being rough and Harpers Ferry being the roughest country he ever saw. Writes of washing himself "good" in the "little pool" everyday and believes that it benefits his health. Says he was "quite poor" when he first arrived from the 207th but he is now "fleshy." Worries about becoming sick and dying but believes that there is "sweet rest" in heaven. Discusses hearing about the recipient getting married once he returns from the 207th regiment. Letter was possibly written to John Reeser. Letter is damaged causing minor text loss.

John Reeser enlisted as a Private on 16 July 1864. He was mustered into "B" Co. PA 197th Infantry. He was promoted to Corporal on 18 August 1864. He was mustered out on 11 November 1864 at Philadelphia, PA. Jones was part of Company B, 11th Cavalry.

G. J. H., fl. 1862
Reeser, John, fl. 1862-1865

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