Our Collection

At the Institute’s core is the Gilder Lehrman Collection, one of the great archives in American history. More than 70,000 items cover five hundred years of American history, from Columbus’s 1493 letter describing the New World to soldiers’ letters from World War II and Vietnam. Explore primary sources, visit exhibitions in person or online, or bring your class on a field trip.

Back to Collection Search

Russell, E. S. (fl. 1861-1862) to Hannah E. Russell

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 #: GLC03523.50.02 Author/Creator: Russell, E. S. (fl. 1861-1862) Place Written: s.l. Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 11 December 1861 Pagination: 2 p. ; 20.1 x 12.6 cm.

Summary of Content: Writes to his wife. Wishes that he could visit home but says that the colonel will not allow any furloughs. Comments that they now have their arms and equipment. Wants her not to fret about him and to take care of his "Dear little babes," and not to forget to pray for him "with a singer hart." Inquires about money, and requests that she not send any but to use it to make the family as comfortable as possible. Sends his love and asks for her to write him back immediately. Letter is slightly damaged causing minor text loss. Written on paper with an image of the American flag and the logo, "PROTECT IT."

Background Information: E. S. Russell enlisted as a private on 1 November 1861. He mustered into "G" Co. OH 65th Infantry. He died of disease on 8 May 1862 at Louisville, Kentucky.

People: Russell, E. S., fl. 1861-1862
Russell, Hannah E., fl. 1861-1865

Historical Era: Civil War and Reconstruction, 1861-1877

Subjects: Civil WarMilitary HistoryUnion ForcesSoldier's LetterUnion Soldier's LetterWeaponryMilitary SuppliesChildren and FamilyWomen's HistoryFinanceLove LettersAmerican FlagPatriotic StationeryReligion

Sub Era: The American Civil War

Order a Copy Citation Guidelines for Online Resources

Copyright Notice: The copyright law of the United States (title 17, United States Code) governs the making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Under certain conditions specified in the law, libraries and archives are authorized to furnish a photocopy or other reproduction. One of these specific conditions is that the photocopy or reproduction is not to be “used for any purpose other than private study, scholarship, or research.” If a user makes a request for, or later uses, a photocopy or reproduction for purposes in excess of “fair use,” that user may be liable for copyright infringement. This institution reserves the right to refuse to accept a copying order if, in its judgment, fulfillment of the order would involve violation of copyright law.