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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.

Kessler, Thomas J. (fl. 1843-1868) to his sister

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03523.52.07 Author/Creator: Kessler, Thomas J. (fl. 1843-1868) Place Written: s.l. Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 13 August 1863 Pagination: 3 p. ; 20.3 x 24.9 cm. Order a Copy

Instructs his sister to sell some butter and eggs to purchase stamps. Advises her not to visit, says that the town is small and it would cost too much. Complains about the officers' backgrounds being in farming and not the military. Request that his father purchase him a colt with his money. Inquires after the family and everyone's health. The letter has a watermark on the top left hand corner.

Thomas J. Kessler enlisted as a private on 29 June 1863 at Edwardsburg, Michigan. On 8 July 1863 he mustered into "G" Co. Michigan 1st SharpShooters. He was mustered out on 28 July 1865 at Delaney House, Washington, D.C.

Kessler, Thomas J., fl. 1843-1868

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