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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 friends

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03523.52.61 Author/Creator: Kessler, Thomas J. (fl. 1843-1868) Place Written: Petersburg, Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 13 July 1864 Pagination: 4 p. ; 20.6 x 26 cm. Order a Copy

Writes to his friends. Reports some artillery firing and little picket firing. Discusses what his life would be like if he never enlisted. Writes, "we live to much on the heathen style Here have not much respect for each other especialy [sic] the soldiers quarrel and curs each other to a great extent." Discusses his band's drummer who is sick in the hospital and expected to die soon. Signs letter "from your affectionate brother and son."

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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