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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 A. P. Kessler

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03523.52.65 Author/Creator: Kessler, Thomas J. (fl. 1843-1868) Place Written: Petersburg, Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 17 September 1864 Pagination: 6 p. : envelope ; 20.3 x 25.3 cm. Order a Copy

Writes to his father from camp. Reports it is quiet in camp. Notes they are still waiting to hear from Washington, D.C. regarding their case. Discusses his fathers offer to take his place in the war. Comments he does not believe his father would be happy here and when he leaves the army he wants it to be permanently. Requests he send his boots by mail.

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
Kessler, A. P., fl. 1863

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