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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 #: GLC03523.52.67 Author/Creator: Kessler, Thomas J. (fl. 1843-1868) Place Written: Petersburg, Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 27 September 1864 Pagination: 5 p. : envelope ; 20.3 x 25.3 cm. Order a Copy

Writes to his father from camp. States it is quiet in camp but they are under marching orders. Describes being in the masters department where he cooks for six and has first rate living. Discusses the possibility of his father visiting him this fall. Explains he is on the move a lot and it may be difficult for him to catch up with them. Informs him he will be sending $60 home. Mentions his colonel believes some of the band members will be discharged and he will be one of them. Expresses his doubts on receiving a discharge. 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
Kessler, A. P., fl. 1863

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