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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.

Wirt, Matilda (fl. 1864) to Cyrus Wirt

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03523.52.69 Author/Creator: Wirt, Matilda (fl. 1864) Place Written: Jefferson Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 5 October 1864 Pagination: 4 p. ; 19.9 x 24.9 cm. Order a Copy

Writes to her brother and sister. Informs them that Elles, their brother, has volunteered for the service. Requests they come down and visit before he leaves. Asks them to send two gallons of molasses down with whoever comes. Discusses the cold weather and making a fence. Jefferson is listed as the city but state is not listed. The letter is signed by Matilda, "your loving sister and brother Elles & Matilda." Surname is not given. Assuming she is not married, Matilda's surname should be Wirt since the letter is addressed to her brother, Mr. Cyrus Wirt.

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.

Wirt, Matilda, fl. 1864
Wirt, Cyrus, fl. 1864

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