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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.

Williams, George W. (fl. 1864) to Mary Williams

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03618 Author/Creator: Williams, George W. (fl. 1864) Place Written: Petersburg, Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 31 July 1864 Pagination: 3 p. : envelope ; 7.5 x 12 cm. Order a Copy

Williams, a Union soldier, informs his sister that he was taken prisoner during the Battle of the Crater by Confederate forces the previous day. Relates that he was not wounded, and is in excellent health. Instructs Mary to write to Mrs. L. F. Hand of Binghamton, New York, to inform her that her husband, Sherman P. Hand, was also taken prisoner. Cross-writing on verso reveals that Williams served in Company I of the 48th Pennsylvania volunteers, 1st Brigade, 2nd Division, 9th Army Corps. Page three measures 10.6 x 7.1 cm. Envelope states "Care of Col Ould Com of Exchange C.S.A. to be forwarded via Flag of Truce." Includes a post mark from Old Point Comfort, 14 August 1864.

Lieutenant Hand served in the 43d Regiment, United States Colored Troops, Company E. He was taken prisoner at Petersburg 30 July, and resigned 2 May 1865. The Battle of the Crater was a disaster for the Union, reflecting leadership blunders and resulting in high casualties.

In Confederate Lines
Nr Petersburg Va July 31st 64
Dear Sister
Yesterday in the assault on the enemys works I had the misfortune to be taken Prisoner by the enemy, & this morning expect to start for Macon Ga. I was taken without being wounded and am in excellent health. It may be some time before you hear from me again but will write as soon as possible & will then tell you how to direct to reach me. Tell M.S. where I am & my account, as all will come out right bye & bye. In general we are unusual well but more of this__________.

Your affect. Brother

Write to Mrs. R.F. Hand
Binghamton N.Y.
& tell her that her
husband_______Sherman
P. Hand of my Co. is
a Prisoner with me &
is well Tell Father
to go to Oswego Express
Office & send the enclosed
to her

Williams, G. W., fl. 1864
Hand, Sherman P., fl. 1864-1865

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