Our Collection

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.

West, Lewis H. (b. 1829) to R. West

High-resolution images are available to schools and libraries via subscription to American History, 1493-1943. Check to see if your school or library already has a subscription. Or click here for more information. You may also order a pdf of the image from us here.

Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03836.48 Author/Creator: West, Lewis H. (b. 1829) Place Written: Aboard the USS "Ladona" at Charleston, South Carolina Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 29 May 1863 Pagination: 3 p. : docket ; 20.2 x 12.6 cm. Order a Copy

Says he has not written because he has been busy with the absence of Mr. Carr and the discharge of their master at arms, both of whose duties he has to see to. Says the blockade is as bad as it has usually been, with ships running it every day. Says the navy needs double the amount of vessels and a more energetic commanding officer. Tells of talking to a captured British captain who ran the blockade 20 times. Says the blockading fleet is suffering from "The ram fever," as ramming ships are everywhere. References a letter from his sister Mary from 23 April.

Citation Guidelines for Online Resources