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.

Unknown to Asa W. Slayton

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 #: GLC03955.14 Author/Creator: Unknown Place Written: Grattan, Michigan Type: Autograph letter signed Date: no date Pagination: 4 p. ; 21.1 x 13.7 cm. Order a Copy

Complains that neighbors have been stealing produce, fruit and grains. Author threatens to shoot neighbors if they are found on property. Author notes that many neighbors are frequently on the move and hopes that these too will leave soon. Author makes mention of a debt Asa owes to a lawyer. Author pays $65.00 of debt and promises to settle the rest next time she goes into town. Author went to collect on a note from Mr. Denton who was unable to pay but vowed to pay at later date. Author reports that Mr. Day refused to take pictures saying he called for the pictures but they were not done and that Mr. Holton cannot do plastering of house that fall reports more on fruit harvest. Letter is dated 28 Ausgust, but contains no year.

Asa W. Slayton and Chester M. Slayton were brothers from Grattan, Michigan who served in the 25th Michigan Infantry Regiment. Asa W. Slayton enlisted as a sergeant at age 30 and Chester as a corporal at age 27, the later being promoted to full sergeant on 15 July 1864 during his participation in the Atlanta Campaign. Asa resigned from his position in the army in 1864 and returned to Grattan where he worked a school teacher, farmer and amateur artist. Chester served as a surveyor and draughtsman in the Engineers Department of the 25th Infantry until the end of the war. After being mustered out in June of 1865, he returned to Grattan to live as a farmer.

Slayton, Chester

Citation Guidelines for Online Resources