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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.

Curtis, Samuel Ryan (1805-1866) to John H. Hawes

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC04088 Author/Creator: Curtis, Samuel Ryan (1805-1866) Place Written: Washington, D.C. Type: Free frank Date: circa 21 July 1861 Pagination: 4 p. : envelope : free frank ; 7.8 x 13.5 cm. Order a Copy

Page, writing from the Treasury Department, Fifth Auditor's Office, comments on personal matters and mutual acquaintances, mentions attending "the Inauguration," says he.intends to watch the Battle of First Bull Run, and weighs in on Lincoln and Stephen A. Douglas. Writes, "By the way, I take it for granted that you are heart & soul for the war- that you have enough of the spirit of Gen Jackson for that- I take it for granted that you conced Lincoln makes a good President, as I admit in similar circumstances Douglas would- peace to his ashes." Letter measures 20.6 x 26.8 cm. Comes with original envelope free franked by Curtis.

Stephen A. Douglas lost to Lincoln in the 1860 Presidential election. He died in June 1861. Curtis served as a United States Representative from Iowa 1857-1862, and was a general in the Civil War.

Curtis, Samuel Ryan, 1805-1866
Page, Charles A., 1838-1873
Hawes, John H., Jr.,1837-?
Jackson, Andrew, 1767-1845
Lincoln, Abraham, 1809-1865
Douglas, Stephen Arnold, 1813-1861

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