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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.

Miller, R. (fl. 1866) to Friend Canfield

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC05802.03 Author/Creator: Miller, R. (fl. 1866) Place Written: Petroleum Center, Pennsylvania Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 16 February 1866 Pagination: 3 p. ; 20.5 x 25 cm. Order a Copy

Regrets not writing before now but says that it is quite difficult for him because of his lame hand. Describes the success they have had in drilling for oil in the region. Advises that he should invest in the oil territory and come for a visit to see the oil wells. Mentions that there was a terrible fire last week but that it did not burn his well. States that the weather has been very cold.

Miller, R., fl. 1866

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