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.

Roe, P. J. (1848) to Sarah Whiteman

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC06469 Author/Creator: Roe, P. J. (1848) Place Written: Molino Del Rey, Mexico Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 14 February 1848 Pagination: 3 p. : address ; 24.9 x 19.7 cm. Order a Copy

Reports the death of four soldiers from the measles. Has recently left Mexico City and is camping out in tents, which he likes much better than being in the city as the men are much healthier. Reports the news of peace, the Treaty of Guadalupe-Hidalgo, signed 2 February 1848. Tells Whiteman that he has not deceived her. He writes, "I think it entirely necessary for a woman to be satisfied fully of the heart of man and know before going to far that he has a breast that beats for her but of this I know that you are aware of my feelings towards you and more I wish that every thought that ever enter my mind in regard to you was written on the blue heavens in letters where you could read them, then I think your fears would vanish and you would view your best friend in a proper light." Encloses flowers picked in Mexico City (not included). Also mentions a black servant in camp. Written on pink paper.

Roe, P.J., fl. 1848
Whiteman, Sarah, fl. 1848

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