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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.

Ekings, Thomas (fl. 1862-1864) to Sarah Ogden

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC06559.026 Author/Creator: Ekings, Thomas (fl. 1862-1864) Place Written: s.l. Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 12 Novermber 1863 Pagination: 6 p. : envelope ; 20.5 x 12.6 cm. Order a Copy

Writes he has been sick, but has continued his duty, despite this. Says his illness was brought on by exposure and neglect, but by the time his regiment moves, he should be better. Believes he already sent Ogden a photograph, but says he will send another as soon as he can. Notes when his regiment moved out of Warrington, Virginia, the Rebel citizens of the town "expressed regret." After leaving Warrington, their division got into an engagement at the Rappahannock in which he judged the Rebels to be overconfident. His regiment did not fight in this engagement. Mentions that the Rebels are "supposed to be formed in line near Culpepper." There are several Rebel camps in the vicinity, which appear to be winter encampments. Writes he has been promoted to the position of first Lieutenant of the company. States the weather has been extremely cold, and he believes that they will be subjected to a very severe winter.

Sarah Perot Ogden was a Quaker from Philadelphia who took part in variety of philanthropic works such as assisting the Pennsylvania Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children. She was a member of the Pennsylvania Society of Colonial Dames of America, the Philadelphia Chapter of Daughters of the American Revolution, and President of the Philadelphia Home for Incurables. Both Ogden and her husband, Edward H. Ogden, were strong supporters of the Union cause. During the Civil War Ogden volunteered in a military hospital where she made daily visits. Her husband served as a Union soldier.

Ogden, Sarah Morris Perot, 1831-1912

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