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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.

Ogden, Edward H. (fl. 1853-1865) to Sarah Ogden

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC06559.140 Author/Creator: Ogden, Edward H. (fl. 1853-1865) Place Written: s.l. Type: Autograph letter Date: no date Pagination: 1 p. : envelope ; 26.5 x 21.5 cm. Order a Copy

Writes to his "Dear Wife" on his "Way to Hagerstown." Informs his wife he will mail this letter at the "first stopping place" his regiment reaches. Discusses the soldiers' inexperience, wishing that they had more time to drill. Despite their lack of experience, says the men are willing to go into battle and do their best. Writes he has resigned himself to the fact that he may not survive the war, and he asks that she realize this as well. Tells her that he will see both her and "our little ones" in Heaven. In a postscript, he asks that she remember him to Harriet Jacobs.

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
Ogden, Edward H., fl. 1853-1865

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