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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.

Williams, George M. (fl. 1862) to his wife

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC06582.57 Author/Creator: Williams, George M. (fl. 1862) Place Written: Richmond, Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 3 December 1862 Pagination: 3 p. Order a Copy

Informs her that he received her letter and is very thankful. He also mentions that he bought her several hairpins "and any other little articles I think you may need." He tells her of his departure which will be between the 16th and 20th, and explains that he is "now exempt from military service, being a Notary Public", and so will soon see her. He also mentions that he is worried because as " the weather grows winterish day by day," the poor will suffer more and more for they have nowhere to go and the wood is "at 18 & 20 dollars per cord." He also describes the Yankees' position. He informs her that they probably will not trouble her this winter for they are "at Fredsburg & must either remain there or come to the south side." He shows his confidence and admiration for the Southern army by saying that "no matter where they [the Yankees] go, they will have to fight Lee & his army, the best army, with the best General in the world at this time."

Williams, George M

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