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.

Elmore, Bruce (fl. 1862-1865) to Libbie Elmore

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC06588.228 Author/Creator: Elmore, Bruce (fl. 1862-1865) Place Written: Near Alexandria, VA Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 4 July 1865 Pagination: 4 p. ; 20.5 x 26 cm. Order a Copy

He writes that the other soldiers are getting drunk for Independence Day. He wishes he could have spent the day with her. "Freedom is no longer a doubtful trial, but a certainty..." he says referring to the recent victory. He wishes she could hire help on the farm but thinks she is doing well.

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