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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.

Weeks, John F. (fl. 1860) to his sisters

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC06728.058 Author/Creator: Weeks, John F. (fl. 1860) Place Written: Chattanooga, TN Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 5 November 1863 Pagination: 4 p : envelope ; 12.5 x 20 cm. Order a Copy

Complains about the reduced rations of food. Reports that the rebels still hold Lookout Mountain but the breastworks are substantial enough that the rebels would be defeated. Writes that General Osterhaus is in Tuscumbia, Alabama. Continues to write about the lack of food. The soldiers contemplated eating some mule meat, but were able to get some hard tack and sow belly to appease their hunger. Mentions the exemption law and hopes that it is repealed by January of 1864. Advises that a friend not move to the West as "the conveniences he will find in the West he will find as many inconveniences to more than balance the advantages he gains".

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