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.

Smith, Roman (fl. 1860-) to his friend Frank

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC06728.062 Author/Creator: Smith, Roman (fl. 1860-) Place Written: Nashville Depot, Chattanooga TN Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 5 January 1864 Pagination: 4 p : envelope ; 19.5 x 24.5 cm. Order a Copy

He writes that he is disappointed in not receiving as much correspondence as promised by his friend. Informs Frank that since the last time he wrote, he has taught himself how to use a telegraph machine. As a telegraph operator, he has been able to leave the regiment and receive up to $100 per month. Names several soldiers who have been killed or wounded and states that he will not go back to the regiment.

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