Gilpin, Sarah Lydia (1802-1894) [Diaries and journals of Sarah Lydia Gilpin] [word processed inventory available]
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC06846 Author/Creator: Gilpin, Sarah Lydia (1802-1894) Place Written: [various places] Type: Manuscript Date: 1820-1879 Pagination: 13 diaries Order a Copy
Diary of a woman who was a close friend of Sophie Du Pont. Writings span with gaps, 1820-21, 1863-72, 1874-75, 1879. Diaries are written from Wilmington, Delaware and New York City. The author of the later diaries corresponded with Admiral S.F. Du Pont, among other people. Usual topics include household events, weather, her reading, church meetings, family, financial and parties. Noteworthy topics include the Battle of Gettysburg, Lincoln Assassination, aid for free blacks. Abolition sentiment is evident in a 21 January 1865 entry "brought an appeal for aid for the poor negroes liberated by Sherman who are suffering in great need of everything. It is a gigantic undertaking but the North ought to do it or giving them freedom is a farce." There is a brief but moving description of national shock and mourning after learning of Lincoln's assassination which fills several pages. (Believed by previous owner to be members of the famous Delaware Du Pont family)
Gilpin was the daughter of Joshua Gilpin, a Wilmington, Delaware paper manufacturer and a contemporary of E. I du Pont. She was also related to William Gilpin, the first territorial governor of Colorado who accompanied J.C. Fremont on his 1843 expedition. There are Gilpin family papers at the Hagley Museum and Library, the site of the gunpowder works founded by E. I. du Pont in 1802.
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