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.

Unknown "Am Thinking, Sadly Thinking"

High-resolution images are available to schools and libraries via subscription to American History, 1493-1943. Check to see if your school or library already has a subscription. Or click here for more information. You may also order a pdf of the image from us here.

Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC08413.22 Author/Creator: Unknown Place Written: Baraboo, WI Type: Envelope Date: 1861-1877 Pagination: 1 envelope ; 13 x 8.3 cm. Order a Copy

features poem

[Draft Created by Crowdsourcing]
AM THINKING, SADLY THINKING.

I am thinking, sadly thinking
Of those bright day-dreams of old,
When each thought was filled with sunshine
Ere the heart was crushed and cold.

I am thinking, sadly thinking,
Of the venture on life´s sea,
That one by one I´ve seen them vanish
Till so few are left to me.

I am thinking, sadly thinking,
Of one year ago to-night, (tonight)
When the dear ones were gathered
Gladly round our fireside bright.

And I´m thinking, sadly thinking
Of the happiest one that night;
Now the cold grave closes o´er him-
He is bid from mortal sight.

Now my thoughts are roving gladly,
To that glorious land above,
Where, in after years, we´ll greet them
In thrilling tones of love. 1865

Mrs. Alstead Brownell
Enfield Centre
N.Y.

Citation Guidelines for Online Resources