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.

Norton, Levi W. to wife

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 #: GLC09006.07 Author/Creator: Norton, Levi W. Place Written: Maryland Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 22 November 1861 Pagination: 4 p. : envelope : free frank ; 26.4 x 20.9 cm. Order a Copy

Envelope has free frank signature of Reuben Eaton Fenton. Writes from Camp Wool. Hopes the war will be brought to a speedy close so he can see Old Virginia. The general impression at Camp Wool and at Camp Caldwell is that secession will be over soon. About 100 men are on the sick list. He went to the 1st Regiment to bury a man who died the previous day. Started walking on a by-path for the Potomac River about 3PM. Approached the picket guard, which lines the Potomac for two miles, and saw a two-masted schooner coming up the river. Does not want to stay down in Maryland for the winter because he is determined to come home and take care of his wife and children. He would like to be able to stay at home but is content at just seeing his family. Writes that they shall celebrate Thanksgiving as if they were in New York State because they are New Yorkers.

Citation Guidelines for Online Resources