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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.

Clapp, George (fl. 1839-1892) to parents

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC09355.030 Author/Creator: Clapp, George (fl. 1839-1892) Place Written: s.l. Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 7 December 1863 Pagination: 4 p. : envelope ; 18 x 11.4 cm. Order a Copy

Lists all of the things he wants send in his box: "1 pair of blue shirts of the color of blue yard not such a dark blue as you have made as they might fade. 1 pair of boots just like the last pair that Mellon made for me…1 pair of good woolen gloves and a pair of light buck the same as I have had. 1 pair of good suspenders. 2 handkerchiefs. 1 bunch of envelopes such as you send your letters to me in." List also includes paper, pencils, a portfolio, a hatchet, a tin cup, tobacco, and some grease for the boots. Has been on picket duty for a few days, but hopes to be heading back to camp soon. Will be getting a new captain soon, since Bliss tried to get his discharge. "We," unlike officers, "can't resign when we get tired of this life."

Clapp, George, fl. 1839-1892

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