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.

Owen, John to James

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC09371 Author/Creator: Owen, John Place Written: s.l. Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 21 February 1865 Pagination: 6 p. Order a Copy

Captain of 36th Regiment U.S. Colored Troops, mentions the locations of fellow Harvard alums, including "[Robert Todd] Lincoln in the army," and the health of those released from POW camps. He announces the news that "at this moment [received from] the Orderly…'By telegraph…a despatch from Admiral Dahlgren that Charleston is evacuated & that he is running up to take possession - you will fire a…salute…for the Capture of Charleston & Columbia, U.S. Grant.…' Hurra for Dahlgren & Sherman - The fall of Ch. & Columbia ­ Yea! verily the end approaches & one last fight more & then peace.... Many of us…may not again see our loved homes - but the price of the victory will be gladly paid if this accursed Rebellion can only be crushed." Also writes: "6 Sophs have been out in the Chris. Com. & have devoted their time to teaching the Colored Troops….As you well know - letters are the all in all of a soldiers Life." To James, a Harvard classmate.

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