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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.

Garaudy, Ellis (fl. 1969) to Nancy Anderson

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC09607 Author/Creator: Garaudy, Ellis (fl. 1969) Place Written: Vietnam Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 7 June 1969 Pagination: 2 p. : envelope ; 24 x 15.9 cm. Order a Copy

One letter from Ellis Garaudy to Nancy Anderson dated June 7, 1969. Ellis thanks Nancy for the fudge she sent, and commenting that he shared the gum with friends. He also mentions that he had the picture she sent him enlarged and painted on silk in oil paints. Ellis reports that he has not been sleeping well due to increased bombing and activity. He writes, "We just had the hell kicked out of us by the communists. The air bases have been getting hit very heavily, and it's getting worse every night." He finishes the letter writing, "I think I'll try to get some sleep, because it's been several days since I've slept. Tonight will probably be [strikeout: anorther] another bad night, and I can't last as tired as I am now. All of us are dead tired." This letter is written on stationary that features a small Vietnam map in the lower left hand corner, the envelope also features the map.

7 June 69
Hi Nancy,
Forgive me for not writing sooner, but I couldn't. We just had the hell kicked out of us by the communists. The air bases have been getting hit very heavily, and it's getting worse every night.
I just returned from mail courier (look at the map) to some of our units. I saw some of the most sickening sights imaginable. It's something I'll never forget. I'm glad I'll be home soon.
Remember that school [strikeout: picut] picture you gave me? I had an enlargement made in oil paint on silk. Everytime I look at it, I think I'm home again. It reminds me of all the good things at home, which are worth fighting for. The snapshot of you & your cat have been through 11 attacks, and is still in one piece. I never go anywhere without it. It's been shot at as many times as I have. Want to know something? I really miss you, and even those little arguments we have over nothing.
Your package arrived several days ago, and I really want to thank you. I ate the fudge by myself and it was good. I read all the mags and shared the gum with several friends. I'll send your package as soon as I can save the money. [2]
I think I'll try to get some sleep, because it's been several days since I've slept. Tonight will probably be [strikeout: anorther] another bad night, and I can't last as tired as I am now. All of us are dead tired.
Give your family my regards & tell them I miss them.
Love Ya
Ellis

Garaudy, Ellis, 1948-1979
Anderson, Nancy, fl. 1966-1970

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