Lyon, Nathaniel (1818-1861) to John A. Hasler
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC05040.01 Author/Creator: Lyon, Nathaniel (1818-1861) Place Written: Fort Lookout, South Dakota Type: Autograph letter signed Date: January 25, 1857 Pagination: 2 p. ; 24.5 x 19.9 cm. + 1 engraving ; b&w ; 29 x 20 cm Order a Copy
Location derived from content. Lyon writes from Fort Lookout, Nebraska Territory. Writes to his nephew John, including a partial letter on verso to Kate, John's sister. Facetiously comments, "the promises of the juvenile song are progressing to a substantial and happy realization. But my Dear Nephew, let me advise you, that in attaining to the size and strength of manhood, you also attain to its responsibilities, when, instead of finding in your little political play, but bright colours and gay images for youthful pastimes and sport, you must come to find it the sacred insignia of our inalienable rights, the beacon of human hopes, and that to sustain it against outrage, oppression, sin and folly, childish glee must give to undaunted resolution..." In the letter to Kate, mentions the deep winter snows and discusses family matters. Mentions his brother Lyman, sister Delotia, and the death of one of his brother Lorenzo's children. Expresses disappointment regarding John Fremont's loss in the 1856 Presidential election. One black and white bust engraving of Lyon included.
Lyon commanded Fort Lookout, South Dakota (Nebraska Territory) 1856-1858.
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