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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.

Breckinridge, John C. (John Cabell) (1821-1875) to B. P. Turner

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC04515 Author/Creator: Breckinridge, John C. (John Cabell) (1821-1875) Place Written: Washington, D.C. Type: Letter signed Date: 2 March 1860 Pagination: 1 p. 20.3 x 12.8 cm. Order a Copy

Writes in reply to a request to speak in front of the Young Men's Democratic Club in Lynn, Massachusetts during the presidential campaign. States that although he would like to, he cannot commit at this time because of his schedule. Addressed to Turner as the Secretary of the Club. Breckinridge, vice president under James Buchanan, was an unsuccessful candidate for president in the1860 election. He entered the Confederate Army during the Civil War as brigadier general and soon became a major general. He also served as Secretary of War in the Cabinet of the Confederate States from January until April 1865.

Breckinridge was elected Vice President with President James Buchanan in 1856. He was an unsuccessful candidate for President in 1860 election. He entered the Confederate Army during the Civil War as brigadier general and soon became a major general. He also served as Secretary of War in the Cabinet of the Confederate States from January until April 1865.

Breckinridge, John C. (John Cabell), 1821-1875
Turner, B. P., fl. 1860

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