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.

Hemans, Joseph A. (b. 1892) to Alexander Shiras

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02429.54 Author/Creator: Hemans, Joseph A. (b. 1892) Place Written: Nebraska Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 21 March 1893 Pagination: 3 p. ; 20.2 x 12.8 cm. Order a Copy

Explains that he is in school, that his sister died over the winter, and that his mother was sick (but getting better). Notes that they had a picture of Shiras. Mentions the saddle he received from them long ago. Tells him they never forget them. Notes that he plays the organ in church. Provides other family news.

Quotes

"I am in the school and can speak English and write, so I am very thankful."
"Oh. I wish to see you both. Long time you gave me a saddle and I am very thankful to you. We never forget you and mother always talked about you."
"The people here trying to fix their church, and the church if very bad now. I forget to tell you I learned to play organ, and I played organ in the church some times."

Shiras, Alexander, 1813-1894
Hemans, Joseph A., 1872-?

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