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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.

Ward, Edward K. (1837-1864) to his sister

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02232.08 Author/Creator: Ward, Edward K. (1837-1864) Place Written: Tupelo, Mississippi Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 18 June 1862 Pagination: 4 p. ; 17 x 21.5 cm. Order a Copy

Writes that he is unwell. Reports on some of the news at camp and home. His brother Sam, also known as "Marshall," is still detained in the hospital. Reports that it is likely that the men will be moving soon and has been assured by the officers that they will not move further South. Also reports that Samuel Lapsley of Company A is dead. Comments that he is going to quit his foolishness and find some nice pretty, smart, and rich girl that will marry him. Comments on how he's lost his good looks stating that he looks as "black as a negro." Writes that there is a good supply of turkey and chickens to cook in addition to the baking he and other soldiers have been doing.

Edward K. Ward was a commissioned officer in Company A of the 4th Tennessee Infantry (Shelby Greys).

Ward, Edward K., 1837-1864
Ward, S. Elmira, fl. 1861

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