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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.

Coit, Charles M. (1838-1878) to his family

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03603.006 Author/Creator: Coit, Charles M. (1838-1878) Place Written: Hartford, Connecticut Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 9 October 1861 Pagination: 2 p. Order a Copy

Writes about the new clothing he has bought and of its cost. Also says he is enclosing a watch which stops daily and needs to be cleaned and oiled. Discusses a position in General Silas Casey's staff which had been offered to him. Writes from the United States Hotel.

octo. 9 '61
very well but busy. The captains are as stupid about making the morning Reports that it takes me all the forenoon to collect & consolidate them. There a great many Norwich people here today. I hoped to go home last night but could not, we leave Friday & I shall be busy all the time. Have got my overcoat, it cost $27, but it is a first rate one. thick & warm Have also a rubber coat & leggins which cost seven dollars and I must buy a horse blanket, brush & curry comb and gauntlets. Hotel bill, cap, &c, &c &c &c. Have not been paid yet, expect about $70. Love Chas You are coming up --- over
Recd your letter last night & wrote L.G. enclosing a letter from Kemp Abbot who has written to Genl Casey for the position on his staff. He applied to the Genl, the Governor aiding him & was answered that the position was kept open for me. I had declined this. L.G. before receiving Kemp's letter. I do not think K. the man for the place as he knows nothing about business. I suppose I ought to write Genl C. but I do not know what to say. I shall not accept. Your letters do not reach me very promptly. My watch stops every day. I think if you will bring up the Gold one I will exchange & have Curtis take this & clean & oil it.

Coit, Charles M., 1838-1878

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