Coit, Charles M. (1838-1878) to George Coit
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03603.264 Author/Creator: Coit, Charles M. (1838-1878) Place Written: Deep Creek, Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 3 April 1864 Pagination: 2 p. Order a Copy
Congratulates his brother on having won first prize. Advises his brother on the path to better health and says that he would like to see a copy of a speech his brother is to give.
Camp of the 8th C.V. Deep Creek Va Apl 3
Dear Geo. It's late but I must write a line to my dear brother in answer to his that I recd this after noon & to tell you how much pleased I was to know that you had taken the - first - prize. I should have thought it very nice if you had got the second only but I did not suppose you would outstrip all those older ones & take the wind out of their sails so completely. How I would like to have been at Mrs. Perkin's when you came in to announce the good news I think I should have kissed you. You write that you are not very well, now my dear bro. you must not strive for prizes & study so hard as to make yourself unwell. You must remember that temporally health is the - first - thing for all of us & better not show quite so bright a record at school & be good for something after you have. We shall none of us think that you are slighting your opportunities if you dont take all the prizes. I am much more fearful lest you should confine yourself too much. I do hope you will go to bed early & regularly & exercise a good deal not only for the sake of the ex- ercise but to have a good time, that's the way to get good fun exercises - enjoy it. Good night dear bro Chas I should much like to see your oration but dont sit up at night to Copy it.
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