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.

Smith, Moses to George D. Coit

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03603.322 Author/Creator: Smith, Moses Place Written: New Haven, Connecticut Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 30 September 1864 Pagination: 1 p. Order a Copy

Smith (Chaplin 8th C.V.) writes to George Coit to let him know that he has just come from the battlefield and that Charles is well. He reports on the progress of the battle saying that they have captured 500 prisoners and that the 9th lost 9 officers. Charles requested his family be informed of his well-being.

Camp 8th Conn Vols.
Sept 30th, 1864.
Mr. Geo D. Coit
New Haven, Ct.

Dear Sir,
I have just come from the field of action Capt. Coit is all well. We had a severe but successful fight yesterday on the North bank of the James. We captured strong works, 22 guns (6 of large caliber) and some 500 prisoners. The Eighth lost 9 officers, 3 killed, Capt. Coit had no time to write when I left I send this at his request to relieve anxious hearts.
Yours for the soldier Moses smith Chaplain 8th C.V.

Coit, Charles M., 1838-1878

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