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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 #: GLC03603.007 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

Discusses the watch that he returned home and thanks family and neighbors for their gifts of a blanket and a basket. Declares he does not believe he will be given leave this week but will try to get home if he can. Writes from the United States Hotel.

Octo. 10, '61
Just recd from camp where I have been all day. As we were expecting Genl B.F.Butler down, and write a line to send by Chas Ayer & also send silver watch. Please let George take it to Curtis as soon as possible to have it oiled & cleaned. it is new & it stops every time I ride horseback. i.e. 4 times a day, at least. Rec'd camp basket & water by Calvin. Like the basket very much think it will be very convenient if we should not have officers mess. tell Mrs. R. I am very much pleased with it & thank her very much. The watch I would like to have ret'd by the first opportunity after Curtis is through with it if he is not willing to warrant it not to stop it had better be returned to him. we shall very likely not get off this week. I shall try to get home if we do not. The officers expect to go continuously Truly Chas

Coit, Charles M., 1838-1878

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