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.

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

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03603.015 Author/Creator: Coit, Charles M. (1838-1878) Place Written: Jamaica, Long Island Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 21 October 1861 Pagination: 1 p. Order a Copy

Describes how much he enjoys the company and conversation of the other Field and Staff as they are "almost all educated men." Says he has not received any mail from home since leaving Hartford. Written from Camp Buckingham.

Camp Buckingham Jamacia, L.I. Octo. 21 '61
Just retd from dinner, I do enjoy our meals, only the Field & Staff dine together. the chaplain or major asks the blessing & the conversation is of an improving character almost all being educated men. Am very busy shall try to write a line home each day but if I miss a week you must not be alarmed. Just as well as can be. Had no dress parade last night it was so late when we retd from church. Heard Dr. Senddu from India last. Major Chaplin & I went. I never heard a man talk so long & so fast I almost went crazy. The major took his coat & marched out after the Dr. had talked about 2 hours could not stand it. Have not heard from home since I left Hartford, but I suppose you have been directing to Hempstead. I cant help feeling a little anxious. Must stop. C

Coit, Charles M., 1838-1878

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